Welcome to the Roque de Taborno trail, one of the most spectacular hikes in Tenerife, where the rugged beauty of the island’s northern landscape unfolds beneath your feet. Perched dramatically in the Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this trail offers some of the most stunning views Tenerife has to offer.
The centerpiece of the hike is the imposing Roque de Taborno, a majestic rock formation often referred to as the ‘Matterhorn of Tenerife‘ due to its striking shape.
Starting in the quaint village of Taborno, the hike circles around the iconic rock, providing varying perspectives of its grandeur, and culminates in an unforgettable viewpoint that encapsulates the essence of Tenerife’s wild and dramatic landscapes.
This was the very first hiking trail that we ventured on during our 7 days in Tenerife. And while we had hiked many times before under various conditions we were immediately humbled about what it’s actually like hiking with a baby.
It definitely added an extra layer of stress to the experience but were also rewarded with some of the most amazing views in entire Tenerife.
Roque de Taborno Hiking Stats
Hiking distance – 3.9km
Elevation – 220m
Route Type – Loop
Duration – 1.5 hour
Level – Easy
Parking Lot – You’ll have to park your car in the small town of Taborno. There’s very little parking space so make sure to arrive on time.
Best time to visit – Early in the morning, otherwise it will be absolute mayhem to find a parking spot.
Interesting facts about Anaga Rural Park
Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and geological features, offering a unique insight into the island’s natural heritage. Here are some interesting facts about this captivating landscape:
In 2015, Anaga was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, recognizing its exceptional natural values and cultural heritage. This status is a testament to the area’s rich biodiversity and the efforts to preserve it.
Anaga is home to some of the best-preserved laurisilva forests in the Canary Islands. These forests date back to the Tertiary period, over 20 million years ago, and are a relic of the subtropical vegetation that once covered much of Southern Europe and North Africa.
Anaga is not only significant for its natural beauty but also for its cultural heritage. The area is dotted with picturesque hamlets that maintain traditional Canarian architecture and ways of life. Many of these villages, like Taganana and Chinamada, offer insights into rural Tenerife’s history and culture.
How to reach the Roque de Taborno trailhead
Reaching the trailhead for the Roque de Taborno hike in Tenerife involves navigating to the small village of Taborno, which is located in the Anaga Rural Park. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get there:
By Car
Driving is the most straightforward method to reach the Roque de Taborno trailhead:
From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Take the TF-11 road towards San Andrés. From San Andrés, continue on the TF-12 road, which winds through the Anaga mountains. Follow the signs to Taborno. This drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🅿️ PARKING – Once in Taborno, you can find parking near the local church or the main square. The village is small, so parking spots are within a short walking distance of the trailhead but also very limited!
🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
By Public Transport
Public transport options are limited but do exist:
Bus (Guagua): TITSA buses serve the Anaga area. You can take bus line 76 from Santa Cruz to Taborno. This route has a limited schedule, especially on weekends, so be sure to check the latest timetable on the TITSA website.
Planning: When using public transportation, it’s important to plan your hike considering the bus timetables for both your arrival and departure, as buses may not run late in the evening.
Hiking the Roque de Taborno Trail with a baby
As I mentioned before, the Roque de Taborno hike was the very first hiking trail that we ventured on in Tenerife. I had checked the weather forecast before we left and it was supposed to be overcast the entire morning.
Just to be on the safe side I brought sunscreen and a sun hat for César but when we arrived it was indeed pretty overcast. So I decided to leave them in the car. Well, I can tell you that’s a mistake we’ll never make again! Cause halfway through the hike all of a sudden the sun came out bright and beaming. And with zero shade on the trail I was so scared César would get burned.
Fortunately this didn’t happen and we were able to give him enough coverage with our body and jacket but still, it added so much stress to that morning that I wasn’t able to fully enjoy the hike. It’s only now, when writing this article and editing all of the photos that I realize how incredibly beautiful this hike is!
The trail itself is pretty easy and straight forward. You won’t need any hiking poles but you will need a good baby carrier!
The Roque de Taborno Hike – A step by step guide
The hike starts in the village of Taborno, located in the Anaga Rural Park. You can drive or take a bus to Taborno. Parking is available in the village near the main square, but is very limited! Make sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment and having to turn back.
Public Transport – Bus line 76 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife goes to Taborno but check the schedule as services are infrequent.
After a few hundred meters you’ll be out of the village and surrounded by the wild nature of the Anaga Mountains.
Roque de Taborno is the centerpiece of the hike. You will circle around the base of this imposing rock, which offers excellent photo opportunities and stunning views over the landscape.
There are several natural viewpoints along the trail offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the ocean. Take your time to enjoy these spots.
After passing the rock, the trail begins to descend back toward Taborno. The descent can be steep, so take care with footing. The trail loops back to the village of Taborno. Once you arrive, take some time to explore the village or grab a refreshment at a local café.
Depending on your energy levels and the time remaining, you might want to explore other nearby trails or head back to your accommodation.
The best time to hike the Roque de Taborno trail
The Roque de Taborno trail in Tenerife is best hiked during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the landscape is vibrantly alive, making the experience more enjoyable with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
Winter offers a cooler alternative with clear days ideal for photography, though it has shorter days and potential rain.
Summer hikes are least recommended due to the high temperatures and intense sun, but if you choose to hike then, starting early in the morning is crucial.
Regardless of the season, it’s important to check the weather forecast, dress appropriately, and stay hydrated to fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this trail.
If you have any questions about how to visit Tenerife or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Tenerife
The Incredible Santiago del Teide to Masca Hike In Tenerife
The Incredible Punta del Hidalgo To Chinamada Hike In Tenerife
The Spectacular Roques de Garcia Hike In Tenerife
The 9 Very Best Baby Friendly Luxury Hotels In Tenerife
The Very Best 7 Days Tenerife Travel Itinerary
9 Very Best Things To Do In Anaga Rural Park Tenerife
The Ritz-Carlton Abama – The Best Luxury Hotel In Tenerife To Stay With A Baby
The 7 Very Best Hikes In Tenerife (Map + Tips Included)
All rights reserved © Charlies Wanderings. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
Read our full story here
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.