Trail Running in Tenerife

• Choose the appropriate trail for your level.
• Check the weather forecast before starting the activity.
• Wear suitable footwear for volcanic, rocky, or slippery terrain with good grip.
• Always carry water (1.5 or 2 litres minimum) and snacks such as nuts, gels, or bars.
• Protect yourself from the sun and the cold by using sunscreen, sunglasses, and layered clothing. A light windbreaker jacket is always recommended.
• Use a fully charged mobile phone and GPS or hiking apps; To avoid losing access when you lose service, it's wise to have an offline copy.
• Follow the signs and stay on the designated trails.
• Inform someone (friends, family, your hotel reception) of your route and schedule, especially if you are going alone.
• If you plan to complete a trail over several days, check for available accommodation along the way.
• Respect the natural surroundings and the environment. Do not leave rubbish, do not uproot plants, and avoid starting fires.

Trail running routes are spread across Tenerife. The island offers trails in the north, such as in Anaga Rural Park or La Caldera in La Orotava; in the centre, such as the trails in Teide National Park; and in the south, with trails through Vilaflor.

Tenerife has trail running routes ideal for beginners that suitable for families, as well as others designed for more experienced runners.

Trails in Tenerife are usually marked with posts, arrows, and coloured markers painted on rocks or trees. Many of these are part of the official trail network of the Cabildo (the local government), which uses an approved European marking system:

• GR (Gran Recorrido or large route): white and red stripes, for long routes over 50 kilometres
• PR (Pequeño Recorrido or small route): white and yellow stripes, for medium-distance routes between 10 and 50 kilometres
• SL (Sendero Local or local path): white and green stripes, for short routes less than 10 kilometres.

Additionally, some trails have information panels at the start that include maps, difficulty level, distance, and estimated completion time.

Thanks to Tenerife's temperate climate, you can enjoy trail running year-round. However:

• Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for mild temperatures and lower crowds.
• In summer (July and August), it is best to avoid the hottest hours of the day, especially in southern areas or high mountain areas like Mount Teide.
• In winter (December and February), you can find cold or snowy conditions at higher elevations, but the northern and coastal trails are still easily accessible.

We always advise checking the local weather before heading out, as conditions vary greatly depending on the altitude and area.

In Tenerife, most trails are free to access and do not require a permit. However, some trails located in protected natural areas do require prior authorisation to preserve the environment and control visitor numbers. In this case, the tourist information offices will inform you how to apply for it.

If you want to access the trails that lead to the summit of Mount Teide, you must get a free permit through the National Parks reservation website www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.