Barranco del Infierno

Barranco del Infierno is a ravine located on the island of Tenerife, in the town of Adeje, in the southern part of this Canary Island belonging to Spain. Its name — literally translating as "Ravine of Hell" — immediately conjures an image of a stark, dramatic landscape, though the site is above all a place of considerable natural value, formally recognised as a protected area in Spain.

Where is Barranco del Infierno located?

The ravine begins within the municipal territory of Adeje, in the southern part of Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Its geographic coordinates place it at roughly 28.133° N, 16.712° W, situating it in a zone where the mountainous interior of the island meets the drier, sun-drenched belt of the southern coast. It is precisely this contrast — between the damper, rugged terrain carved into ravines and the arid, tourist-oriented south — that makes formations like this one stand out from the rest of the island.

What kind of site is this?

According to the classification used in official records, Barranco del Infierno is registered as a protected area within Spanish territory. This status means the site is subject to specific regulations aimed at preserving its natural and landscape value. The Spanish term "barranco" itself means ravine or gorge — a deep, narrow depression in the terrain, typically shaped by water and erosion over thousands of years, a feature closely tied to the volcanic origins of the Canary Islands.

Why does the name draw curiosity?

The name "Barranco del Infierno" has long intrigued visitors to Tenerife, since it pairs stark, almost ominous associations with the fact that the site sits within one of the island's sunniest and most touristic regions — the municipality of Adeje, best known for its coastal holiday resorts. This contrast between the name and its surroundings is part of what makes the ravine appealing both to nature enthusiasts and to travellers looking for lesser-known corners of southern Tenerife.

What should visitors know beforehand?

Because Barranco del Infierno holds protected-area status, visitors should be aware that access and movement within the site may be subject to restrictions set by local nature conservation authorities. This form of protection is designed to shield the ravine's unique ecosystem from excessive tourist pressure, a concern that carries particular weight on islands with limited land area and sensitive habitats, such as the Canary Islands.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Barranco del Infierno located? The ravine begins within the town of Adeje, in the southern part of Tenerife, one of Spain's Canary Islands.

What does the name Barranco del Infierno mean? Translated literally from Spanish, it means "Ravine of Hell" — a name that reflects the stark, dramatic character typical of this kind of terrain formation.

Is this site protected? Yes, Barranco del Infierno is registered as a protected area within Spanish territory, meaning it falls under regulations intended to preserve its natural value.

Is Barranco del Infierno close to the coast? Adeje, the municipality where the ravine begins, lies in the southern, coastal part of Tenerife — a region known for its holiday resorts — meaning the ravine sits close to a more developed stretch of shoreline.