Explore the Anaga Rural Park

Cécile Barrès
Aug 24
1 min read

Updated: Aug 29

The Anaga Rural Park lies in the northeast of Tenerife, just a few kilometers from Santa Cruz and La Laguna and one hour far from my guesthouse Un Jardin al Mar by car.

It is a spectacular mountainous region shaped by erosion, with sharp ridges, deep valleys, and remote hamlets. In 2015, it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its outstanding ecological and cultural value.

The park is particularly famous for its vegetation. Anaga is home to one of the largest areas of laurel forest (laurisilva) in the Canary Islands, a humid subtropical ecosystem dating back millions of years. Here, ferns, laurels, and many endemic species thrive thanks to the trade winds and the frequent mist.

Anaga is a paradise for hiking:

The trail from Cruz del Carmen to Chinamada, with breathtaking views over the ravines.
The path leading down to the coastal village of Taganana, known for its wild beaches.
Easy circuits around Cruz del Carmen visitors centre, perfect for families.

Beyond nature, Anaga preserves a strong rural identity, with cave houses, traditional farming, and small villages where time seems to stand still. Visitors can also enjoy local food in authentic taverns.

The Anaga Rural Park is truly one of Tenerife’s natural treasures, where spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural authenticity come together.