Chio: Hiking Trails, Volcanic Landscape and Village History

If you are looking for a hotel in Chio, the area’s attractions can help you decide: hiking trails and the Área Recreativa de Chío offer a different focus from the historic old town, the church and the festival dates. The specific trailheads and locations help you orient yourself and assess Chio as a destination based on your interests.

Hiking Trails and Recreation Area

The PR-TF 69 Chío–Vera de Erques hiking trail begins in Chío on Calle El Roquillo. The SL-TF 201 Chío–Arguayo starts near kilometre 28 of the TF-38 Chío–Boca Tauce road. The entrance to the SL-TF 203 Chío–Los Arenales is in the village of Chío, next to the Bodega Comarcal de Guía de Isora, at kilometre 27+700 of the TF-38 Chío–Boca Tauce; the trail ends at the Área Recreativa de Los Arenales. The starting points distinguish the routes: the PR-TF 69 begins on a village street, while the two SL-TF trails start on the TF-38; for the SL-TF 203, the Bodega also serves as a landmark. Check current trail notices before setting out.

Hiking and cycling are possible at the Área Recreativa de Chío. Facilities include drinking water, toilets, fire pits, benches, picnic tables and a children’s area. Check the information about the facilities before your visit. The Área Recreativa de Chío can be reached via the TF-38 towards Teide National Park; check road conditions before setting off. The recreation area’s trails offer a way to experience the municipality’s volcanic landscapes.

Landscape Around Chio

The Malpaís between Chío and Chirche is a landscape area that can be visited. Vineyards can also be seen on walks in the area around Chío. Together with the trails in the recreation area, these offer different points of interest if you are including Chio in your travel plans primarily for its volcanic landscape and surroundings.

Old Town and History

In the centre of Chío’s historic old town, the church and square form the focal point, surrounded by architecture characteristic of traditional Canarian building styles. The first chapel in Chío was built in the 17th century. The present-day Church of San Juan Bautista de Chío was built in 1960, replacing the chapel that had previously been demolished. The church features depictions of Our Lady of Peace and John the Baptist.

The area’s history goes back much further: numerous indigenous archaeological sites in the Chío area, including cave dwellings, pottery fragments and wooden weapons, attest to a past reaching back to pre-Hispanic times. Alongside the architecture of the old town, Chio therefore also offers a connection to archaeological traces of the area’s broader history.

Annual Festivals

The celebrations of San Juan and Nuestra Señora de la Paz are scheduled to take place each year in Plaza de Chío, approximately on the weekend closest to 24 June. The municipal calendar lists San Antonio Abad for the third Sunday in January, also in Plaza de Chío. Carros de Chío traditionally takes place every year on 29 November for the Feast of Saint Andrew. According to oral tradition, the event’s history goes back more than 100 years.

The festival dates mentioned fall in January, June and November. If you would like to combine your trip with a festival visit, check the current programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Playa De San Juan, Alcalá, Chirche, Vera De Erques

For the overview of the wider area: Guía De Isora.