Corona Forestal Natural Park

Corona Forestal is a natural park on Tenerife that wraps around Teide National Park like a ring — its name literally means "forest crown." Covering more than 46,000 hectares, it is the largest protected natural area in the Canary Islands. The section of the park within the municipality of La Orotava, on the volcano's northern slopes, is one of the most visited stretches of this forested ring, made up of dense Canary pine woods threaded with hiking trails and viewpoints.

Why visit this part of the park?

The landscape around La Orotava looks very different from the dry, volcanic interior of Teide. The wetter climate on the northern slopes supports lush vegetation — pine forest, ferns and heathland — which contrasts sharply with the lava fields found higher up in the park. It's a clear illustration of how altitude and exposure to the trade winds shape distinct microclimates on a single island.

What trails run through the park near La Orotava?

The trail network in this part of Corona Forestal is extensive and suits a range of fitness levels. The PNT 13 "Sámara" loop covers roughly 4.9 km and takes a little over an hour and a half, running through markedly volcanic terrain with views over lava-covered slopes. Another popular option is the circular route starting from the La Caldera recreational area: it crosses the Mamio forest track along a gentle gradient, reaches Casa del Agua, then descends toward Mamio and climbs alongside the Llanos ravine before returning to the starting point. For less experienced walkers, the Caldera de Aguamansa circular trail is a good choice — an easy, family-friendly route with panoramic views toward the island's north coast.

Which viewpoints are worth seeing?

Among the park's many miradors, La Tarta stands out — a spot where layers of solidified lava in different colours create an almost lunar landscape. Another viewpoint, Ortuño, offers a wide panorama over the pine forests and across the entire La Orotava valley stretching down toward the ocean.

Frequently asked questions

Is Corona Forestal the same as Teide National Park? No. Corona Forestal is a separate, much larger natural park that surrounds Teide in an almost complete ring of forest and woodland — hence its name. Teide National Park occupies the volcanic core of the island, while Corona Forestal forms a buffer zone around it.

Who are the trails around La Orotava suited to? Both families looking for a short, easy walk with a view and visitors wanting to spend several hours on a longer route will find something here — the trails vary in length and difficulty, but most don't require specialist preparation.

What sets this part of the park apart from other sections of Corona Forestal? Its proximity to La Orotava and the noticeably greener, more humid character of the landscape on the northern slopes, in contrast to the drier, more volcanic stretches of the park on the island's southern side.