Anaga is home to the largest number of endemic species

The Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve: A Unique Natural Treasure

The Anaga Massif Biosphere Reserve is one of the most important natural spaces in Europe. Located in the northeastern tip of Tenerife, between Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Tegueste, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2015. It stands out for its enormous biological diversity and for concentrating an exceptional number of endemic species, which is why it is considered one of the places with the most endemisms in Europe.

For its richness, the International Committee of the World Biological Corridor has recognized it as the Kilometre Zero of Vascular Flora, referring to its importance for the conservation of plant species.

A large number of endemic species

In Anaga, plants grow that are not found anywhere else in the world. Some of the most well-known are the Chinamada clintonia, the Anaga violet, the Chinobre lechuguilla, Taganana thyme, and Chinamada ball. Several of them only live in this massif, often in a few cliffs or ravines, making them especially fragile.

In addition to the flora, Anaga is a refuge for endemic fauna, such as the laurisilva pigeons (the turqué and the rabiche) and numerous invertebrates exclusive to the area.

The laurisilva forest and the hamlets of Anaga

Much of this biodiversity is concentrated in the laurisilva, a humid forest that is a remnant of the vegetation that covered southern Europe millions of years ago. Thanks to the moisture from the trade winds, the peaks of Anaga are often shrouded in mist, creating an almost magical atmosphere that we describe in The Enchanted Forest of Anaga.

But Anaga is not just nature. In its ravines, small hamlets like Chinamada, with their cave houses, or Taganana, one of the oldest villages on the island. Their traditional way of life is part of the value that UNESCO sought to protect.

International protection since 2024

Since 2024, the Anaga Massif has been part of the World Biological Corridor, a global project focused on connecting and protecting natural areas. Its affiliation was announced during the I International Congress of the Oceans, held in El Hierro, where the importance of recovering affected ecosystems was highlighted.

This recognition integrates trails, ravines, marine areas, and other spaces of Anaga into an international conservation network. This way, the protection of one of the most valuable places in the Canary Islands is reinforced.

How to visit Anaga

The best starting point is the Visitor Center of Cruz del Carmen, from where several marked trails start through the forest. If you enjoy walking, in our guide to Hiking routes in Tenerife you will find some of the most beautiful routes in the massif. Remember not to stray from the paths or collect plants: many of these species are protected.

Before you go, check the weather live with our webcams in the area, such as the one at the Benijo beach, on the northern coast of Anaga, or the one at Las Teresitas, at the foot of the massif.

To learn more about species and routes, you can check the official information from the Anaga Biosphere Reserve.