The Calzada de los Antiguos lies in a spectacular pocket of Tenerife. With multiple ‘barranchi’ – narrow winding gorges – all pointing towards the ocean, it’s easy to pick a trail and know it will be a winner. The unique landscape of this region has been shaped by steeply-dipped volcanic flows and trails here are ideal for those days where views and adventure trumps any training goals as the terrain is technical.

The lava landscape surrounding Montaña Chinyero makes for an out-of-this-world loop. The remnants of Chinyero's last eruption, in 1909, sculpt a landscape reminiscent of moonscape. With only a little over 400m of vertical ascent and a soft floor of pine needles and black larva rock, the route is ideal for an easier day or afternoon shakeout run before or after taking on big brother “Teide.”

With the sea below and to your back, climb high through pine and laurel forests. Loose, volcanic rock crunches beneath your feet, getting the blood pumping and endorphins flowing. Strong wind, rushing clouds and a crisp, high altitude breeze all add to the adventure.

As much of an adventure as the loop itself, the winding narrow roads to reach the starting point are epic. Navigate the steep downhill switchbacks and the array of campervans packed like sardines along the coast before finding a park in Benijo! If you can, make it easier for yourself by taking public transport or saving this loop for a week day.

This loop takes the cake for must-do’s on Tenerife. Start from the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, where the dramatic landscape transports you to another world as soon as shoes hit the dirt.

It seems only just to honour the highest mountain in Spain with a sunrise summit. That, and the fact that by ascending during the cool hours before dawn, you can take full advantage of the sulphur vents on top of the volcano to keep warm. Topping out at 3715m, the still active Mt. Teide is a must-do if you find yourself in Tenerife. Sure, everyone else is doing it too, but we’re going to do it in style, with an extra ascent of the second highest mountain on the Island – Pico Viejo (3134m).

This stunning route in the north has you driving along serpentine roads amidst lush tropical forest and into the clouds to reach the trailhead. Find your way to the hillside village of Aruf, where you can park and start the watch. Begin early before the crowds or head out on a weekday.

Beyond the sandy beaches and everlasting sunshine in the southern portion of Tenerife lies steep mountainous terrain. The near constant cloud cover over these peaks gives an air of mystery to the range that lies beyond the beach. I would absolutely recommend tearing away from the tourist hub and swapping a surf lesson or sunbake session for an adventure into these epic trails!

The Ruta 0-4-0 is an epic sea to summit fastest known time that finishes with an arrival back on the black volcanic sands of Playa del Socorro, after bagging the highest peak of Spain – Mt. Teide. This run is a recipe for real adventure, with a side of pain and a good serving of stoke! Currently held by pros Emelie Forsberg in 7:06:16 & Manual Marillas in a whopping time of 5:26:28 and pertaining to an excellent amount of vert – just shy of 4000m – this FKT is sure to test one's limits.

An icon of Tenerife, the Roque Cinchado is a volcanic rock formation that sits 1700 metres below Mt. Teide. The 27 metre high pillar, composed of volcaniclastic sedimentary rock layers, is so distinct that it made it onto a Spanish bank note in the peseta days – you'll run straight past it on this short and sweet loop.