Anaga Rural Park
Anaga Rural Park: A mystical UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with ancient laurel forests, dramatic peaks, and wild coastlines.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fairytale atmosphere
Anaga Rural Park
Best Time
Fairytale atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Anaga Rural Park: A mystical UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with ancient laurel forests, dramatic peaks, and wild coastlines.
"This is the most majestic place you'll ever visit. Definitely coming back."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Winding Roads
Roads are narrow and winding. Take your time and enjoy the stunning views. :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet. Comfort is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanting Laurel Forests
Step into a mystical, mist-laden world of ancient laurel trees and vibrant greenery. A true fairytale escape.

Playa del Roque de las Bodegas
Dramatic black sand beach framed by towering rock formations. Perfect for stunning photos and a wild coastal experience.

Panoramic Viewpoints (Miradores)
Breathtaking vistas of jagged peaks, deep ravines, and the vast ocean. Pull over at designated viewpoints for unforgettable scenery.

Traditional Rural Villages
Discover charming, ancient settlements nestled on mountain ridges, offering a glimpse into traditional Canarian life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mist: Timing is Key
Trail Preparedness is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Winding Roads
Roads are narrow and winding. Take your time and enjoy the stunning views. :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet. Comfort is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. There are limited facilities once you're on the trails. :droplet:
☁️ Embrace the Mist
The mist is part of Anaga's magic! It creates a unique, ethereal atmosphere. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Winding Roads
Roads are narrow and winding. Take your time and enjoy the stunning views. :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet. Comfort is key for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. There are limited facilities once you're on the trails. :droplet:
☁️ Embrace the Mist
The mist is part of Anaga's magic! It creates a unique, ethereal atmosphere. :cloud:
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
Popular spots, especially viewpoints and trailheads, fill up quickly. Aim to arrive before 9:30 AM. :parking:
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Having offline maps is crucial for navigation. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Anaga Rural Park for its breathtaking, almost magical landscapes, particularly its ancient laurel forests and dramatic coastal views. Many highlight the unique atmosphere created by the mist and the rewarding hiking trails. While the winding roads can be challenging, the overall experience is described as unforgettable and a must-visit for nature lovers.
"This is the most majestic place you'll ever visit. Please make time and go to this beautiful place if you're ever up north.
Words cannot describe the enchantment walking along the many trails. Definitely coming back to visit"
J W
"Beautiful place to visit for some hours. They have some great view points (miradors). You do not pay entrance fee and it is easy to reach by car or bus 273, 274, 275, 077 and 076. Exit at station Cruz Del Carmen or Los Batanes. There is a restaurant to buy some drinks or food in case you are thirsty or hungry."
Sander
"I visited Aug 11, 2025 and all the trails were unfortunately closed by the parking lot. Instead I just visited the several view points in the area. Still very breathtaking but wish something was posted online. I suggest arriving before 9:30 if you want parking as it started to get a little busy after then"
Kenny Cleare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Anaga Rural Park from Tenerife South requires a car, as public transport is time-consuming. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, navigating winding mountain roads. Consider renting a car for flexibility.
Yes, you can reach Anaga Rural Park by bus. Routes like 273, 274, 275, 077, and 076 serve the area, with stops at Cruz del Carmen or Los Batanes. Be aware that bus travel can be slow and infrequent.
The roads in Anaga Rural Park are famously narrow, winding, and steep. While they offer spectacular views, they require careful driving and can be challenging for inexperienced drivers.
Parking is available at popular viewpoints and trailheads, but it can be limited, especially during peak times. Arriving early, before 9:30 AM, is recommended to secure a spot.
The best way to explore Anaga Rural Park is by car for flexibility, allowing you to stop at various viewpoints and trailheads. Hiking is also highly recommended to experience the unique laurel forests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to Anaga Rural Park. It is a protected natural area accessible to the public without admission charges.
While general access is free, certain specific areas or activities within Anaga Rural Park might require permits, especially for conservation purposes. It's always best to check the official park website for any updates.
Anaga Rural Park is an open natural space and does not have set opening or closing hours. However, visitor centers or specific facilities within the park may have their own operating times.
While the park itself is accessible, visiting at night is not generally recommended due to safety concerns on the winding roads and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for exploration.
During certain periods, especially after heavy rain or for conservation efforts, some trails or areas within Anaga Rural Park may be temporarily closed. It's advisable to check local advisories before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) for an easy, interpretive walk, and the hike to Roque de Taborno for more challenging terrain and stunning views. Many visitors enjoy a 5-kilometer classic route.
Anaga is famous for its ancient laurel forests (laurisilva), a unique ecosystem with a high diversity of rare plant species. You'll also find dramatic ravines, jagged peaks, and a lush, rainforest-like climate.
Yes, the Sendero de los Sentidos is a great option for families with children, offering an educational and accessible walk. Many other trails are suitable for families with appropriate supervision.
Mirador de las Breñas and Mirador de los 500 are highly recommended for their spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and coastline.
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes, as trails can be uneven and slippery. Layers are recommended as the weather can change quickly, and bring a waterproof jacket as mist and rain are common.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant located at Cruz del Carmen, offering drinks and food. It's a convenient spot to refuel after exploring the park.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas. However, always ensure you pack out all your trash to help preserve the natural beauty of the park.
Near Anaga Rural Park, you can find traditional Canarian cuisine in local villages. Expect dishes featuring fresh seafood, goat meat, and local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic black sand beaches like Playa del Roque de las Bodegas, the misty laurel forests, and the panoramic viewpoints offer incredible photographic opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with the mist often adding a magical, ethereal quality to the landscapes.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or drone usage, you may need to obtain specific permissions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the Cruz del Carmen visitor center for information and facilities. The dramatic landscapes, from misty forests to black sand beaches, are sure to captivate young imaginations. The park's unique environment provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with nature and learn about different ecosystems.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Popular routes include the hike to Roque de Taborno for panoramic views and the aforementioned Sendero de los Sentidos. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, bring sufficient water, and check trail conditions, as some may be closed due to weather. The diverse flora and fauna make every hike a discovery.
🚗 Road Trippers and Scenic Drivers
Be prepared for challenging driving conditions – narrow, steep, and often foggy. It's best to drive during daylight hours and take your time to enjoy the journey. The drive itself is a significant part of the Anaga experience, revealing its dramatic beauty at every turn.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystical Laurel Forests
Many visitors describe the experience as stepping into a fairytale or a magical realm. The Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) is a popular, accessible trail designed to engage all your senses, making it perfect for families and those seeking a gentle introduction to the forest's magic. Other trails offer more challenging hikes through the rugged terrain, rewarding explorers with stunning hidden vistas.
It's important to note that the climate in Anaga is a stark contrast to the drier south of Tenerife. This northern, rainforest-like environment is crucial for the survival of these rare plant species. The park's designation as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO highlights its ecological significance and the need for its preservation.
Navigating the Winding Roads and Coastal Beauty
While the views are spectacular, drivers should be prepared for narrow, steep, and winding routes. It's advisable to drive cautiously, take your time, and be mindful of other vehicles. Popular viewpoints, or 'miradores,' are strategically located along these roads, offering perfect spots to pull over and soak in the scenery.
Along the coast, you'll find dramatic black sand beaches like Playa del Roque de las Bodegas. These beaches are known for their wild beauty, with powerful waves and striking rock formations. They offer a different, yet equally captivating, perspective of Anaga's natural splendor.
Discovering Traditional Villages
While the park is primarily known for its natural beauty, these villages are integral to its identity. They represent a long history of human habitation in this challenging terrain. Visitors can experience the unique architecture and the peaceful atmosphere that characterizes these ancient hamlets.
Some of these villages are accessible via the park's road network, allowing for easy exploration. They serve as charming stops for those looking to understand the human element of this protected natural area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit