At an altitude of 1,500 meters, among ancient pine forests and the silence that only the high mountains can offer, Hotel Spa Villalba overlooks one of the most unique corners of the Canary Islands. There is no need to travel far to feel it: just step out the hotel door to enter the Teide Forest Crown, the largest protected natural area in the archipelago.
Getting to know this environment is not a mere whim of landscape. It is to understand why Vilaflor holds such a special place on the map of Tenerife.
What is the Teide Forest Crown?
The Forest Crown is, literally, a ring. With more than 46,600 hectares, it completely surrounds the Teide National Park and extends from 300 meters above sea level to over 2,700 meters in altitude, at Alto de Guajara. It is by far the largest protected natural area in the Canary Islands.
The park unfolds over the three major volcanic ridges of the island – La Esperanza, Teno, and Adeje – formed during the second great eruptive cycle of Tenerife. Walking through it is, in a way, walking through the geological history of the island: materials from different eras emerge on its slopes, from the oldest in Güímar to formations as striking as Los Órganos, in the Valley of La Orotava. It also preserves traces of historical eruptions, such as those of Siete Fuentes and Fasnia, which occurred in the early 18th century.
A biodiversity not found anywhere else
Few spaces concentrate as much unique life in such little space. The Forest Crown houses several overlapping ecosystems – pine forest, fayal-brezal, high mountain scrubland, and even remnants of laurel forest – and this results in a very high degree of endemism.
The undisputed protagonist is the Canary pine, a tree adapted like few others to the volcanic territory: it withstands fire, sprouts back after fires, and protects its wood thanks to a particularly dense bark. Alongside it, there are exclusive plant species from Tenerife, such as bejeque, chahorra, or gray broom.
The fauna is also remarkable. The blue chaffinch, a natural symbol of the island, finds its reference habitat in this pine forest, along with the woodpecker and several species of endemic bats, such as the Canarian long-eared bat. A living, fragile, and extraordinarily well-preserved ecosystem.
Vilaflor, the natural gateway to the park
Vilaflor is not just any point on the map: it is one of the natural access points to the Forest Crown, and this proximity is what makes a stay at Hotel Spa Villalba a different experience. The GR131 route, the major transinsular route that crosses the Canary Islands, ideal for both hiking and cycling, starts right from the hotel itself.
For those who prefer more specific routes, there are options just a few minutes away, such as the Lunar Landscape route, with its visually strong volcanic formations, or the Teide routes, ranging from simple itineraries like Arenas Negras to more demanding ascents like Montaña Blanca or Pico Viejo.
You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it. That is precisely one of the great attractions of this environment: there is a route for every pace.
An environment that is also cared for
Being surrounded by so much natural richness also implies a responsibility. That is why at Hotel Spa Villalba, sustainability is not just talk but a daily practice: a photovoltaic plant covers between 30 and 40% of the hotel’s energy consumption, and water is recycled and purified before reuse. Caring for the environment is also a way of giving back to the mountain that welcomes us, a commitment that is part of our history as a family business.
Experience the Forest Crown from within
After a day exploring ancient pine forests or admiring the Teide from the Lunar Landscape, few things are as comforting as returning to our spa overlooking the forest, immersing yourself in the jacuzzi or surrendering to the sanarium while the silence of the mountain enters through the window. And to end the day, dinner at Restaurante La Vendimia, where Canarian and Mediterranean cuisine merge in a cozy atmosphere.
At Hotel Spa Villalba, we understand the environment because we live it every day. That’s why we don’t just accommodate you: we accompany you to discover one of the most unique ecosystems in Europe, with the comfort of knowing that, upon your return, a refuge designed for rest awaits you.
Ready to explore the Teide Forest Crown from its best starting point? Book your stay at Hotel Spa Villalba and experience Tenerife like few do.
