Pico del Inglés: Tenerife’s Anaga Mountain Viewpoint

Why Pico del Inglés Stands Out

Pico del Inglés rises within Tenerife’s Anaga Rural Park, offering one of the island’s most accessible high viewpoints over the jagged northern coastline and the Atlantic. The peak sits amid laurel forests and volcanic ridges that feel far removed from the resort towns farther south. On clear days the panorama stretches from the Anaga villages below to distant Mount Teide, making it a rewarding stop for photographers and hikers seeking authentic Canary Island scenery.

Getting There by Road

Most visitors reach the summit by car along the TF-12 road that winds through the Anaga mountains from La Laguna or Santa Cruz. The final approach follows a short spur road ending at a small parking area beside the mirador. Public buses run infrequently to nearby hamlets such as Las Mercedes, after which a steep walk or taxi is required. The route features narrow, twisting lanes with occasional passing places, so allow extra time and drive cautiously, especially after rain.

The Summit Experience

A short paved path leads from the parking area to the main viewpoint platform. From here the north coast unfolds in dramatic layers of cliffs, banana plantations, and scattered white houses. The air is cooler and often mistier than at sea level, supporting dense vegetation that includes endemic Canary laurel and heather. Benches and low stone walls provide spots to linger while watching for raptors riding the updrafts.

Hiking Options

Several trails radiate from the area. The most popular continues along the ridge toward Pico de las Flores and connects with longer routes descending toward Taganana or the coast. These paths traverse exposed ridges and shaded forest sections, offering changing perspectives of both the ocean and the island’s central peaks. Shorter loops stay within the immediate vicinity of the viewpoint and suit visitors with limited time.

Best Time to Visit

The mountain is accessible year-round, yet the clearest views typically occur in spring and early summer when trade-wind clouds lift. Winter months bring occasional rain and stronger winds, while summer afternoons can turn hazy. Early morning visits often reward travelers with sharper light and fewer clouds hugging the ridges.

Nearby Places Worth Exploring

After descending, continue along the TF-12 to the village of Taganana for its black-sand beach and seafood restaurants. The coastal hamlets of Benijo and Roque de las Bodegas lie a short drive farther east, offering dramatic cliff walks and swimming coves. Westward, the laurel forests around Las Mercedes provide additional shaded trails for those wanting more time in the park.