The Anaga Mountains allow visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s impressive flora and fauna. The island’s unique climate provides ideal conditions for rare plants and animals. This protected area demonstrates that the island has something to offer everyone. The mountains are among the greenest spots on the island and never fail to amaze visitors.
Travel Guide: The Anaga Mountains on Tenerife
The Anaga Mountains are often described as the ‚Hawaii of Europe‘, partly due to their impressive rocky cliffs. A visit to the region is like stepping into another world. The lush greenery makes everything shine with a unique radiance.
The panoramic view over the green Anaga Valley
If you want to explore Anaga in a day, you should start at the Mirador de Jardína. There are several ways to reach the starting point: by car, by bus or, for those who prefer a walk, on foot. Even as you climb the first few metres on foot, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping into a jungle. You’ll find every shade of green imaginable, as well as eucalyptus trees and a variety of colourful flowers such as the red delphinium and the Inca lily.
The butterflies, such as the Cleopatra butterfly with its bright yellow and green colours, are faithful companions on the climb. They reflect the lightness of nature. The climb is rewarded with a panoramic view across the valley. On one side lie a mountain range and the sea, whilst on the other, the view stretches far across the countryside. In good weather, you can even see Mount Teide in the distance.
Anyone feeling the urge to go for a walk can head from there to the next viewpoint. However, the climb up to the Mirador Cruz del Carmen should not be underestimated. There is also a bus stop and visitor car parks there.
Anaga Mountains: A mountain terrace in the laurel forest
The Mirador Cruz del Carmen is also home to the visitor centre and a restaurant. Those who choose the walking route set off through the mystical laurel forests. Seeing these gnarled trees and the play of light and shadow cast by the sun onto the forest floor, it quickly becomes clear how fairy tales and stories of fantasy come to be.
After this steep path, the next breathtaking spot awaits: at the Mirador Cruz del Carmen, visitors stand on a terrace that reveals the panorama in all its glory. This scenery can also be experienced in reverse, as those travelling by bus or car will first see the view and then make their way into the magical laurel forest. There are various paths to choose from there.
The next destination is Taganana. The quickest way to get there is by car via the TF-12. Those who prefer to take the bus have two options. Take the number 076 to Casa Forestal and walk for 50 minutes from there, or return to Santa Cruz and take the number 946 to Taganana from there. Hiking enthusiasts can also walk the entire route. The distance is around eight kilometres.
Taganana, an idyllic mountain village on the coast
Taganana shows the Anaga Mountains from a completely different angle. Here, the breathtaking natural scenery is clearly the main attraction. The small, sleepy village lies on the coast, nestled within the mountain range. The sea is always within sight and you can smell the salt in the air. Fascinating dragon trees and palm trees line the streets, whilst the mountain peaks watch over everything protectively.
A walking trail starting in the town centre stretches along the coast. A different natural spectacle awaits round every bend. A green oasis that gives visitors the feeling of being in a jungle or on a desert island, dotted with rocks jutting out of the water and sheer cliffs plunging into the turquoise-blue sea. Typical Canary Islands lizards hide in the bushes, watching every step warily. Plants of all kinds are in full bloom along the path. Bees and dragonflies accompany walkers on their way.
The history of the Anaga Mountains on Tenerife
In Anaga, the Church and its followers took over a great deal of land in the 15th century following the Spanish conquest. For many centuries, agriculture was the main source of livelihood for the inhabitants of Taganana.
The mountain slopes, which stretched like terraces from the peaks down to the coast, provided a large area for cultivation. The main crops grown were cereals, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugar cane and vegetables. As viticulture became increasingly important, it gradually replaced these earlier crops. To this day, the terraced slopes characterise the Taganana region.
Playa Benijo: Tenerife’s most beautiful sunsets
If you’d like to see one of the island’s wildest beaches, you can take the 946 bus or drive on to Playa de Benijo. This black sand beach lies at the foot of the mountains. There, gigantic rocks rise out of the water and, at sunset, everything is bathed in golden light, giving the whole scene a particularly warm atmosphere. For the return journey, you can take bus route 946, which goes back to Santa Cruz. However, Playa de Benijo is regularly closed, as storms can cause the slopes to slide and the sea to completely flood the beach. A closure poses a risk to life and should be taken seriously.
The Anaga Mountains are a place full of surprises. Something new and marvellous awaits round every corner. The diverse natural landscape and flora are unique, and the scenery makes almost every spot in the mountains beautiful.
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