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Titolo 4
TF - 12
Parque Rural de Anaga
The TF-12 is one of the most iconic routes in northeast Tenerife. Starting from the coastal town of San Andrés, it climbs the Anaga mountain range, passing through dense laurel forests, frequent fog, narrow curves, cliffs, and small villages that seem suspended between rock, sea, and vegetation. Its route ends near Las Mercedes, connecting with the TF-13, offering views of the valley, the sea, and the sky, depending on the weather.
The road is approximately 28.8 km long. Its width varies; some sections are so narrow that only two cars can pass, requiring careful driving, especially in fog or rain. There are over a hundred curves, many of them hairpin bends, making each section worth stopping to admire. Many guidebooks and reviews emphasize that this is a route to be taken slowly, savoring the scenery, stopping at viewpoints, taking photos, and breathing in the forest air.
What sets it apart from other mountain roads on the island is the balance it strikes between accessibility (it's passable by regular car), unspoiled nature, and small villages that preserve their traditions. Las Mercedes, for example, is a high-mountain village with local restaurants, secluded houses, and a feeling of being far removed from mass tourism. The sections that wind through the forest evoke the sensation of being immersed in an ancient, verdant, and lush environment. Seeing the sea of clouds from Cruz del Carmen, listening to birds, moving among giant ferns; the experience is more sensory than mechanical.
Driving the TF-12 isn't just getting from A to B: it's a journey through the agricultural, natural, and coastal identity of Anaga. It's not uncommon to encounter hikers using the road as part of mountain routes, cyclists who highlight it as one of the most beautiful in the north, and hidden viewpoints that don't appear on every map. This route offers a complete experience: sea, mountains, and authenticity.
🚦San Andres
🏁 Las Mercedes
🗺️ 30 km
⏱️ 1 hour by car or motorcycle - 2 hours by bicycle
📉 Very high elevation gain
⚠️ Usually no traffic jams, but narrow sections and many curves
⛽ No gas stations along the route
🍽️ With restrooms, picnic areas, and bathrooms
🛠️ Roadside assistance is far away
🚗💨 Moderate traffic
🛣️ Suitable for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles
📸 Points of interest: Laurel forest, viewpoints, and vistas
Mess conferma
Where to eat
Lucky Helado
If you're in downtown Santa Cruz and fancy something cold while strolling around Plaza de España, Lucky Helado is a very convenient option. It's a takeaway shop with a variety of ice creams and fast service, ideal for a quick stop before continuing your walk. Perfect for cooling off without any hassle right in the city center. There are often queues.
What to see
Presa de los Campitos
If you're looking for a peaceful getaway near Santa Cruz with a unique twist, the Los Campitos Dam has something special. It's not just nature: it's an abandoned structure that lends a distinctive character to the surroundings. You can stroll around, explore, and discover the contrast between the natural landscape and what was left unused. It's a little-known spot, perfect for disconnecting and discovering something different without going too far.
Activities
Área Recreativa Llano Los Viejos
If you're looking for a picnic area within Anaga that's more secluded and less crowded than others, Llano de Los Viejos has a very different feel. Here you're immersed in the laurel forest, with frequent mist, humidity, and that typical silence of the northern mountains. It's a more enclosed spot, perfect for relaxing, having a picnic or barbecue, and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle.
Beaches
Playa de Benijo
Benijo Beach, in northern Tenerife, is one of those places that seem like something out of this world. Wild, dark, and powerful, it combines volcanic sand with a rough sea and the silhouettes of rocks emerging from the Atlantic. It's ideal for those seeking pure nature, far from mass tourism. The sunset here is one of the most impressive on the island: the sun sets behind the rocks while the sea is tinged with gold and violet.
Nightlife
Lone Star
If you love rock, Lone Star isn't just a cocktail bar: it's one of Santa Cruz's most iconic venues for enjoying great music and an alternative atmosphere. Here, guitars take center stage over current trends. Between concerts, DJ sets, beer, and a decor brimming with vinyl records and musical memorabilia, the bar has become a true meeting point for rock lovers of all generations.
Shopping
Tiburón Libre
Tiburón Libre, located at 44 Callao de Lima Street (Santa Cruz), is a technical and recreational dive shop that stands out for its extensive catalog of renowned brands such as Aqualung, Suunto, Cressi, Mares, and Suex, its technical service, and its very personal service. Here you can see and touch the equipment, order items they don't have, and get great prices without having to wait for orders. It's ideal for both frequent divers and those looking to get started.
Sports
Santa Cruz Extreme
The Santa Cruz Extreme is an iconic mountain race in Tenerife, which runs through Anaga Rural Park and finishes in Santa Cruz. It has several categories (60 km, 33 km, 18 km, 10 km, and a vertical race), with steep slopes, routes along trails, and traditional farmhouses. Held in October, it attracts runners of many nationalities; it is also notable for its sustainable approach and for promoting the natural and rural value of Anaga.
Trekking
El Tomadero
A circular route in Anaga Rural Park connecting Punta del Hidalgo with El Tomadero, ascending via a channel carved into the rock and descending through the ravine. It's approximately 6 km with little elevation gain, but includes technical and exposed sections that increase the difficulty. The channel is in very good condition and clean, although it can be quite vertigo-inducing in some places. The descent through the ravine is rocky and uncomfortable. A short but demanding route, not recommended for people with vertigo.