Fasnia can be explored along trails with varied routes and landscapes: one circular route connects three hamlets and traces of the former water supply. Linear trails follow sections of the old Camino Real, pass through agricultural mid-altitude areas or skirt black volcanic cones. When planning, it is therefore worth checking the route and the information on its duration.
Circular Route and Rural History
The Ruta Circular de La Zarza starts in the district of La Zarza and connects the hamlets of La Zarza, La Sombrera and Sabina Alta. It passes historic water-supply sites and springs, including the Naciente de La Zarza, which once supplied local residents with water. The route’s character reflects the connection to water and the names of the settlements, as well as the history of rural architecture.
Along the Ruta Circular are traditional rural buildings and agricultural terraces built with volcanic stone such as Tosca and Jable. The trail thus links the history of the water supply with architectural traces of an agricultural way of life. Those wishing to combine a hike with these themes will find them brought together on this circular route.
The SL-TF 263: Camino Real and Cultural Landscape
The linear SL-TF 263 Fasnia–El Escobonal hiking trail offers a different route format. Possible starting points include the ruins of the 17th-century Ermita de San JoaquĂn or a point behind the Iglesia de San JoaquĂn in the center of Fasnia. The trail can end at Plaza de la Iglesia in El Escobonal; because it is linear, the start and end points can also be reversed.
The SL-TF 263 partly follows the old Camino Real. In some places, its original paving has been preserved. The hiking trail crosses agricultural mid-altitude areas with cultivated land and small settlements. Paved sections alternate with dirt tracks. Historic traces of the route and today’s cultural landscape are therefore both part of the same described trail.
Volcanic Cones and Hiking Plans
The Volcán de Fasnia route is also linear and is classified as a moderate, non-homologated hiking trail. It is 7.2 kilometers long, with an estimated duration of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ascent and descent are each listed as 247 meters. When planning your time for this route, keep the approximate duration and the two elevation figures in mind separately.
The hike passes old volcanic cones and circles the black cones formed by the January 1705 eruption, known as Volcán de Fasnia. The route runs through Teide National Park. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Protected Areas, Ravine and Coastal Villages
Acantilado de La Hondura is designated an area of scientific interest. It consists of a collection of lava flows and pyroclasts, is 30 meters high and 2,500 meters long, and features small coves and ravines. It can be reached via the exit for Las Eras. Several hiking trails lead into the area from the road connecting Las Eras with the TF-1, which borders the protected site. Check local trail conditions before hiking.
Barranco de Fasnia y GĂĽĂmar includes pine forests, tabaibal scrub and rocky vegetation. The plants found there include the endemic and endangered CerrajĂłn (Sonchus gummifer). From the center of Fasnia, the TF-28 leads toward GĂĽĂmar and the ravine. About one kilometer from the town center, the road crosses the ravine and reaches the starting point. Playa de Las Eras has a large parking lot; nearby, a small seafront promenade is ideal for walks along the coast.
Museum and Calado Lacework
The Museo Vieja Escuela La Zarza dates back to the early 20th century and preserves furnishings representative of that period. Another cultural tradition is the traditional bobbin lacework, or Calado: in some households in Fasnia, it continues to be passed down from mothers to their daughters. The museum’s history and the craft tradition thus add to the impressions offered by the trails through the rural surroundings.
Discover more destinations: El Tanque, Puertito de GĂĽĂmar, La Guancha, Icod De Los Vinos, Oroteanda Baja, Adeje, San Miguel, Ravelo.
For the main travel overview: Tenerife.
