Attractions and Places To See in Corona Forestal - Top 20

Corona Forestal is home to several distinctive natural landscapes. You can visit the Lunar Landscape, a natural monument featuring peculiar, stylized conical figures carved by erosion from volcanic ash, creating an otherworldly appearance. Another striking area is Montaña Negra, a volcano and natural monument where an almost black scree desert extends from the forest edge, with isolated pines growing, creating a visually striking contrast.

To delve into the volcanic history of the region, visit the Chinyero Volcano, which represents the site of Tenerife's last volcanic eruption in 1909. It offers an excellent overview of its ash cone and lava flows, contrasting with the surrounding green forest. You can also explore the remnants of historic eruptions, such as those from Siete Fuentes, Fasnia, and Arafo, which occurred between 1704 and 1705, witnessing various volcanic ridges and lava flows throughout the park.

Yes, Corona Forestal offers several well-equipped recreational areas suitable for families. A popular choice is the La Caldera Recreation Area, which provides facilities like picnic spots, a children's playground, public toilets, and barbecue areas. Many recreational areas also have designated camping spots, though permits are often required.

The park is predominantly covered by extensive pine forests, primarily consisting of the resilient Canary Island pine. These forests are vital for the island's ecosystem and provide refreshing shade for hikers. You can also experience the mystical Cloud Forest of La Orotava Valley, characterized by moss hanging like tinsel in the branches, indicating extremely high air quality.

Numerous viewpoints throughout the park offer breathtaking vistas. Alto de Guajara, the highest point of the park, provides panoramic views of the Ucanca plain, the majestic Teide volcano, and Las Cañadas del Teide. Other notable viewpoints include La Tarta, with its distinct layers of colored lava, and the Ortuño viewpoint, offering panoramic views over the pine forests and La Orotava valley.

Corona Forestal is an ideal destination for various outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with an extensive network of trails for all levels. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, by exploring guides like Hiking in Corona Forestal. The diverse terrain also supports mountain biking, climbing, canyoning, paragliding, and zip-lining.

Yes, Corona Forestal offers challenging and scenic routes for road cycling. The region features difficult routes like the 'Forest Crown – Corona Forest loop from Vilaflor' and 'El Teide from La Orotava – tour around Teide National Park'. You can discover more options in the Road Cycling Routes in Corona Forestal guide.

Due to the trade winds, a significant accumulation of clouds often occurs at certain altitudes in Corona Forestal, creating a picturesque 'sea of clouds' phenomenon. This is particularly visible from viewpoints like La Caldera and is integral to the island's water collection system.

Visitors frequently highlight the unique geological formations and the contrast between the green forests and volcanic landscapes. For instance, the Chinyero Volcano is praised for its impressive ash cone and lava flows against the green forest. The Lunar Landscape is noted for its peculiar moonlike rock formations and breathtaking views. Many also enjoy the extensive network of trails and the refreshing shade of the pine forests.

Yes, the park is home to Pino Gordo, an impressive and towering Canary Island pine that reaches 45 meters in height. This makes it a notable natural landmark within the park and a testament to the resilience of the local flora.

The towns surrounding Corona Forestal, such as La Orotava, Vilaflor, Icod de los Vinos, and Güímar, offer cultural and gastronomic experiences. Visitors can explore historic centers, enjoy local restaurants, visit wineries, and browse markets, providing a complementary experience to the natural attractions of the park.

Yes, the park boasts an extensive network of trails, including long-distance routes. The GR131, a significant long-distance path, crosses through the park. Additionally, the Camino de Chasna, an ancient communication route, also traverses this natural area, offering historical context to your hike.