Monumento Natural de la Montaña de Tejina

Monumento Natural de la Montaña de Tejina is a protected volcanic area in the municipality of Guía de Isora, on the southwestern coast of Tenerife. Tejina Mountain rises to 1,055 metres and covers close to 170 hectares, stretching between the Guaria and Cuéscaro ravines. The site was granted Natural Monument status in 1994, recognizing its combined geological, ecological and historical significance.

How did Tejina Mountain form?

Tejina is a volcanic dome more than 2 million years old, formed during the same geological period as the Las Cañadas massif at the island's center. It is built mainly of phonolites and trachybasalts — acidic rock types that are less common in Tenerife's typically basaltic landscape. The original dome was later covered by layers of volcanic ash and pyroclastic material, giving the mountain the jagged, uneven profile still visible today.

What plants and animals live here?

The slopes of Tejina shelter threatened species, including the endemic shrub balillo (Atalanthus microcarpus), found almost exclusively in this part of the Canary Islands. Lower elevations are dominated by vegetation typical of the island's basal zone, while higher up, in a more humid microclimate, heather grows alongside Canary pine mixed with rockrose. This mix of habitats makes Tejina an important site for conservation on the island's south side.

Why was the mountain sacred to the Guanches?

Before the area was used for agriculture, Tejina held spiritual importance for Tenerife's indigenous Guanche population, who regarded it as a sacred place. Traces of this heritage, alongside remnants of former farming activity on its slopes, add a historical layer that today coexists with the site's natural value.

What can you see while hiking Tejina?

Hiking trails circle the mountain, including a loop of roughly 10 kilometres considered challenging and typically taking just under five hours to complete. From the summit, panoramic views open up over the Guía de Isora coastline, the neighbouring ravines and, on clear days, further stretches of southwestern Tenerife. The route crosses varied volcanic terrain, making it appealing both to those interested in geology and to wildlife observers.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Montaña de Tejina? The summit reaches 1,055 metres above sea level.

When was the area protected? It was designated a Natural Monument (Monumento Natural) in 1994.

Can you hike to the summit? Yes, hiking trails lead up and around the mountain, including a loop of about 10 km.

What makes the site geologically distinctive? A volcanic dome built of phonolites and trachybasalts, formed over 2 million years ago during the same period as Las Cañadas.