Experience the rural beauty of Anaga Mountains on a private tour from Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Macizo de Anaga is a mountain range in the northeastern part of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The highest point is 1,024 m (Cruz de Taborno). It stretches from the Punta de Anaga in the northeast to Cruz del Carmen in the southwest. Anaga features the mountain peaks of Bichuelo, Anambro, Chinobre, Pico Limante, Cruz de Taborno, and Cruz del Carmen. The mountains were formed by a volcanic eruption about 7 to 9 million years ago making it the oldest part of the island. Since 1987 it has been protected as a "natural park", reclassified as a "rural park" in 1994. Since 2015 it is also Biosphere Reserve and is the place that has the largest number of endemic species in Europe. It is a remote and wild area characterized by humid forests, such as laurisilva. Native plant species include Ceropegia dichotoma, Ceropegia fusca and Echium virescens. The Macizo de Anaga is also rich in archaeological finds, among which is the Mummy of San Andrés belonging to the ancient Guanche. The main villages in the Macizo de Anaga are San Andrés, Taganana and Igueste de San Andrés. A place in the mountains known as El Bailadero is believed to have been a place where witches were practicing witchcraft and dancing around a bonfire.

Chinamada is a small still inhabited cave village belonging to the municipality of La Laguna. There you can see for yourself how the houses were once beaten into the rocks. The few inhabitants still live in these well-tempered rooms amidst the Anaga rocks. They are mostly active in agriculture and cultivate their fields up there. The word Chinamada is said to come from the language of the Guanches, the natives of Tenerife.

The Mirador de Jardina is a viewpoint in the north of Tenerife Island and it offers one of the most breath-stopping panoramic views on the island. In the background, one can see endemic rainforest, eucalyptus forest, Teide volcano, La Laguna and La Mercedes village. It also offers a view of the coastlines of Tenerife Island.

Las Mercedes is a little village nestled within the laurel forest. With its slightly breezy, cooler climate Las Mercedes is a fresh contrast to its neighbouring town within the San Cristóbal de La Laguna municipal. The village is stunningly silent but it is more than just a residential area. If you continue through Las Mercedes you will come to the Mercedes forest. Here you will discover bridges made from the trunks of trees, dipping valleys and a chance to go butterfly spotting. Las Mercedes possesses a cultural twist to its fairytale image, with its handmade wicker work and items made from palm leaves available for sale. From here you can take in the sights of the Anaga rural park - a paradise for the nature lovers.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a port city on the island of Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands. Well-preserved buildings in its old town include the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception. The 1700s Palacio de Carta has baroque and neoclassical features. In the Old Civil Hospital, the Museum of Nature and Man has interactive displays on the islands. The city’s squares include the central Plaza de España.