Tenerife’s Viral ‘Mossy Road’ Highlights Need to Protect Anaga Biosphere Reserve
An abandoned road in Tenerife’s Anaga Rural Park has become a viral pedestrian-only destination, highlighting the need to protect the region's sensitive UNESCO-protected laurel forest ecosystem.
A stretch of old road in Tenerife’s Anaga Rural Park has become a viral sensation, drawing travelers and social media users to its unique, picturesque setting. Located near the Pico del Inglés viewpoint and accessible via the TF-114, this former road is now closed to cars, leaving it open only to pedestrians.
Beyond its visual appeal, the area is part of a highly sensitive ecosystem. Anaga Rural Park has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2015 and is home to some of the island’s oldest geological formations. The steep, rocky landscape is covered in a thick layer of moss and ferns, kept lush by constant trade winds. These winds provide the humidity essential for the local laurel forest, often creating a misty, cloud-covered atmosphere that feels like something out of a fantasy novel.
Turning this abandoned road into a walking path highlights the importance of protecting the region’s natural beauty. The site is a perfect example of the Canarian "monteverde"—a unique microclimate where the terrain and weather work together to support diverse plant life. By limiting the area to foot traffic, authorities are helping to preserve this natural corridor, allowing visitors to explore a space where nature has reclaimed the path, bridging the gap between the area's traditional villages and its rugged, ancient mountains.