Parque Natural Corona Forestal

Situated in the heart of Tenerife, the Parque Natural Corona Forestal is the largest protected natural area on the island, spanning approximately 46,612 hectares. Officially established in 1994, the park is a critical ecological buffer encircling the Teide National Park and is renowned for its extensive Canarian pine forests, as well as rich biodiversity that includes endemic plant and animal species. The origins of conservation in this region can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the implementation of early reforestation efforts to combat soil erosion and rehabilitate lands affected by centuries of logging and agriculture. The area played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War, serving as a refuge for local populations due to its dense forests and remote location. Today, the park features historical forestry houses and traditional water channels, some dating back to the 1800s, offering insight into the island’s rural past. Visitors can explore a network of ancient trails, some of which were once used by aboriginal Guanche communities, and discover evidence of their historical settlements, further cementing the Corona Forestal’s place as a living repository of Tenerife’s layered past.