Hiking and camping the GR131 in Tenerife in 4 Days
📍4 days ↔️84km/52mi ↗️3,100m/10,150ft
The GR131 on Tenerife is the most iconic long-distance trail on the island, offering a dramatic "backbone" traverse that takes you from the lush, pine-scented north to the arid, volcanic south. While the GR131 is an island-hopping route that spans all seven Canary Islands, the Tenerife section is often considered the most diverse due to its extreme changes in altitude and climate.
This is a no-fluff personal take on walking the GR131. It’s designed as a informative, step-by-step reference for anyone planning to walk and camp along the route.
🔍Activity Overview
Number of days: 4
Distance: 84km/52mi
Elevation gain: 3,100m/10,150ft
Highest point: Degollada de Guajara (~2,370m)
Number of days: 4
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (due to elevation and remote sections)
Best time to go: xxx/xxx
💵Costs
Airfares from London - 120.00GBP
Transfers - xxx.xxx
Pitches - Free
Total - 430.00GBP
🚌Transport to and from the trail
Bus - ~£30 - Private transfer from Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura to
The maps provided on this website are intended as a general guide only. Conditions, routes, and features may change at any time. Always rely on your own judgement and seek local or professional advice if possible.
Key Highlights of the
GR131 on Tenerife
The trail typically runs from La Esperanza in the northeast to the municipality of Arona in the south. Unlike many other island sections that go coast-to-coast, the traditional GR131 in Tenerife stays primarily at high altitudes, following the central mountain ridge.
Corona Forestal: The journey begins in mystical laurel and Canary pine forests. In the mornings, you’ll often find yourself "walking on clouds" as the trade winds push mist through the trees.
Teide National Park: The trail skirts the rim of the massive Las Cañadas caldera. While the GR131 doesn't summit Mount Teide (3,715m) itself, you will have constant, breathtaking views of the volcano and its lunar-like lava fields.
The Lunar Landscape (Paisaje Lunar): Near Vilaflor, the trail passes surreal, cone-shaped white volcanic rock formations that look like they belong on another planet.
Vilaflor: At 1,400 meters, this is the highest village in Tenerife and a perfect spot to rest and sample local wine and honey.
Day 0 - Preparation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Getting to Tenerife
Cheapest flights via easyjet. Gets to town either at 12am or 5pm.
Transport to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Transport to town; local buses or hotel transfers via xxx.xxx
Where to stay
Where to stay to go here
Booking.com
airbnb
expedia
Food and equipment
Gas can be obtain from xxx.
Supermarket available.
Outdoor stores in case you left something.
Things to do
Where to camp to go here
Day N - Unwinding in Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos
Transport to xxx
Easy walk into town
Where to stay
Where to stay to go here
Booking.com
airbnb
expedia
Food and equipment
Supermarket available.
Outdoor stores in case you left something.
Things to do
Where to camp to go here
Helpful Links
Tour du Mont Blanc Hike - This has really good articles about shortcuts if you are short on time or are not 100%.
TMBTENT - A great general guide for the TMB.
https://lotuseaters.travel/the-canary-islands/
https://looduskutsub.wordpress.com/2019/01/28/hiking-in-tenerife/
Your Questions, Answered
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Excluding flights, you can expect to pay between 600GBP to 800GBP. The main thing which will cause costs will be food and drinks. Expect to pay between 20 and 30EUR per meal at refuges.