Tenerife ON Publishes Six New Trails in the Malpaís de Güímar Special Nature Reserve

Tenerife ON is pleased to announce the addition of six new trails in the Malpaís de Güímar Special Nature Reserve, on the east coast of Tenerife. These trails offer a unique opportunity to explore the ecological diversity and rich cultural heritage of this protected area.

With the addition of these six new trails, Tenerife ON has broadened the range of routes available on the island.

• Camino de Samarines: This trail starts at Puertito de Güímar and heads into the reserve until it reaches the slopes of Montaña Grande, near the Morras del Corcho viewpoint. Here you can see recent lava flows and unique flora and fauna, such as tabaiba dulce (Euphorbia balsamifera), cardón or Canary Island spurge (Euphorbia canariensis) and the Tenerife lizard.
• Camino del Socorro (partial): This short section runs along the final part of Camino del Socorro, a route with the status of Asset of Cultural Interest. The trail starts at the bridge over the TF-1 motorway and descends towards Chimisay Beach, offering breathtaking views of Montaña Grande and the opportunity to explore one of the most culturally significant trails in Tenerife.
• Montaña Grande Loop Trail: This trail skirts Montaña Grande, a towering 276-metre high volcanic cone. It is notable for its natural diversity, with thick stands of cardón or Canary Island spurge (Euphorbia canariensis) and tabaiba (Euphorbia balsamifera, Euphorbia lamarckii), and spectacular views from the viewpoint.
• Montaña Grande – Camino de la Mar: This trail connects the Montaña Grande trail with Punta de los Picos, on the Camino de la Mar trail. It runs through lava flows and sandy sections, where you can discover the unique geological features and plant life that has adapted to the extreme conditions.
• Camino de la Mar: This trail runs along the coastline of Malpaís de Güímar, connecting the centre of Socorro with Puertito de Güímar. It traces the volcanic and human past of the reserve, including the remains of old salt pans and places for drying out ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), with a wide variety of birds and coastal flora.
• Malpaís de Güímar Loop Trail: This figure-of-8-shaped trail runs through the flat areas of the malpaís volcanic landscape, taking you on a journey through the natural and cultural history of the reserve. Well signposted and with information panels, the trail provides walkers with the opportunity to explore both vestiges of human activity and the flora and fauna that have successfully adapted to this arid terrain.

Organised groups (schools, associations or companies) can use these trails subject to prior authorisation from the Reservations Office of the Tenerife Island Council.

These new trails not only extend the range of routes on offer in Tenerife ON, but also give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique volcanic landscape, full of history and life. We invite you to explore these trails and discover all that Malpaís de Güímar has to offer!