Before you choose
What you need to know about this experience
An Anaga and La Laguna excursion combines, on a single road trip, Anaga Rural Park, with its laurel forest and viewpoints, and the historic centre of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a World Heritage Site. It is done by vehicle with a guide and short walks, without needing to do a hiking route.
It is the option for seeing green and historic Tenerife in one day, especially if you are staying in the south and the landscapes of the north feel far away. Here we explain what you see, how much you walk and what to ask.
At a glance
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| What it is | Road excursion to Anaga and La Laguna’s old town |
| Format | Shared in a small group or private. Depends on the provider |
| Duration | Half day or full day, depending on the route and the pick-up area |
| How much walking | Short walks at viewpoints, an easy trail and the historic centre |
| Usual stops | Cruz del Carmen, Anaga viewpoints, Taganana or the north coast, La Laguna old town |
| Food | Stop at a restaurant or guachinche (traditional country eatery) on some offers |
| Climate | Cloud and humidity common in Anaga |
| Price | Depends on the provider, the format and the duration |
What Anaga is
The Anaga Massif, at the north-eastern tip of Tenerife, was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO on 9 June 2015. It is one of the oldest parts of the island and preserves one of the best examples of laurel forest in the Canary Islands, according to Turismo de Tenerife.
Its landscape combines forested ridges, ravines running down to the sea, hamlets among terraced fields and dark-sand beaches.
What La Laguna is
San Cristóbal de La Laguna preserves a 15th-century street layout and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its historic centre is flat, largely pedestrianised and easy to explore on foot.
If you are only interested in the city, see the guided tour of La Laguna.
What happens
- Pick-up in your area.
- Drive up to Anaga along the TF-12 road, stopping at the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre and its viewpoint.
- Short walk in the laurel forest, for example the Sendero de los Sentidos, an easy route next to Cruz del Carmen.
- Viewpoints on the ridges, such as Pico del English, with views of both sides of the massif.
- Descent to the north coast, on some offers, towards Taganana or the beaches of Benijo and Almáciga.
- Food, if the offer includes it or plans a stop.
- Visit to La Laguna’s old town: the cathedral, the Iglesia de la Concepción, historic streets and houses.
- Return.
The order depends on the provider and the weather: if there is a lot of cloud in Anaga, some guides start with La Laguna.
Formats
| Format | What sets it apart | Suits you if… |
|---|---|---|
| Small group | Minibus with few people | You want a price per person and a small group |
| Private | Vehicle for your group only | You want to adjust the stops and pace |
| With a meal on the coast or at a guachinche | Includes a food stop | You are interested in local food |
| Anaga only | Without La Laguna | You would rather have more time in nature |
| Anaga on foot | Guided hiking route | See the guided hiking in Anaga |
Who it suits
- Travellers staying in the south who want to see green Tenerife.
- People who do not want to do a hike but still want to set foot in the forest.
- History and architecture enthusiasts.
- Families, because the walks are short.
Who it may not suit, and what to weigh up
- Anyone who really wants to walk in Anaga: a hiking route is a better choice.
- Anyone prone to motion sickness: the Anaga roads have many tight bends.
- Anyone looking for sunshine: fog is common in Anaga, especially on the ridges.
- People with reduced mobility: check which stops are accessible. Cruz del Carmen has a reserved parking space opposite the visitor centre entrance.
How to choose well
- Which stops are included, and how long is each one?
- Does it go down to the north coast (Taganana, Benijo), or only along the ridges?
- How much walking is involved?
- Is a meal included, or is there a stop to eat?
- How much time is there in La Laguna? Is it a guided tour or free time?
- Group size and type of vehicle?
- What does the guide do if there is fog?
- Is the guide licensed and is the vehicle licensed to carry passengers?
What is usually included and what to check
| Item | Usual practice | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Transport and guide | Included | Language and group size |
| Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre | Common stop | — |
| Food | In some offers | Menu and drinks |
| Guided tour in La Laguna | In some offers | Guided or free |
| Monument tickets | Not included | Whether you go inside any |
Rules and permits in Anaga
- Most of the main trails, such as the Sendero de los Sentidos, can be walked without a booking.
- Some protected areas have controlled access. The El Pijaral trail, known as the Enchanted Forest (Bosque Encantado), lies in an Integral Nature Reserve and requires a prior permit, according to Turismo de Tenerife. A road excursion does not usually include it.
- Check notices and temporary restrictions on Tenerife ON before you go.
Weather and time of year
- Fog and humidity: the trade winds often create a sea of clouds over Anaga. Bring a light waterproof jacket.
- Rain: after heavy rain, trails may close and there may be rockfalls on the roads.
- Contrast: it can be cloudy on the ridges and clear in La Laguna or on the coast.
Price: what it depends on
We do not give a figure: the offers reviewed vary in format, duration, meals included and pick-up area, and there are not enough directly comparable prices.
The price depends on:
- Format: small group or private.
- Duration and pick-up area.
- Meal included or not.
- Guided tour in La Laguna or free time.
What to bring
- A light waterproof jacket.
- Comfortable shoes with good soles: paths can be damp.
- Sun protection for La Laguna and the coast.
- Motion sickness remedy, if you need one.
Alternatives and how to compare them
| If you are looking for… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Walking in Anaga | Guided hiking in Anaga |
| La Laguna’s old town only, on foot | Guided tour of La Laguna |
| Guachinches as the main feature | Guachinche route in Tenerife |
| Your own private route | Tailor-made private tour of Tenerife |
| Cruise stopover in Santa Cruz | Private excursion for cruise passengers |
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to walk much?
No. There are short walks at viewpoints, an easy trail and La Laguna’s old town, which is flat.
Can you get to Anaga by public transport?
There are bus routes up to Cruz del Carmen from La Laguna, with a limited service. Check timetables on titsa.com.
Do you need to book anything to enter Anaga?
Not for the roads or most trails. Some protected areas, such as El Pijaral, require a permit.
What happens if there is fog?
It is common. The guide may change the order of the route. The viewpoints may be clouded over.
Do you eat on the excursion?
Some offers include a stop at a restaurant on the coast or at a guachinche. Check this.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, because the walks are short. Bear in mind the bends if they get carsick.
How much time is there in La Laguna?
It depends on the offer. Ask whether it is a guided tour or free time.
