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.

A rocky roadside marker with yellow directional arrow, TMII, and a yellow triangle with the number 2, on a gravel road with hikers in the background.
Two hikers with backpacks walking along a trail in a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks and clouds in the background.
Two hikers walking along a mountain trail through a lush green landscape with rocky mountains and a bright blue sky in the background.
Two hikers with backpacks walking along a narrow mountain trail on a grassy slope with cliffs in the background.
Mountain landscape featuring rugged peaks, some snow-capped, with sunlight illuminating parts of the rocky slopes and shadows cast in the valleys, and sparse trees in the foreground.
Multiple hiking backpacks and trekking poles leaning against a gray metal bench with star-shaped cutouts, outdoors on a paved surface.
A man with a dark beard and mustache wearing sunglasses, a blue bandana, and a blue shirt. He has a backpack on his shoulders and is outdoors surrounded by green foliage and a mountain in the background.
A person backpacking on a forest trail amidst green trees and rocks.
Person holding a large piece of bread with a thick crust and soft interior, with a background of blurred green foliage.
Two hikers with backpacks walking on a dirt trail through a green forested mountain landscape.
Trail marker painted on a rock, with white and red stripes, along a dirt hiking trail surrounded by green bushes and purple flowers.
Two men in outdoor jackets sit at a picnic table outdoors, with one eating and the other standing nearby surrounded by backpacks and outdoor gear.
Man with a backpack and trekking poles taking a selfie in a mountain landscape with blue sky and distant peaks.
A wild ibex with large, curved, ridged horns standing among lush ferns and green vegetation in a mountainous area.
Two hikers viewed from above through a gap in a rocky formation, standing on a dirt trail with greenery around them.
A mountain goat standing on rocky terrain with snow-capped mountains in the background.
A person hiking on a mountain trail with snow-capped peaks in the background under a clear blue sky.

🔍 Activity Overview
🗓   Number of days     4
🛣   Distance 84 km / 52 mi
⛰    Elevation gain 3,100 m / 10,150 ft
🏔   Highest point Degollada de Guajara (~2,370 m)
🏔   Difficulty Moderate to challenging (elevation & remote sections)
🌤   Best time to go October to April (cooler temperatures)

💵 Costs
✈️   Airfares (London)     £25–£100
🚐   Transfers €10–€20
⛺   Pitches Free
💸   Total £35–£120

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.

Always read the disclaimer

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.

A mountain goat standing on large rocks in a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks in the background.
A man crouching by a pond's edge with mountains and trees in the background.
Trail marker painted in red and white on a large rock beside a mountain hiking trail, surrounded by green bushes and plants.

Day 0 - Preparation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

✈️ Getting to Tenerife

  • Plane - Tenerife has two main airports which you can fly into:

    • Tenerife South (TFS) - Best for southern access to the trail end, more flight options.

    • Tenerife North (TFN) - Closer to La Laguna / trail start.

  • Ferry - The ferry is a great option if you‘re coming from the previous leg in Gran Canaria. The main ferry operators for this route is Fred. Olsen Express and prices range between 45 to 70 EUR depending on the day. It is best to book this in advance for the best deal.

🚌 Transport to Santa Cruz de Tenerife

  • From Tenerife South Airport

    • Bus - The intercity buses, operated by TITSA, is the most budget friendly way to get from the airport. You can take Line 10 bus which will take about 1 hour and cost 10 EUR. Tickets can be purchased from the driver (cash only) or at the airport ticket machines.

    • Taxi - Ride sharing companies like Uber and Bolt are not reliable on Tenerife; taxis are plentiful and regulated which will cost about 80 to 130 EUR one way and takes 40 minutes.

  • From Tenerife North Airport

    • Bus - You can take Line 20 bus which will take about 20 minutes and cost 2 to 3 EUR. Tickets can be purchased from the driver (cash only) or at the airport ticket machines.

    • Taxi - Expect to pay about 20 to 25 EUR one way and takes 20 minutes.

👉 Top Tip - If you plan to rely on the public transport on Tenerife, it will be worthwhile to get the Ten+ travel card; Tenerife’s reusable public transport card. It can be used on all TITSA buses (and the island tram). You load it with credit in advance and then tap it when boarding, which gives you discounted fares compared to paying cash to the driver. Easiest thing to do is to purchase at the airport ticket machines available in both Tenerife South and North airports.

🏨 Where to stay

There are plenty of hotels and hostels which can be booked by all the popular online travel agent sites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.

  • Dormitories - 25 to 35 EUR

  • Hostels / guesthouses - 30 to 55 EUR

  • Budget hotels - 40 to 90 EUR

🍦 Food and Equipment

Camping gas

Supermarkets

There are many supermarkets dotted all over Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Some of the larger ones are:

Last-Minute Gear

🥾 Things to do

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the vibrant capital of Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. Nestled on the northeastern coast, it’s a bustling port city known for its mix of modern architecture, historic charm, and cultural attractions. Here’s a few ideas to get you start:

  • Parque García Sanabria – Relax in the large botanical park, shaded paths, fountains, and sculptures.

  • Plaza de España – The city’s central square with a large artificial lake, great for people-watching and relaxing.

  • Playa de Las Teresitas – A beautiful golden-sand beach north of the city, perfect for a swim or picnic. Best way to get here is by taking the Line 910 bus which takes about 25 minutes.

  • Calle del Castillo – Main shopping street with boutiques, cafés, and department stores.

👉 Top Tip - If you don’t want the faff of messing with commuting first thing in the morning, you can stay one of two campsite located close to La Esperanza the night before you plan to start the trail:

Campsites can be booked on the Tenerife ON website up to 1 month in advance free of charge.

Four hikers with backpacks standing under the Les Houches Tour du Mont-Blanc sign in a village, with mountains in the background.
Two hikers, a woman and a man, exchange an item on a mountain trail during the day. Both are wearing backpacks and outdoor hiking gear, with the woman holding out an item to the man. The sky is clear and blue with some clouds.
A person with a backpack hiking on a trail through green hills towards a mountain on a clear day.
Panoramic view of a lush green mountain valley with steep slopes, distant snow-capped peaks, and partly cloudy sky.

Day 1 - La Esperanza to La Caldera

Top Tips

  • Most affordable way to get to La Esperanza from Santa Cruz de Tenerife bus via San Cristóbal de La Laguna. To get there, you have to:

    • Catch any bus which goes to Intercambiador Laguna. Some of the fastest ones are Line 15, Line 102 and Line 108 which takes less than 20 minutes and costs 2 EUR.

    • Transfer to Line 041 (operated by private company called Transportes La Esperanza) and get off at La Esperanza (Plaza). The journey takes 30 minutes and costs 2 EUR. The bus comes every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday and only once an hour on Sundays. Tickets can be bought from the driver with cash (have small notes or coins as change is limited).

  • Alternatively, a taxi from Santa Cruz de Tenerife will cost between 25 and 35 EUR.

Food

Breakfast

There’s so many options in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it’s hard to pick. To help out, here’s a few to get you started:

Lunch

  • Self cater.

Evening Meal

There are a few restaurants and bars in the town of Aguamansa but keep in mind that most close around 6pm.

  • Restaurante Aguamansa - Offers a variety of Spanish and Canarian dishes, including grilled meats (chicken, beef, and pork), fresh salads, pasta, and local specialties like papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce).

  • Restaurante Paso del Teide - This popular local restaurant serves classic Canary Island and Spanish comfort food with generous portions and reasonable prices.

  • Bar Casa Paca - A small, homey bar‑style spot with a focus on simple homemade Canarian fare. Opens until 23:00pm.

Campsite

  • La Caldera Campsite - 🗺️ Map 🌐 Website

  • Ramón el Caminero Campsite - 🗺️ Map 🌐 Website

    • This is a good 3 hours further uphill but useful if the Las Calderetas campsite is full (or closed for forestry works as it was for me).

🚱 Water at campsite is non-portable. Please ensure that you have a way to treat the water before drinking.

Campsites can be booked on the Tenerife ON website up to 1 month in advance free of charge.

Group of four hikers with backpacks standing under an archway at Les Houches, Mont Blanc, France, smiling and posing for the camera, with mountains in the background.
Two hikers with backpacks exchanging something on a grassy hilltop under a blue sky with clouds.
Hiker with a large backpack walking on a rocky trail through green mountains under a clear blue sky.
A scenic mountain landscape with green valleys, rocky slopes, and snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky.

Top Tips

  • Tips to go here

Food

Breakfast

  • Restaurante Los Andes - Offers toast with tomato and olive oil (pan con tomate), bocadillos (small sandwiches) with ham, cheese or local cold cuts, and simple egg dishes

  • Bar Restaurante Casa Nicasio - Offers a homey, bar‑style breakfast experience rooted in local Canarian traditions.

Lunch

  • Restaurante El Portillo - a casual, roadside restaurant serving hearty Spanish and Canarian comfort food with generous portions at moderate prices.

Evening Meal

  • Restaurante Papillon - Serves a mix of local Spanish/Canarian and international like tapas, sandwiches and café‑style plates, along with basics such as ham and melon, French fries, salads, and simple cooked meals.

  • Restaurante Bambi - Offers classic Canary Island‑style cuisine like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauces, garlic prawns or fresh salads, followed by hearty mains such as grilled meats.

Campsite

Wild camp near Portillo de la Villa.

Day 2 - La Caldera to El Portillo

Person with an orange hat and green shirt standing outdoors in a mountainous area with green slopes and blue sky.
A person sitting on a rocky mountain slope with a backpack, surrounded by green mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Two hikers with large backpacks resting on a mountain trail with green mountains and blue sky in the background.
Three hikers walking on a mountain trail with backpacks, walking poles, and wearing hats, surrounded by green and rugged mountain scenery.

Day 3 - El Portillo to Vilaflor

Top Tips

  • Tips to go here

Food

Breakfast

  • Restaurante Papillon - Offers things such as coffee and tea, fresh pastries, croissants and light sandwiches (bocadillos).

  • Restaurante Bambi - Provides a more hearty, Canarian-style breakfast such as papayas arrugadas with mojo sauces, egg dishes and omelettes.

Lunch

  • Self cater.

Evening Meal

  • Restaurante  Cafetería La Paz - Offering classic café fare including sandwiches, snacks, local stews, and grilled dishes, alongside lighter options like salads, pastries, cakes and churros

  • Los Cipreses de La Casa Inglesa - Offers traditional Canarian food, grilled meats, croquettes, soups, and creative main dishes.

  • TascAndrés - A classic tapas bar serving traditional Canarian dishes such as grilled meats (chicken, pork, beef), local stews, and mixed tapas plates. It is a bit far of a walk though.

  • 🛒 Supermercado Vilaflor

Campsite

Wild camp just before Vilaflor.

Four hikers with backpacks and walking sticks talking next to a white van in a mountainous area, with informational signboards behind them.
Wooden directional signs on a grassy hillside pointing to a refuge called 'refuge des Mottets' with a hiker and car icons indicating walking and driving directions.
Hikers walking on a trail in a mountainous landscape with steep green slopes and rugged peaks in the background under a cloudy sky.
Two hikers with backpacks and walking poles walking on a gravel trail through a mountainous landscape with pink and purple wildflowers along the sides.
A stone marker on a gravel path with yellow markings and symbols, including an upward arrow, the letters 'TMII', and the number '2', with a group of hikers walking away in the background surrounded by mountains and greenery.
Three hikers walking on a gravel trail through a green mountainous valley with trees on both sides and mountains in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Day 4 - Vilaflor to Arona

Top Tips

  • Catch Line 480 or Line 482 to get from Arona to Los Cristianos which takes about 25 minutes and cost 2 EUR. Alternatively, it is only a 1.5 hour walk.

Food

Breakfast

  • Dulcería Hermano Pedro - A café‑style bakery offering fresh pastries and cakes, savory sandwiches and coffee and drinks. Opens at 7:00am for those who enjoy an early start.

  • Pausa Café Vilaflor - Highly rated espresso bar with a focus on coffee drinks, toast, pastries, and small sweet snacks. Opens at 8:00am.

  • Restaurante‑Cafetería Entre Rutas - Serves coffee, toast, eggs, sandwiches, and light breakfast mains from around breakfast hours through the morning. Opens at 6:00am.

  • 🛒 Supermercado Vilaflor

Lunch

Evening Meal

The food options are pretty slim in Arona:

  • Bar Cafeteria Sindical - Popular for delicious bocadillos (sandwiches) and arepas with “papas locas” (loaded potatoes).

  • Bar Atlético Arona - Serves snacks, sandwiches, burgers, and small plates for very cheap.

  • Bar La Mejora - Serves simple yet tasty food like bocadillos (sandwiches), arepas, grilled bites, salads, and snacks, plus coffee and drinks.

I recommend get to Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas where you will have many more options. Some popular ones include:

  • Pescaito los Cristianos – Very popular local favourite for fresh, affordable seafood like fried fish baskets, grilled fish, and seafood plates

  • Con Limón y Sal Sur - Highly rated Mexican spot offering tacos, burritos, fajitas and other Mexican classics at good prices.

  • Bar Restaurante El Cine - Classic no‑frills local restaurant (often cited as one of the best cheap eats in Los Cristianos) serving fresh fish, seafood and Canarian sides like papas arrugadas for great value.

  • The Savoy - Located in Playa de las Américas, it is a budget-friendly dinner spot offering grilled meats, seafood plates, stir-fries, and simple European mains, all served in generous portions.

Campsite

🚫 Sadly, there are no campsites available.

There are plenty of hotels and hostels which can be booked by all the popular online travel agent sites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.

  • Dormitories: 30 to 50 EUR.

  • Hostels / guesthouses: 40 to 80 EUR

  • Budget hotels: 50 to 100 EUR

People sitting on an outdoor terrace with red flowers, overlooking a mountain range with green forests and rugged peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
Two hikers, one standing and the other sitting, on a mountain trail with a large glacier and rugged mountain peaks in the background.
A black cow standing on a grassy hill with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Two hikers with backpacks and walking poles on a grassy hillside in a mountainous landscape, with rocky peaks, some snow patches, and partly cloudy sky.
A stone trail marker with a yellow sign indicating the trail to Villair, 1.325 meters elevation, 2 hours and 10 minutes hike, with a white stone on top, set against a grassy field.
A hillside with pink wildflowers, old wooden logs, and a stone wall in a mountainous landscape.

Day N - Unwinding in Los Cristianos/Playa de las Américas

In Los Cristianos/Playa de las Américas

Continuing on

If you’re doing the next leg of the GR131, you can catch a ferry Tenerife to La Gomera which takes about 1 hour. There are about 6-8 departures a day, with the earliest around 09:00am and the last around 20:00pm.

The main ferry operators for this route are Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas and prices range between 20 to 30 EUR depending on the day. It is best to book this in advance for the best deal.

Note: Ensure that you select the non-resident so that you get the right ticket as the ferries operators have special discounts which are available to residents only.

Getting Home

  • Tenerife South Airport

    • Bus - The best way to get to the airport is by bus. Catch Line 450 which takes about 40 minutes and cost 3 to 4 EUR.

    • Taxi - This option will be a bit more expensive costing between 25 to 25 EUR but it will only take between 15 to 25 minutes.

  • Tenerife North Airport

    • Bus - The best way would be catch Line 112 to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and change to the Line 20. The total journey will take 1.5 hours and cost between 5 to 8 EUR.

    • Taxi - This option very expensive costing between 90 to 100 EUR but it will only take just over an hour.

As always, it would be best to consult your navigation apps on the day to see the most optimum way to get to the airport.

People dining on an outdoor terrace with mountain view, red flowers, and umbrellas.
Two hikers taking a break on a mountain trail with a backdrop of rugged, snow-capped peaks and a glacier.
Black cow standing on grassy hill with mountains and partly cloudy sky in the background.
Two hikers with backpacks walking on a grassy trail in the mountains, with rocky peaks and snow patches visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A stone trail marker with a yellow directional sign attached, indicating the walk to Villair, 1,325 meters away, taking approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, with trail difficulty E, in a grassy outdoor setting.
Mountain hillside with green grass, stone wall, weathered wooden beams, and purple wildflowers.

Looking for a few

shorter hikes?

When I visited Tenerife to do the GR 131, I gave myself a few day so get use to the climate and prepare. As it turns out, I had a bit too much time so instead of just lounging around the cities, I decided to throw in a two 2 day hike in the Parque Rural de Anaga nature reserve located on the northern part of the island.

  • PR-TF-11 - Las Mercedes to Punta del Hidalgo

    • Ancient laurel forest (Monteverde) – The trail starts in the lush, misty forests of Anaga, one of the best-preserved laurisilva ecosystems in Europe.

    • Dramatic descent through ravines – Steep paths and barrancos provide a real sense of journey from highlands to the sea.

    • Traditional hamlets (El Batán & Bejía) – Pass through quiet rural settlements with old stone houses, terraces, and traces of traditional island life.

  • PR-TF-10 - Punta del Hidalgo to Cruz del Carmen

    • Dramatic landscape contrasts – The trail showcases Anaga at its best, moving between rugged coastal terrain, deep ravines, and cool mountain forest.

    • Classic Anaga stone paths – Walk on historic, hand-built trails with stone steps and switchbacks that reflect centuries of local use.

    • Wide Atlantic viewpoints – Several exposed sections offer sweeping views over the ocean and the northeast coastline.

Pre-Hike Day 1 - PR-TF-11 - Las Mercedes to Punta del Hidalgo

Top Tips

  • Most affordable way to get to Las Mercedes from Santa Cruz de Tenerife is to catch the Line 105 bus. It takes about an hour and cost between 2 to 4 EUR. Alternatively, a taxi will cost between 25 to 30 EUR.

  • If you’re catching the 105 bus, it is a good opportunity to get off a little earlier and explore San Cristóbal de La Laguna; a historic and vibrant UNESCO-listed city.

  • The Path of the Senses (Sendero de los Sentidos) is one of the most magical and accessible walks in Tenerife, perfect for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Anaga’s ancient laurel forest.

Food

Breakfast

  • Tons of options Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Lunch

  • Self cater.

Evening Meal

Campsite

  • Camping Punta del Hidalgo - 🗺️ Map 🌐 Website

People dining on a terrace overlooking a mountainous landscape with green forests and rugged peaks.
Two hikers, one standing and one sitting, on a mountain trail with towering snow-capped mountains in the background.
A black cow standing on a grassy hill with rugged mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Two hikers with backpacks walking on a grassy trail in a mountainous area, with rocky peaks and snow patches in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
A stone trail marker with a yellow sign indicating direction, distance, and estimated hiking time to Villair.
A scenic mountain landscape with a grassy hillside, wild purple flowers, and old wooden and stone structures.

Pre-Hike Day 2 - PR-TF-10 - Punta del Hidalgo to Cruz de Carmen

Top Tips

  • The best way to get from Cruz del Carmen to La Esperanza is by bus:

    • Catch any bus which goes to Intercambiador Laguna. Some of the fastest ones are Line 76 and Line 275. The trip should take just over than 20 minutes and costs 3 to 6 EUR.

    • Transfer to Line 041 (operated by private company called Transportes La Esperanza) and get off at La Esperanza (Plaza). The journey takes 30 minutes and costs 2 EUR. The bus comes every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday and only once an hour on Sundays. Tickets can be bought from the driver with cash (have small notes or coins as change is limited).

Food

Breakfast

Lunch

At the end of the trail, you can find the following:

  • Restaurante Cruz del Carmen - hearty mains like puchero canario, papas arrugadas with mojo, meat or fish plates, plus homemade desserts and local wines.

However, I would recommend you catch any bus to San Cristóbal de La Laguna for a better selection of restaurants and bars. Some popular ones include:

  • Makika&Co - A artisan café and French pâtisserie offering salads, starters, and light mains in a relaxed, plant‑filled Canarian courtyard.

  • La Bourmet - Offers artisanal burgers, tasty sides, and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Gulagú - Offers budget‑friendly Mediterranean and local dishes with good portion sizes.

Evening Meal

Campsite

If you’re planning to do the GR131, you can head straight to the trail head and stay one of the following campsites:

  • Las Calderetas Campsite - 🗺️ Map 🌐 Website

🚱 Water at the campsites is non-portable. Please ensure that you have a way to treat the water before drinking.

Campsites can be booked on the Tenerife ON website up to 1 month in advance free of charge.

Outdoor terrace with people dining and socializing, overlooking a mountain range with green and rocky peaks, supported by stone and wood structures, decorated with red flowers.
Two hikers, one sitting and one standing, on a grassy mountain ledge with giant rocky mountains and glaciers in the background.
Black cow standing on grassy hill with rocky mountain peaks and blue sky with clouds in the background.
Two hikers with backpacks walking along a grassy trail in a mountainous landscape, with rocky peaks and patches of snow under a partly cloudy sky.
Stone pillar with a yellow sign indicating a hiking trail to Villair, 1.325 meters high, estimated to take 2 hours and 10 minutes, with a direction to the right.
A mountain landscape with a grassy hillside, stone structures, and pink wildflowers in the foreground.

Helpful Links

Terms of Use

A quick but important note for all visitors: we do our best to share high-quality, accurate information, but it’s always possible that we’ve missed something or that conditions have changed. All GPS tracks (GPX files and maps) and route suggestions are meant to be used as general guidelines—not exact instructions.

chalkypeaks.com and its contributors are not liable for any personal injury, property damage, or other incidents that may occur while hiking or following this route or any route on the site.

If you choose to hike this trail, you do so entirely at your own risk. Always use your own judgment, follow local laws, keep yourself and others safe, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Your Questions, Answered

  • 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.