The magical Anaga Forest on Tenerife, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The island of Tenerife attracts visitors for its beaches of black volcanic sand, its cuisine based on fresh fish and its natural turquoise pools carved out of the rock. However, this little jewel on the Atlantic Ocean is also renowned for its primary forest, classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2015. It is home to the largest number ofendemic species in Europe.

At the tip of the north-eastern tip of the island, a 15,000-hectare protected park, Anaga, covers the three municipalities of Tenerife, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tegueste. This marvel of the volcanic island is a breath of fresh air in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the seaside resorts. This dense, lush forest is easy to visit and even has access for people with reduced mobility.

You can take your children to spend the day here and walk down one of the paths to the Atlantic Ocean, which is never far away...

According to scientists, the birth of this infinitely green area dates back more than 7 million years. The Anaga massif rises to a height of 1,024 metres. This natural relic is made up of one of the last primary forests in Europe. Unfortunately, these forests, like those in the Amazon, have now almost all disappeared. Yet they once covered most of the Mediterranean basin.

This ecosystem is so rich and generous that it is home to some 800 species of flora and fauna that are unique in the world. These include Canary euphorbia, wild orange trees, vinatigos and laurel trees. As for the animals, 200 species of birds fly over the massif every year. There are also many small invertebrates native to the island, such as the Tenerife lizard.

Your walk may well be completely unique. This forest, often caressed by mist, is remarkably humid. Its microclimates make it a place where biodiversity abounds and mixes, against a backdrop of impressive rock formations.

On the hillsides, laurel trees, lichens, ferns and mosses in exceptional shades of green intertwine in the deep soil. All along the trail, you'll discover geological formations like you've never seen before. Needles, ravines and volcanic chimneys give this forest its fairytale quality.

Canary Islanders still tell many legends about the Anaga forest. One of them tells of witches who gather in the forest to perform "alkelarre", or dances around the fire.

The walks in the Anaga massif are breathtaking and varied. There's something for all abilities, ages and tastes.

We recommend the "Sendero de los Sentidos " or "awaken your senses" route. This path is built entirely on a wooden footbridge, making it a perfect walk for families and even people with reduced mobility.

To find it, head to Cruz del Carmen, where the Anaga Forest Visitor Centre is located.

Here and there, along your route through the Anaga forest, viewpoints beckon you to discover panoramic views. You can take some incredible photos and simply spend some time admiring the majestic beauty of the Canarian landscape.

We recommend the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint, which is located next to the visitor centre and is easy to get to. On a clear day, you can see the Teide volcano, the highest point on the volcanic island.

The mirador at La Jardina offers a magnificent view of the town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

Taganana is a small village perched on the hills of the Anaga massif. It's the perfect place to stop off for a bite to eat and a visit to an authentic place with typical island architecture. The whitewashed houses are a reminder of the archipelago's past and forgotten customs.

The name of the village comes from the Guanche word "Anagan", which means "surrounded by mountains".

You can visit the church of Nuestra Señora las Nieves and admire the magnificent triptych of the Adoration of the Kings inside the building.

Camino Portugal is the oldest part of Taganana. Its name comes from the sugar cane planters from Madeira who laid out the path in the 16th century.

Guachinche Bibi y Mana

This little restaurant doesn't look like much. And yet it serves seafood specialities caught that very morning. Enjoy the colourful decor before heading down to the sea for a digestive siesta... The establishment is open from 7am to 5pm, every day except Monday and Tuesday.

Recommendations

Remember to take sun cream, a cap and a bottle of water, as well as a mackintosh, as the weather can be very changeable. And don't forget to bring good walking shoes. And if there's room, take a swimming costume!