Cultural Hike in Tenerife North
Nature, culture and walking are easy to combine in the green north-east of the largest of the Canary Islands. In the following article we suggest an inspiring cultural hike in Tenerife North. This wonderful mixture of sport and sightseeing will take you to the heart of the Canary laurel forest in the Anaga Rural Park, after discovering one of the most beautiful towns in the Canary Islands. A relaxing walk for the connoisseur and lover of culture, guaranteed to appeal to all the senses!
The first part of the cultural hike in Tenerife: Old town of La Laguna
La Laguna weekly market
Our hiking tip starts with a visit to La Laguna’s lively indoor market in the stunning Plaza del Cristo. Local farmers sell fresh fruit and vegetables until 2pm every day. Plants, spices, bread, wine, meat and cheese are also on sale. The vibrant colours and wide range of products are tempting to try and buy. By shopping in Tenerife’s local markets, you not only support local agriculture, but you also get quality products at reasonable prices. Afterwards, you can enjoy a barraquito (a coffee speciality invented in Tenerife) in the cafeteria and watch the hustle and bustle.
Exotic spices at the weekly market in La Laguna, the starting point of the cultural hike in Tenerife
Places of interest in La Laguna
La Laguna is a powerful city with many interesting buildings. To give you an overview, this cultural walk will take you to the highlights of the old town. Immerse yourself in this fascinating city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Discover the many historic buildings from the colonial era, aristocratic palaces, churches and convents with cloisters, all lovingly restored. The most important monuments of La Laguna are all within walking distance.
In the old town of La Laguna, the streets and alleys are arranged like a chessboard pattern
From the market, for example, you can go straight to the Casa del Adelantado, with its enchanting patio. The former home of the famous Alonso Fernández de Lugo, founder of La Laguna at the end of the 15th century, now houses the Tourist Information Office. La Laguna was laid out after the Spanish conquest in the then modern Renaissance checkerboard pattern. It also became a model of urban planning for almost all colonial cities in Latin America.
Typical Canarian patio in La Laguna
A must see: The former monastery of San Agustín, with its stunning cloister. The first university in the Canary Islands was founded here in the 18th century. The beautifully landscaped front garden, with benches and a variety of trees and plants, is well worth a visit, as is the lush interior courtyard, with its many plants and red columns. An excellent place to relax. The monastery also has a gallery with changing exhibitions.
Highlight of the cultural hike on Tenerife: the monastery of San Agustín with its picturesque cloister
Vibrant university city
Present and past seem to merge in the colonial old town of La Laguna. Not only does the cultural vibrancy pulsate in the streets, but a touch of the past is present around every corner. Today, the city has a population of around 155,000 in an area of more than 102 square kilometres, including around 25,000 students. As a result, this university city has an incredible buzz. Street musicians, trendy bars, nice little shops and a colourful crowd make strolling around a real pleasure. In our opinion, La Laguna has the best churros (fat pastries similar to doughnuts), we recommend you try them with a hot chocolate!
In La Laguna, you can simply wander the pedestrianised streets and soak up the atmosphere
Colonial La Laguna with majestic facades and charming photo motifs
Climate in La Laguna
La Laguna, the former capital of the island, is located 65 km from Buenavista del Norte at a cool 550 metres above sea level. It is also easily accessible by public transport from all the towns in the north of Tenerife. Because of its location, La Laguna was once a strategically important colonial town. As well as being protected from attacks from the sea, the landscape also offered perfect conditions for agriculture. Some of this has been preserved in the surrounding area.
Panoramic view of the city of La Laguna from the Jardina viewpoint
Very close to La Laguna lies the Anaga massif, which is rich in biodiversity. Thanks to the trade winds and its altitude, rainfall keeps the region evergreen. As a result, La Laguna’s skies can be covered in mist, with the possibility of showers. Although the temperature is generally pleasant, it can change abruptly in a matter of minutes. We therefore suggest you to pack warm clothes and a rain jacket in your backpack.
Second part of the cultural hike in Tenerife: breathtaking Anaga Mountains
Relaxed walking in the cloud forest
In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, the cultural route offers you the chance to discover the peace and tranquillity of the Anaga massif, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2015. Its quiet paths, among dense laurel trees, heather and ferns, are ideal for slowing down. This mystical primeval forest with laurisilva vegetation is unique in the mountainous Canary Islands. Especially in winter and spring, these forests are often shrouded in dense mist, creating a magical atmosphere.
The fairytale laurel forest of Anaga Rural Park will enchant any walker
In Anaga you can see endemic species of flora and fauna, such as giant ferns, lichens and rare mosses. The laurel forests are basically a relic of the Tertiary period, which ended about 2.5 million years ago. In Tenerife, these forests can still be found in the mountains of Anaga and Teno. For more information about the Teno Natural Park, see our blog post Traveller’s Guide to Punta de Teno.
End your cultural hike in Tenerife on an exceptional beach
If you have time, you can end your cultural walk at the popular Las Teresitas beach and relax with a refreshing dip in the sea. Descending from Anaga Park along a picturesque road, you will pass through three different ecosystems in just over an hour. Our destination is just a few metres from the traditional and typical fishing village of San Andrés.
At the end of the cultural walk in Tenerife, the paradisiacal beach of Las Teresitas awaits
Long, wide, golden, with sand from the Sahara, Las Teresitas beach is considered by many to be the most spectacular beach on the island. Breakwaters ensure safe swimming. The small restaurants on the beach, called chiringuitos by the locals, serve fresh fish, cocktails and a wide variety of typical tapas.
Cultural hike with Teneriffa Kreaktiv
Don’t want to go it alone, but prefer an organised trip to the Anaga Rural Park and La Laguna? Then have a look here. Every Friday, our partner in the south offers a cultural walk on Tenerife. Steffi from Teneriffa Kreaktiv is looking forward to your request!
We wish you a nice day in the northeast of Tenerife!
Karin and Sergio
