Pico de Taborno: A Hidden Gem in Anaga The Rise in Popularity
This hiking trail has experienced quite a transformation in recent years. Just four years ago, you could leisurely drive into the village of Taboro around 11 AM and easily find a parking spot. Today, 9:30 AM is the absolute deadline—arrive any later and you'll find cars lining the yellow "no parking" lines along the road. I've even seen Instagram videos showcasing the surge of visitors to Anaga, with this very road to our trail packed bumper-to-bumper with vehicles.
The Trail Itself
The hiking route is well-marked throughout, with some sections potentially challenging for those with a fear of heights—though honestly, nothing here is truly dramatic compared to other island trails. The main attraction is Roque de Taborno, a towering basalt monolith that rises majestically and dominates the Anaga skyline from various viewpoints. It's become an iconic symbol of this picturesque region.
Starting Your Adventure
Your journey begins at a tiny village church, almost always locked but worth asking about. If you're fortunate enough to find locals on the plaza, they'll proudly open the massive doors for you. Alternatively, check back around twice monthly when a priest from the larger parish arrives to conduct a rare service. Inside, you'll discover a delightfully quirky story: in the early 20th century, locals from this historically isolated village grew tired of being mocked by neighbors for having no patron saint. They secretly carried a wooden statue of Saint John from an abandoned nearby chapel along treacherous mountain paths and refused to return it, claiming that if the saint allowed himself to be taken, he must prefer their village. That "stolen" protector now watches over residents and hikers alike.
What to Expect on the Trail
Along the path, expect to encounter herds of wild and pastoral goats, ancient cave dwellings, and breathtaking vistas. The circular route spans approximately 4 kilometers and takes about 3 hours at a leisurely pace with stops.
Practical Tips
Best timing: Arrive by car before 9:30 AM, or plan to visit after 3 PM when crowds disperse. Alternatively, take bus #275 from La Laguna—you'll arrive in an hour with exactly enough time for a quick hike before the return journey in three hours.
Must-visit: Restaurante Historias Para No Dormirserves exceptional French-influenced cuisine (the chef is genuinely French) with stellar reviews. Important: Reserve ahead and bring cash only—they don't accept cards.
The Weather Factor
Weather is everything in Anaga, and it's notoriously unpredictable here. Even when forecasts promise clear skies, you might arrive to dense, misty fog with zero visibility. When this happens, many hikers opt for the left-side route, retracing their steps. However, I recommend tackling the full loop when possible—the right side remains refreshingly quiet and crowds rarely venture there.
The Highlight
The most spectacular views reveal themselves mid-trek at the mountain's edge, where you'll find plenty of space to rest, snack, and capture stunning photographs.
Essential Gear
Trekking poles are invaluable here—they provide crucial support on ascents and are especially helpful navigating steep descents, particularly if the trail is slick from mist.
