Updated May 2026.
A 67 km long-distance trail across the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Table of Contents
- GR131 Tenerife: stages at a glance
- What is the GR131 Tenerife?
- Why hike the GR131 Tenerife
- How we hiked the GR131 Tenerife
- Which direction should you hike?
- Navigation on the GR131 Tenerife
- Best time to hike the GR131 Tenerife
- Water and food on trail
- Weather on the GR131 Tenerife
- What to pack for hiking the GR131 Tenerife
- Camping in Tenerife: campgrounds and wild camping on the GR131
- GR131 Tenerife section-by-section
- Where to stay across the GR131 Tenerife
- Recommended links and resources
- FAQ: GR131 Tenerife
- Final thoughts
I hiked the GR131 across Tenerife in May. From Esperanza in the north to Arona in the south. Pine forest, volcanic desert, Teide National Park, small mountain towns, and the dry south, all in a few days on foot.
Most hiking content about Tenerife focuses on day hikes. The GR131 gives you the whole island in one go. If you want a short, varied island crossing with reasonable logistics, this is one of the most rewarding trails I've walked in Europe.
This guide is to help you get ready for hiking it yourself. I share more tips and tales on YouTube and Instagram. If you've hiked this trail too, drop a comment with what you learned.
The GR131 Tenerife in a nutshell
- Distance: around 67 km
- Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Start: Esperanza (north)
- Finish: Arona (south)
- Route highlights: Esperanza forest → La Caldera → Teide National Park → Vilaflor → Arona
- Difficulty: Moderate. Exposure in Teide NP, otherwise straightforward.
- Accommodation: villages, and one official campsite (La Caldera), discreet forest spots
- Navigation: red and white GR markers, GPX recommended
- Best time to hike: March-June and October-November
- Water: limited on-trail, filter and capacity needed
GPX track and map
Open the GR131 Tenerife route on AllTrails for the full map and elevation profile, and search Wikiloc for a GPX track to upload to Mapy or another navigation app for offline use.
Hi, I'm Suzanne. Having hiked 11 long-distance trails totalling over 2,000 km on foot, I'm an avid hiker, and I'm here to help you get prepared for trail life, a simple, healthy and natural way of travel and being with nature.
I already knew Tenerife from sailing in and out around Atlantic crossings, and from kitesurfing in El Médano in the south. Walking across the island on foot is a completely different way to experience it. The contrast between the green humid north and the volcanic south is something else.
If you've already done the GR131 across Gran Canaria, this is the natural sister trail. Same long-distance signage system, different island, different landscapes.
GR131 Tenerife: stages at a glance
| Section | From | To | Terrain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esperanza | La Caldera | Pine forest, steady uphill | Limited water, splits well into two days |
| 2 | La Caldera | Teide NP entrance | Forest opens, first Teide views | Aguamansa for café stops |
| 3 | Teide NP entrance | Above Vilaflor | Volcanic desert, exposed | Hot, no shade, mouflon control days (Mon/Wed) |
| 4 | Above Vilaflor | Vilaflor | Descent, flowers, forest | Supermarket closes ~13:30 |
| 5 | Vilaflor | Arona | Ridge, mixed flowers, fruit trees | Coastal views appear toward Arona |
Total: around 67 km. Detailed section-by-section notes with accommodation further down.
What is the GR131 Tenerife?
The GR131 in Tenerife is part of the larger GR131 long-distance trail that crosses seven of the Canary Islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
On Tenerife, the trail roughly connects the north of the island (Esperanza) with the south (Arona), passing directly through the heart of Teide National Park. It's also referred to locally as the Camino Natural de Tenerife. The route is one of the longer single-island sections of the GR131 network and one of the most varied, because of how many ecosystems you pass through on a single trail.
The “old” line of the GR131 Tenerife runs Esperanza to Arona (or the other way round). Some hikers add the option to descend further to the coast at Los Cristianos or Las Galletas, but the official endpoint is Arona itself.
Why hike the GR131 Tenerife
The GR131 Tenerife gives you a surprising amount of variety for such a short trail. You move through:
- Shaded pine forest
- Flower-rich meadows (in spring)
- Volcanic desert and lava fields
- Teide National Park
- Quiet mountain towns with cafés
- Ridges overlooking the southern coastline
- Coastal views as you descend to Arona
The navigation is simple, the distances are reasonable, and you can resupply in a couple of towns along the way. The exposure near Teide makes the trail feel wild, without the technical challenges of alpine terrain.
It's a great training trail or a good option if you only have a few days and want something memorable. I'd also recommend this trail (or the GR131 Gran Canaria) as preparation before sailing across the Atlantic. You'll start the crossing with movement, fitness and clear head.
How we hiked the GR131 Tenerife
I hiked the GR131 across Tenerife in May, starting in Esperanza in the north-east. Esperanza is easy to reach by bus or car from Santa Cruz or La Laguna. The trail starts at the village edge and dives straight into the pine forest of Esperanza.
We carried a small tent and a water filter. We drank tap water from villages and topped up where we could on trail. Water sources exist but aren't reliable enough to depend on, especially through Teide National Park.
In May the weather was stable: sunny days, some wind, and cold mornings at altitude. The wind actually made the Teide crossing more comfortable. Without it, the heat would have been intense.
We slept at the official La Caldera campsite, in a quiet forest area near the Teide entrance, in a barranco above Vilaflor, and a final cowboy-camp under trees between Vilaflor and Arona. The mountain nights were cold but manageable with layers.
We finished in Arona, had coffee in town, walked to the airport, and rented a car (30 euro) to drive back to where we'd left ours in the north. If you're without a dog the logistics are a little bit easier :)
Which direction should you hike?
You can walk the GR131 Tenerife in both directions. Both work.
If you start in the north at Esperanza, you walk into shaded pine forest first, climb gradually toward Teide, cross the volcanic desert at altitude, then descend through Vilaflor into the dry south. The build is forest → mountains → desert. That's how we did it. The advantage is that you finish in the warmer south, easy to reach airports and beaches for a swim.
If you start in the south at Arona, the climb feels longer because you're gaining elevation on hot, exposed ground for the first stretch. The advantage is finishing in the cooler green north, where the air is fresher.
In practice it usually comes down to accommodation availability and onward travel logistics.
Navigation on the GR131 Tenerife
The trail is marked with red and white GR signs. They're generally clear, but not always consistent at crossings and in Teide National Park where multiple trails overlap. A GPX track on your phone is the safer way to navigate.
I use Mapy with the route loaded as an offline GPX. AllTrails is another useful reference for the official route and elevation profile.
Best time to hike the GR131 Tenerife
The Canary Islands are one of the best places in Europe for shoulder-season and winter hiking. For the GR131 Tenerife specifically, the higher altitudes around Teide push the season further toward spring and autumn.
- March: wildflowers begin, cool mornings, fresh air
- April: long days, lots of green, comfortable temperatures
- May: the sweet spot. Flowers, long daylight hours, stable weather, mild temps ( I loved it!)
- October: warm, quiet, fewer crowds in Teide NP
- November: cooling down, still good conditions, occasional rain at altitude
Avoid July through September. The volcanic sections through Teide get very hot, very exposed, and there is no shade. Deep winter (December-February) can bring snow above 2,000 metres and storms on the Teide plateau. The trail is technically doable in winter but you'd want to be flexible with your dates.
Water and food on trail
Water on the GR131 Tenerife is limited. There are some natural sources and water points at villages, but the gaps are significant, especially through Teide National Park. Carry 2 to 3 litres minimum on the exposed sections.
Tap water in villages is fine to drink. I recommend a filter for natural sources: Maunawai (better but heavier) or Katadyn BeFree (ultralight, often good enough).
Food is a different challenge: opening hours. Shops and cafés on trail often open late, close early, and shut entirely on Mondays. We arrived in towns during siesta a few times and found everything closed. Plan around it:
- Most places open around 10am
- Many close early afternoon
- Mondays are often closed entirely
- Long siesta breaks (often 14:00 to 17:00)
Local food tips from my hike: Dulcería Hermano Pedro in Vilaflor for good coffee and pastries. Bar Atlética in Arona has decent vegetarian options once it opens.
Weather on the GR131 Tenerife
Tenerife sits in the middle of the Atlantic at the latitude of the Sahara, so temperatures stay friendly year-round at sea level. The trail crosses Teide National Park at over 2,000 metres altitude, which changes the picture significantly.
- Sea level (Esperanza, Arona): mild year-round, hot in summer
- Teide National Park (above 2,000 m): cold nights, possible snow in winter
- Wind: common and usually helpful (cools the exposed sections)
- Summer: avoid, no shade in Teide, intense sun
We hiked in May with cold mornings at altitude (layers needed) and warm afternoons in the south. Wind through the Teide crossing was strong but welcome.
What to pack for hiking the GR131 Tenerife
Keep it simple but prepare for temperature swings. You'll go from coastal warmth to cold mountain nights and back, sometimes in the same day.
- Water filter (Maunawai or Katadyn BeFree)
- Water capacity for at least 2-3 litres on exposed days
- Sun protection (hat, long sleeves, natural sunscreen)
- Warm layers for the Teide nights (puffy + base layer)
- Wind- and waterproof jacket
- Beanie and gloves for altitude mornings
- Offline maps
- Power bank
- Shoes with good grip for volcanic gravel (I'm a fan of Topo's)
- Snacks for long gaps between towns
My all-time hiking and camping favourites
- Backpack: Osprey Eja (48L) for women (here's a review) or Osprey Exos (58L) for men
- Patagonia 3L wind/waterproof jacket
- Icebreaker Merino Wool Legging and Crew Shirt
- Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
- Big Agnes tents: Fly Creek UL for solo, Copper Spur for two
- Sea2Summit UL Pillow
- Topo Athletic Trail Running Shoes (2-3 sizes too big)
If you want my full long-distance hiking gear list, you can download my packing list (including camping gear).
Camping in Tenerife: campgrounds and wild camping on the GR131
Camping in Tenerife is regulated. The official campground on the GR131 is La Caldera, a designated camping area in the pine forest with water access. You need a free permit from the Cabildo to use it.
What about wild camping? Wild camping is officially not allowed in Tenerife. In Teide National Park it is strictly forbidden. Outside the park, many hikers find discreet forest spots for a quiet bivouac and apply full Leave No Trace principles. This is a grey zone and the responsibility is yours.
A practical note for Teide: there's a mouflon population control programme on certain days (usually Monday, Wednesday, and sometimes Friday) from 7am to 1pm. Signs are clearly posted when it's active. It's managed well but worth knowing about, especially if you're camping near the park edge.
Leave no trace when camping
- Camp on durable ground, not fragile vegetation
- Keep your spot small and discreet
- Take all waste with you, including toilet paper (or use a portable bidet)
- Go to the toilet at least 60 metres from water sources and trails
- Don't wash in streams or natural water
- Never light fires (the volcanic landscape is bone-dry most of the year)
If someone walks past the next morning, they shouldn't be able to tell you were there. You may like reading: Hygiene and Leave No Trace on trail.
GR131 Tenerife section-by-section
Esperanza forest (first stretch)
The trail begins with long stretches of pine forest. Quiet, shaded, steady uphill. Not many water points. A good introduction day. In May, the green is vibrant.
The stretch between Esperanza and La Caldera is long. Splitting it into two days makes it much more enjoyable, especially if you've just arrived on the island.
My partner Jonatan loved it so much so when we were back in Tenerife recently he hiked across again, in only 2 days! Here is vlog 1:
Where to stay in La Esperanza
La Esperanza is a small village near the trail start, easy to reach by bus from Santa Cruz or La Laguna. Most accommodation is rural-style apartments and small guesthouses. Worth a night here before the climb, especially if you've just landed and want to start fresh in the morning.
La Caldera and first views of Teide
This was a long day. Epic views of Teide start appearing. La Caldera has a designated camping area and water access. A small town is nearby, but when I arrived everything was closed. Long siesta hours and late opening times are normal in Tenerife. If you want reliable food, start early and aim to reach towns before 1pm.
Transition to Teide National Park
Waking up in La Caldera was peaceful. Aguamansa has a couple of cafés and restaurants, most opening around 10. Cruz de Dornajito is a great place to rest: picnic tables, shade, grass.
From here the trail becomes more open. On clear days you can see the island in layers: forest below, volcano above, ocean beyond. The weather was calm, sunny, bird sounds, fresh air. A very enjoyable stretch.
Teide National Park crossing
One of the highlights of the GR131. We camped near the entrance to the park and woke to a cold morning. At 8am we waited for the bar to open and stayed there a while because of strong winds.
The crossing is very exposed with almost no shade. Hardly any other hikers. The wind helped, without it the sun would have been intense. Bring enough water.
The landscape feels like walking on another planet. Volcanic gravel, lava fields, distant peaks, sky everywhere.
Descent to Vilaflor
We slept in a barranco after crossing the high point. Stunning views. Windy night.
As you descend, the environment changes again. More flowers, more green. The first town, Vilaflor, appears with orange poppy-like flowers lining the entrance.
Be aware: the supermarket closes early (around 1:30pm). Luckily we made it just in time. Good coffee and pastries at Dulcería Hermano Pedro. We stopped at the park and another café before continuing in the evening, walking into the forest until we found a quiet sleeping spot.
Where to stay in Vilaflor
Vilaflor is one of the higher-altitude villages in Spain (over 1,400 m) and has a small but charming selection of rural guesthouses, small hotels and a few self-catering apartments. Wood-burners and stone walls. Book ahead in May-June and October when the trail is busiest.
Final stretch to Arona
Cowboy camping under the trees between Vilaflor and Arona was calm and comfortable. Clear night sky, some barking from dogs in the distance, but overall peaceful.
The final ridge section has mixed flowers, fruit trees, and occasional houses. Coastal views appear as you approach Arona.
We arrived in town during siesta, so everything was closed. Bar Atlética had good vegetarian options once it opened. At that point we were too tired to continue, so we slept in Barranco del Rey. The next morning we had coffee in Arona, and rented a car (30 euro) to drive back north to where the van was parked at the trail start. Renting a car is the fastest option. Taking the bus is also easy and much cheaper, just slower (around 3 hours from the south back up to Esperanza with one change in Santa Cruz).
Where to stay in Arona
Arona is a small inland town, much quieter than the coastal resorts a few kilometres south. Good base for one calm night to celebrate the finish before either heading to the airport or onward to the coast for a swim. Plenty of rural-style accommodation and small apartments.
Where to stay across the GR131 Tenerife
Accommodation along the GR131 Tenerife is patchy. La Caldera is the only official campsite. Vilaflor and Arona have hotels and rural guesthouses. The towns near the Teide entrance (Aguamansa, La Esperanza) have small options. The map below shows what's bookable along the route.
Zoom into Vilaflor, Arona, or the north (La Esperanza / La Laguna) to find options near your planned overnight stops. Use the free cancellation filter on Booking.com to stay flexible.
Learn how to get 10-20% off bookings on Booking.com when booking multiple hostels or hotels at once.
Ocean Nomads in Tenerife: we have members based on Tenerife and others coming and going through the island year-round. If you want to connect with the community while you're here, the Ocean Nomads member map shows who's currently around. Some members host hikers, some join for a day on trail, some have a couch or a yard for a tent.
Recommended links and resources
GR131 Cicerone Guidebook (covers all seven Canary Islands sections)
- Official Cabildo de Tenerife environment site for permits and trail closures
- GR131 Tenerife on AllTrails
- Mapy, my favourite navigation app (download offline maps)
- GR131 Gran Canaria guide (sister trail on the next island)
Planning your first thru-hike?
Between Jonatan and me, 10,000+ km on foot. PCT, AT, GR11, Fisherman's Trail, GR131 and more. We're putting together a little guide of everything we wish someone had handed us before our first long walks. Practical, written from real trail experience.
FAQ: GR131 Tenerife
How many days does it take to hike the GR131 Tenerife?
Most hikers complete the route in 3 to 5 days. We took 5, taking the first stretch slowly and giving Teide a full day.
How difficult is the GR131 Tenerife?
Moderate. The climbs are steady, the Teide section is exposed, but navigation is straightforward. No technical scrambling.
Is there water on the GR131 Tenerife?
Limited. There are some natural sources and village taps, but the gaps are significant through Teide. Carry 2 to 3 litres and bring a filter for natural water.
Can you camp on the GR131 Tenerife?
Yes, at the official La Caldera campsite (free permit required from the Cabildo). Wild camping is officially not allowed. Many hikers use discreet forest spots with full Leave No Trace responsibility. In Teide National Park, wild camping is strictly forbidden.
What is the best time to hike the GR131 Tenerife?
Spring (March-June) and autumn (October-November). May is the sweet spot: long days, flowers, stable weather, mild temperatures. Avoid July-September (extreme heat and exposure through Teide) and deep winter (snow above 2,000 metres).
Can you hike the GR131 Tenerife with a dog?
Some sections allow dogs. Teide National Park has restrictions, so check the official rules before bringing your dog. The trail through volcanic gravel and exposed sun is also hard on paws. If you're hiking with a dog, the GR131 Gran Canaria may be a better fit.
Is navigation easy on the GR131 Tenerife?
Yes for the most part. The trail is marked with red and white GR stripes. A GPX file on your phone is still recommended, especially through the multi-trail crossings in Teide.
Does the GR131 Tenerife cross Teide National Park?
Yes, and it's one of the highlights. The crossing is exposed with no shade, so bring enough water and start early. The volcanic landscape feels otherworldly.
How do you get to and from the GR131 Tenerife?
Esperanza (the northern start) is reachable by bus or car from Santa Cruz or La Laguna. Arona (the southern end) is around 20 minutes by taxi from Tenerife Sur airport (TFS). To get back from Arona to the northern trailhead, rent a car at the airport (fastest option, around 30 euro for the day) or take the bus, which is also easy and much cheaper, just slower (around 3 hours with one change in Santa Cruz).
Final thoughts
The GR131 Tenerife is a rewarding multi-day hike with serious variety for such a short trail. Forest, volcano, mountain towns, coastal views, all in 67 km. The Teide crossing alone makes it worth the trip.
You won't find perfect logistics or a clean stage-by-stage. The towns close when you need them open. The water sources are unreliable. Wild camping is officially off-limits. But if you plan around those things, you cross a whole Atlantic island on foot in a few days, and you walk through landscapes most people only see from a bus window.
I'd hike it again.
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