Hiking Tenerife for beginners: 5 trails

Tenerife offers hikes accessible even to those who have never worn walking shoes. These five routes only require good sports shoes, water and a little preparation.

1. Barranco del Infierno (Adeje) — the most popular trail in the south

Reservation required on barrancodelinfierno.es (quota of 300 people/day). The trail is approximately 6.5 km round trip, 3 to 4 hours, moderate elevation gain of approximately 400 m.

• Difficulty: 2/5
• Parking: departing from Adeje (paying, around €2)
• Entrance: approximately €15 per person
• Arrival point: hidden waterfall in the gorge
• Best period: spring or autumn

2. Masca — spectacular descent with return by boat

Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours of descent, elevation 600-700 m. Shoes with good grip are essential: the descent is steep in places.

• Difficulty: 3/5
• Access: TITSA bus 355 mandatory from Santiago del Teide (private vehicles forbidden for the trail)
• Return: boat from the beach to Los Gigantes (check times in advance, around €25)
• Note: mandatory permit (~€41) on caminobarrancodemasca.com, trail open Wednesday to Saturday only — book well in advance, not a same-day outing

3. La Caleta-El Puertito coastal path — almost flat, ocean views

Ideal as a first hike, this trail in the south runs along the coast with little elevation gain.

• Distance: 4 to 7 km depending on the section
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours
• Difficulty: 1/5
• Parking: in La Caleta (free during the week)
• Best time: early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat

4. Anaga from Las Carboneras — laurisilva forest

Several short loops cross the laurisilva forest (primary forest classified by UNESCO). Shaded and cool, ideal even in summer.

• Distance: 2 to 4 km depending on the circuit chosen
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Difficulty: 2/5
• Parking: in the village of Las Carboneras (free)
• Special feature: mystical atmosphere, clouds often clinging to the ridges

5. Roques de García (Teide) — the easiest with the best views

An easy loop at the foot of Teide, without the need for a permit or cable car.

• Distance: 3.5 km
• Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Difficulty: 1/5
• Parking: free at the Roques de García site
• Important: bring a jacket; it can be cool at altitude even in summer. Sunscreen essential, UV radiation is strong at 2,200 m.

What to put in your bag for a hike in Tenerife?

• 1.5 liters of water per person minimum (often no water point on the trails)
• Sunscreen, hat and glasses
• Hiking shoes or sneakers with lug soles
• Energy snack and light jacket (wind possible on Teide)
• Phone loaded with offline maps app (Komoot or Maps.me)

Always choose spring or fall to avoid summer heat or winter rains. Check conditions on site and follow trail preservation rules.

To plan your stay around hiking, use our personalized agenda and consult the detailed sheets in the Discover section. If your hike ends at the seaside, check the weather and swimming conditions before diving.