Punta de Anaga Lighthouse

Punta de Anaga Lighthouse stands at the northernmost tip of Tenerife, within the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It marks the point where the wild Anaga mountain range drops straight into the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most remote and untouched corners of the island.

Where exactly is it?

The lighthouse sits at the very end of the Anaga peninsula, inside the Anaga Rural Park — an area recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The surrounding terrain is covered in ancient laurisilva forest and cut through by deep ravines and cliffs that fall directly into the sea. Punta de Anaga itself is the geographical end of the island; beyond it there is only open ocean.

How do you get there?

This is one of the hardest-to-reach spots on Tenerife. No road leads to the lighthouse — the only way in is on foot, along hiking trails through the Anaga mountains, typically starting from the village of Chamorga, the last settlement on the way out to the point. The trail crosses steep, rocky terrain with little shade for most of the walk, so it demands decent fitness, sturdy footwear, and plenty of time. An alternative is approaching by boat or kayak along the Anaga coastline, which offers some of the best views of the lighthouse and the cliffs around it.

Because the terrain is demanding, it's worth setting off early, carrying enough water, and checking the forecast beforehand — this stretch of coast is prone to fog and strong wind.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse itself is an active, working structure and isn't open for visitors to go inside — the real appeal is what surrounds it. From the cliffs near the lighthouse, the view opens onto the Atlantic and the jagged Anaga coastline, and on a clear day you can make out the neighboring islands of La Palma or La Gomera. The channel between Tenerife and the nearby islands is also one of the better spots in the Canaries for spotting dolphins and whales, which pass through these waters with some regularity.

The landscape around the lighthouse is among the most untouched on the island: steep slopes covered in endemic plant life, isolated coves, and no tourist infrastructure whatsoever — a sharp contrast to the crowded resorts on Tenerife's south coast.

When should you visit?

Early spring and autumn are the best times to go, when temperatures are moderate and the heat doesn't turn the multi-hour hike into a struggle. In summer, it's best to start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat on exposed sections of the trail. In winter, expect more frequent rain and fog, which can limit visibility but also give the area a dramatic, moody character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Punta de Anaga Lighthouse? No. It's an active, working lighthouse and isn't open to visitors. The draw is the surrounding scenery, not the building itself.

Can you drive there? No road reaches the lighthouse. It's accessible only on foot, via a hiking trail through the Anaga mountains, or by boat along the coast.

Where does the trail to the lighthouse start? Most hikers set off from the village of Chamorga, the last settlement before the point.

Is it worth visiting if I'm not an experienced hiker? A boat trip along the Anaga coast is a good alternative — it lets you see the lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs without the long, demanding walk.