Dangerous hiking trails in Tenerife are part of the natural landscape that nature lovers enjoy.
Tenerife is an island with an infinite number of spectacular landscapes, where nature lovers can lose themselves in the beauty of the wilderness. Millions of visitors travel to the home of Mount Teide to explore these places and capture stunning photographs to share on social media.
However, where is the line between adventure and recklessness? Certain areas, due to their specific characteristics, pose a significant safety risk. These locations are usually clearly marked, making it all the more concerning when hikers ignore warning signs.
Despite the clear warnings, many people choose to disregard them, which has led to a significant increase in finesissued by various security forces on the island.
As a result, the Tenerife Mountaineering Federation has criticized “the lack of respect for safety rules on hiking trails.” Below, we list the six most dangerous places to hike in Tenerife.
Las Ventanas de Güímar
The Ventanas de Güímar trail, also known as the Malpaís de Güímar hiking route, is highly popular among hikers in Tenerife.
📍 Location: Malpaís de Güímar Nature Reserve
🏞️ Landscape: A unique volcanic area with lava fields and volcanic tunnels
📷 Highlight: Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Tenerife’s east coast
This route offers various hiking options, both circular and linear, with different distances. Along the way, hikers can see a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the volcanic environment.
⚠️ Danger: Despite its popularity, this route is very challenging for inexperienced hikers.
Barranco de Los Cochinos
The Barranco de Los Cochinos trail, located in northern Tenerife, combines hiking with canyoning.
📍 Location: Municipality of Los Silos
💦 Feature: A constant water flow from the Galería Piedra de los Cochinos, with waterfalls and natural pools
🌿 Environment: Lush forests and open areas with a diverse range of flora and fauna
This route is ideal for those who enjoy water landscapes, but the difficulty level increases significantly if attempting the full route, including the water tunnel.
⚠️ Danger: In the past, hikers accidentally entered the underground gallery and were unable to escape, resulting in fatalities.
Acantilados de Los Gigantes
The cliffside hike along Los Gigantes offers breathtaking views of the ocean, towering cliffs, and the nearby island of La Gomera.
📍 Location: Teno Rural Park
🗻 Cliff height: Up to 600 meters
🌿 Landscape: Volcanic rock formations, native vegetation, and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean
There are various hiking routes, ranging from short, easy walks to long and demanding trails.
⚠️ Danger: Not all paths are well-marked, so hikers must carefully plan their route.
Bejía (Macizo de Anaga)
The Bejía hiking trail is located in the Anaga mountain range and is known for its stunning landscapes.
📍 Location: Macizo de Anaga
🚶♂️ Feature: A hike along ancient water canals
🌳 Environment: Lush laurel forests, deep ravines, and panoramic ocean views
These old water canals, called ‘azulejos’, were historically used to transport water from the mountains to the coast.
⚠️ Danger: The trail is highly challenging, with steep and slippery sections. Near the water canals, paths can be narrow and hazardous.
Barranco Seco
The unmarked trail of Barranco Seco leads to an isolated and beautiful bay.
📍 Location: West coast of Tenerife, within Teno Rural Park
🌊 Destination: Playa de Barranco Seco, a secluded and difficult-to-reach beach
🛤️ Landscape: Varied terrain, including well-defined trails and rocky paths
⚠️ Danger: The descent to the beach is steep and slippery, requiring good physical condition and hiking experience.
Barranco Natero
Like Barranco Seco, the Barranco Natero trail is not marked.
📍 Location: Between different mountain areas, with multiple hiking routes
🏞️ Landscape: Ranging from farmlands to pine forests and deep ravines
🌄 Main routes:
- Las Lagunetas – Los Nateros
- Los Nateros – La Vica
- Circular route Los Nateros – Morra del Pino
⚠️ Danger: The terrain varies significantly, making some sections difficult to traverse.
Breathtaking but Dangerous Hiking Trails
The spectacular landscapes of Tenerife attract hundreds of thousands of hikers each year, but not all trails are suitable for everyone. Ignoring warning signs and safety regulations can have fatal consequences.
To avoid accidents, it is essential to:
✅ Check the difficulty level of a trail before setting out.
✅ Wear appropriate gear and clothing.
✅ Follow local safety guidelines and warnings.
✅ Never hike alone in dangerous areas.
Tenerife offers a unique combination of natural beauty and adventure, but it is up to visitors to prioritize their safety and enjoy the island responsibly.
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE].
Anita Deneyer © Photography
Dangerous Hiking Trails in Tenerife ©
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