If your perfectly balanced day consists of climbing a mountain then relaxing on the beach, Tenerife has got quite the duo. The Special Nature Reserve Red Mountain, known locally as Montana Roja, is located in the southern part of the island near to Reina Sofía South Airport.
The trail can be reached from parking at two locations along TF 643 less than half a mile away from one another: Playa de La Tejita or Playa del Medano. The two beaches are separated by the mountain, and as different as can be. Tejita is quiet with no amenities or restaurants, while Medano has many shops, food options, and is popular for windsurfers. I chose the quieter of the two, and leaving from the Tejita parking lot the hike to the summit isn’t much more than one mile, depending on which spur trails you take – so a two mile hike roundtrip.
It was unclear exactly what path to take, just head in the direction of the mountain on one of the many different sandy trails leading to the top. It is easy to find the way and orient yourself because there are many visible landmarks. Along the way you’ll discover interesting relics and informational boards that dot the path. A large white cable shed from the 1800s is the starting point where an underwater telegraph line was laid leading to Senegal. Remnants of an old tomato plantation, which was present until the 1960s, tells the story of depleted soil only just starting to come back to life today.
Eventually the trails all converge and start to head up past the dunes. Here the trail becomes a slippery volcanic path gaining elevation quick, though built in rock steps alleviate this trouble for some time. The path is short however, and before too long the end comes in to sight. A trig post marks the summit standing 561 feet tall, overlooking the ocean and the land that gives this place its name.
The red color comes from iron mingling with basalt, which in the humid island environment oxidizes into the most vibrant hue.
After a great climb, make the unsteady descent down to La Tejita to enjoy one of the largest natural beaches the island has to offer.
Viewing the mountain from the sand is particularly gorgeous, with its bold color revealed.