Montaña Guaza Natural Monument
Rising 427 metres directly above Los Cristianos, Montaña Guaza is a protected volcanic cone that most visitors never notice — let alone climb. A 90-minute circular trail leads through Canarian dry scrubland rich in endemic tabaibas and cardón cacti, delivers panoramic views stretching from the Teide summit to the island of La Gomera, and costs absolutely nothing.
The hike
The main trail begins from the end of Calle Guaza on the eastern edge of Los Cristianos — look for the wooden trail marker and the low stone wall that marks the boundary of the natural monument. The path is clear and moderately steep, gaining most of its altitude in the first 30 minutes before levelling off around the crater rim.
The summit plateau is a plateau of ancient lava with sweeping 360-degree views: south to the Atlantic, west to La Gomera floating on the horizon, north to the green interior of Tenerife, and east along the coast to the airport. On clear winter mornings you can sometimes spot La Palma and El Hierro as well.
Wildlife and plants
Montaña Guaza is one of the last refuges on the south coast for the Canarian lizard (Gallotia galloti) — large, electric-blue-throated males bask on the warm lava rocks and are entirely unafraid of careful hikers. Kestrels nest in the cliff faces and are regularly seen hovering over the scrub.
The endemic cardón (Euphorbia canariensis) — a towering, candelabra-shaped cactus-like succulent — grows in dense colonies on the southern slopes and turns the hillside into something resembling a Mexican desert landscape. It is a remarkable sight ten minutes from a beach resort.
Practical tips
Start early — by 7:30 am in summer — as there is almost no shade on the trail and temperatures on the exposed lava can be punishing by 10 am. Carry at least one litre of water per person and wear sturdy shoes; the volcanic gravel is loose in places.
The trailhead is a 20-minute walk from the Los Cristianos bus station or a short taxi ride. There is no official car park, but street parking is available on Calle Guaza. The full circular route is approximately 6 km and takes 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace.
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