28th February 2026
There’s something about walking through proper Canarian forest that resets your head.
Not beach. Not bar. Not terrace.
Forest.
The Ruta de las Brujas in the Montes de Tacoronte is one of those walks that feels different from the first few minutes. Eight and a half kilometres. Only 105 metres of ascent. Nothing dramatic. Just enough to remind you you’ve got legs.
It starts in Las Calderetas and quickly pulls you into proper monteverde. Thick vegetation. Damp earth. That slightly misty air that hangs in the north. If you’ve spent too long in the dry south, it almost feels like another island.
Then you reach the Bailadero de las Brujas.
Now, whether you believe the old stories or not is up to you… but the setting doesn’t hurt. Dense forest. Quiet clearings. You can see why people came up with tales of rituals and late-night gatherings. The Canarians have always been good at weaving a bit of mystery into their landscape.
From there the route continues along the Camino de la Virgen, which is one of those simple, beautiful paths that makes you glad you put your boots on. Eventually you reach Cruz de Fune. Good views. Rural backdrop. Worth a short pause before looping back to Las Calderetas.
It’s not a brutal hike. It’s steady. Enjoyable. Ideal if you want nature without feeling like you’ve joined the special forces.
A few basics though.
Proper footwear. The ground can be damp.
Water. Even on an easy route.
Light jacket. The north doesn’t care that it was sunny in Costa Adeje.
And please… respect the place. These forests are older than most of the buildings we argue about.
The best part?
Finishing with lunch in a local restaurant.
That’s my kind of hiking. Earn your meal, sit down with good company, talk nonsense about witches and legends, and enjoy proper Canarian food.
Fresh air. A bit of history. A decent walk. Then a plate of something hearty.
Hard to beat that combination.