The best hikes in Tenerife – the ones not to miss!

Last updated on May 19th, 2026 at 02:23 pm

I went to Tenerife to catch a yacht to sail to Cape Verde. Little did I realize it was also quite a hikers paradise. You have everything from lush green foggy forests, to volcanic plateaus, and of course the highest mountain in Spain to climb!

I didn’t get to hike all the paths on the island but after quite a bit of investigating before my trip I worked out what the hikes not to miss were. The ones that would give me the most diversity of scenery and a great taste of the island. I think I got it exactly right!

So, I’ve done the research for you and these are the best hikes in Tenerife!

Mt Teide
The Chinyero loop
The Enchanted Forest – El Pijaral
Masca Gorge
Hells Gate – Barranco del Infierno
Red Mountain – Montaña Roja
Garcia Rocks – Roques de Garcia
Callejón de Teno
Sentier No 14 Alto de Guamaso
Paisaje Lunar

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels,and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. My top recommendations for hikers are:

Mt Teide summit climb it the hard way for sunrise or with the help of the cable car for sunset!
Hiking Tour in the Anaga Mountains & Enchanted Forest
Masca Ravine: Guided Hike + Boat Ride + Transport

And if you want to some other outdoor activities take a look at these options:

Whale and dolphin watching – whales and snorkeling or whales and dolphins on a catamaran
Quad biking – sunset biking on Mt Teide, or, off road and forests during the day!

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!

Okay lets get to the details – these are the hikes not to miss in Tenerife! Where possible I have linked to the AllTrails map. Download and enjoy!

1. Mt Teide – the highest point in Spain

The jewel in the crown! It’s the highest point in Spain and so if you’re a peak bagger it is first and foremost the hike not to miss in Tenerife! It is also definitely one of the best of the best hikes in Tenerife!

There is an easy way up – via the Cable Car. It takes you to the beginning of the final ascent which only takes about an hour up and down. But you can also climb from a few locations and really get to know the mountain.

The most common, and easy to follow route, is from the Sendero de Montana Blanca, which has a convenient small car park next to it. It is 7.5 miles / 12km and about 5-6 hours out and back from here.

People generally start climbing from Montana Blanca in the dark (at maybe 2 or 3am so that they see the sunrise from the top. Personally I don’t see the need, but I do see the need to be up there early so you don’t fry in the sun! It gets very very hot!

You do have to have a permit to go to the top, whichever way you go, and it does get checked, so hopefully you are reading this a couple of months ahead of your time in Tenerife as they get booked out months ahead. Otherwise you will have to go on a guided tour – which you really don’t need, but they have the necessary permits – catch 22! Book a permit on the Canary Govt website if you can.

At the top – if you are there for sunrise or soon after you will see the perfect triangle shadow from the mountain – basically it has such a perfect cone that it casts that perfect shadow. Worth seeing! There is also plenty of sulphur smell and steam from vents near the top – and of course great 360 views. A great start to a day that’s for sure!

If you would like a guide to make sure you get to the Mt Teide summit (or like me, couldn’t get a permit without one) – climb it the harder way for sunrise or with the help of the cable car for sunset! I did love my sunrise hike – and you avoid the heat of the day!

climbing-mt-teide-is-the-ultimate-hike-in-tenerife — Mt Teide – the final ascent!

mt-teides-famous-early-morning-triangle-shadow — Mt Teide – the final ascent!

2. The Chinyero Loop – easy and definitely one of the best hikes in Tenerife

I can’t decide my favorite hike but the Chinyer o Loop is definitely a contender. It’s an easy approximately 4 mile / 6.5km 2-3 hour hike that circles the Chinyero volcano. Park just after the Mirador de los poleos on TF38 and walk along the roadside to the start of the loop walk with superb views of Mt Teide in the background.

The walk itself takes you through a forest of very upright pines and then through the lava fields as you walk your way around the volcano. It can get hot so take plenty of water.

the-chinyero-loop-is-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-tenerife-and-probably-my-favorite — Lava fields on the Chinyero loop

3. The Enchanted Forest – El Pijaral – a beautiful hike in Tenerife

This walk is in the far north and within the Parque Rural de Anaga which gets rain, and is consequently lush, green, ferny and dripping mossy – in stark contrast to the volcanic Mt Teide National Park and the rest of the island.

The drive alone is worth the trip – in fact it is one of the most beautiful parts of the whole excursion! The roadside is a beautiful walk in itself. In most peoples books this is one of the top hikes in Tenerife!

The El Pijaral loop walk is approximately 4 miles / 6km and takes 2-3 hours. Once again permits are required – 45 a day are handed out. It is easier to get these permits, but you still want to try a couple of weeks ahead. The permit is free from the central reservation site, but if you are caught without one the fine is €600. There are times they close the trail completely so it can be a bit of luck of the draw as to whether you get a permit.

However, don’t worry! There is a way of going to the lookout (picture below) and walking on the ‘out’ half of this loop trail. A couple of minutes drive past the entrance to El Pijaral which is on google maps, is a gate with space for a couple of cars. That is the exit from the walk, so you can walk in to the viewpoint and out the same way! there are also a lot of other walks in the Anaga area. This is just considered the primo one!

Note that the trail can get muddy in places.
And you can do this one on a hiking tour – the Anaga Mountains & Enchanted Forest

el-pijaral-or-the-enchanted-forest-is-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-tenerife — Walking in the lush green El Pijaral trail

the-views-from-el-pijaral-are-stunning — Walking in the lush green El Pijaral trail

4. Masca Gorge – a stunner from the hills to the sea

This is another trail you need to book well ahead (reserve your date here) if you want to do it independently! Don’t worry you can do a guided tour with this Masca Ravine: Guided Hike + Boat Ride + Transport as well so that if you don’t get a permit, you can still go!

The Masca Gorge trail is about 5 km (3.1 mi) and takes about 2.5 – 3 hours one way to the beach.

It is very beautiful walking down though a dramatic volcanic ravine, with great views in parts, lots of streams to cross, basalt walls, and interesting flora. It ends at the beach below. You can swim at the beach (as long as it is not closed due to dangerous water) so take your swimwear.

Note you need to comply with the following to be allowed onto the track!

The hike must be booked in advance (EUR 40 per adult)
A boat transfer from Masca Beach to Los Gigantes, (EUR 25 per adult) must be reserved in advance.
Visitors must use public transportation (bus) from Santiago del Teide to Masca and you must keep your ticket and show it at the entrance to the trail! Alternatively, there is a very small parking lot but you must reserve that in advance too.
You are required to wear proper hiking boots

Without any one of these four things, you will not be allowed to enter the trail!

Note that the departure times for the boats are not precise and the boats usually don’t leave until there are at least 12 people, so be prepared to wait.

5. Hells Gate – Barranco del Infierno – wear your hardhat

This is considered one of the best hikes in Tenerife for the intriguing flora and the birds. It follows an old shepherds path, and takes you from a barren rocky and cactus-strewn valley to the rocky cliffs at the head of the valley and a waterfall and pool! You get excellent views down the valley to the coastal townships and sea.

The Barranco del Infierno trail is 6.5km and around 2-3 hours out and back. You must get a permit and wear a hard hat. There is an office at the entrance to the walk where you can buy a permit, and you are given a hard hat to wear. It is compulsory to wear the hard hat throughout the walk! You can book your permit and time ahead, but I went at a time I hadn’t booked with no issues! You will find it on google maps at the top of the town in Adeje. there is a carpark just down the hill from the entrance.

on-the-barranco-del-infierno-walk-in-tenerife — Walking into Hells Gate – the Barranco del Infierno walk

6. Red Mountain – Montaña Roja – surprisingly one of the best hikes in Tenerife

This was a real surprise for me. I could see the hill from where I was staying in the south and thought I should go check it out. I did and realized there was a path to the top. Of course I had to go – and what great views for so little effort! And the ground is very red which contrast well with some of the sandier white soils and beaches below! Even better, there are more paths down around the coastline to explore.

Montaña Roja is officially a 3 mile / 5km loop which takes one to two hours depending if you explore the coastline as well as climb to the top. there are plenty of carparks off the TF 643 and you can take a cooling swim at Playa de Tejita after your walk!

climbing-red-mountain-in-tenerife — Walking on the red mountain!

7. Garcia Rocks – Roques de Garcia

Roques de Garcia is short at 2.2 miles / 3.5km! It takes about an hour, but is definitely one of the best hikes in Tenerife for the stunning scenery.

This area is literally packed with breath taking views – of Mt Teide but also the lava fields. Its an easy path – more like a footpath really, but worth taking the time for – especially the views from the rocks themselves.

Don’t miss the nearby carpark where you get a great view over the Roques de Garcia and also the very very green rocks in the area!! You will find it on google maps – its just off the TF21.

roques-de-garcia-is-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-tenerife — The beautiful Roques de Garcia!

some-of-the-green-rocks-in-the-roques-de-garcia-area — The beautiful Roques de Garcia!

8. Callejón de Teno and the Teno Alto hikes – above the western tip

On the western tip of the island is the Teno Alto area. Masca Gorge is in this area, but there are some other lovely walks here too. I didn’t get to do them all – not enough time but this AllTrails list shows you the options! I can recommend the Callejón de Teno (6.5m / 10.5km loop taking 2.5 – 3.5 hrs) for a relatively easy walk with wonderful views over beautiful valleys and hills as far as Mt Teide, as well as the sea to La Gomera island (on a fine day). It is rocky so wear good shoes and take water! There is also a little village on the trail.

There is also a guided hike in the area – Teno Waterfalls Hiking Tour: Tropical Jungle Adventure

9. Sentier No 14 Alto de Guamaso – short and sweet

No 14 is an easy little hike of 1.5 miles / 2.5km and takes less than an hour. It is well worth taking the time for the constantly changing views and the path itself taking you right around and into the old crater of the volcano – it has great bang for your buck!

You also get great views of Teide, and a birds eye view of the Valle de La Orotava valley which can cover up in a sea of clouds – sadly it didn’t for me! But I could see the transition between the Canarian pine forest and the higher barren mountain with only some scrub.

You can start the walk from EL Portillo, or drive 650m along TF24 to the Mirador del Alto de Guamaso carpark and start from there. I recommend that as the loop from there is just perfect.

alto-de-guamasco-is-one-of-the-best-hikes-in-tenerife — An easy path around Alto de Guamaso

mt-teide-view-from-the-alto-de-guamasco-hike — An easy path around Alto de Guamaso

10. Paisaje Lunar – moonscapes

I am including Paisaje Lunar (8 miles / 12.9 km – 4 hours) because you are likely to hear about it, but it is the one of these walks I would do only if you have spare time. The lunar landscape and geological formations on the trail are nice, but don’t really live up to the hype. It is a pleasant walk in the hills though!

Frequently asked questions about hiking in Tenerife

Q: What are the best hikes in Tenerife?
A: See above!

Q: When is the best time to visit Tenerife for hiking?
A: December – March is great to get away from the European winter and get some winter sun – pick your days for hiking; April – June is ideal for hiking, warmer weather and fewer crowds; July – August is hottest and busiest, and probably the best time to avoid for hiking due to the heat and dehydration or sunburn; and September – November is perfect for hiking, warm sea temperatures and good weather!

For hiking specifically, spring and autumn are usually perfect because trails are cooler and visibility is excellent.

Q: Do I need to rent a car in Tenerife?
A: For hikers and explorers – definitely yes for at least a few days. You can do some hikes on tours, but many you need to get to in a car.

Q: Do you need a permit to hike Teide?
A: Yes. The permit is free but books out weeks or months ahead. This is why I used a guide!

Q: Can you hike Mount Teide without a guide?
A: You can hike Mount Teide independently, but it is a lot easier with a guide that also organises your permits!

Q: Are Tenerife hikes difficult
A: There is everything from easy to hard. Altitude and heat make some hikes harder than they appear. Read above and decide which are for you.

Q: What should you pack for hiking in Tenerife
A: Essential items are: hiking shoes, water, sun protection and sun hat, windproof layer, offline maps. For Teide you also need warm layers, gloves in winter, a headlamp for sunrise hikes.
Note that the mountain weather changes quickly.

Travel tips for Tenerife

Rent a car if you want to see the ‘real’ Tenerife.
If you have time, stay in both the north and the south to really get to see the island!
Don’t underestimate the weather differences in Tenerife – you can have hot sun in one area and cold wet fog in another. If you are going to leave the beach area, pack for all weather.
Visit Teide at sunset or sunrise. Book Teide summit permits very early if you want to go independently.

Where to Stay in Tenerife when you are hiking

If you hire a car it is not going to matter so much, but there are more hikes to the north and middle of the island than the south. If you just want a beach holiday then the south is fine, but if you want to do plenty of hiking stay further north.
Book a hotel with booking.com or a hostel with Hostelworld – you can also start with these hand picked options in different areas around Tenerife. They all have a rating of over 9/10 at the time of writing (unless noted):