The Barranco de Afur, also known as Barranco de Tamadiste, is located on the northern slopes of the Anaga massif. Located in the interior of the Anaga Rural Park, more specifically in the hydrographic basin or valley of Afur, it is one of the most beautiful hiking routes on the island of Tenerife.
Both Afur and Tamadiste are words of Guanche origin. The upper section of this ravine, from its source until it crosses the hamlet of Afur, is known as Barranco de Sabugo and also as Guarnada or Guarná. The former refers to the Canary Island elder, a tree endemic to the archipelago, while the latter is of Guanche origin.
The Anaga Rural Park: Source of the Afur Ravine
Less than an hour's drive from the city of La Laguna or from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital, takes you to the Anaga Rural Park, a protected area of great scenic, natural and cultural importance. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco on 9 June 2015, the park has the largest number of endemic species in Europe.
The Barranco de Afur has its source near the Cruz de Taborno mountain, in an area known as Hoya Fuente de los Perros, and flows into the Tamadiste beach. This beach is characterised by strong currents, so bathing is not recommended. Furthermore, unlike other wild beaches of black sand in the interior of Anaga, Tamadiste Beach is made of callaos, smoothed stones created by the effect of the rolling effect and the force of the water.
With a length of almost seven and a half kilometres, the Barranco de Afur is one of the few permanent watercourses in Tenerife. It has important riparian vegetation and in its waters you can find eels, the only freshwater fish in the Canary Islands. In addition, on its slopes you can observe the Sabinar de Afur, one of the most extensive Canary Island juniper forests on the island.
Human aspects of the Afur Ravine
Administratively, it is included in the District of Anaga, belonging to the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. On its slopes are the hamlets of Afur and Roque Negro, as well as the hamlet of Taborno.
The hamlet of Afur is characterised by its traditional Canarian architecture in the form of cave houses and peasant dwellings made of dry stone and thatched roofs.
On the coast of Barranco de Afur is the so-called Piedra de los Guanches, also called Piedra de Taganana, a large block of red volcanic tuff with an engraved stele, which is associated with the mummification practices of the island's aborigines.
Hiking and trails
The Afur ravine is crossed by a number of approved hiking trails, but from Marca Canaria we recommend the Afur-Taganana circular trail, one of the most beautiful on the island of Tenerife.
This route can be started in either of the two villages, Taganana or Afur. You can enjoy the hamlets and landscapes of the north coast of Anaga, as well as the Tamadiste beach and a close-up view of the Piedra de los Guanches. In addition, during the rainy season, the path becomes even more impressive, as the water flow through the ravine is even greater.
The Canary Islands are perfect for hiking, as they all offer different routes to follow. If you are interested in hiking in the archipelago, these articles are for you: The best hiking routes in Gran Canaria for the whole family; Hiking routes in La Gomera: Garajonay Natural Park; What to visit in La Palma: discover the ideal route.
Paula Vera
Photos: hikinghighlights.com
