Walking Trails of Tenerife

Friday 19th February

Fly to Tenerife South Airport and transfer to our hotel in the seaside town of Puerto de la Cruz, just a short walk from the seafront promenade, shops and cafés. This will be our base for the week as we explore the island.

Dinner included. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

Saturday 20th February

Distance: 6km (3.7 miles)

Total Ascent: +300m (1,000ft)

Total Descent: -225m (750ft)

For our first day we’ll ease in gently with a coastal walk along the north coast of the island. The sound of the sea will travel with us today as we follow a trail across the coastline. The old, paved path takes us to La Rambla de Castro palm grove where, a long time ago, an old fortress protected this area from pirates and corsairs. We’ll explore the endemic coastal vegetation and enjoy the sounds of birdsong along the way. We pass banana plantations and ascend to the Mirador de San Pedro which offers stunning panoramic views of the coast. After a short drive and delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll walk another, smaller, section of the north coast from Las Aguas to Barranco de Ruiz where we find examples of traditional rural homesteads.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

Sunday 21st February

Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)

Total Ascent: +350m (1,150ft)

Total Descent: -350m (1,150ft)

Today, we drive to the heights of La Orotava valley for a gentle introduction to the Tenerife pine forest and all the wonderful scents that come with it. Native to the Canary Islands, this unique pine tree species has special rejuvenating abilities following wildfires and hanging lichens which certify the air quality. We’ll also discover how water is collected from the area and distributed across the island.

We’ll descend into the laurel forest near La Caldera, a defunct volcanic fissure which has been turned into a recreational area. After a picnic lunch, we’ll then drive downhill and stop in the charming town of La Orotava where we explore the heritage and history of the buildings, churches and gardens.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

Monday 22nd February

Distance: 8.5km (5.2 miles)

Total Ascent: +325m (1,075ft)

Total Descent: -550m (1,800ft)

Travelling towards the northwest of Tenerife we’ll drive to the Teno Mountains and start our walk from the village of Erjos. The Teno Massif is one of three volcanic formations that make the island of Tenerife. We take a trail that passes near ponds where wildlife can be spotted, and the calls of the birds enjoyed. We will also catch the scent of the fragrant plants in Monte del Agua Laurel Forest. The Teno Mountains are steeped in ancient traditions and offer great contrasts and diversity of landscape, climate and vegetation, from lush forests to deep canyons.

We continue along a wide, undulating mountain ridge which offers fantastic views over the fertile north El Palmar valley and into the deep ravines of the barrancos. We learn about lava dykes and the geological origins of the Canary Islands as we trek across one of the oldest areas of the island. The descent takes us to the picturesque Masca hamlets where we will stop for a refreshing drink before heading back to the hotel.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

Tuesday 23rd February

Today is at your leisure for you to either enjoy a day by the pool, head to the coast or explore the local town of Puerto de la Cruz. The town’s seafront promenade is a wonderful place to enjoy the fresh air, while its sandy beaches are perfect for soaking up some winter sun.

You might choose to visit the local botanical gardens, parks or piazzas and be sure to find a typical Canarian restaurant, or guachinche, to try some of the delectable local food and wine.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

Wednesday 24th February

Distance: 8.7km (5.4 miles)

Total Ascent: +525m (1,725ft)

Total Descent: -225m (750ft)

Today, Teide National Park awaits us. Situated in the centre of the island, it is the oldest and largest of four national parks in the Canary Islands, and the home of Mount Teide (3,715m), an active volcano and Spain’s highest mountain.

We’ll set off from the El Portillo visitor centre and journey into the island’s volcanic landscape, feeling the light and porous pumice stone crunch underfoot as we explore this extraordinary terrain. We’ll walk inside Mount Teide’s Caldera, a paradise for geology lovers, and learn about the aboriginal Guanche people’s use of this region, including expeditions to the top of Mount Teide over the last centuries. We’ll explore the rest of the National Park by bus, enjoying magnificent panoramic views of the three-million-year-old lava flows, ancient rocks, volcanic cones and, of course, the impressive Mount Teide itself.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

Thursday 25th February

Distance: 9.0km (5.6 miles)

Total Ascent: +425m (1,400ft)

Total Descent: -750m (2,450ft)

On our last day of walking, we head to the Anaga Mountains, in the northeast of the island. This protected area is home to one of the most varied native wildlife in Europe, but also to many villages and inhabitants. Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we’ll learn about the importance of sustainability in this rich but fragile environment.

From Cruz del Carmen, we descend through the laurel forest until Chinamada, a hamlet known for its old dwelling caves and where we’ll stop for lunch.

After the walk, we’ll visit the old town and former capital of the island, La Laguna, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will end our day with a visit to a local bodega where we will have the opportunity to sample (and maybe take away!) some local wines.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

Friday 26th February

After breakfast and a leisurely morning, we’ll return to the airport for our flight home.

Breakfast included.

Fitness, Walking Ability & Footwear: Please note a reasonable level of fitness is required for this trip as, although distances are relatively short (longest walk 5.6miles), there are some lengthy ascents and descents.  Hill walking experience would be advantageous, or a willingness to acquire some before you travel. Paths will generally be good, but will, on some days, be rough and rocky underfoot and proper, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or boots will be required (not trainers or sandals). 

In the interests of your safety and the rest of the group’s enjoyment if, at any time, the tour manager or walking guide feels that you are not suited to a walk or are not able to complete a walk for any reason, they may, at their discretion, request you to stay behind or return to the hotel (this includes wearing unsuitable footwear). 

Visa Requirements: If you are travelling on a full British citizen passport, you can enter Spain without a visa for tourism visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This allowance applies across the entire Schengen Area, not just Spain. If you hold a passport from another country, please check the visa requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling.

Passport Validity: Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter Spain and must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.