Tenerife South to North Walking Tour

Tenerife South to North Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Welcome to the beautiful Spanish island of Tenerife, the largest of Spain's beautiful Canary Islands! Arrive at the airport, where you'll take a private transfer to your start point at Vilaflor.

Vilaflor is the highest village on the island of Tenerife, towering 1414m (4639 ft) above sea level and located on the Teide National Park's southern side.

Legend has it that a Spanish conqueror encountered a beautiful native girl upon his arrival in the indigenous town. He recounted the tale of this encounter with the phrase "Vi la flor" (I saw the flower), which led to the town's current name.

Soak up the captivating beauty of this quaint mountain village, enjoying your first evening in beautiful Tenerife.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vilaflor
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Walk the Camino de Chasna

You’ll travel north to the trailhead this morning to embark on a portion of the five century old Camino de Chasna trade trail.

Best described as a volcanic lunar landscape, the setting of today’s walk will take you alongside remarkable limestone chimneys that tower spectacularly over the trail. Formed by erosion over centuries, these rare rock formations are not only fascinating but almost dreamlike.

The trail will lead you back to the center of Vilaflor, where you’ll enjoy your second evening in this scenic mountain village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vilaflor
Distance: 5.5 hours, 14 km, 475m of ascent, 675m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Explore Teide National Park

This morning, a private transfer will take you to the Cañadas del Teide, an 18 km wide ancient crater that is the remarkable result of the island's first volcanic eruptions. Making your way to the edge of the crater, you'll be met with sensational views of El Teide, Spain's highest mountain, towering 3718m (12,198 ft) above.

Ascending El Teide in a cable car, you'll reach an altitude of 3200m (10,498 ft) before disembarking the cable car to walk to the vista point of Spain's second highest volcanic peak, Pico Viejo. A special permit can be requested via the Teide National Park website which will allow you to extend the walk 1.5 km past the vista point of Pico Viejo and onto the summit of the Pico Tiede. This extension is worthwhile on clear days when views of the other Canary Islands from the summit are possible.

Following your descent of Mount Tiede via cable car, continue your walk another 5 km towards the Parador de la Cañadas, a mountain lodge nestled amidst stunning volcanic mountain scenery and the location of tonight's idyllic accommodations.

Spend your afternoon exploring the picturesque landscapes surrounding the mountain lodge, making sure to visit the fascinating rock formations at the Roques de Garcia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cañadas del Teide
Distance: Mount Tiede: 1 hour, 3 km, 100m of ascent, 100m of descent
Walk to accommodations: 1.5 hours, 5 km, 20m of ascent, 250m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Ascend Montaña Guajara

Today, embark on a thrilling ascent to Montaña Guajara (2730m, 8956 ft), Tenerife's second-highest peak.

Reaching the dormant volcano's summit, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the Cañadas del Teide crater and southern Tenerife. Fill your lungs with the fresh mountain air before your descent of Montaña Guajara.

Returning by foot to the Parador, spend your evening relaxing at the hotel’s refreshing outdoor pool, or treat your tired legs to a visit to the sauna.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cañadas del Teide
Distance: 5.5 hours, 14 km, 500m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 From Volcan Chinyero to the sea

A relatively easy walk, as it is mostly downhill, from the feet of Chinyero Volcano to the seaside village fo Garachico. If you think it is much descent, don't worry! You can ask your taxi driver to drop you off at la Montañeta instead saving thus half of the distance and much descent. At the end of the walk you arrive in your charming hotel in the old town of Garachico. This quaint and beautiful historical town was the capital of Tenerife before its was damaged by a lava stream in the important eruption of Volcán Trevejo in 1706. Don´t miss swimming at the natural swimming pools near the harbor!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Garachico
Distance: 6 hours, 7.5-16 km, 1600m of ascent, 600m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Discover El Palmar, Teno Alto, and Punto Teno

This morning a short private transfer will take you to the small village of El Palmar located on the island’s sparsely populated western region.

Open woodlands and cultivated plots line your path as you ascend first to a viewpoint and further along the banks of a steep ravine to the small village of Teno Alto.

Continuing along a high plateau, take in the sights of the enormous euphorbia plants that line the trail as you make your way to the rocky headland of Punta Teno. The town, known for its famous candy cane-coloured lighthouse, boasts spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the neighbouring island of La Gomera.

A circular hiking route from Las Portelas is a great alternative for today if it’s too hot or windy. The alternative route offers more shade but boasts equally good views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Garachico
Distance: Standard route: 3.5 hours-5 hours, 8-15km, 400m of ascent, 500m of descent
Alternative route: 3 hours-3.5 hours, 9-10.5 km, 525m of ascent, 650 of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Explore Anaga Natural Park

Today's walk will take you through the laurisilva woods of the Anaga Natural Park that make up Tenerife's remarkable rainforest ecosystem. A stark departure from some other areas of the island you've already discovered, today's walk will be among a unique landscape of rich green vegetation, sweeping ravines, and dominating cliffs.

Hikers will choose between two options for today's walk through the rainforest. Option 1 entails a shorter but steeper route, and option 2 entails a more prolonged but flatter route.

In the afternoon, once you've reached the end of your walk in Anaga Natural Park, a taxi transfer will take you to your hotel in San Cristobal de la Laguna.

Spend your afternoon exploring this fascinating historic town on the north end of the island, founded over 500 years ago and today named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A great place to begin your adventure here is within the old town, known for its beautifully coloured homes and ancient churches and cathedrals. Choose from the vast array of authentic shops and restaurants that line the streets of the old town, savouring one final dinner this evening before saying "adiós" to the beautiful island of Tenerife tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Cristobal de la Laguna
Distance: Option 1: 4 hours, 10 km, 650m of ascent, 650m of descent
Option 2: 4.5 hours, 12 km, 400m of ascent, 400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

This morning following breakfast, a transfer will take you to the Tenerife South Airport to depart. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast