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Knowing how to visit Anaga Rural Park is not complicated, but it does need a bit of planning if you want the day to feel enjoyable rather than rushed.
Anaga is one of the most scenic places in Tenerife, with misty laurel forest, narrow mountain roads, tiny villages, wild viewpoints and black-sand beaches that feel very different from the south coast.
We visited Anaga as part of our Tenerife road trip, and it was one of the areas that made the island feel much more varied than we expected.
But we would not treat it like a quick drive-through stop.
The roads can be narrow and bendy, parking is limited in popular places, cloud can roll in quickly, and some walks, including El Pijaral, need a permit.
If you only have 1 day in Anaga Rural Park, we would keep the plan realistic.
Start early, choose one main route, and decide whether your priority is an easy forest walk, a scenic drive, a black-sand beach, or a proper hike.
For a first visit, we would start around Cruz del Carmen and the Path of the Senses, then continue towards Taganana, Almáciga or Benijo if the weather, timing and parking are on your side.
Here’s how we would plan Anaga Rural Park for a first visit, without trying to squeeze every viewpoint, beach and hiking trail into one overpacked day.
How To Visit Anaga Rural Park: Quick Answer
- Best way to visit: by car if you want the most flexibility
- Best base: La Laguna or Santa Cruz
- Best first stop: Cruz del Carmen
- Best easy walk: Path of the Senses
- Best scenic route: La Laguna to Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo
- Best beach stop: Benijo or Almáciga
- Permit needed? Only for restricted trails such as El Pijaral
- Biggest issue: narrow roads, fog and limited parking
- Best tip: start early and do not try to see everything in 1 day
Is Anaga Rural Park Worth Visiting?
Yes, Anaga Rural Park is definitely worth visiting if you want to see one of the most scenic and least resort-like parts of Tenerife.
For us, Anaga was one of the places that made Tenerife feel more varied than we expected.
The landscape changes quickly. Around Cruz del Carmen, you can walk through damp, misty laurel forest. Further along the route, the views open to steep green mountains, tiny villages, black-sand beaches and wild coastline around Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo.
It feels very different from Teide, the south coast and the busier resort areas.
If you want to pair Anaga with Tenerife’s volcanic side, the contrast between Teide and the green north-east is one of the reasons the island works so well as a road trip.
We think Anaga Rural Park is worth visiting if you enjoy scenic drives, forests, viewpoints, small villages, coastal roads and a slightly wilder side of Tenerife.
We would not choose it if your idea of a good day is easy parking, guaranteed sunshine and simple beach logistics.
For a first visit, we would keep the day focused. Choose either a forest-and-viewpoints route around Cruz del Carmen, or continue towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo for a more dramatic mountain-and-coast day.
Best Way To Visit Anaga Rural Park
The best way to visit Anaga Rural Park depends on how much flexibility you want and how much of the area you hope to see.
For us, visiting by car made the most sense because we could stop at viewpoints, start early, continue towards Taganana and Benijo, and change the plan if one area was too busy or the weather was not playing nicely.
That flexibility matters in Anaga.
Some places are easy to visit as a quick stop, like Cruz del Carmen and the Path of the Senses. Others take more time, especially if you want to continue through the mountains towards Taganana, Almáciga or Benijo.
If you only want to do one short forest walk from Cruz del Carmen, public transport can work.
If you want a fuller Anaga day with viewpoints, villages, beaches and scenic roads, we would choose a car.
If you are unsure about driving yourself, it helps to feel prepared for Tenerife’s mountain roads before you plan an Anaga day.
A guided tour can also make sense if you do not want to drive in the mountains or worry about parking, but you will lose some freedom over where you stop and how long you stay.
For a first visit, we would choose one of these options:
- Drive yourself if you want the most flexibility
- Take the bus if you only want Cruz del Carmen or a simple walk
- Book a tour if you do not want to drive
- Stay nearby if you want more time for hiking, beaches or slower villages
We would not try to visit every part of Anaga in one day. Choose the kind of day you actually want first, then build the route around that.
How To Get To Anaga Rural Park
Anaga Rural Park is in the north-east of Tenerife, so it is easiest to visit from La Laguna, Santa Cruz or the north of the island.
You can also visit from the south, but it becomes a longer day once you add the drive across the island, slower mountain roads, viewpoints, parking and time at the coast.
For most visitors, the easiest starting points are La Laguna and Santa Cruz.
La Laguna works well if you want to drive into Anaga through the forested inland roads around Cruz del Carmen.
Santa Cruz works well if you want to head towards San Andrés, Playa de las Teresitas, Taganana, Almáciga or Benijo.
If you are staying in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas, we would still say Anaga is worth the effort, but we would start early and keep the plan simple.
If you have not booked a car yet, pick a hire car that suits mountain driving rather than choosing only by price.
Getting To Anaga Rural Park By Car
Driving gives you the most flexibility in Anaga Rural Park.
It lets you stop at viewpoints, visit Cruz del Carmen, continue towards Taganana and the coast, and adjust the day if conditions change.
The main thing is to avoid treating the roads like quick connectors between places. In Anaga, the drive is part of the day.
Getting To Anaga Rural Park By Bus
You can visit parts of Anaga Rural Park by bus, especially if you are starting from La Laguna or Santa Cruz.
This works best if you want to visit Cruz del Carmen, do a short walk, or avoid driving yourself.
The trade-off is that you will need to work around timetables, and it is harder to link together several viewpoints, villages and beaches in one relaxed day.
If you are using public transport, check the latest TITSA bus routes before you plan the day.
Should You Visit Anaga From The South?
You can visit Anaga from south Tenerife, but we would not treat it like a quick half-day trip.
From Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas, the journey takes longer than it looks once you add traffic, stops and time in the park itself.
If you are staying in the south and only have 1 day for Anaga, we would choose a simple route.
On a shorter Tenerife trip, Anaga is worth including only if you can give Anaga enough time to work.
Start early, pick either Cruz del Carmen and a short forest walk, or continue towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo if you want a bigger scenic day.
Trying to do every viewpoint, beach and hike from the south is where the day can start to feel overfilled.
Best Route Through Anaga Rural Park By Car
For a first visit, we would choose a route that gives you a mix of forest, viewpoints, mountain scenery and coastline without trying to cover every corner of Anaga Rural Park.
A good first Anaga route is:
- La Laguna or San Andrés
- Cruz del Carmen
- Path of the Senses
- Taganana
- Roque de las Bodegas
- Almáciga
- Benijo
- Santa Cruz or San Andrés
This gives you a strong mix of what makes Anaga special: laurel forest, old mountain roads, tiny villages, black-sand beaches and big coastal views.
We would not rush this route.
The distances do not look huge on a map, but Anaga is better when you leave time for viewpoints, short walks, photo stops and the odd change of plan.
Map Of Our Anaga Coast Route
This map shows the coastal part of our Anaga route from San Andrés towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo, before looping back towards Cruz del Carmen and the Path of the Senses.
The drive from San Andrés towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo is one of the most dramatic ways to experience Anaga Rural Park, especially if you want the coast to be a big part of your day.
Start In La Laguna
La Laguna is one of the best places to start an Anaga day, especially if you are already staying in the north or north-east of Tenerife.
From La Laguna, head towards Las Mercedes and Cruz del Carmen. This takes you into the greener, forested side of Anaga quickly, so you are not spending half the morning just getting to the area you came to see.
If you have time before or after your drive, La Laguna itself is worth a wander, but we would not add too much if your main focus is Anaga.
It is worth using La Laguna as more than a gateway if you have time before or after your Anaga drive.
Stop At Cruz Del Carmen
Cruz del Carmen is the easiest first stop in Anaga Rural Park.
You have the visitor centre, parking, toilets, a restaurant, viewpoints and access to short walking routes, including the Path of the Senses.
This is the stop we would choose if you want a quick taste of the laurel forest without committing to a long hike.
Arrive early if you can, especially if you are visiting in a busy period. It is much easier to enjoy this part of Anaga when you are not circling for a parking space before you have even started.
Walk The Path Of The Senses
The Path of the Senses starts near Cruz del Carmen and is the easiest forest walk to add to this route.
There are 3 route options, so you can keep it very short or walk a little further if you have more time.
If you only want a simple Anaga visit, Cruz del Carmen and the Path of the Senses can be enough. If you want a bigger scenic day, continue towards Taganana and the coast.
Continue Towards Taganana
After Cruz del Carmen, you can continue through the mountains towards Taganana.
This is where Anaga starts to feel more dramatic. The road winds through green slopes, small settlements and viewpoints before dropping towards the north-east coast.
We would give this part of the drive time rather than treating it as a quick transfer.
If a viewpoint has space and the weather is clear, stop. If cloud has rolled in and there is nothing to see, keep going rather than forcing every stop.
Add Almáciga Or Benijo
If the weather is good and you still have time, continue towards Almáciga or Benijo.
This part of the coast feels wild, remote and much less polished than the southern resort areas. Expect black-sand beaches, waves, mountain backdrops and a road that feels like part of the experience.
Benijo is one of the most dramatic beach stops in Anaga, but we would treat it as a scenic stop rather than a guaranteed beach day.
The sea can be rough, parking can be limited, and conditions are not always right for swimming. For us, this is more about the views, the coastline and the sense of reaching the wilder edge of Tenerife.
Finish Towards San Andrés Or Santa Cruz
After the coast, you can return towards San Andrés or Santa Cruz, depending on your route and where you are staying.
If you have not already visited Playa de las Teresitas, it can be an easy final stop near San Andrés, especially if you want a gentler beach contrast after the wilder Anaga coast.
By this point, we would not add much more.
Anaga is much better when the day still has room to breathe.
Quick First-Time Anaga Route
- Start: La Laguna or San Andrés
- First stop: Cruz del Carmen or the Anaga coast, depending on your route
- Easy walk: Path of the Senses
- Scenic drive: continue towards Taganana
- Coast stop: Almáciga or Benijo
- Finish: San Andrés or Santa Cruz
- Best tip: start early and do not overfill the day
Other Scenic Drives In Anaga Rural Park
If you have more time in Anaga Rural Park, there are several smaller scenic drives you can add to your route.
We would treat these as optional extras rather than trying to fit them all into 1 day.
Good options include:
- San Andrés to El Bailadero, Lomo de las Bodegas and Chamorga: best for a quieter mountain route deeper into Anaga
- Las Mercedes to Cruz del Carmen, Las Carboneras, Chinamada and Taborno: best for villages, viewpoints and a greener mountain drive
- Las Mercedes to Cruz del Carmen, Roque Negro and Afur: best if you want a quieter inland route
- Las Mercedes to El Batán, Bejía and Pedro Álvarez: best for a slower, more local-feeling drive
For a first visit, we would still choose one main route and leave room for stops.
Anaga is not the place to turn every side road into a mission.
Best Things To Do In Anaga Rural Park
The best things to do in Anaga Rural Park depend on how much time you have and how active you want the day to be.
For a first visit, we would not try to do everything.
Anaga works better when you choose a few things that fit together naturally, rather than jumping between every beach, viewpoint and hiking trail on the map.
For most first-time visitors, we would focus on one of these:
- a short forest walk from Cruz del Carmen
- a scenic drive towards Taganana and the coast
- a black-sand beach stop at Almáciga or Benijo
- a longer hike if you have planned it properly
- a few viewpoints if the weather is clear
That gives you a good feel for Anaga without turning the day into a rush.
Walk Through The Laurel Forest
The laurel forest is one of the main reasons Anaga feels so different from other parts of Tenerife.
For an easy first taste of it, start around Cruz del Carmen and choose one of the short Path of the Senses routes.
If you want more of a hiking day, save that for the walking section below rather than trying to squeeze too much into the same route.
Drive Towards Taganana And The Coast
The drive towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo is one of the best things to do in Anaga if you want the mountain-and-coast scenery.
This is where the route starts to feel more dramatic, with green slopes, small villages, winding roads and views down towards the Atlantic.
We would take this part slowly.
It is not just about getting to Benijo. The drive itself is part of the reason to visit.
Visit A Black-Sand Beach
Anaga has some of the most dramatic black-sand beaches in Tenerife.
Benijo and Almáciga are the 2 we would focus on for a first visit because they fit naturally with the Taganana coastal route.
These beaches are more about scenery than simple beach logistics. The sea can be rough, conditions can change, and parking is not always easy.
We would go for the views, the wild coastline and the feeling of being somewhere completely different from the busier beach areas.
Stop At Viewpoints
Anaga has plenty of viewpoints, but we would not try to stop at every single one. If the weather is clear and there is space to pull in safely, stop and enjoy the view.
If the cloud has rolled in, keep moving and save your time for the forest, villages or coast instead. That is part of visiting Anaga. You need a little flexibility.
Do A Proper Hike
If hiking is your main reason for visiting Anaga, choose your walk before you go.
Some trails are easy to add into a road trip day, while others need more time, better footwear and, in some cases, a permit.
For a first visit, we would keep it simple unless you already know you want a hiking-focused day.
The Path of the Senses is the easiest starting point.
El Pijaral is more of a planned hike because you need permission before walking it.
Best Easy Walks In Anaga Rural Park
You do not need to plan a long hike to enjoy Anaga Rural Park.
We did a mix of easy forest walking and a more scenic coastal walk, and that balance worked well for a first visit. It gave us the damp, green laurel forest around Cruz del Carmen, but also the wilder coastal side around Benijo.
For most first-time visitors, we would choose one walk that fits naturally into the day, then leave time for viewpoints, villages and the coast.
The main thing is to match the walk to the kind of Anaga day you want.
Some walks are easy to add to a road trip route. Others are better if you want a hiking-focused day and do not mind skipping a few stops elsewhere.
Path Of The Senses
Best for: first-time visitors, easy forest walking and a quick taste of the laurel forest
Starts from: Cruz del Carmen
Permit needed? No
Best if: you want a short walk that fits easily into a 1-day Anaga route
Not ideal if: you want a big hike or dramatic coastal views
The Path of the Senses is the easiest walk to add to a first visit.
We did this from Cruz del Carmen, and it worked well because it gave us that proper Anaga forest feeling without taking over the whole day.
This is not a dramatic “big views every 5 minutes” kind of walk. It is more about slowing down, walking under the trees, noticing the damp forest air, and seeing how different Anaga feels from the coast.
There are 3 route options, so you can keep it very short or choose the longer loop if you want more time in the forest.
We would choose this walk if you want Anaga’s laurel forest experience but still want time to continue towards Taganana, Almáciga or Benijo afterwards.
It is a good first walk because it does not ask too much of you, but it still gives you a proper sense of why Anaga feels so different from the rest of Tenerife.
Bosque De Los Enigmas
Best for: more time in the laurel forest
Starts from: Cruz del Carmen or Mirador de Zapata
Permit needed? No
Best if: you want a longer forest walk than the Path of the Senses
Not ideal if: you are also trying to include Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo
Bosque de los Enigmas is a better choice if you want the walking part of the day to feel more substantial.
It still gives you that green, enclosed forest atmosphere, but it takes more time and energy than the Path of the Senses.
We would choose this if your priority is the forest rather than the coast.
If you are planning to drive all the way towards Benijo as well, this may make the day feel too full.
El Pijaral
Best for: a planned laurel forest hike
Starts from: La Ensillada area
Permit needed? Yes
Best if: you can book ahead and want a more protected forest walk
Not ideal if: you are planning last-minute or only want a quick stop
El Pijaral, also known as the Enchanted Forest, is one of the most popular walks in Anaga, but it is not one to leave until the day itself.
You need permission to walk this route, and spaces can be limited.
If El Pijaral is high on your list, check the permit first. Then plan the rest of your Anaga day around the walk rather than trying to squeeze it in between too many other stops.
If you cannot get a permit, do not worry. You can still have a brilliant day in Anaga with Cruz del Carmen, the Path of the Senses, the drive towards Taganana and a coastal stop.
Benijo To El Draguillo
Best for: coastal views and a wilder Anaga feel
Starts from: Benijo
Permit needed? No
Best if: you want a coastal walk rather than a forest walk
Not ideal if: you are short on time or already tired from the drive
The walk from Benijo towards El Draguillo was one of the Anaga walks we enjoyed most.
It gives you a completely different side of the park from Cruz del Carmen and the laurel forest. Instead of damp green woodland, you get black-sand beaches, ocean views, steep slopes, small coastal settlements and that wilder edge-of-Tenerife feeling.
We liked it because the views opened up quickly, so it felt rewarding without needing to commit to a huge all-day hike.
But we would not call it effortless.
There is a steady climb, and it feels more tiring if you have already driven the mountain roads and stopped several times on the way. We would only add this walk if you have enough time, decent footwear and some energy left.
For a first visit, you do not have to do the full walk to make it worthwhile.
Even walking part of the way and turning back can give you beautiful coastal views and a much stronger feel for this side of Anaga.
Which Anaga Walk Should You Choose?
- Choose Path of the Senses if it is your first visit
- Choose Bosque de los Enigmas if you want more forest time
- Choose El Pijaral if you have a permit and want a planned hike
- Choose Benijo to El Draguillo if you want coastal views
- Skip longer walks if the weather, timing or parking is not on your side
For most first-time visitors, we would keep it simple and choose the Path of the Senses.
It gives you the laurel forest experience without taking over the whole day.
Do You Need A Permit For Anaga Rural Park?
You do not need a permit to visit Anaga Rural Park itself.
You can drive through the park, stop at viewpoints, visit Cruz del Carmen, walk the Path of the Senses, explore Taganana, and continue towards Almáciga or Benijo without a general entrance permit.
The main time you need to think about permits is if you want to walk in a restricted area, such as El Pijaral.
El Pijaral, also known as the Enchanted Forest, is one of the most popular laurel forest walks in Anaga. Access is controlled to protect the forest, so you need to book permission before walking it.
We would not leave this until the day before.
If El Pijaral is high on your list, check permit availability early and plan the rest of your Anaga day around that walk.
If you do not get a permit, do not panic.
You can still have a brilliant first visit by walking the Path of the Senses, driving towards Taganana, stopping at viewpoints, and visiting Almáciga or Benijo.
Quick Permit Guide
- You do not need a permit to visit Anaga Rural Park
- You do not need a permit for Cruz del Carmen
- You do not need a permit for the Path of the Senses
- You do need permission for restricted walks such as El Pijaral
- Book restricted trail permits before your trip
Best Beaches In Anaga Rural Park
Anaga has some of the most dramatic beaches in Tenerife, but they are not all easy beach-day places.
We saw several of the beaches along this part of the coast, and they feel very different from the easier resort beaches elsewhere on the island.
For a first visit, we would focus on the beaches that fit naturally into your route rather than trying to visit every beach along the coast.
If you are driving towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo, the main beaches to think about are Roque de las Bodegas, Almáciga and Benijo.
If you want easier parking, facilities and a more relaxed beach stop, Playa de las Teresitas near San Andrés is the more practical choice.
Playa De Benijo
Benijo is one of the most dramatic beach stops in Anaga Rural Park.
For us, this was the beach that felt the most wild and memorable, with black sand, sea stacks, steep green cliffs and a backdrop that makes the whole place feel properly remote.
It is absolutely stunning, but we would not treat Benijo like a simple beach day.
The sea can be rough, access involves steps, parking can be limited, and the beach can change a lot depending on the tide and conditions.
For a first Anaga visit, Benijo makes most sense as a scenic stop at the end of the coastal route, especially if the weather is clear and you are not rushing back across the island.
Playa De Almáciga
Almáciga is another good beach stop if you are following the road through Taganana towards Benijo.
It has black sand, strong waves and a wilder feel than the easier beaches elsewhere in Tenerife.
We would choose Almáciga if you want a coastal stop that fits naturally into the drive, but we would still be cautious about swimming unless conditions are clearly safe.
This is more of a scenic, slow-down-and-look-around stop than a guaranteed swim stop.
Roque De Las Bodegas
Roque de las Bodegas is useful because it sits along the Taganana coast and is easier to include than some of the more remote beaches.
It can work well as a pause on the drive if you want sea views, black sand and somewhere that feels less remote than Benijo.
If you are short on time, this may be easier than pushing all the way to Benijo, especially if parking or weather is not working in your favour.
Playa De Las Teresitas
Playa de las Teresitas feels completely different from the wilder Anaga beaches.
It is a wide, golden-sand beach near San Andrés, with a big curved sweep of sand, calmer water, parking and facilities.
We liked it as an easier beach stop, especially because it gives you a softer contrast after the mountain roads and black-sand coastline.
It is also worth driving a little further up the road for the view back down over the beach. From above, you can really see the arc of the sand, the turquoise water and the mountains behind it.
It does not have the same wild Anaga feel as Benijo or Almáciga, but it is much simpler if you want a proper beach break before or after the drive.
Which Anaga Beach Should You Choose?
- Choose Benijo for the most dramatic scenery
- Choose Almáciga for a wild black-sand coastal stop
- Choose Roque de las Bodegas for an easier stop along the Taganana coast
- Choose Playa de las Teresitas if you want the easiest beach stop
- Skip remote beaches if you are short on time, unsure about access, or already doing a big driving day
For most first-time visitors, we would choose either Almáciga or Benijo as part of the Anaga coast route.
If you want easy parking, facilities and calmer beach time, add Playa de las Teresitas instead.
Best Viewpoints In Anaga Rural Park
Anaga has plenty of viewpoints, but we would not plan the day around stopping at every single one.
Some are brilliant if the weather is clear. Others are not worth forcing if cloud has rolled in or there is nowhere sensible to pull over.
For a first visit, we would choose viewpoints that fit naturally into the route rather than chasing every viewpoint pin on the map.
If the view is clear, stop.
If the cloud has dropped, keep going and use the time for the forest, villages or coast instead.
Mirador Cruz Del Carmen
Mirador Cruz del Carmen is one of the easiest viewpoints to include because it is close to the visitor centre and the Path of the Senses.
It works well near the start of an Anaga route if you are driving from La Laguna towards the forested side of the park.
On a clear day, you may get views back towards La Laguna and Teide, but this area can also be misty.
If the view has disappeared, do not write the stop off completely. The nearby laurel forest is still worth your time.
Mirador Pico Del Inglés
Mirador Pico del Inglés is one of the more dramatic viewpoints in Anaga if the weather is on your side.
The road up there can feel narrow and atmospheric, with forest closing in around you, so we would only add it if it fits your route and visibility is good.
This is one of those places where cloud can completely change the experience.
If it is clear, it can be wonderful. If it is not, we would not force it.
Mirador Risco Mogote
Mirador Risco Mogote is useful if you are driving towards Taganana and the north-east coast.
This viewpoint gives you a better sense of the mountains, ravines and villages that make Anaga feel so different from the rest of Tenerife.
If you are following the route towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo, this is one of the viewpoints we would look out for.
Mirador De Jardina
Mirador de Jardina is a good stop if you are driving from La Laguna towards Anaga.
It gives you a wider view back towards La Laguna and the surrounding landscape, so it can work well near the start or end of your route.
We would treat this as a quick stop rather than a reason to reshape the whole day.
Which Anaga Viewpoints Should You Prioritise?
- Choose Cruz del Carmen if you want an easy viewpoint near the visitor centre
- Choose Pico del Inglés if the weather is clear and you want a more dramatic forest-road stop
- Choose Risco Mogote if you are driving towards Taganana and the coast
- Choose Jardina if you want a quick viewpoint near La Laguna
- Skip viewpoints if the cloud has rolled in and use the time for forest walks or the coast instead
For a first visit, we would not chase every viewpoint.
Choose the ones that fit your route, stop when the weather is on your side, and let the rest go.
Driving In Anaga Rural Park: What To Know
Driving in Anaga Rural Park is part of the experience, but it is not the same as driving on Tenerife’s main roads.
We drove through Anaga as part of our Tenerife road trip, and it was one of the places where having a car made the day feel much more flexible.
We could stop at viewpoints, take our time through the forested roads, continue towards Taganana and the coast, and change the plan when the weather or parking made a stop less appealing.
But we would not rush it.
The roads are scenic, but they can also be slower, narrower and more bendy than they look on a map.
Start Early
An early start makes Anaga much easier.
You have a better chance of finding parking at Cruz del Carmen, more time for viewpoints and walks, and less pressure if the route takes longer than expected.
This matters even more if you are driving from the south of Tenerife.
For us, Anaga is the kind of place where the day feels better when you are ahead of the crowds, not trying to squeeze the best stops into the busiest part of the day.
Do Not Trust Drive Times Too Much
The distances in Anaga can look short, but the roads are not fast.
You may slow down for bends, mist, viewpoints, cyclists, buses, local traffic, or simply because the scenery is too good to ignore.
We found the drive was part of the day, not just the bit between places.
Use Google Maps as a rough guide, not a promise.
Be Patient On Narrow Roads
Some Anaga roads are narrow enough to make you very aware of oncoming traffic, especially around bends or village sections.
Take your time, use passing spaces where needed, and do not let a local driver behind you rush your day.
If you are nervous, choose fewer stops and give yourself more breathing room.
We would rather enjoy 3 stops properly than spend the whole day feeling chased from one viewpoint to the next.
Watch The Weather
Anaga can feel completely different depending on the weather.
Cloud and mist can make the laurel forest feel magical, but they can also reduce visibility at viewpoints and make driving feel slower.
If the weather is poor, we would focus more on Cruz del Carmen, the forest and easier stops rather than chasing every coastal viewpoint.
That way, the day still works even if you do not get the big clear views you hoped for.
Think About Parking Before You Stop
Parking is limited in some popular places, especially around Cruz del Carmen, viewpoints, trailheads and the smaller coastal stops.
If a stop is full, we would not circle endlessly or park badly just to tick it off.
Move on, adjust the plan and keep the day enjoyable.
That is the biggest thing with Anaga: the best day is not always the one with the most stops.
Quick Driving Tips For Anaga
- Fill up before entering the park
- Start early if you want easier parking
- Choose one main route instead of trying to cover everything
- Use Google Maps for direction, not exact timing
- Allow extra time for viewpoints and slow roads
- Do not force viewpoints if visibility is poor
- Avoid parking awkwardly on narrow roads
- Keep snacks and water in the car
Where To Eat In Anaga Rural Park
We would not rely on finding food exactly when you want it in Anaga Rural Park.
There are restaurants and cafés around places like Cruz del Carmen, Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo, but opening times can vary, places can get busy, and your route may not line up neatly with lunch.
For an Anaga day trip, we would take water and snacks in the car.
That way, you are not forced to cut a walk short, skip a viewpoint, or keep driving just because everyone is suddenly hungry.
We found Anaga much easier to enjoy when the day had a bit of flexibility. If you are driving mountain roads, stopping at viewpoints, walking through the forest and then heading towards the coast, lunch can easily end up happening later than you planned.
Good places to check include:
- Restaurante Cruz del Carmen: useful if you are starting around the visitor centre
- Restaurante El Frontón: handy if you are heading towards Benijo
- Casa Paca: a small local option around Benijo
- Restaurante La Ola: useful near Almáciga
- Casa Santiago: worth checking if it fits your route
We would not build the whole Anaga day around one specific restaurant unless you have checked it is open and it genuinely fits your route.
If you are heading towards Benijo or Almáciga, it makes sense to look at food options before you arrive, rather than waiting until everyone is hungry and hoping something is open.
For us, the best approach is simple: bring snacks, keep lunch flexible, and treat a good meal as a bonus rather than the thing the whole day depends on.
Quick Food Tips For Anaga
- Bring extra snacks if you are hiking
- Take water and snacks in the car
- Check restaurant opening times before you go
- Do not assume every village will have food available
- Eat when the timing works, not when the perfect stop appears
- Keep lunch flexible if you are driving towards Taganana, Almáciga or Benijo
What To Wear And Bring To Anaga Rural Park
Do not dress for Anaga Rural Park based only on the weather at your hotel.
This part of Tenerife can feel very different from the coast, especially around Cruz del Carmen and the laurel forest.
You might leave the south in sunshine and arrive in Anaga to mist, cooler air, damp paths and cloud sitting low over the trees.
We noticed this most around the forested parts of Anaga, where it felt much greener, damper and more enclosed than the coastal areas of Tenerife.
For a normal Anaga day trip, we would bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers with good grip
- A light waterproof jacket
- Thin layers you can add or remove
- Water
- Snacks
- Sun cream
- Sunglasses
- A charged phone
- Offline maps
- A small day bag
If you are only doing the Path of the Senses, you do not need full hiking gear, but we still would not wear flimsy sandals.
The paths can be damp, uneven or slippery, especially if the forest is misty.
If you are doing a longer Anaga hike, take the footwear, water and weather more seriously. The trails can feel more remote than they look on a map, and the weather can change quickly.
For us, Anaga is one of those places where it is better to have a waterproof layer in the car and not need it than wish you had brought one.
Quick Packing List For Anaga
- Small day bag
- Comfortable shoes with grip
- Light waterproof jacket
- Thin layers
- Water and snacks
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- Charged phone
- Offline maps
Safety Tips For Visiting Anaga Rural Park
Anaga Rural Park is not difficult to visit, but it is the kind of place where it helps to stay sensible.
You are dealing with mountain roads, changing weather, forest trails, remote beaches and viewpoints where conditions can shift quickly.
We felt this most in the way Anaga kept changing as we moved through it. One part could feel green, damp and enclosed, then the route would open towards villages, coast and rougher sea conditions.
For a normal sightseeing day, the main thing is not to overpack the route.
Give yourself time, stick to marked paths, and do not force a beach, viewpoint or hike if the weather is not on your side.
If you are walking, stay on official trails and check whether your route needs a permit before you go. This matters especially for restricted walks such as El Pijaral.
If you are driving, avoid parking badly on narrow roads or blocking access just because a viewpoint looks tempting.
At the beaches, be careful with the sea. Places like Benijo and Almáciga are beautiful, but the waves and currents can be strong. We would treat them as scenic stops unless conditions are clearly safe.
Quick Safety Tips For Anaga
- Turn back if the weather, road or trail does not feel right
- Stay on marked trails
- Check permit rules before longer walks
- Avoid remote trails in poor weather
- Do not park badly on narrow roads
- Take care at black-sand beaches with strong waves
- Keep valuables out of sight in the car
- Bring water, snacks and a charged phone
Where To Stay For Anaga Rural Park
You do not have to stay inside or right beside Anaga Rural Park to visit.
Most people visit Anaga as a day trip from La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz or even the south of Tenerife.
But where you stay does affect how easy the day feels.
If Anaga is one of your main priorities, we would look at La Laguna or Santa Cruz first. Both give you better access to the north-east of Tenerife than staying in the southern resort areas.
We would match your Tenerife base to your sightseeing plans, not choose somewhere based on 1 Anaga day alone.
La Laguna
La Laguna is one of the best bases for Anaga Rural Park if you want old streets, restaurants and easy access to Cruz del Carmen.
It works well if you want to start the day on the forested side of Anaga, walk the Path of the Senses, or continue towards Taganana and the coast.
This is the base we would look at if Anaga, old-town evenings and a more local-feeling stay matter more than beaches.
Santa Cruz De Tenerife
Santa Cruz can also work well if you want a city base with restaurants, transport links and easier access towards San Andrés and Playa de las Teresitas.
It makes sense if you want to combine Anaga with Santa Cruz, the coast, ferries or a more urban stay.
It is also worth adding a proper Santa Cruz stop if you want markets, architecture, parks or a less resort-focused Tenerife day.
We would choose Santa Cruz over La Laguna if you want city facilities and an easier route towards the San Andrés side of Anaga.
Puerto De La Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz can work if you want a northern base with coast, restaurants and more going on in the evening.
It is not as close to Anaga as La Laguna or Santa Cruz, but it can still make sense if your Tenerife trip also includes La Orotava, the north coast and Teide.
We would choose Puerto de la Cruz if you want Anaga as part of a wider north Tenerife stay, not if Anaga is the main reason for your base choice.
South Tenerife
You can visit Anaga from Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas, but it will be a longer day.
If you are staying in the south, we would start early and keep your Anaga route simple.
Choose either Cruz del Carmen and an easy forest walk, or continue towards Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo for a bigger scenic day. We would not try to do every walk, beach and viewpoint from the south in 1 day.
Should You Stay Near Anaga?
For most visitors, staying near Anaga is not essential.
If you only want 1 day in the park, La Laguna or Santa Cruz are the easiest bases.
If you want a slower trip with more hiking, villages and coastal stops, staying in the north-east can make the whole visit feel less rushed.
We would choose your base based on the rest of your Tenerife route, not Anaga alone.
FAQs About Visiting Anaga Rural Park
Is Anaga Rural Park worth visiting?
Yes, Anaga Rural Park is worth visiting if you want to see one of the greenest, wildest and most scenic parts of Tenerife.
It feels very different from the south coast, with laurel forest, mountain roads, tiny villages, viewpoints and black-sand beaches around Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo.
How long do you need in Anaga Rural Park?
We would allow at least 1 full day for Anaga Rural Park if you want to visit Cruz del Carmen, do a short walk, drive towards Taganana and stop at Almáciga or Benijo.
You can visit for half a day, but you will need to keep the plan simple.
Do you need a car for Anaga Rural Park?
You do not need a car for every part of Anaga Rural Park, but having one gives you much more flexibility.
A car makes it easier to stop at viewpoints, reach Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo, and adjust your route if the weather or parking changes your plans.
Can you visit Anaga Rural Park by bus?
Yes, you can visit parts of Anaga Rural Park by bus, especially from La Laguna or Santa Cruz.
This works best if you want to visit Cruz del Carmen or do a simple walk. If you want to link together viewpoints, villages and beaches, a car or guided tour will usually be easier.
Do you need a permit for Anaga Rural Park?
You do not need a permit to visit Anaga Rural Park itself.
You only need permission for restricted areas and specific trails, such as El Pijaral. If that walk matters to you, check the latest permit rules before your trip.
What is the easiest walk in Anaga Rural Park?
The Path of the Senses is one of the easiest walks in Anaga Rural Park.
It starts near Cruz del Carmen and gives you a short, simple way to experience the laurel forest without committing to a long hike.
What is the best beach in Anaga Rural Park?
Benijo is one of the most dramatic beaches in Anaga Rural Park, especially for black sand, sea stacks and wild coastal scenery.
For an easier beach stop, Playa de las Teresitas near San Andrés is simpler because it has parking, facilities and calmer conditions.
Planning Your Anaga Rural Park Visit
Anaga Rural Park is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife if you want forest roads, mountain views, small villages and a wilder coastline.
But it is much easier to enjoy when you do not try to do too much.
For a first visit, we would keep the plan simple: start early, head towards Cruz del Carmen, walk the Path of the Senses, then continue towards Taganana, Almáciga or Benijo if the weather and timing are on your side.
If you want a slower day, stay around Cruz del Carmen and the laurel forest.
If you want a bigger scenic drive, continue towards the coast and let the route take longer than the map suggests.
For us, Anaga is not about ticking off every beach, viewpoint and trail. It is about giving yourself enough time to enjoy the forest, the roads, the villages and the coastline without turning the day into a rush.
If you are planning to drive yourself, it is worth getting comfortable with Tenerife’s mountain roads, parking and route choices before you build Anaga into your itinerary.
More Posts On Tenerife
Still planning your Tenerife trip? These guides will help you work out the driving, route and best places to visit next.
- Visit Mount Teide
- Things To Do in South Tenerife
- Things To Do in North Tenerife
- Things To Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Anaga Rural Park
- Driving in Tenerife
Meet Angela
Angela is the founder and writer of GlobalGadding, a travel resource for road-trip lovers and independent travellers.
She’s explored 40+ countries, and road tripped across New Zealand, Alaska, Australia, Canada, UK, Sri Lanka, USA, Namibia, and Europe.
She creates detailed, easy-to-follow itineraries that take the stress out of planning. Her mission is to help readers craft their own self-drive trips.