Aguaide Viewpoint

The path runs out past farmed plots and cactus, Canary lizards scatter off the warm rocks, and then the ground simply stops. From the viewpoint the valley falls away into a tangle of gorges, and beyond them the Atlantic fills the horizon.

It is a big view for very little effort. The walk from the trailhead takes seven to ten minutes and asks for nothing more than comfortable shoes. The drive in belongs to the trip as well: the road to Chinamada winds through the Anaga mountains, and the hamlet itself has houses cut into the rock.

• There are no toilets at the viewpoint and none nearby. A water point stands about 510 m away in a straight line.
• Bring comfortable shoes, plenty of water and sun protection: the path is exposed to the sun.
• The drive to Chinamada is on very winding mountain roads, so allow time and take it slowly.
• Neither the parking nor the path to the viewpoint is suitable for wheelchairs.
• The walk is easy enough for children, but keep hold of them near the cliff edge.

You arrive by car, on a very winding road through the Anaga mountains towards Chinamada. Two parking areas lie about 510 m and 660 m from the viewpoint in a straight line; the farther one has a gravel surface.

The rest is on foot. The path is well kept and easy, and the walk takes seven to ten minutes, with farmland and cactus on either side before the view opens up at the end.

The nearest bus stops, El Batán and Las Carboneras, are about 1.9 km and 2.1 km away in a straight line, so arriving by bus adds a real walk to the trip.

Best: a clear morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low.

Avoid: midday in high summer, and days when cloud sits on the Anaga ridges.

The path is exposed to the sun, and the view is the whole reason to come — cloud on the high ground can hide it completely.