What Anaga is
The Anaga Rural Park occupies the north-eastern tip of Tenerife. It is one of the oldest massifs on the island and one of the most important in terms of biodiversity in the Macaronesian region. Much of its territory is covered by laurisilva, a subtropical humid forest type that used to extend across southern Europe and northern Africa millions of years ago, and which today survives only in the Atlantic archipelagos.
It is a place of narrow ridges, deep ravines, small whitewashed villages and viewpoints over both the north and south coasts of the island. It is also a place that requires a little planning: the roads are winding, parking can be limited, and some trails require preparation.
Anaga from Santa Cruz: the connection
From Santa Cruz, Anaga is accessible without changing accommodation. The drive to the first viewpoints and access points of the park takes less than 30 minutes from the city centre, making it an excellent destination for a full day's excursion when you are based in the capital.
The usual access from Santa Cruz is via the Las Cañadas road towards Cruz del Carmen, which offers one of the most complete introductions to the park: a visitor information point, viewpoints over both coasts and access to several trails of varying difficulty.
Key points within the park
Cruz del Carmen
The main visitor information area for Anaga. Good starting point for many trails, with viewpoints over the north coast and access to the laurisilva forest.
Mirador Pico del Inglés
One of the most famous viewpoints in the park, with panoramic views over both coasts of the island on clear days. Easily accessible by road.
Chinamada
A small traditional village known for its cave dwellings, still inhabited. Accessible via a trail that crosses spectacular landscape.
Taganana and Almáciga
Villages on the north coast, at the foot of the Anaga massif. Accessible via one of the most dramatic roads on the island, with cliffs and sea views.
Roque de Taborno
A distinctive rocky peak visible from several points in the park. The village of Taborno, at its foot, is one of the most remote in Anaga.
Playa de Benijo
A wild, dark-sand beach at the northeastern tip of Anaga. Reached via a path from Almáciga. Not suitable for swimming on days with swell.
How to organise a day in Anaga from Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz city centreStarting point
- Cruz del CarmenVisitor information, first viewpoints, start of forest trails
- Mirador Pico del InglésPanoramic views over north and south coasts
- Taganana / AlmácigaVillage on the north coast, descent to Playa de Benijo (optional)
- Return to Santa CruzVia the same road or the southern route (different landscape)
A DIFFERENT TENERIFE
Forest and ravines in the same day as the city
One of the things that surprises most people who stay in Santa Cruz is how quickly the urban landscape gives way to something completely different. Anaga is the most vivid example: ancient forest, traditional villages and coastal cliffs, all within reach for a day trip from the capital.
Continue exploring from Santa Cruz
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