dossier
Highlights of Tenerife Walk
HIGHLIGHTS OF TENERIFE | WHERE YOU STAY
Finca Salamanca AAAA
Güimar, Days 1+2+3
The Finca Salamanca is located just 1.5km from the town of Güimar, near to the east coast of Tenerife. It is located in the heart of a country estate that has been farmed for the last five generations by the Robayna Garcia family. With so much space the hotel buildings are pleasantly spread out, with the guest bedrooms beautifully presented. All have tile floors, attractive wooden farmhouse style furniture, sparkling bathrooms and pretty terraces with views of the mountains that catch the sun.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 1 Arrive in Tenerife
You arrive at Tenerife airport where you pick up your rental car for the short drive (40 mins) to your hotel.
Day 2 Chamorga and Roque Bermejo 10km/6mi/3.5hr or 11km/7mi/4hr
Descend from tiny Chamorga – a hill village lost in time – through dramatic Bermejo gorge. You’ll pass neat terraces, fig and orange trees before reaching tiny fisherman’s houses below the lighthouse at the northern tip of the island. An ascent leads to several spectacular picnic spots, before a fennel fringed path though lauresilva forest offers dramatic views of the north coast. A gentle descent finds you back in Chamorga, where you can relax with a drink in Bar Alvaro listening to the local gossip.
Day 3 Las Casas de Afur 6km/4mi/2hr or 13km/8mi/4.5hr
From the central ridge of the Anaga peninsula with ocean views to north and south, a descent on laurel forest hill paths dotted with pink pericallis brings you to high terraces above tiny Afur’s chapel spire. Picnic in the terraces or enjoy a copa de vino in the village café, before ascending past bright white cottages nestled in blood red rocks above miniature vineyards. Back at the hotel, relax with a swim or a cold drink on your terrace taking in the mountain views.
Day 4 Parque Nacional de Teide 11km/7mi/3.5hr
You drive to the rich oranges and ambers of Mount Teide’s jagged lava fields today, stark beneath azure skies. On the walk in the caldera, Berthelot’s pipits flit above bright Teide broom as you skirt lava flows below Monte Guajara. You return past shattered rock formations and colourful Teide daisies to the Parador café. Perhaps enjoy a late lunch here before driving on to coastal Garachico.
La Quinta Roja AAAA
Garachico, Days 4+5+6+7
Day 5 The Masca Ridge 7km/4mi/3.5hr
“Exhilarating” is today’s keyword as you climb and cross the commanding ridge south of the Masca Gorge, enjoying breathtaking views. You’ll be intoxicated by the amazing multi-colored medley of red, pink, orange and gold rocks. You follow an old mule track, formerly used to carry grain from the cereal fields,
and picnic in the threshing circle with wonderful views across the sea and out to La Gomera.
Day 6 Roque Blanco 9km/6mi/3.5hr
From Santiago del Teide, a loop takes you to a spectacular ridge near the distinctive golden slopes of Roque Blanco. You’ll pass terraces of flowering cacti and the most remote working farm on the island. Tremendous view of La Gomera and Mount Teide. This evening relax with the locals at the bandstand bar in the leafy main square of Garachico.
Day 7 Landscapes of Teno Alto 11km/7mi/4hr
This dramatic and rewarding walk explores part of the Parque Rural Teno where the local culture, scarcely changed over hundreds of years, continues in remote scattered hamlets. It’s a landscape of knife-edged ridges, plunging valleys and spectacular coastline culminating in stunning views from Monte Baracan.
Day 8 Return home
Return to the airport (1hr 40mins) to drop off your car , before your flight home.
WALKING DETAILS
We provide notes for the 6 independent walks in this itinerary plus alternatives on 2 days to allow you to explore Los Organos and the Barranco de Infernio. Walks are on a selection of forest trails, rural tracks and rocky paths and walkers should be comparatively fit, confident and sure footed. Short sections of Roque Bermejo and Los Organos require a head for heights. Walking boots are essential.
For extra nights we recommend both the hotels above.