Site of Scientific Interest of Interián

The Site of Scientific Interest of Interián is a small but ecologically valuable protected area on the northwest slope of Tenerife, spanning the boundaries of three municipalities: Los Silos, El Tanque and Garachico. Covering barely 102 hectares, it punches well above its size in terms of importance for the island's native plant and animal life.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The site sits close to the town of Los Silos, on a steep, cliff-like slope descending toward the coast. Access is via the TF-42 road: leaving Los Silos, after roughly 700 metres you take the first turn to the right. The dramatic, cliff-bound terrain gives the area notable scenic value and makes it a quiet alternative for visitors looking to escape Tenerife's busier trails.

What makes this place special?

Interián preserves one of the last well-conserved patches of thermophilic forest on Tenerife — a plant community typical of the warmer, lower-altitude zones of the Canary Islands that has become increasingly rare in good condition. The site holds notable populations of species typical of this forest type, including almácigo (Bursera odorata), dragon tree (drago), barbuzano, palms and dracaena. This botanical richness, together with the presence of threatened species such as the cabezón, is the main reason the area was granted legal protection.

What wildlife lives here?

The cliffs and surviving vegetation provide habitat for several notable bird species. Visitors may encounter the Eurasian wryneck, kestrel, blackbird, and the booted eagle, locally known for its distinctive white plumage phase. Their presence, combined with the unique plant cover, makes the site an important link in the island's wider ecological network.

What protection status does the area hold?

The area was first protected under Law 12/1987 and later reclassified into its current category as a Sitio de Interés Científico (Site of Scientific Interest) under Law 12/1994, the Canary Islands' law governing natural spaces. Because of its ecological value, it is also included among the 44 Sites of Community Importance designated on Tenerife as part of the European Natura 2000 network.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors explore Interián on their own? The site is reachable via the TF-42 road from Los Silos, but as a protected natural area it is subject to conservation regulations governing access. The steep, cliff-like terrain also calls for extra caution.

How does thermophilic forest differ from other Tenerife forests? Unlike the humid laurel forest (laurisilva) found at higher altitudes, thermophilic forest grows in the island's warmer, drier, lower-lying zones and features a different mix of species, such as dragon trees and almácigo.

Why is this site significant for conservation? Because it is one of the few places on Tenerife where this forest type survives in good condition, together with the plant and bird species associated with it, some of which are threatened.

Which municipalities does the Site of Scientific Interest of Interián span? The protected area extends across three municipalities — Los Silos, El Tanque and Garachico — underlining its importance for the whole northwest region of Tenerife.