Tenerife’s Hidden Dangers: A Guide to the Island’s Risky Spots

Tenerife is an island boastingcountless breathtaking locations to explore. Millions opt to visit the land of theTeide.

However, where do we draw the line between adventure and folly? There exist several sites that, due to their nature, pose a significant risk to safety and which are typically marked, thus intensifying the issues faced by hikers.

Regrettably, many individuals overlook these warnings, which has led to a substantial rise in the number of fines enforced by various security forces on the island.

This situation has prompted theInsular Federation of Mountaineering to condemn “the disregard for safety regulations along the trails.”

Consequently, here are the Six most perilous locations on the island to visit:

Güímar Windows

The Güímar windows path, also known as the trail of Malpaís de Güímar, is a highly frequented hiking route in Tenerife.

This path is situated in a natural reserve, renowned for its unique and safeguarded volcanic scenery. It is a coastal trail that traverses Malpaís, delivering magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and Tenerife’s East Coast.

The terrain is defined by unusual volcanic formations such as volcanic tubes and lava fields, offering various options including both circular and linear routes of differing lengths.

Numerous species of flora and fauna adapted to the volcanic setting can be observed along the path, which runs near ancient stone structures once used by local fishermen.

Nonetheless, its journey presents significant challenges for the untrained.

Barranco de los Cochinos

The Barranco de los Cochinos path is located in the municipality of Los Silos in the northern part of the island, combining hiking with opportunities for canyoneering.

Unlike many other ravines in Tenerife, this one is distinguished by its aquatic nature, with a constant flow of water from the Piedra de los Cochinos Gallery. This makes it a perfect spot for enthusiasts of trails featuring water, pools, and small waterfalls.

The path offers a variety of landscapes, ranging from wooded areas to more open sections, showcasing the rich flora and fauna of the region.

The length of the route can render it strenuous and the difficulty increases should you choose to undertake the full route, which includes a water tunnel.

In previous years, some hikers tragically lost their lives after inadvertently entering the Piedra de los Cochinos gallery from which they couldn’t escape.

Giant Cliffs

One of the island’s most iconic vistas is the path that follows the magnificent cliffs of the giants, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs, and La Gomera.

The sheer height of the cliffs, which reach up to 600 metres, creates a stunning landscape.

Several hiking trails allow one to explore the giant cliffs, ranging from short and simple walks to longer and more challenging routes.

This route passes through the Rural Park of Teno, a protected natural area that thrives with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The scenery features volcanic rock formations, indigenous vegetation, and the deep blue of the ocean.

As the difficulty of the trails differs depending on the selected route, it is crucial for walkers to carefully consider their choices, as not all paths are clearly marked.

Bejía

The Bejía path is located within the Anaga massif. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and natural importance, combining hiking with exploration of ancient water channels, providing a distinctive experience.

These historic channels, referred to as “tiles”, were previously utilised for transporting water from Anaga’s elevated areas to coastal agricultural lands.

The path crosses a landscape of exceptional beauty, featuring Laurisilva forests, steep ravines, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The vegetation is lush and diverse, including native species such as laurels, vines, and fayas.

The difficulty level is high, with certain sections proving quite demanding, featuring steep gradients and slippery terrain, particularly in the proximity of the channels. Caution is advisable near these areas as they can be narrow and treacherous.

Dry Barranco

The dry ravine path, which leads to a secluded and remarkably beautiful beach, lacks any signage. It is located along the western coast within the Rural Park of Teno and is part of the trails traversing the cliffs of the giants.

The ultimate destination is a secluded and challenging-to-access beach, rendering it a tranquil and untouched locale.

The terrain is varied, featuring well-defined sections alongside more irregular and rocky areas. The descent to the beach can be steep and perilous in certain sections.

It is essential to possess a good level of physical fitness and experience in hiking to undertake this route.

Natero Barranco

Lacking signage is the Natero ravine as well, encompassing a variety of areas that permit multiple routes with varying degrees of difficulty and scenic views. Some paths penetrate the ravine, while others skirt its perimeter and some combine both experiences.

The trails of Natero ravine present landscapes that range from cultivated areas to pine regions and gorges teeming with native vegetation. The panoramic views are an everlasting source of attraction, particularly at the highest elevations along the path.

There are various routes available, such as the one that extends from Las Lagnetas to the Natseros, and from the Natseros to La Vica. Additionally, there is a circular route from Nature – Morra del Pino.