Europe’s most underrated adventure island - Tenerife 7 day itinerary

Planning a winter getaway? While most people think of Tenerife for its all-inclusive resorts and beach breaks, for hikers and adventure seekers, this beautiful island offers so much more than just year-round sun.

Having been lucky enough to tackle some beautiful hikes all across Europe, for me, this Canary Island is hands down one of Europe’s most underrated destinations for winter hiking: home to insane trails, its famed dry weather, and scenery that feels like it belongs on another planet.

Thinking of visiting Tenerife?

This 7-day winter hiking itinerary covers Tenerife’s most jaw-dropping landscapes — from volcanic craters to misty forests, and coastal cliffs to quiet mountain villages. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips on getting around, where to stay, when to go, and how to make the most of each trail.

Whether you’re escaping the cold in winter or planning a summer adventure holiday, here’s everything you need to know to plan an adventure getaway here.

Why visit Tenerife in winter?

• Dry, mild weather: While the rest of Europe gets drenched, Tenerife stays sunny — especially in the south. Perfect trail conditions, no mud, no soggy boots.

• Less crowded hikes: Many trails are almost empty in winter, especially outside of Christmas and New Year.

• Diverse landscapes: From volcanoes to forests, there’s a new kind of terrain every day.

• Great for all levels: Whether you’re new to hiking or looking for summit challenges, there’s a trail here for every ability.

• Affordable flights: Return flights from the UK often cost less than £80 (ours cost £30 each way from Manchester - without baggage).

Where to stay in Tenerife for hiking?

Choosing the right base makes a big difference, especially in winter when you’re chasing those sunrise and sunset views. If you’re weighing up where best to stay in Tenerife for an adventure holiday, here’s a quick breakdown:

• South (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos): This southern parts of the island are sunnier and drier year-round, making it ideal if you’re chasing winter sun after a long hiking day. It’s more built-up but has excellent public transport links to Teide and the west coast trails like El Bujero. If you're tackling these hikes early in your trip, staying in the south makes logistics much easier — especially for sunrise hikes or trailheads with limited bus/parking access.

• North (La Orotava, Buenavista del Norte): Lusher, greener, and a bit more traditional. This region puts you closer to the Anaga forests and Teno Alto, but the weather can be cooler and bus routes into the central mountains (like Teide) are more limited and slower.

Best overall base for hiking?

If you want to prioritise trail access over sunbathing, staying around La Orotava or San Cristóbal de La Laguna gives you great access to Tenerife’s most iconic hikes in Anaga and Teno. That said, for Teide (a showstopper on the island) and El Bujero, the south is far more convenient, so splitting your stay will give you the best of both worlds.

My take?

For a winter hiking holiday, Costa Adeje is a solid base. You’ll get the sun, easy access to Teide and hikes along the coast, and more daylight hours to relax after a long trail day. In summer, with longer daylight and milder northern temps, you’ve got more flexibility to explore the island from a northern base. It all just depends on the vibe your’e looking for.

We stayed at Dreams Jardín Tropical in Costa Adeje. It’s a great option if you want a mix of post-hike comfort and sunshine. The pool area is scenic, the breakfast is top-tier, and it’s close to the main bus station — ideal if you’re relying on public transport for early starts.

Best Bases for Hiking in Tenerife (at a glance)

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Tenerife Adventure Itinerary - Day by Day

Day 1: El Bujero Arch + Views Over Los Gigantes

To ease into a week of adventures, this stunning route to El Bujero is the perfect mix of dramatic views and easy transport links. The archway at El Bujero is a view not to be missed, with a short and gentle climb to get there. It’s one of Tenerife’s most underrated spots, with sweeping views over Los Gigantes’ cliffs — and barely a soul on the trail.

About the walk

• Start: Tamaimo

• Distance: 3-4 miles (out and back)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation: 1,600 feet

• Duration: 3–4 hours

• Getting there: Bus 460 or 325 from Costa Adeje to Tamaimo

• Navigation: Follow my route here, or download GPX file

Reaching the starting point

Tamaimo is easy to reach by public transport from the south. The most convenient option is TITSA bus 460, which runs directly from Estación Costa Adeje to Tamaimo multiple times daily. The journey takes around 45–50 minutes, and tickets cost approximately €4–5 one way with a Ten+ card.

Morning departures are usually around 6:30, 8:30, 10:30, and 12:30 — but check the latest schedule on the TITSA website or via the Moovit app.

If you're staying in Los Cristianos, you'll need to connect via Costa Adeje. Expect a total journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes including transfers.

From the bus stop in Tamaimo, it’s a 10–15 minute walk uphill through the village to the trailhead.

We didn’t hire a car for the first half of the holiday and found it incredibly convenient to get around by bus. If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find ample street parking in Tamaimo.

Food tip: Stop in Tamaimo for bolo do caco (grilled garlicky flatbread) at the local Portuguese café. I’d been dreaming of bolo do caco since a trip to Madeira the year prior, and they didn’t miss! A charming little must-stop while wandering around Tanaimo.

Evening stay: Costa Adeje

Day 2: Montaña Roja Sunrise + Chill Day (With Stargazing Tour)

Start your second day with one of Tenerife’s easiest and most scenic sunrise spots. Montaña Roja sits beside El Médano beach, offering sweeping views over the Atlantic with barely a climb.

About the walk

Start: Playa de la Tejita car park
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5–2 hours total
Getting there: Drive (25 mins from Costa Adeje), or take bus 470 to El Médano then walk 20 mins
Navigation: Straightforward sandy path to summit, or follow my route here

Reaching the starting point

From Costa Adeje, it’s a short drive east to Playa de la Tejita, where you’ll find a car park right beside the beach. From there, follow the sandy track winding up the rust-red cone of Montaña Roja. If you're on public transport, take bus 470 to El Médano, then follow the promenade path to the start (about 20–25 mins on foot).

This is the perfect hike for your first full day — it’s quiet, short, and incredibly scenic, especially at sunrise when the light hits the red rock.

Tip: Bring a flask of coffee and sit at the top to watch planes land and sun rise. Then enjoy a beachside brunch in El Médano before heading back.

Bonus: Stargazing at Teide

In the evening, head up to Teide National Park for some of the best stargazing in the world. It’s an official Starlight Tourist Destination, thanks to the lack of light pollution and high elevation.

We booked a tour through GetYourGuide that included hotel pickup, sunset drinks at a popular sunset spot on Teide National Park, telescope viewing, and constellation talks — all for around £30 pp. This was hands down one of the highlights of the trip for me. Those skies!

Stay: Costa Adeje

Day 3: Barranco del Infierno

After a gentle start, it’s time for one of Tenerife’s most popular hiking spots — the lush, steep-sided Barranco del Infierno ("Hell’s Ravine") located in the heart of Adeje. This protected natural reserve is one of the few places on the island where you’ll find a year-round waterfall.

Because of its fragile ecosystem and safety concerns (occasional rockfall), Barranco del Infierno is a strictly regulated trail. Visitor numbers are limited to just 300 people per day, and all hikers are required to wear a helmet (provided at the entrance). This helps preserve the landscape and ensure safe access.

About the walk

Start: Adeje (at Barranco del Infierno Visitor Centre)
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (steady incline, some rocky sections)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Entry: €11 for adults (includes helmet); discounts for residents, children & seniors
Permit: Required — limited to 300 visitors/day
Navigation: Clearly marked trail with ranger support, or follow this map here

Reaching the starting point

The Barranco del Infierno trail begins right on the edge of Adeje old town, making it one of the most accessible hikes on the island if you're based in the south. You can walk from central Costa Adeje in around 30–40 minutes, or take a quick bus 473, 447 or 452 to Adeje town centre, then walk uphill through the town to the Barranco del Infierno Visitor Centre. If you're driving, there’s a small car park just below the entrance, but it can fill up quickly.

Make sure to book your permit in advance via the official site. You’ll be given a helmet (mandatory to wear), and must check in within your booked time slot. The route is linear — winding up the canyon floor past caves and unique flora before reaching a 200m waterfall at the end.

This is a conservation area, so picnics and swimming are not allowed. But the shade, greenery and peaceful canyon sounds make it a refreshing contrast to the island’s drier trails.

Food tip: After your hike, treat yourself to traditional Canarian dishes at Otelo restaurant, right near the trailhead. Their menu is vast and the views over the ravine are legendary.

Stay: Costa Adeje

Day 4: Mount Guajara

The best view of Teide is from this summit. Guajara is Tenerife’s third-highest peak and a cracking way to spend a full day in the national park. This hike was easily my favourite in terms of the route itself - varied, expansive views, and every part of the route felt like you were walking on an entirely different planet.

Starting behind the Parador hotel, the route loops through open lava plains before climbing a rocky shoulder to the summit. Views across the caldera are vast — and Teide looks even more dramatic from this angle.

Expect a final descent down loose scree, and a quiet summit ridge often above the clouds. On clear days, you’ll see all the way to La Gomera, La Palma and Gran Canaria.

About the route

Start: Parador de Las Cañadas (Teide NP)
Distance: 6.5 mile circular
Difficulty: Moderate–challenging
Duration: 3–4 hours
Getting there: Bus from Costa Adeje, or park at Parador de Las Cañadas (spaces limited - bus advised)
Navigation: Well-marked but remote – take a map or follow my route here. You can also download the GPX file here.

Getting there

From Costa Adeje, it’s about a 1-hour drive to the Parador along the scenic TF-21 mountain road. If you’re taking the bus, TITSA route 342 departs once per day from Costa Adeje bus station around 9:15am and arrives at the Parador around 10:40am. The return bus leaves at approximately 3:30pm, so just remember to plan your hike timing carefully. Driving offers more flexibility, however parking is incredibly limited and can fill up quickly.

Tip: There’s a small café at the Parador — perfect for a pre-hike coffee or post-hike sandwich. Public toilets are available too, and the Parador is one of the few spots in the national park where you can reliably grab something hot to eat.

Stay: Costa Adeje or Vilaflor for an early start Starting behind the Parador hotel, the route loops through open lava plains before climbing a rocky shoulder to the summit. Views across the caldera are vast — and Teide looks even more dramatic from this angle.

Day 5: Masca Gorge + a road trip around the world’s bendiest road

This was the day I hired a car — and honestly, it was one of the best decisions of the trip. The drive up to Masca is a road trip in itself, full of hairpin bends, dramatic cliffs, and wow-worthy viewpoints. If you’re going to rent a car for just one day, make it this one (with a bonus trip up to Teide National Park - another road trip not to be missed!).

Masca itself is iconic, but it’s not without crowds. If I was to plan this trip again, I’d recommend skipping the main gorge trail (which requires booking + permits) and exploring the less-trafficked ridges above the village instead.

The trail through the gorge itself is beautiful, however it’s now only a one-way, downhill route, introduced to reduce erosion and increase safety after rockfalls. You’ll need to book through an authorised provider and wear a helmet. Prices start at €10–€20 depending on the provider and group size.

If like me the descent of the walk is your least favourite part (thanks, sciatica!), I’d skip the gorge and explore the untouched surrounds instead.

Equally, if hiking downhill without the need for a map is more your cup of tea, then this is a great route for easygoing navigation and stunning views. You’ll just need to arrange travel back to Masca once you reach the end of the trail. Once you reach the coast at Masca Bay, there’s no road access — so most hikers take a boat transfer to Los Gigantes, which costs around €10–€15 and should be booked in advance. From Los Gigantes, you can either drive or take a public bus back to Masca or to your accommodation if you took the bus to the starting point. We opted for the boat + bus combo and it worked out smoothly.

You can also book an excursion through GetYourGuide, which includes gorge entry and return transfers.

Getting there

From Costa Adeje, it’s around 1 hour by car to Masca via the TF-1 and TF-436 — be prepared for a slow, winding drive with incredible views. The road to Masca (TF-436) is one of the most dramatic drives in Tenerife — full of switchbacks, hairpin turns, and jaw-dropping viewpoints. Just drive carefully and give way to buses and oncoming cars on the narrow sections.

To reach Masca by public transport, take bus 460 or 325 to Santiago del Teide, then transfer to bus 355 which goes to Masca. The buses don’t run frequently, so check the TITSA schedule in advance. For public transport, take bus 460 or 325 to Santiago del Teide, then transfer to bus 355 which goes to Masca. The buses don’t run frequently, so check the TITSA schedule in advance.

Food tip: Café del Valle does excellent smoothies and strong coffee with a view

Stay: Costa Adeje or Santiago del Teide

Day 6: Teno Alto Ridge Walk

Peaceful and remote, the Teno Alto trails offer grassy ridgelines, sleepy hamlets, and a total contrast to the island’s volcanic core.

Start in El Palmar and follow signs toward Teno Alto village, high in the mountains. From here, a loop up to Pico Baracán offers wide coastal panoramas, grazing goats, and an off-the-grid feel. The landscape is green and pastoral — a big change from Teide’s moonscapes.

The route is mostly waymarked, but less-travelled — bring offline maps or GPX just in case. There’s little shade, so pack water and sun protection

About the walk

Start: El Palmar (Buenavista del Norte)
Distance: 5–9 mile options
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3–5 hours depending on route
Getting there: Drive (~1h 15m from Costa Adeje) or TITSA bus 355 from Buenavista del Norte

Navigation: Follow my route here or download GPX file

Getting there

El Palmar is tucked away in the Teno Rural Park. From Costa Adeje, it’s about a 1 hour 15 minute drive via the TF-1 and TF-42. If using public transport, take bus 460 to Icod de los Vinos, then connect to bus 355 to El Palmar via Buenavista del Norte. Services are limited so plan ahead.

Day 7: The Big One - Mount Teide for Sunrise

There’s no better way to round off your Canary Island adventure trip than watching the sunrise from the top of Spain’s highest peak (and the 3rd tallest volcano in the world).

Mount Teide (3,715m) is a fantastic beginner hike at high altitude. The trail from the Montaña Blanca trailhead is long with gradual elevation, but it’s well-marked and non-technical, with no scrambling or climbing required. If you’ve done a few mountain walks before and can handle the elevation gain, this route is incredibly rewarding and doable without prior mountaineering experience, unlike other peaks at a similar altitude.

Most of the elevation is gradual, with a steep push at the final few hundred metres to the summit.

About the walk

Start: Montaña Blanca trailhead (Teide NP)
Distance: 5.5 miles one way (to summit), 1300+m elevation gain
Difficulty: Challenging (altitude + endurance)
Duration: 3–6 hours up (depending on fitness) / 3–4 hours down, or use cable car
Permit: Required for summit — book ahead at reservasparquesnacionales.es

Navigation: The route from the Montaña Blanca car park is one-way and relatively straightforward to follow, but it’s always a good idea to bring a map and compass for high elevation walks. You can follow the route on komoot or download a GPX file.

How we did it

We hiked up in the dark with headtorches to catch sunrise from the summit. It’s cold, quiet, and unforgettable — watching the volcano cast a pyramid shadow over the island as the sun rises behind Gran Canaria.

We set off hiking around midnight, and from there, it’s a long, gradual ascent up to the summit (until the final steep few hundred metres). You can either walk back down or take the cable car down (just note the cable car is sometimes not in operation due to high wind speeds, so bring enough supplies and be prepared to walk back to the start if needed).

You’ll need a permit to reach the summit, even if you use the cable car. These book up months ahead — sunrise slots are slightly easier to get, but still need planning. If you miss out, you can still hike to the top station (Mirador de la Fortaleza) without a permit.

We walked up and took the cable car down (tickets ~€22, book on the Teleférico website).

Tip: Bring layers (it can drop below freezing), gloves, snacks, and a buff or hat — there’s no shelter up there. Allow time to adjust to altitude if possible by doing Guajara or a Teide base hike earlier in the trip.

Stay: Vilaflor or Costa Adeje (but allow for early travel) We hiked up in the dark with headtorches to catch sunrise from the summit. It’s cold, quiet, and unforgettable — watching the volcano cast a pyramid shadow over the island.

Getting there

From Costa Adeje, it’s a 1h drive to the Montaña Blanca trailhead, located off TF-21. There’s a small layby parking area which fills up early, so arrive by 2am for winter sunrise hikes. There’s no public transport at that time — a rental car or private transfer is essential if starting before dawn. If returning via cable car, the bottom station has a taxi rank and occasional buses during the day.

We descended via cable car (the first cable car in winter is 9am - so be prepared to wait at the cable car station if summiting for sunrise), had a quick coffee stop at the visitor centre, and walked back to the Montaña Blanca trailhead car park. We arrived back in Costa Adeje around 11am, ready to return the hire car and enjoy a bit of sunbathing before our flight home.

The perfect ending to an incredible week in the Canary Islands.

Getlostmcr https://getlostmcr.co.uk

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Area	Pros	Cons
Costa Adeje (South)	Sunniest in winter, easy access to Teide & west trails, good public transport	Far from Anaga, more built-up
La Orotava (North)	Great access to Teide & Anaga, traditional charm	Longer trips to west coast trails; cooler and more unpredictable weather
San Cristóbal de La Laguna	Excellent public transport hub, near Anaga, airport access	Cooler, less direct access to some hikes
Vilaflor	Closest to Teide trailheads, peaceful mountain village	Remote, fewer amenities, car needed
Santiago del Teide	Ideal for El Bujero & Masca, quiet but central	Limited for Anaga, fewer transport links