Tenerife for active travelers: a guide for those craving movement and views

Tenerife for active travelers: a guide for those craving movement and views

June 11, 2025

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is not just beaches and all-inclusive hotels. It is a true paradise for active travelers, adventurers and nature lovers. Whether you travel alone or in company, the island offers countless opportunities for active recreation and exploration. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through Tenerife's most beautiful hiking trails, where breathtaking views, unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences await you. Get ready to hike through lush laurel forests, lunar volcanic landscapes and picturesque coastlines. Discover with us why Tenerife is the perfect destination for solo travelers and singles looking for an active vacation in a safe and inspiring environment. It's time to hit the trail!

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Trails for everyone: From easy walks to challenging hikes

Tenerife offers hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Let's start with the easier trails, perfect for starting your adventure on the island.

Sendero de los Sentidos is a sensory path that delights with its variety and accessibility. Located in a picturesque laurel forest, it offers a short but intense journey through Tenerife's unique ecosystem. The route is well-marked and well-maintained, making it ideal for families with children or the elderly. A user with the nickname 'If you already manage to park somewhere, the walk along loop number 3 with kids (3 and 5 years old) quietly passable in athletic shoes' confirms its friendly nature.

For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, but still in safe conditions, we recommend the Water mountain trail. This trail, located mostly in an atmospheric laurel forest, offers a wide, paved trail without much elevation gain. As one hiker describes: 'An interesting trail, located mostly in a very atmospheric laurel forest, the place itself accessible without any restrictions, the fastest entrance from a nearby village located on the pass. This is an ideal option for solo travelers who want to enjoy nature in a safe environment.

For more experienced hikers, Hiking Trail PR-TF 65 offers a greater challenge. This route, starting in Santiago del Teide and ending in Puerto de Santiago, provides a variety of landscapes - from banana plantations to spectacular views of the ocean and Mount Teide. As one tourist describes: 'Highly recommended, the route starts at the junction with TF-47 and is marked with the PR-TF 65 trail in yellow and white. You pass through a section with banana crops and start climbing along a well-marked path. The views from the top are very beautiful.'

It's worth remembering that regardless of the route you choose, the weather can change quickly in Tenerife. Therefore, it is always a good idea to be prepared for different weather conditions. As one visitor to Sendero de los Sentidos advises, 'If you're going on a hike, dress warmly, because even when it's hot on the coast, it's cold and damp in the mountains.'

For those who prefer professional support while exploring the island, Tenerife Guided Walks offers organized tours with experienced guides. One participant describes his experience this way: 'I had a great time exploring all corners of Tenerife with Andy. A relaxed pace and caters to all abilities. The best way to see the beauty of the island without the stress of renting a car.'

The most beautiful views and unique landscapes of Tenerife

Tenerife is famous for its diverse landscapes, and its hiking trails take you through some of the most spectacular scenery on the island. In this section, we will focus on routes that offer unforgettable views and unique natural experiences.

One of the most impressive trails is the Siete Cañadas, located in the heart of Teide National Park. This trail offers a range of hiking options of varying length and difficulty, all surrounded by a lunar landscape at the base of the Teide volcano. As one hiker describes: 'A great walk on the plateau below the volcano. A series of fairly flat trails start from the botanical garden and cut through a desert-like but very evocative landscape. Various great views of Teide alternate.''

For those looking for a real challenge and breathtaking views, the Goat path to Boca Del Paso is an ideal choice. This route, though challenging, rewards hikers with spectacular panoramas. One hiker describes: 'An ideal route for sunsets. [...] Peaceful, challenging route: for the whole 1.5 hours to the summit you only go uphill all the time; but nothing extreme. Really beautiful.

No less impressive is the Boca del Paso trail, which offers extraordinary views of the Los Gigantes cliffs and surrounding valleys. As one hiker notes: 'Super trail, quite easy and safe. Possible options for a shorter or longer hike. [...] Amazing flora and fountains, as well as views of Adeja.

For nature lovers and those who want to experience Tenerife's unique ecosystem, Sendero Cuevas Negras - Los Silos is a must-see. This route takes you through a lush laurel forest, offering not only beautiful views, but also a fascinating lesson in botany. One tourist shares his impressions: 'The beginning of a beautiful trail enchanted with forest, if you go up towards Portales you will reach another forest greeted by clouds.'

If you are looking for something truly unique, the Roque path Taborno is a route that will not disappoint. It offers not only spectacular views, but also a thrill for those who are not afraid of heights. As one tourist describes: 'Breathtaking views. The trail is generally not particularly challenging but it is steep and rocky in places. [...] Due to the fact that in places the path is very narrow and you have a precipice next to you, I would not recommend with small children.

It's worth noting that all of these trails, while offering incredible views, require proper preparation. As one experienced hiker on the Siete Cañadas trail advises, 'Bring lots of water!' It's a piece of advice that works on every trail mentioned.

For those who prefer less demanding but equally scenic trails, La Vica offers an interesting alternative. As one hiker describes: 'Important! One of the few places for marchers in the heat, by road with a backpack, where you can hide in the shade.' This is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy Tenerife's nature in slightly milder conditions.

Practical tips for active travelers in Tenerife

When planning an active vacation in Tenerife, it's worth keeping in mind a few key aspects that will help you fully enjoy the charms of the island and its hiking trails. Here are a handful of practical tips and information that will be useful to any active traveler.

First, when heading out on the trails, it is always a good idea to be well prepared. As one hiker on Hiking Trail PR-TF 65 notes, 'Be prepared and carry plenty of water. Wear sturdy footwear.' It's advice that holds true on any trail in Tenerife. Weather conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations, so it's a good idea to carry appropriate clothing, including something warm and rainproof.

For solo travelers and singles, safety is key. Consider using the services of guides, such as Tenerife Guided Walks. As one participant describes: 'Andy is a brilliant company that is very knowledgeable about the geology and flora and fauna of Tenerife. [...] As a solo traveler, I really appreciate the care and attention that Lynne and Andy put into taking care of their clients. Organized tours are not only a guarantee of safety, but also an opportunity to meet other travelers and gain valuable knowledge about the island.

However, if you prefer to explore Tenerife on your own, be sure to plan your routes carefully. Trails such as Sendero Cuevas Negras - Los Silos or Roque path Taborno offer incredible views, but can be challenging. As one hiker advises: 'It's worth planning a little more time, however, as the paths are sometimes very steep and you need to plan some breaks accordingly.'

It's also worth remembering that some trails may be temporarily closed or require special permits. For example, as one hiker reports: 'The PR-TF 35 road is now officially closed due to trail burning and destruction.' Always check up-to-date information before setting out on a trail.

For those looking for less demanding but equally scenic routes, the Sendero de los Sentidos is a great option. As one hiker describes: 'A very short and easy trail. [...] There is a viewpoint available at the end.' This is the perfect place to start your Tenerife hiking adventure.

Remember, too, that Tenerife is not just about mountains. Trails like La Vica offer interesting alternatives to traditional mountain trails. As one hiker notes: 'Important! One of the few places for marchers in the heat, by road with a backpack, where you can hide in the shade.

Finally, whatever trail you choose, remember to respect the local wildlife and culture. As one hiker on the Water mountain trail reminds us: 'Enjoy the sound of silence and the magic of the resident flora and fauna, as well as the aromas, lights and shadows of hidden corners and surprising glades. [...] A place to be cared for and respected so that it continues to be a gift to everyone.

Tenerife is an island full of opportunities for active travelers. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting out, you'll find trails and views that will stay in your memory for a long time. Remember proper preparation, safety and respect for nature, and Tenerife will reward you with unforgettable experiences and views that will take your breath away.

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