Anaga
The Anaga Rural Park, situated in the north-eastern corner of Tenerife, is a natural treasure that looks as though it has come straight out of a fairy tale. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015, this 14,500-hectare park combines lush laurel forests, rugged cliffs, wild black-sand beaches and picturesque hamlets
Its main features:
- Geological age: It is one of the oldest areas in Tenerife, with formations dating back between 7 and 9 million years.
- Laurisilva forest: Its humid peaks are home to one of the best-preserved laurisilva (monteverde) forests in the world, a remnant of the Tertiary period.
- Biodiversity: It stands out for its vast number of endemic species of flora and fauna.
- Traditional hamlets: Nestled in its ravines and on its slopes are small farming villages that blend seamlessly into the landscape, such as Taganana and Afur.
Places of interest
- Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre: The main information point and starting point for walking routes.
- Trails through the mist: Paths surrounded by centuries-old trees and moss.
- Wild beaches: Coves of black volcanic sand on the north coast, such as Benijo Beach.
What to see in Anaga in 1 day if you want to see it all
- Jardina Viewpoint (TF-12 road)
- Cruz del Carmen Viewpoint (TF-12 road)
- Pico del Inglés viewpoint (TF-114 road)
- Roque Mogote viewpoint (TF-134 road)
- Sendero de los Sentidos, a sensory walk through the laurel forest
- Taganana
- Roque de las Bodegas
That’s if you want to make the most of a single day, but one of the best things about Anaga is that you can visit the nature reserve as often as you like, as it has plenty of walking routes and villages that you don’t necessarily have to revisit.
Its beaches, characterised by their black volcanic sand, strong waves and the rocks jutting out of the sea:
- Benijo Beach
- Almáciga Beach
- Taganana Coves
That said, it’s a good idea to take a rain jacket and a jumper with you, as you never know how the weather might turn in Anaga.
