Anaga Rural Park is a forest of the tertiary era, between 7 and 9 million years old that was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2015. It has this condition because it has the greatest amount of endemism and biodiversity of Europe.
From its coasts and to its summits the variation of its vegetation can be observed: tabaibas and cardones, dragos and palm trees, laurels, lime trees, fayas, heather and beech in its subtropical “laurisilva” forest, as well as lichen moss and ferns that seem to come out of a fairytale.
One of the characteristics of this forest is that it retains the humidity of the clouds that are dragged by the trade winds, hence although it has not rained, the area will always be humid and its vegetation is lush.
There are hundreds of walking trails in this area and it is always advisable to plan the route in advance. Most of them are freely accessible but some others, due to their exceptional and special protection, require permits that must be obtained previously.
If it is the first contact with this area, the Path of the Senses is a good option, located right in the Visitor Center of Cruz del Carmen. This path is also specially adapted for people with reduced mobility and the duration is usually 2 hours.
If what you are looking for is a longer walk, we recommend you get lost on the roads that lead from Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo, a path known by the nomenclature PR TF-10. The route of about 12 kilometers, and 5 or 6 hours of kicking, runs through the humid forest, ravines, fields, cave houses and paths carved in stone.
For more information, check the official website of Reserva de la Biosfera Macizo de Anaga.
Post and photo, by Daniel Chamillard and Feelathometenerife.