El Bailadero Viewpoint

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Leisure · Subcategory: Viewpoints

The El Bailadero viewpoint is located within the interior of the Anaga massif, on the dividing ridge between the valleys of San Andrés and Taganana. Situated at an altitude of almost 700 metres above sea level, it is accessed via the TF-12 road that enters the Anaga Rural Park.

From this viewpoint we can clearly observe an excellent view of the entire surrounding environment. Nestled on the very crest of the mountain range, we can clearly see the two distinct slopes of the Anaga Rural Park: on one side, to the north, the lush and steep Taganana valley, with its hamlets and orchards; on the other, to the south, the San Andrés valley, somewhat drier as it lies in the lee of the moist Atlantic winds and with a much gentler descent towards the sea.

Regarding the toponymy of the place (El Bailadero), there are two hypotheses about its origin. The first refers to the word "baladero", a term alluding to the rain-propitiatory ritual that, according to sources, the island’s aborigines performed, based on isolating the kids from their mothers and placing them in high places so that their bleats would attract the attention of the deities. The second hypothesis suggested is that in this place, even in historic times, witches gathered to hold their sabbaths, dancing around a large bonfire.

A little further on from this viewpoint, if we continue along the road towards the hamlet of Chamorga, there is a hostel with a capacity of 40 beds, which accommodates mountain and hiking enthusiasts who frequent this area of great environmental value.

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