In the midlands of Arico, in southeastern Tenerife, you'll find Área Recreativa El Contador, a starting point and rest area within a Canary Island pine forest. To get there you take Calle del Calvario from the village of Arico and drive up a narrow but well-paved road, surrounded by changing landscapes that cross farmland, forest and volcanic formations.

The recreation area has parking and is set in a forest environment that allows you to start hiking trails in the area. The PR-TF 86.2 long-distance path begins here, connecting Arico Nuevo with this spot, passing through Lomo de Tamadaya, Casas de Tamadaya, the Los Colorados area and Arenas de Tenesco before reaching the site. The full route covers more than 20 kilometers with significant elevation gain, crossing landscapes of pine forest, ravines and historic trails.

It's a quiet alternative if you're looking for nature away from the island's busier areas, in a setting where the pine forest dominates and the air is cooler than on the coast.