Tenerife - Sun, Sea and Volcanic Rocks (Spain)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Garachico
Arrival to Tenerife. Public transport (paid on spot) to Garachico - located on the roaring Atlantic coast in the north-west of Tenerife. The old part of town boasts beautiful mansions, churches and the ‚Castillo San Miguel’. The volcanic rock pools invite to a refreshing plunge. -/-/-

Day 2. Circular Hike Garachico
You will hike through the very recent volcanic area of Garachico along historic paths. The strenuous ascent to the Ermita de San Francisco is rewarded with a stunning view onto the town situated below, but first and foremost onto the Atlantic Ocean and the entire northern coastline. After a short break in San Juan del Reparo you will descend across the fertile landscape past colourful flowers, cactee and agaves back to the sea again. B/-/-
Walking: 3 - 5.5 h, 14 km, ascent/descent: 990 m / 990 m

Day 3. Garachico - Santiago del Teide
An amazing hike from the sea into the uplands, through remote gorges, characteristic cultivated land and laurel forests until you reach the tranquil mountain village of Erjos. You will continue along alpine paths through the Teno-mountain range until you arrive at Santiago del Teide. On today’s hike you will walk across several vegetation areas – a true paradise for flora and fauna enthusiasts. B/-/-
Walking: 5.5 h, 11 km, ascent/descent: 990 m / 250 m

Day 4. Circular Walk Teno - Mountain Range
Enjoy panoramic views on your transfer through terraced cultivated areas, while passing grazing herds of goats, to the magical Teno-mountain range. Initially the route will take you up to a mountain ridge, from where you can enjoy a marvellous panoramic view. Then you will proceed along the ridge over to the Tabaiba pass and onwards on a stunning high altitude path. From here you will have an extraordinary view onto the western coastline and the mighty Masca-gorge with its black rocks. Passing the two Gala-Peaks, you will return to Santiago del Teide. B/-/-
Walking: 5.5 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 900 m / 800 m

Day 5. Santiago del Teide – Los Gigantes, Masca-Gorge
You walk directly from the hotel on the enchanting King's Path down to the village of Los Gigantes, with its 450 m high cliffs. Today you will have enough time to explore the lava beaches below the second highest cliffs in Europe, visit the harbour and for a swim in the pool or the roaring Atlantic Ocean. B/-/D
Walking: 2 - 3 h, 9 km, ascent/descent: 0 m / 850 m

Day 6. Los Gigantes – Vilaflor, Säumerpfade’ (bridle paths)
Transfer to the village of Adeje, from there you will proceed along ancient bridle paths, which were used formerly to transport goods across remote mountainous areas. The route offers ample panoramic views alongside terraced fields and forests, leading you high above the infernal gorge towards Ifonche. You will continue along varied trails to the idyllic mountain region of Arona, situated below the mighty Teide-massif. B/-/-
Walking: 5.5 h, 14 km, ascent/descent: 750 m / 300 m 

Day 7. Round Trip Vilaflor
On today’s tour you will experience yet another one of Tenerife’s unique landscapes. You will walk up to a viewpoint located at over 1800m in altitude just below Mount Teide, from where you can spot the "white lunarscape". Let your imagination go wild whilst watching these bizarre sand stone formations on the slopes created by wind, water and the weather. An amazing contrast compared to the black volcanic rock of the past few days. B/-/-
Walking: 4.5 - 5 h, 13 km, ascent/descent: 600 m / 600 m

Day 8. Departure
After breakfast - departure or extra days on the island. B/-/-

Nessesary equipment: sturdy walking boots and walking socks, a small rucksack, a water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity, sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, rainwear and insect repellent.