Hiking in the Canaries: routes through Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are very well explored on foot, and each island has its own character on the terrain. In Tenerife, the Teide National Park hosts an Official Network of Trails with 41 itineraries. Here you have routes through several islands, with everything you need to know before lacing up your boots.

Punta de Teno: coastal hiking in the Teno Massif

Punta de Teno occupies the end of the Teno Massif, one of the first formations of Tenerife. The route is in Buenavista del Norte, on the TF-445, and Picuco organises Moderate coastal hiking in Punta de Teno, Tenerife there. Keep a key rule in mind before organising your day: you cannot travel on the TF-445 road to Punta de Teno by private car, on foot, or by bicycle, any day of the week. You can get there by bus 369 from the Buenavista del Norte station (about 20 minutes, 1 € per trip) or by taxi.

Anaga Rural Park: laurel forest in the Biosphere Reserve

The Anaga Massif, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, holds one of the most spectacular forests in Spain. Its official name is Anaga Rural Park, a designation that recognises both its natural values and the historical presence of communities that have lived and worked in this territory. The area covers 14,266.11 hectares, so there is plenty of room to choose the section that best fits your fitness level. Picuco organises the Guided hiking route in Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife so you can get to know it at a relaxed pace.

Teide National Park: 41 official trails in the centre of Tenerife

Teide occupies the central part of the island of Tenerife and offers 41 official itineraries for walking through the park. If you are travelling with someone with reduced mobility, there is an Accessible Trails Network (SA PMR - PNT) of 7 trails. For those who want to sleep at the top, the Directorate authorises overnight stays under bivouac conditions in four designated areas. Picuco organises the Cable car and hiking to Teide Peak in La Orotava to go up with accompaniment.

Roque Nublo: natural monument and symbol of the Canary Islands

Roque Nublo is a Natural Monument and one of the most representative symbols of the Canary Islands. Walking to it places you in front of a formation that appears in a thousand postcards, but which is even better when you see it up close. Picuco organises Guided hiking to Roque Nublo in Gran Canaria so that the route doesn't just end in a photo.

Barranco de los Cernícalos: waterfalls and laurel forest in Gran Canaria

Barranco de los Cernícalos is explored among waterfalls and Canarian laurel forest, with water running continuously throughout the year. Here lies one of the largest forests of Canarian willow in the archipelago, so the walk has its own shade and humidity. To park, the easiest thing is to put "Merenderos Barranco de los Cernícalos" into your GPS: you will arrive at an area with tables and benches where you can leave the car before starting the trail. Picuco organises Guided hiking in Barranco de los Cernícalos, Gran Canaria.

Garajonay National Park: Tertiary laurisilva in La Gomera

Garajonay preserves an intense green laurisilva forest that has survived since the Tertiary Era. The park extends over more than 10% of the surface area of the island of La Gomera and totals 39.5 km². Camping and bivouacking are not permitted inside, and it is advisable to walk along the established paths. Picuco organises Guided hiking in Garajonay National Park, La Gomera to explore it following clear rules.

Caldera Blanca: volcanic crater of more than one kilometre in Tinajo

Caldera Blanca is a volcano with a crater more than one kilometre in diameter, in the municipality of Tinajo, in Las Palmas. It is an islet (kipuka): a territory older than the material surrounding it, in this case surrounded by 18th-century lava flows. The circular route starts from Mancha Blanca and the volcano reaches an altitude of 459.54 m. Picuco organises the Guided volcanic route through Caldera Blanca in Lanzarote to step into the crater with context.

Rules on the Garajonay paths and permits in Teide

In Garajonay National Park, there are two rules you should keep in mind: do not litter and do not make loud noises or use devices at high volume. These are simple gestures that keep the forest in good condition for those who come after you. In Teide, on the other hand, what you must check are the permits: some paths require authorisation for access, and the information is in the file for each path, in the "Permits" section.