El Draguillo

Our last full day on the island was going to be another amazing, but busy, day.
We were still to discover Tenerife's vast and steep northern coast. A hike near the tiny village of Benijo was going to give us a perfect impression of this. The trail we had foreseen was about 6,5km long but could be extended to 15km which would also double the height difference for the hike.
Today we've got the car for ourselves as Ann's parents decided to take a day rest and go for a Pétanque session.

After breakfast we head out in the direction of the island's capital: Santa Cruz. We have to pass this city anyway, but are making a quick intermediate stop to schedule maintenance for the car. Turns out the only certified Volvo garage is in Santa Cruz. With the appointment set, we can continue our route towards the Anaga National Park. As soon as we enter the park, the hills and green surroundings pop-out. It's another windy road to the other side of the mountain range followed by a steep and curly descent to Benijo that lies just off the shoreline. The trail reviews are clear: parking area is limited and this is becoming a popular hike. We quickly discovered so ourselves as the little village is fully parked. The small roads barely leave enough room for two cars to pass and everyone is driving in, looking for a parking spot.
We decide to drive back down to the beach 800m back on the road where we saw available parking spots. Only downside: that's 800m of twisting roads going up/down that's added to the hike.

Shortly after noon we start our adventure and plan for the 6,5km hike. With an expected duration of about 2h, we will be back in time to go to the restaurant we booked the day before.
Even from the car we were already blown away by the landscapes around us. The beginning of the hike was more amazement and provided some great photo opportunities for surfers on the rough sea.
It's not too long into our journey that we reach the even smaller village of El Draguillo. Just a couple of houses make up this village and is almost completely cut off from the outside world. It's here where our trail takes its climb to the top. The path leads us up the mountain and for every stop we make to catch our breath, we're rewarded by a great view of the ocean. The village of El Draguillo is getting smaller and smaller.

Glad we've reached the top. From now on, the trail follows along the mountain ridge and goes gradually back down. The scenery is baffling with pointy and steep mountains next to the powerful sea.
We started the hike in the sun but towards the end of our hike rainclouds came looming over the mountain range. In front of us we see it raining and soon after we have to put on our rain jackets as well. Not too bad, we've enjoyed almost the entire hike in the sun.

The ride back home was completely in the rain. The streets are soaked, and some parts slightly flooded. We quickly stop by the grocery store to not leave our hosts without anything to eat when we leave. When we arrive home there's just enough time to take a shower and go out for our last dinner: another Belgian restaurant. However, this time owned by a couple from Wallonia and specialised in the French kitchen. We've had another delicious meal.Read more