NATURE
After we got a vehicle or, conversely, decided to abandon it, relying on our own legs, a bus and a taxi
(if there is too much money), it's time to figure out how we can usefully spend time in Tenerife.
Let's start with the very essence of Tenerife, with its natural beauties.
And No. 1 on this list, of course, is Teide.
TEIDE
Teide is the highest point in Spain and the Atlantic Ocean at 3718 meters. The last eruption was more than 300 years ago, in 1706, which wiped out the city of Garachico, the ancient capital of Tenerife. This is the only known case of the local population of the island suffering from a volcano. Today, Teide is a dormant volcano and a popular tourist destination.
A funicular can take you to the top of the volcano, and it can also be reached by car or bus. There is also an alternative ascent route that is free, but it will take a full day and requires good physical fitness and proper equipment.
Before embarking on the trip, it's recommended to check the current weather situation on Teide, especially in winter, on www.volcanoteide.com. The weather is very changeable and the funicular may not work. To avoid queues for the funicular, it is advisable to purchase tickets online on the same website.
After reaching the upper station, you can visit three viewing platforms that offer stunning views and great photo opportunities (see the "Contemplation" section).
To climb to the crater itself, a separate permit must be obtained, which can be done for free on the National Parks website - reservasparquesnacionales.es. You must also have a passport or a photocopy of it when climbing to the crater of the volcano. The choice of whether to go to the crater at 160 meters through difficult terrain with thin air is up to you.
LAS CANADAS DEL TEIDE
Not only Teide itself deserves attention, but also the Las Canadas del Teide Natural National Park, which deserves a separate trip.
Teide itself originated around the older Las Canadas volcano, the top of which collapsed under its own weight, forming the so-called "caldera" (cauldron). The area of the caldera in diameter is 16 km and is interesting not only for the Teide, but also with various bizarre landscapes on a Martian theme, through which many hiking routes pass. In spring, all these landscapes come to life thanks to a variety of plants.
Las Canadas del Teide Park is the most visited national park in Spain and Teide is far from the only reason to come here. Its surroundings are no less interesting and deserve a separate visit.
ROQUES DE GARCIA
Roques de García - lava rocks, which are located a few kilometers south of Teide, deserve special attention in Teide Park. Roques de García is a whole geological ensemble consisting of three main rocks: Roque Cinchado, La Catedral and La Cascada.
The most famous of the rocks is Roque Cinchado, which resembles a petrified tree and is rightfully one of the symbols of the island. Take the time to personally get acquainted with these amazing works of nature, especially since a real cosmic landscape awaits you to the west of them – the Llano de Ucanca plain covered with black volcanic sand.
PAISAJE LUNAR
There is another remarkable place within the national park: Paisaje Lunar (lunar landscape), which consists of porous rock - tuff formed from ash and other volcanic activity. Due to the wind, tuff rocks can take on the most bizarre shapes.
The difficulty lies in the walking route to Paisaje Lunar from the Parador de Canadas del Teide Hotel, which will take about six hours even for an experienced hiker. In other words, it is not an easy hike, although it is very interesting since the route passes through Las Canadas del Teide.
If you are relying on public transport, you should consider staying overnight in a hotel, as it is unlikely that you will be able to complete the round trip in six hours. There is also an easier option, but it is only available to those who have a car (try to park as close as possible!).
In general, you should not expect a miracle from Paisaje Lunar, but it deserves its share of admiration. For photographers, it is a real treasure. After all, where else can you see a lunar landscape if you are not a member of the space program?
PICO VIEJO
Tenerife is not only home to one volcano, there are others here as well. The last volcano that erupted on the island was not Teide at all, but Pico Viejo. Its eruption is dated 1798. Visiting it, you will be able to see the place where the red-hot magma soared a thousand meters up and fell to the ground, destroying everything with a fiery rain.
Pico Viejo has a height of 3135 meters and is the second-highest point in Tenerife. The only thing to understand is that hiking up this volcano is quite difficult and requires a certain amount of athletic training and the presence of an experienced guide nearby.
ANAGA RUPAL PARK
Anaga is located in the northeast of the island. Due to its mountain peaks reaching the clouds, it has a unique humid climate and evergreen laurel forests that are simply impossible to find in resort areas in the south of Tenerife.
These forests covered the entire territory of Europe before the Ice Age, and Anaga is one of the few places where they have been preserved. The Anaga forest is about 5-7 million years old! This alone is a reason to visit this unique place.
In 2015, Anaga received the important status of a biosphere reserve. It has the largest number of endemic plants in Europe, which are plants that grow only in a specific habitat.
Anaga is great for hiking, especially considering that there are no animals dangerous to humans here. A walk through the oldest forest on the planet - what could be more interesting?
There are many hiking trails in Anaga, from which you can choose one that suits you best. But, please note that a special permit is required to walk through this amazing forest. The procedure is simple, and you can book it through this link.
Make sure to take the confirmation with you, along with your passport. The information center at Mirador Cruz Del Carmen is where most hiking trails start.
LAS LAGUNETAS
There is also an outstanding forest on the road to Teide. It has several common names, but to avoid confusion, we will use the official one: the Las Lagunetas Nature Park. Here, you will find pine trees, cedars, and fragrant eucalyptus trees.
Like in Anaga, there are hiking trails in Las Lagunetas, but they are not required to enjoy the forest. Stop wherever it is convenient and walk to your heart's content, taking in the scents and sounds. It's important to note that walking around the island is completely safe, as there are no snakes or other unpleasant creatures for humans.
If you're on foot, you can get to the village of La Esperanza and use it as a starting point for your forest hike. By the way, it's also where the thickest pine in Europe is located, with a circumference of over 9 meters. A keepsake photo is a must!
In general, if you enjoy leisurely walks in the woods without any obligations, Las Lagunetas is the perfect spot for you. If you're short on time, a walk through the forest can be combined with a visit to the Teide volcano, although both of these places are worthy of special attention.
ACANTILADOS DE LOS GIGANTES
Acantilados de Los Gigantes is neither a natural park nor a dense and ancient forest, but these rocks attract tourists from all over the world. With their majestic appearance, they were admired even by the aborigines of the island – the Guanches, who called them "hell walls". The height of Acantilados de Los Gigantes is 300-600 meters above sea level. At the very foot of the cliffs, there is a nice beach with black sand where you can swim during the trip. The trip to the "hell walls" itself can be combined with walks around the resort of the same name - Los Gigantes.
CORONA FORESTAL
Corona Forestal is the largest natural area in Tenerife, which surrounds Teide National Park on all sides. The absence of iconic places is compensated by rich vegetation and epic landscapes.
What is important, these landscapes are accessible to you both from the car window and thanks to walking routes. On the territory of the park there are several equipped observation decks with excellent views. However, spectacular views will accompany you throughout your stay at Corona Forestal.
If you are interested in geology, pay attention to the gorges and frozen lava, which testify to the volcanic history of the island. Take a walk through authentic settlements and get acquainted with the local culture and traditions. Feel the Canary pines by touch and just breathe clean air.
In the end, if you are careful and careful, you can see representatives of the local fauna: blue finch, Canary and laurel pigeons, broad–toed gecko, mullet and Gallotia galloti – a unique species of lizard.
In addition to walking for every taste, you can find other types of recreation here: from horseback riding to paragliding. It all depends on your taste and your personal preferences.
MASCA GORGE
Not far from the town of Santiago del Teide is the small mountain village of Masca. There are legends about its past as a haven for pirates and hidden treasures, but today it has almost completely lost its strength and power, retaining only colorful houses in the Canary style. The small population of Masca is happy to welcome travelers and offers them the chance to buy all sorts of things and satisfy their hunger in several restaurants.
However, it is not the village itself that attracts tourists, but the fact that it is the starting point for the hike to the Masca Gorge, one of the deepest in Tenerife. Its depth is about 1300 meters, and the length of the walking route is 6 km, which takes about 3-4 hours. The reward is the contemplation of unique landscapes and the opportunity to take unforgettable photos in one of the most picturesque places in Tenerife.
Walking down to the Masca Gorge is not an easy hike and requires good physical fitness. At the bottom of the gorge, you will find a small rocky beach and a marina, where a pleasure boat regularly docks. You can take the boat to Los Gigantes (10 euros) and then take a bus back to your starting point. If you are traveling by car, it is best to park in Los Gigantes to avoid having to climb back up the gorge. The last boat leaves at 16:00, so be sure to keep that in mind. Boat tickets can be purchased in the village.
There is a daily quota for descents into the gorge, so you should reserve your route in advance on the website www.caminobarrancodemasca.com.
TENO
Cape Teno is the westernmost point of Tenerife. Although there are no lush vegetation or outstanding landscapes, it is quite difficult to get here. However, this place attracts many travelers due to its unique location. Once you're there, it's hard to leave.
In addition to the unusual perspective of the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, you will also feel a sense of special energy at Cape Teno. This is because there is an endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean in front of you, stretching all the way to the coast of Florida. Cape Teno is a real place of power that is ready to share its energy with every person who reaches it.
AGUAMANSA LA CALDERA
In the valley Orotava (the northern part of the central coast of Tenerife) also has a great opportunity to spend time with nature and get vivid impressions.
In addition to the town of La Orotava itself, which deserves a separate viewing, there are tourist routes around the crater of the old volcano. There are not only hiking trails, but also all conditions for outdoor recreation, including picnic tables.
The easiest option is hiking, which you can start from the village of Aguamansa. Many routes, interesting views and fresh air await you.
