Tenerife took our breath away with its amazing volcanic landscapes and hiking trails. Our family’s perfect holiday must have plenty of hiking opportunities and this island did not disappoint. We have put together for you a list of our seven top hikes on Tenerife. The first six hikes on our list are perfect for anyone and can easily be done with children. The last one (Masca Valley) is more difficult. So if you wish to get to know the real Tenerife, lace up your hiking boots and go exploring!

Top Hikes on Tenerife:

Montaña Chayofita

Even though it’s called a mountain, Chayofita is more of a small hill. This is probably the easiest and quickest hike on the island. It might only take you minutes to get up the mountain, but once you’re there you might stay a while admiring the views of the town of Los Cristianos and the ocean. Even though the walk is easy, be careful. There is plenty of loose gravel so make sure you wear appropriate footwear. This hike made it to our top hikes on Tenerife list, because of its low level of difficulty and nice views.

Malpaís de la Rasca

These volcanic badlands were one of our favourite hikes. Occupying just over 300 hectares, this arid natural preserve is sure to wow all visitors, young and old. While walking along the coast, you can admire lava flows dating back thousands of years. In the distance, you can see the snow capped Teide volcano. You can end your hike with the Faro de Punta Rasca (lighthouse) or you can continue onto the town of Las Galletas. This hike made it to our top hikes on Tenerife list because of its relative low level of difficulty and breathtaking landscapes.

La Culata Cliffs

This is one of the most picturesque hikes on the island. You can either hike down from San Juan del Reparo through the Acantilados de La Culata (cliffs) into the town of Garachico or vice versa. The views of both the town and the ocean are breathtaking. This hike is on our list of top hikes on Tenerife because of its fabulous views.

Montaña Amarilla

This is a natural monument with unusual rock formations. The hike starts from the town of Arona and will lead you to the small but beautiful Amarilla beach. This beach is popular with scuba divers in search of underwater volcanic reefs. 

Teide National Park

This national park, just shy of 19 000 hectares, has been on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites since 2007. It is also one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.  The park’s focus, Mount Teide, is the highest mountain in Spain, the highest volcano in the Atlantic ocean and the third highest volcano in the world when measured from the ocean floor. This hike has made it to our top hikes on Tenerife list because Teide is what Tenerife is all about. You can see this volcano from almost every part of the island.

Roque Cinchado

This rock formation is considered emblematic of the island of Tenerife. At 2000 metres, it is one of the largest in the world of its kind. It is located in the municipality of Orotava, near the Orotava volcano. There are several hiking trails you can take from Roque Cinchado. Also, they are fairly easy for kids as most of them are on flat ground. This hike is on our top hikes on Tenerife list because of its unusual rock formations.

Masca Valley

This is a rather difficult hike. You start the hike in the very picturesque village of Masca and descend for 4.5 kms to the ocean. There, you can either take a boat taxi into the town of Los Gigantes or you can hike back to Masca if you are up for it. This arduous hike may not be appropriate for small children. However, everyone should come and visit the village of Masca, regardless if you plan on hiking from it or not.  This village is probably one of the most picturesque sights on the island. The amazingly lush landscapes of Masca are what put this hike on our top hikes on Tenerife list.

Happy hiking!

Pin It!

For more travel info about Canary Islands, visit our other posts:

• Why You Should Visit Canary Islands
• Gran Canaria: Beyond Beer & Resorts
• A Day in Las Palmas – a Relaxing Itinerary
• Gran Canaria Landscapes: Photo Essay
• Tenerife: A Perfect Family Holiday
• Tenerife Landscapes: Photo Essay