Top 8 Things to Do in Anaga Rural Park Tenerife

Nestled in the northeastern tip of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, Anaga Rural Park offers the perfect escape into nature. From its ancient laurel forests to stunning coastal views, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers a wide range of sights and experiences. Here are the top 8 things to see and do in Anaga Rural Park that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Tenerife.

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Top 8 Things to Do in Anaga Rural Park

1. Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses)

Discover the lush laurel forests through the Sendero de los Sentidos, a trail designed to engage all your senses. This pathway offers unique sensory experiences as it winds through the laurel forests. The aim of this trail is to engage your senses of sight, smell, and touch. There are three routes of varying lengths, each designed to accommodate different physical abilities and time constraints. The shortest path is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of Anaga’s ancient laurel forest.

If you’re able to reserve a permit, the easy La Ensillada – Cabeza de Tejo Loop is a great alternative to this trail. Permits are free, but there are a limited number of spots available each day.

For a more moderate option, try Sendero El Bosque de los Enigmas. This trail feels somewhat similar to the Sendero de los Sentidos but offers a bit more of a challenge. For a challenging trail, try  Cruz del Carmen – Chimanada – Mirador de Aguaide, which starts in the same area. It winds its way through forests, leading to spectacular views at the Mirador de Aguaide.

Tips:

• Arrive early or take a bus to avoid parking challenges at the visitor’s center, where this trail starts.
• Start your day with coffee and donuts at Restaurante Cruz del Carmen, next to the start of the trail.
• Look for the Bordalo II beetle (art) near the visitor’s center.

2. Túnel de las Hadas (Fairy Tunnel)

It is a short drive from the visitor’s center to the Túnel de las Hadas, a magical passage that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This lush, moss-covered path will lead you through a green tunnel, where the sunlight filters through the foliage in a way that’s truly unique.

Tips:

• Use google maps to find Túnel de las Hadas. It is just a short drive from the visitor’s center, but it’s not marked with a sign
• After exploring the Túnel de las Hadas, leave your car parked and walk the short distance on the road to Mirador Pico del Inglés. Be aware of occasional cars passing through.

3. Mirador Pico del Inglés

Next, make your way to the Mirador Pico del Inglés for breathtaking views. This viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the Anaga mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and on clear days, even the neighboring island of Gran Canaria. It’s an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Tips:

• If you are ready for a lunch or dinner break after visiting Mirador Pico del Inglés, head to Casa Santiago, which is typically less than a 10 minute drive away. Casa Santiago is known for its excellent Canarian food at reasonable prices, with spectacular views.

4. Playa Benijo

Visit Playa Benijo, known for its stunning sunsets, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations. This secluded beach offers a peaceful escape and some of the best coastal hiking trails in the park. Playa Benijo is perfect for those who love dramatic landscapes and the powerful Atlantic.

Tips:

• At high tide, Playa Benijo is almost non-existent. Time your visit with low tide to ensure you have a chance to enjoy the beach.
• Parking for many of the Benijo trails is right next to El Frontón, a local restaurant known for its fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes. We enjoyed the stunning views of the rugged coastline while eating here.

5. Hikes from Benijo

The hikes around Benijo were some of our favorites during our visit to Tenerife. Look for parking near El Frontón, or near the beach if that parking lot is full.

One of our favorite hikes was the Playa Benijo hike – Cruz de Draguillo. Alltrails lists this as a 3.2 mile (5.1 km) hike with 1,561 ft elevation gain (476 m). We measured this at just over 4 miles (6.4 km). It is easier to do this challenging hike clockwise. The trail starts with a gradual ascent paralleling the coast.You’ll then have a steep climb up to about the 1 mile mark. There is a long and slightly more gradual downhill for your return trip. Watch your step on the steeper downhill sections, as the loose gravel / sand can be slippery in parts. The views are stunning for almost the entire hike, making this challenging hike worthwhile.

If you’d like a more moderate alternative, try the Benijo – El Draguillo – Las Palmas trail. You’ll have great views without the elevation gain of the previous hike.

Enjoy a picnic with ocean views or at the beach if low tide. Alternatively, dine on the deck at El Frontón for its stunning scenery.

6. Taganana

The quaint village of Taganana, with its white-washed houses and steep terraced vineyards, offers a glimpse into traditional Canarian life. Phone networks and electricity came very late to Taganana, which contributed to the lack of tourism in the area. Taganana is also a starting point for several scenic trails.

Tips:

• Take the time to stop at the Mirador de Amogoje above town for spectacular views and photos.
• Don’t miss eating seafood at Casa Picar, one of Taganana’s top fish restaurants.

7. Roque de las Bodegas

Explore the picturesque hamlet of Roque de las Bodegas, where you can enjoy fresh seafood right by the sea. The dramatic backdrop of the Anaga cliffs makes it a unique dining experience. The Playa Roque de las Bodegas is one of the most popular beaches around Taganana.

Tips:

• Try Restaurante La Ola for a great, locally sourced seafood meal with a view.

8. Side Trip to La Laguna

San Cristobal de La Laguna, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is just 30 minutes from the visitor’s center of Anaga Rural Park. Though outside the park, La Laguna is definitely worth a visit, even if just for the afternoon. For more La Laguna details, see our Day Trip in La Laguna post.

Best Tours in Anaga Rural Park

Driving to Anaga Rural Park provides you with independence to explore at your leisure. That said, driving in Anaga is not for everyone. The roads are winding, with steep uphills and downhills. If you are interested in a tour with pick up and drop-off, you might enjoy these tours through Anaga Rural Park.

Where to Stay

See our post on Where to Stay in Tenerife for more ideas on which town(s) to stay in while visiting Tenerife.

La Laguna Accommodations

La Laguna is about 30 minutes from the visitor’s center, and can make a great base for exploring Anaga. You’ll enjoy the historic town, with close access to the park. Note though that La Laguna is not on the water.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Accommodations

Pick from Urban hotels and stylish apartments in the historic old town, placing you right in the midst of the action. Santa Cruz has plenty of entertainment and cultural choices, as well as easy access to beaches and Anaga Rural Park.

How to get to Anaga Rural Park

Driving

Located in the northeastern part of the island, the park is easily accessible by car or public transport from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you’re driving, the TF-12 motorway leads you directly into the heart of Anaga, winding through scenic landscapes and offering breathtaking views along the way. If you need to rent a car, we had a great experience renting a car through Discover Cars in Tenerife. 

Public Transport

For those preferring public transportation, Titsa, the public bus service in Tenerife, run from Santa Cruz to various entry points of the park, including the popular destinations of Taganana and Chamorga. The buses offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore, though it’s essential to check the latest schedules and routes to plan your trip efficiently. Using public transport will limit the places you can visit in Anaga. Tours may be a better option for those looking to explore deeper into the heart of Anaga without driving.

Anaga Rural Park Things to Do

Anaga Rural Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re trekking through ancient laurel forests, dining on local cuisine, or lounging by the sea, Anaga offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Tenerife. This Top 8 Things to Do list for Anaga is just the beginning of what you can discover in this extraordinary park. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare to be enchanted by Anaga Rural Park.

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