Parque Rural de Anaga

Set within the verdant heart of Tenerife, the Parque Rural de Anaga occupies a dramatic landscape shaped over seven million years ago by volcanic forces. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2015, this expansive natural park covers around 14,500 hectares, stretching from the rugged north-eastern coastline to the lush laurisilva forests of Monte de Las Mercedes. The ancient laurel forests found here are remnants of the Tertiary period, making them among the oldest living ecosystems in Europe. Over the centuries, Guanche aboriginal communities utilised Anaga’s caves and ravines for shelter, leaving behind archaeological evidence such as stone tools and burial sites, particularly near Chinamada and Taganana. Age-old hamlets clinging to steep hillsides, such as Benijo and Afur, bear testament to a centuries-old rural lifestyle, centred on traditional agriculture and goat herding. Historical records from the 16th and 17th centuries show that the dense forests of Anaga provided essential timber and firewood for the early colonial settlements, often shaping the local economy and land use patterns. Today, a network of ancient footpaths—once trade and pilgrimage routes—criss-crosses through the park, inviting exploration of Anaga’s unique biodiversity which boasts over 800 endemic species. A living museum of geological and human history, Parque Rural de Anaga reveals the enduring relationship between its people and the natural world, offering unparalleled insight into Canary Island heritage.