Mirador Cruz del Carmen

Mirador Cruz del Carmen is one of the best-known viewpoints in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, sitting inside Anaga Rural Park on Tenerife. It stands at roughly 920 metres above sea level, at an old crossroads, only about 10 kilometres from the centre of La Laguna.

What can you see from the viewpoint?

The lookout opens onto the Vega Lagunera valley and the city of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a clear day the view also stretches to Pico del Teide, Spain's highest peak, alongside the dense laurel forest (laurisilva) that covers much of Anaga. The combination of green forest, the valley below and the volcanic summit in the distance is what draws both visitors and locals to stop here.

What else is there to do?

Built in 1934, Mirador Cruz del Carmen serves as the starting point for several walking routes through the Anaga laurel forest. One of the most popular is the Sendero de los Sentidos (Trail of the Senses), a short path designed to let visitors experience the forest through its smells, sounds and textures. Right next to the viewpoint stands the small Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a hermitage tied to local religious tradition.

Beside the lookout there is a visitor centre, opened in 1995, where you can learn more about the flora and fauna of Anaga Rural Park and plan a hike further into the forest. A restaurant and a small farmers market operate on site too, making it a natural stop before or after walking one of the nearby trails.

How do you get to Mirador Cruz del Carmen?

Driving from central La Laguna typically takes 15–20 minutes, climbing up toward Anaga Rural Park along a road that already offers scenic views on the way. Local public transport also runs toward Anaga, though having your own car gives more flexibility for combining the viewpoint with nearby trails. A car park sits right next to the lookout, making it an easy stop on a wider drive around Tenerife.

When is the best time to visit?

Because of the altitude and proximity to the laurel forest, Cruz del Carmen frequently gets caught in mist, especially in the afternoon, a typical effect of moist trade winds blowing in from the north of the island. Mornings usually offer the clearest skies and the best conditions for photographing the panorama. It's worth checking the forecast beforehand, since visibility can change within the same day. The site is open year-round, and temperatures at this altitude tend to run cooler than on the coast, so bringing a warmer layer is a good idea.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Mirador Cruz del Carmen free? Yes, access to the viewpoint is free and open to everyone.

Can you see the Teide volcano from here? Yes, on a clear day with no mist, the view of Teide is one of the main highlights of this spot.

Can a visit be combined with a hike? Yes, the viewpoint is the starting point for several trails in Anaga Rural Park, including the short Sendero de los Sentidos.

How much time should I plan for a visit? Taking in the view alone takes 15–20 minutes, but with the restaurant, visitor centre and a short trail, it's worth setting aside 1–2 hours.