Northeast of Tenerife – Anaga Mountains
A range of not very high volcanic peaks covered with greenery, which cover practically the entire north-eastern part of the island, it is one of the most beautiful corners of Tenerife and the complete opposite of a tourist destination. Anaga Mountains, geologically the oldest part of the island, it is an extremely sparsely populated place, in addition, it is still very rarely visited by tourists. Deep valleys, laurel forests, rocky shores and lost towns are ideal for hiking.
San Andres
Just before entering Teresitas Beach, you drive through the lower part of San Andres - a small town climbing the slopes of the mountain The atmosphere and architecture of this place are reminiscent of one of the Greek islands. San Andres is famous primarily for its very good restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. Los Churritos and Marisqueria Ramon on the seaside promenade are especially recommended, just before entering the beach. A bus goes to the town #901 z Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
From San Andres to Taganana
The steep and winding TF-12 road leads from San Andres up the Anaga massif and is tempting at least, to stop and admire the views again and again, it is worth going to the top, turn towards Taganana onto the TF-134 road, and after a few meters you will stop at Mirador de Bailadero, from where there is a stunning view of the mountains and the town of Taganana lying on the coast. From the small village, you can go directly to the winding TF-134 to Taganana, Before that, however, it is worth taking a trip to the eastern end of the massif. The TF-123 road leads through the laurel forests to the charming, world-forgotten Chamoraga settlement.
Tagana, Roąue das Bodegas, Almaciga
Going down a steep and winding road from Bailadero, from afar you can admire the picturesque village of Taganana. Some people believe, that Italian castaways had established a settlement in this inaccessible place, however, according to historical records, he founded it in 1501 r. Alonso Fernandez de Lugo. Interestingly, this little one, Cut off from the world, the village developed extremely dynamically thanks to the cultivation of sugar cane and wine production. In addition to traditional houses, you can see the Santa Catalina Chapel and the 16th-century Church of Nuestra Seńora de las Nieves, one of the three oldest on the island. In recent years, the village has become a destination for organized coach trips, however, it still retains much of the charm of a place at the end of the world.
2 km east of Taganana there are the popular surfers of Playa de San Roque and Playa de Benijo, from which the Roques de Anaga formations emerging from the ocean are beautifully visible. Between the beaches, a small settlement of Almaciga perched on a rocky ledge, last stop of the bus going from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Almost deserted beaches are not the safest due to strong sea currents.
Further on, the spectacular route continues towards the village of El Draguillo, inhabited by seven people, where the road just ends.
The most convenient way to get to Taganay and Almaciga by car, although another option is the bus #246 z Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You can stay in the Casa de Isabela y Jose apartments. There are several bars and restaurants at Playa San Roque, probably serving the best food on the island, and in Benijo there is a recommendable restaurant El Fronton.
From Taganana to La Laguna
From Taganana you should come back to the place, where it turned to Bailadero and merge onto the TF-12 road, heading west. After a few kilometers, you reach the junction, next to which there is a sign pointing to the highest one (992 m n.p.m.) Anaga viewpoint. Z Peak of English ("Englishman's point") the whole massif is beautifully visible, but also the Teide volcano rising majestically above the island. Pico del Ingles was once a lookout point for English pirates, who gave signs to their comrades lurking in the coastal rocks, informing about upcoming Spanish ships. After returning to the TF-12 road, it is worth stopping at the Jardina viewpoint, from where there is a beautiful view of La Laguna. Via TF-12, with a small stop at the Las Mercedes viewpoint, you will commute to the very center of La Laguna.