Walk the Trails of Tenerife

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)

Descent: 1,300ft (400m)

Leaving from San José de Los Llanos, we’ll walk through Canary pine forest before crossing the extinct lava flows surrounding Arenas Negras and Chinyero. We’ll pass by fields full of almond and fig trees in Los Baldíos, which – thanks to the island’s year-round climate - blossom over wintertime. Finally, we’ll end our walk at Ecomuseo Los Partidos for an insight into rural life and traditions.

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,950ft (600m)

Descent: 1,500ft (450m)

Departing from the hotel, we’ll climb the old path of Los Arrastraderos, admiring the fields full of almond and fig trees. We’ll follow the most recent lava flow caused by the eruption of Chinyero in 1909 and follow it until we reach Arenas Negras. With luck, we’ll spot the native Canary Blue Chaffinch. We’ll end the walk in San José de Los Llanos.

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 1,070ft (325m)

Descent: 1,800ft (550m)

Begin the day spotting migrating birds at the Charcas de Erjos ponds before climbing the mountain rim. We’ll cross the Monte del Agua laurel forest, head up to the Teno ridge, and follow the crest for wow-worthy views over the Masca canyon on one side and the Palmar valley on the other.

Distance: 8 miles (11km)

Ascent: 2,000ft (600m)

Descent: 2,450ft (750m)

Departing from the hotel, we walk the Santiago del Teide valley and gain altitude until we reach Charcas de Erjos ponds. We ascend and cross a corner of Monte del Agua evergreen laurel forest. We contour Cruz de Gala mountain (1,354m), the highest summit in Teno, through a Canary pine grove, and enjoy extended views over the whole Teno area and Mount Teide, uphill in the centre of the island. From there, we follow the Teno ridge with great views over Masca canyon and El Palmar valley. Finally we descend over the picturesque Masca hamlet where we can refresh before driving back to the hotel.

Distance: 5 miles (7.5km)

Ascent: 1,560ft (475m)

Descent: 900ft (275m)

You’ll get an insight into the island's volcanic nature, exploring the volcanic fields in the west of Teide National Park, crossing lava flows, black fine ashes, and discovering basaltic caves used by shepherds a long time ago. The panoramic views from above the clouds and the contrast of vivid colours are outstanding.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,900ft (575m)

Descent: 1,300ft (400m)

Starting from Samara volcano, we’ll contour the inner side of the Teide’s caldera criss-crossing between lava fields and Canary pine forest. During the walk you’ll have the imposing Teide and Pico Viejo volcanoes on one side, and the western islands on the other.

Distance: 5.6 miles (9km)

Ascent: 1,400ft (425m)

Descent: 2460ft (750m)

We begin the walk from Cruz del Carmen. We then descend through the native laurisilva forest and farmland, catching spectacular views of deep barrancos. When we reach Chinamada, we’ll take a picnic stop at this charming hamlet, known for its dwelling caves. A short walk out then to the Mirador de Aguaide is rewarded with stunning vistas of the rugged coastline, before continuing on to Las Carboneras village.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 2130ft (650m)

Descent: 3200ft (975m)

Starting from the top of Anaga mountains, we make our descent along old pathways enjoying the magnificent views over deep barrancos. We discover many local plants and trees and learn from our knowledgeable guides about rural life here in Anaga that is rapidly changing. We pass Taborno, Las Carboneras and Chinamada hamlets, this last one known for its dwelling caves.

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)

Ascent: 1,720ft (525m)

Descent: 740ft (225m)

Teide National Park is a paradise for geology lovers, and this walk is no exception. Starting at El Portillo Visitor Centre and its Botanical Garden, we walk over the pumice stones of Montaña Blanca volcano, light and porous, discover the tiny fragments of the black, heavier obsidian glass, and discover “the eggs of Teide”. We learn about Guanche’s use of these region and resources and hear about expeditions to the top of Mount Teide over the last centuries. A bus transfer to Roques de García area shows a great contrast of volcanic materials and landscapes. 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 2,300ft (700m)

Descent: 2,300ft (700m)

Starting at the Parador hotel, we head for the highest point on the crater rim, Montaña Guajara (2,715m). Our ascent winds its way around the flanks of the mountain, reaching the broad summit plateau with plenty of time to take a breather and revel in the views.

As we’re closer to the stars up there, we’ll hear about the British astronomer Piazzi-Smyth’s expedition and the importance of the Teide Observatory before we descend back to Parador.