Ifonche, a circular hike

The island of eternal spring has a lot to offer. Once you get tired of sitting around the pool or the beach, you will be pleased to know that there are many trekking trails you can take. Some quick and easy, several long and hard, Tenerife mountains offer something for everyone.
The best hiking trails are usually associated with the Anaga Rural Park, the El Teide National Park or the Teno Rural Park. However, on the southern side of the island, there are few undiscovered treasures.

I’ve been living in Tenerife since 2011 and I must admit it took me a long time to go on my first hike. The beach is my favourite place to be and when I want a change of scenery, I impulsively go to the pool. Not a big change, I know! This year for the fits time I heard the mountains call, so I decided finally to pay a visit. It was about time!

My dear friend Lubi is the perfect trekking guide. She’s been living here as long as I have, and her element is the mountain. She has done almost all the hikes in Tenerife and she can tell you how exactly to prepare for a certain hike, what to wear and what to bring along. When I told her I was ready to hit the peak, she was even more excited than me. We set a day and picked a time. On a January Sunday morning, I was thrilled to dive into the pine forest or Ifonche.

Places like Ifonche in the Arona area are worth a visit. The path that runs from the historic centre of Arona to the town of Ifonche takes us closer to three Protected Natural Areas, combining the old agricultural landscapes with the pine forest of the Corona Forestal National Park and places as mysterious as the head of the Barranco del Infierno.

There are several routes you could follow. We chose the circular one, a pleasant officially approved path. Ideal for families and newbies. The weather was great; the sun was shining; the birds were singing, and I was on my very first hike! Fresh air, marvellous scenery, pine trees, a bag full of pine cones, what’s not to love about this day! Somewhere in the middle of our walk, we stumble upon a small waterfall. Unfortunately, can’t always find it there. It depends on the season. Earlier that week it had rained, so we were truly lucky.

We stopped for a small picnic and before we knew it; we had almost gone back to the car. The best thing about taking a circular hike is that you don’t have to go back the same way you’ve come. You find your car where you’ve parked it.

It took us probably three hours to finish the hike. It had been all I could wish for. A bit tired, but with a big smile on my face, I went home. I was ready to go for another next Sunday. We decided to hike to Tamaimo, Rock Gate – El Bujero – The eye, but this is for another post!