Tenerife is a paradise for nature and hiking lovers, and many people from around the world travel here to enjoy our natural areas and unique landscapes.
Some of the most spectacular trails on the island are located in protected areas and require prior reservation or have regulated access to ensure their conservation and the safety of visitors.
If you’re planning to travel to Tenerife in the coming months and your plans include climbing Mount Teide, descending the Masca Gorge, walking among giant ferns in El Pijaral, exploring the Barranco del Infierno, or visiting Punta de Teno, keep reading. You’ll find all the information you need to request the necessary permits before your arrival so you can explore some of the island’s most incredible corners.
Plan a little — and enjoy a lot more!
Tenerife, an island we all need to take care of together
The island of Tenerife has a network of protected natural areas that include a national park, rural parks, integral nature reserves, and protected landscapes. These areas stand out not only for their scenic beauty but also for their high ecological, geological, and cultural value. They are home to endemic species of the Canary Islands and preserve habitats that have remained almost unchanged for centuries.
In total, approximately 48.6% of Tenerife’s surface is protected under some form of legal status, which amounts to more than 988 km² of natural territory. The island is home to 43 of the 146 protected areas in the archipelago, making it the island with the highest number of protected zones.
At Hotel La Quinta Roja, we always encourage our guests to explore the island. But we invite them to do so in a sustainable, respectful, and environmentally responsible way. We believe Tenerife is a unique and fascinating island, and that only by caring for and respecting it together — both residents and visitors — can we preserve this valuable legacy for future generations.
Below, you’ll find some of the most iconic trails you can visit with prior reservation or by following certain regulations:
Trails That Require Prior Permits
Ascent to Mount Teide – Trail No. 10 (Telesforo Bravo)
If you’re planning to reach the summit of Mount Teide (3,715 m), the highest peak in Spain, keep in mind that you must request a permit in advance and be in good physical condition. The ascent is very demanding due to the altitude and high-mountain climate.
Once you have your permit, you can reach La Rambleta (3,555 m) — the starting point of the Telesforo Bravo trail — either on foot from the base of the mountain or comfortably by cable car while enjoying the views.
Location: Teide National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
How to get there
Distance: 650 m
Elevation gain: 160 m
Difficulty: High
Estimated time: 40–60 minutes
Advance booking: reservasparquesnacionales.es
What You’ll Find:
You’ll witness a landscape from another world, with lava flows, fumaroles, absolute silence, and breathtaking views. At the summit, the smell of sulfur and the warmth of the ground will remind you that you’re standing on a dormant but active volcano.
After the physical effort, your reward will be stunning views of the National Park and, on clear days, of other Canary Islands. If you’re lucky, you might even see them all.
Permit Requirements:
Access is restricted between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Reservations must be made weeks or even months in advance due to high demand, although you may book up until 2:00 p.m. the day before your visit if availability allows.
The permit is valid for a specific date and time slot. You must bring your ID or passport along with the reservation confirmation. As of 2024, it is also mandatory to wear hiking boots, carry enough water, thermal clothing, a thermal blanket, and a fully charged mobile phone.
Warning:
The ascent is not recommended for people with lung or respiratory problems, heart conditions, or high blood pressure.
If You Don’t Get a Permit:
Once you reach La Rambleta, you can freely explore the trails leading to the viewpoints of Pico Viejo and La Fortaleza, which offer excellent views of Las Cañadas, Tenerife, and other islands.
El Pijaral Trail – Anaga, the Enchanted Forest
In the Anaga Rural Park, you’ll find this magical trail that takes you through one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the Canary Islands. Known as “The Enchanted Forest,” access is limited to only 45 people per day. So if you plan to visit, you’ll need to make a reservation 16 days in advance. If you don’t manage to book, there’s another chance as every Monday at 7:00 am (local time), the available spots for the week are released. Accessing this trail without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Location: Anaga Rural Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)
Distance: 6.8 km (circular)
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated duration: 3-4 hours
Advance reservation: https://www.tenerifeon.es/itinerarios/sendero/pra-72-la-ensillada-cabezo-del-tejo
What You’ll Find:
You’ll enter a humid forest shrouded in constant mist, covered in mosses and giant ferns, where silence and a fairytale atmosphere reign. A place frozen in time since the Tertiary period. This area is ideal for those seeking an immersive experience in Tenerife’s purest and most ancient nature.
Permit Requirements:
The reservation is free and can be made up to 16 days in advance. It must be carried either printed or in digital format, along with your ID or passport. You can book for up to 5 people per request.
If You Don’t Get a Permit:
Don’t miss the chance to explore Anaga. You can hike the Bosque de los Enigmas or the Pista de Las Hiedras trail, which don’t require a permit, and still enjoy this unique ecosystem.
Barranco del Infierno – Living Nature in Southern Tenerife
Located in Adeje, in the south of the island, this trail takes you through a spectacular ravine to a 200-meter waterfall.
Location: Protected Natural Area of Barranco del Infierno
Distance: 6.5 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated duration: 3.5 hours
Opening hours:
Summer (June 1 to September 15): Entry from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Park closes at 2:00 p.m.
Winter (September 16 to May 31): Entry from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Park closes at 2:30 p.m.
Visitor limit: 300 people per day (20 people every 30 minutes)
Advance booking: barrancodelinfierno.es
What You’ll Find:
Along the way, you’ll discover native flora, birds, volcanic rock walls, and Guanche archaeological remains. The sound of water will accompany you all the way to an impressive waterfall — one of the few permanent waterfalls on the island.
Permit Requirements:
A reservation is mandatory and includes a fee. It also includes a safety helmet, which must be worn. Children under 5 are not allowed. Access is regulated with staggered entry times. You must follow the marked route, wear proper footwear, and comply with all safety regulations.
Masca Gorge – Adventure Among Cliffs
From the hamlet of Masca, in the Teno Rural Park, a trail descends between volcanic walls all the way to a hidden beach.
Location: Teno Rural Park
Distance: 5 km (descent only)
Elevation loss: 750 m
Difficulty: High
Estimated duration: 4 hours
Advance booking: caminobarrancodemasca.com
What You’ll Find:
You’ll descend through the gorge along a wild and rugged landscape that will leave you in awe. At the end, you’ll arrive at a secluded cove with crystal-clear waters, where a boat will take you to Los Gigantes. This is the perfect plan for those seeking adventure and complete disconnection in nature.
Keep in mind that the starting point and endpoint are not the same, so we recommend arriving in Masca by public transport. The boat will drop you off at the Port of Los Gigantes.
Permit Requirements:
Advance booking is mandatory, and you must have a boat ticket to leave from the beach (returning on foot via the trail is not allowed). Links to the boat companies are available on the official website.
Prices vary depending on residency status. The permit is for a specific day and time and is non-transferable. Good physical condition is required, along with closed hiking boots, water, a charged mobile phone, and ID. There are control points before the trail begins. A helmet is provided at the start and must be returned at the end.
Places with Restricted Access
Punta de Teno – A Remote Corner with Controlled Access
Punta de Teno is one of those magical corners of Isla Baja, where you’ll find spectacular views, a highly photogenic lighthouse, and peaceful moments by the sea.
Location: Teno Rural Park
Restricted car access: from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Alternatives: TITSA bus line 369 or taxi from Buenavista del Norte
What You’ll Find:
A picture-perfect spot with striking rock formations, the open ocean, a solitary lighthouse, and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and connect with the island’s wildest nature.
Access Requirements:
No reservation is needed, but private vehicles are not allowed during restricted hours. It’s recommended to check the weather forecast before your visit, as the road may be closed in case of bad weather.
Prefer to go with a guide? We’re here to help you.
If you’d rather enjoy these routes with the peace of mind that comes from being accompanied by expert guides — and without having to worry about handling permits — we can help organize it for you. At La Quinta Roja, we work with several local active tourism companies that offer guided excursions to many of these trails, as well as other nature activities. You can browse and book experiences before your arrival through this link.
If you’d like personalized recommendations or help planning your trip, the reception team at La Quinta Roja will be delighted to assist you with everything you need to make the most of your stay in Tenerife.