The Anaga Biofest starts this July with its summer programme of sustainable and regenerative tourism activities.
The initiative is led by Ecotouristing Ideas Regenerativas, a company specialised in overseeing tourism projects under environmental, sociocultural, and economic sustainability guidelines, in partnership with the councils of Tegueste, La Laguna, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Additionally, the sponsors include Turismo de Islas Canarias under the brand Islas Canarias and the Government of the Canary Islands; the Cabildo de Tenerife through the Macizo de Anaga Biosphere Reserve Office and Turismo de Tenerife.
The agenda comprises workshops, new trails related to ethnographic, cultural, and gastronomic values, as well as three Marketplaces (street markets) lasting two days each, one in each municipality, featuring outdoor concerts.
In total, there will be over 50 activities spread across two blocks, one in summer, with activities scheduled between July and September focusing on actions connected to the sea and the fishing industry, among others, and another in autumn, during the traditional festival period in October and November. The festival director, Javier Tejera, emphasises that the programme’s aim is to provide a “comprehensive and authentic perspective” of the Reserve’s territory. The objective is to “achieve a balance in visitor distribution in the area, guiding small groups with a consistent and evenly spread flow over time”.
Furthermore, building on the precedent set in previous editions, the Anaga Biofest aims to expand beyond Tenerife by sharing its sustainable and respectful tourism vision with other Islands through collaboration with other Biosphere Reserves. This year, it continues its partnership initiated two years ago with Gran Canaria (autumn – October edition) by organising two specific activities in Artenara and a small market. El Hierro is also included (autumn – September edition), where an ethnographic route will be conducted focusing on wool weaving, a craft closely linked to the tradition of the Taganana looms.
As a distinctive feature of the festival, environmental respect and reducing the carbon footprint have been integral since its inception in 2021, according to the organisers. Promoting sustainable practices in natural settings is central to the event, with cleaning and restoration efforts in the environment involving volunteers retained within the programme, along with environmental education workshops. In a new development, facilitated by the Cabildo de Tenerife, a collaboration agreement has been finalised this year with private estates situated in the Macizo de Anaga, where replanting and ecological recovery activities in the thermophilous forest will be carried out.
Registration is currently open for the activities scheduled for July and September
Summer scheduling
The summer programme is condensed into three weekends, during which activities can be booked through the official Website.
The first weekend (July 6 and 7) focuses on Parque de las Furnias (La Punta-La Laguna), where workshops for pottery and basketry will be set up. On Saturday, July 6, visitors can explore trails such as: The last path of Anaga and its unique lunar landscape, The troglodyte culture of Anaga: Roque Alonso and its cave houses or Among cheeses and tropical fruits in Punta del Hidalgo.
On Sunday, the mountains and sea are combined with intriguing options such as From puddle to puddle along the coastal
Exciting Workshops and Activities in Tenerife
Discover a world of adventure on July 27th and 28th at Las Mesas Park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Participate in nest box workshops and environmental education games on Saturday. Prepare to embark on thrilling routes such as ‘Exploring the Tropical Farms of Igueste to the Black Sand of Anteque’, ‘Unveiling the Secrets of Vueltas de Taganana’, ‘Following the Milkmaids’ Way’, ‘Journey through the Wine Culture of Taganana from Lagar el Lagar’, ‘Immerse in Forest Bathing and Nature Experience in the Heart of Anaga’, and ‘Seeking the Oldest Lighthouse in the Canary Islands from Chamorga to Roque Bermejo’.
A Marketplace Experience in La Punta del Hidalgo
Be part of an extraordinary weekend on Saturday, 14th and Sunday, 15th September, as La Punta del Hidalgo showcases a Marketplace brimming with local and artisanal products linked to the Reserve. Engage in ornithology workshops, learn to create musical instruments from recycled materials, and join the captivating route ‘Exploring the World of Artisanal Fishing’. Both days promise volunteering opportunities and environmental education activities. Dive into the music scene with performances by Isa Izquierdo, Entel Santos, and La Banda Fresca.
Welcome to the Autumn Edition
Mark your calendars for the Autumn Edition from October 11th to November 3rd. Stay tuned for the programme and registration details to be unveiled soon.
The funding for this initiative comes from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, supported by the European Recovery Instrument – Next Generation EU programme. The project falls under investment 3 (Tourism Resilience Strategies for Extra-Peninsular Territories) of component 14 within the State Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, receiving financial aid from the Ministry of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Festival director, Javier Tejera, views this year’s edition as a significant organisational feat involving over 100 local entities. The event aims to boost the economic and social growth of the region, ensuring sustainable development for the community.
Jessica de León, the Minister of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, stresses the importance of sustainability in sponsored events. The emphasis is on promoting a sustainable tourism model and reducing the destination’s carbon footprint for a greener future.
Turismo de Tenerife CEO, Dimple Melwani, underlines the destination’s commitment to sustainability through events like Anaga Biofest. The festival promotes environmental conservation, heritage values, and local economic development whilst aligning with Tenerife’s sustainability goals.
Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, applauds the festival for honouring traditions and environmental preservation. The event showcases the community’s dedication to nurturing the surrounding nature responsibly.
Villa de Tegueste Mayor, Ana Mena, values initiatives like Anaga Biofest for their contribution to protecting the environment and raising awareness of conservation efforts in the Macizo de Anaga.
La Laguna City Council’s Environment Councillor, Domingo Galván, praises Anaga Biofest for its role in promoting sustainable tourism, environmental education, and boosting the local economy. Citizen involvement is encouraged to ensure a positive and enduring impact.
