Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1 Day for Friends - Pickup in central Santa Cruz for a stress-free start
In Collaboration with 10X. Tenerife eXperience. Hiking Adventure. Updated on February 6, 2026.
Full-day guided hike in Parque Rural de Anaga: comfortable pickup in Santa Cruz, a walk through the laurel "Enchanted Forest", a longer guided hike through remote trails and cave villages (Chinamada), a relaxed picnic with local jamón & cheese, scenic photo stops (Playa de Benijo), and return to Santa Cruz. Small groups (max 8).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with 10X. Tenerife eXperience. Hiking Adventure, inspired by the tour Tenerife: Hiking Tour in Anaga Mountains and Enchanted Forest. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Pickup in central Santa Cruz for a stress-free start
- Explore the laurel ‘Enchanted Forest’ around Cruz del Carmen
- Guided 3.5–4.5h hike through quieter Anaga trails and Chinamada cave village
- Relaxed picnic with Spanish jamón, cheese, snacks and juice
- Sunset-light photo stop at dramatic Playa de Benijo
Itinerary
Day 1
One-day guided hiking adventure in Anaga Rural Park with pickup in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Hotel / Central pickup & quick briefing (Plaza de España)
Meet your guide and group in central Santa Cruz for a short safety briefing, kit check (trek poles, helmets, flashlights if needed) and to confirm the day's route. Driver arranges luggage if needed and loads packed picnic.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a screenshot of the guide’s WhatsApp message — that’s how last-minute adjustments are sent; expect a short confirmation the morning of the tour.
- Wear layers — Santa Cruz is warmer than Anaga; bring a light windproof jacket for mountain gusts.
- If you’re staying nearby, ask to be dropped at Plaza de España for easiest meeting; there are public toilets a short walk from the square.
Transfer: comfortable minivan drive to Anaga (Cruz del Carmen)
Scenic drive up into the Anaga mountains in an air-conditioned minivan. The driver will stop at a viewpoint if traffic and timing allow.
Tips from local experts:
- Seat choice matters — sit on the left side for the best coastal views on the ascent from Santa Cruz.
- There is limited mobile signal in parts of Anaga; download offline maps or save the guide’s number before you climb.
- Carry any motion-sickness remedies if you’re sensitive — the roads are winding but well maintained.
Enchanted Forest: guided laurel-forest walk near Cruz del Carmen
Short guided walk through the laurel forest around Cruz del Carmen — learn about native flora and microclimates and experience the 'mystical tunnel' mossy sections.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths can be slippery after rain — bring grippy soles or gaiters; the guide will point out the safest lines.
- Best photo spots are shaded clearings — ask the guide to pause for a 5–10 minute golden-hour style shoot if the light is right.
- Public restroom and a small visitor centre are at Cruz del Carmen — use them before the longer hike.
Main guided hike: remote Anaga trails to Chinamada (including picnic)
Longer guided hike through quieter ridgelines, uneven mountain paths and short tunnel sections toward the traditional cave hamlet of Chinamada. Includes a relaxed picnic (local jamón & cheese sandwiches, juice, energy bars, dried fruits/nuts) at a scenic viewpoint.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring 1.5L+ of water (tour provides snacks/juice but not bottled water) — refill opportunities are rare; the guide carries an emergency first-aid kit.
- Trekking poles are included but bring your own if you prefer — they really help on the uneven descents and ridge sections.
- Keep your camera accessible (lightweight sling bag) — the route has several quick photo opportunities; ask the guide to time a short photo break at the best viewpoint.
Scenic photo stop: Playa de Benijo viewpoint
Short stop for dramatic coastal photos at the cliffs above Playa de Benijo — a favorite for sunsets and dramatic wave shots (weather permitting).
Tips from local experts:
- This spot gets windy — bring a cover for camera straps and secure hats; small tripods are fine but watch the footing.
- Respect the coastal paths — keep to marked tracks and avoid cliff edges for safety and to protect fragile plants.
- If you want drone footage, check with the guide first (strict local regulations) — otherwise, handheld wide-angle shots at golden hour are fantastic.
Return transfer to Santa Cruz & drop-off
Comfortable minivan transfer back to central Santa Cruz. Quick debrief and photo-sharing—your guide provides 20–30 edited digital photos after the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your phone charged — the guide will share photos via WhatsApp or a download link shortly after the tour.
- If you loved the route, ask the guide for other recommended hikes (they often lead lesser-known evening/half-day routes ideal for groups).
- Tipping is appreciated by guides in Spain — if the group enjoyed the day, consider a small gratuity handed directly to your guide.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor |
