More about: 8 Best Day Trips from Tenerife
Tenerife is an inexhaustible source of experiences and adventures thanks to its beautiful landscapes and perfect climate all year round. Although it may be tempting to swim in the crystal-clear waters of its beaches every day until you catch your flight back home, here is a guide to 8 incredible excursions from Tenerife to discover everything this island and the rest of the archipelago has to offer.
1. Excursion to Teide National Park
Climbing Mount Teide is a must on any trip to Tenerife, and with this guided excursion to Teide National Park you will explore the volcano with incredible views of Tenerife at your feet.
What you'll do on this excursion
You'll start the day by heading to Teide National Park, driving through deep pine forests on a mountain road. Once you arrive at your destination, your guide will take you to discover the volcanic landscapes formed by lava erosion.
You will visit the Roques de García, a group of curious rock formations that look as if they have been sculpted by hand, the best known of which are 'La Catedral' (The Cathedral) and 'La Cascada' (The Waterfall).
On the trail to the Roques de García, you will feel as if you have been transported to the surface of a distant planet, where you will see volcanic rock twisted and sharpened into impossible shapes, flora that has grown in this hostile landscape, such as broom and wallflowers, and a variety of fauna, including lizards, centipedes, praying mantises, dragonflies and beetles.
You will then climb the volcano on foot or by cable car (if you have purchased tickets in advance, as they are not included in the excursion and tend to sell out very quickly) and from a point near the summit you will be able to enjoy the incredible views of Tenerife from above.
Why I recommend this excursion
Whether on an organised excursion or on your own, visiting Teide National Park is a must on your trip to Tenerife. There are several advantages to this activity: you won't have to plan the route yourself and you can be sure not to miss the most impressive places in the reserve, and you will be picked up at your hotel and provided with transport to and from the park. Furthermore, considering the price of the excursion, it is totally worth saving yourself the extra effort of organising it yourself.
It is also important to note that you need to request a permit to climb Teide (this is done via an online application), but you will not need one if you go on an organised excursion.
Different options for excursions to Mount Teide
- Excursion to Teide and Masca Valley in Tenerife — from RM244
- Quad bike excursion to Mount Teide — from RM574
- Astronomy excursion to Mount Teide at night — from RM421
Useful information
- What's included: Return transport from your hotel, professional guide
- What is NOT included: Cable car ticket to climb Mount Teide
2. Excursion to Icod, Los Gigantes, Puerto de la Cruz and Candelaria
If you want to explore some of Tenerife's most iconic spots in a single day, this excursion is perfect for you. From the impressive volcanic landscape to picturesque coastal villages, you will enjoy a day full of contrasts and unforgettable views.
What you'll do on this excursion
You will start the day with a visit to Icod de los Vinos, home to the famous Drago Milenario, an iconic tree with more than 800 years of history. Then, you will continue on to Los Gigantes, where you can marvel at its imposing cliffs over 600 metres high.
The route continues to Puerto de la Cruz, one of the most charming towns on the island, ideal for strolling through its old town and enjoying the coastal atmosphere. Finally, you will visit Candelaria, a place of great cultural and religious importance, where you will find the Basilica of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands.
Why I recommend this excursion
Touring Tenerife in a single day and discovering its most emblematic landscapes is a unique experience. From the majesty of the Drago Milenario to the immensity of the cliffs of Los Gigantes, this excursion combines nature, culture and tradition in a very complete itinerary. What's more, visiting Puerto de la Cruz and Candelaria will allow you to get to know the soul of the island, with its history, gastronomy and most picturesque corners.
Useful information
- Duration: approximately 8 hours
- Transport: air-conditioned minibus
- What's included: professional guide and return transport
3. Excursion to La Palma from Tenerife
If you want to discover another of the jewels of the Canary Islands, this excursion takes you to La Palma, known as "La Isla Bonita" (The Beautiful Island) for its spectacular landscapes, lush vegetation and volcanic history.
What you will do on this excursion
From Tenerife, you will travel by ferry to Santa Cruz de La Palma, where you will begin your visit by exploring its picturesque historic centre. Then, you will head to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, an impressive natural area with deep ravines and panoramic viewpoints.
You will also visit the famous Salinas de Fuencaliente, where the contrast between the sea, salt and volcanic earth creates a unique landscape. In addition, you will see some of the areas affected by the latest volcanic eruption in 2021, a striking experience that will allow you to witness the force of nature.
Why I recommend this excursion
If you want to discover one of the most impressive islands in the Canaries, this excursion to La Palma is the perfect opportunity. Its combination of volcanic landscapes, lush forests and charming villages makes it a unique destination. A visit to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park and the areas affected by the 2021 eruption will give you an understanding of the force of nature and the beauty of this island.
Useful information
- Duration: approximately 12 hours
- Transport: ferry and bus
- What's included: professional guide, transport and travel insurance
4. Jet ski excursion in Tenerife
If you're looking for an exciting activity at sea, a jet ski tour is the ideal option. Speed along the coast of Tenerife, discover hidden coves and feel the adrenaline rush as you ride the waves of the Atlantic.
What you'll do on this excursion
After a brief introduction and safety briefing, you'll start up your jet ski and begin your adventure through the crystal-clear waters of Tenerife. During the tour, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the cliffs and, with a bit of luck, you'll be able to spot dolphins and other marine species.
You can choose between different routes and durations, from short rides to longer excursions that take you to discover secret corners of the coast. No previous experience is necessary, as the guide will give you all the instructions you need to enjoy the tour in complete safety.
Why I recommend this excursion
If you are looking for an exciting experience, touring the coast of Tenerife on a jet ski is the perfect option. Feeling the speed over the waves, discovering hidden coves and, with a bit of luck, spotting dolphins in their natural habitat makes this activity unforgettable. It is ideal both for those who want an adrenaline rush and for those who want to explore the sea in a different way.
Useful information
- Duration: between 40 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the route chosen
- Requirements: minimum age of 16 to drive
- What's included: jet ski, life jacket and professional guide
5. Excursion around the island of Tenerife: Teide, Icod, Garachico and Masca
The best way to discover the whole of Tenerife and all its charming corners: on this complete tour of the island of Tenerife, you will visit the incredible landscapes of Teide, villages lost in time and rural communities with ancient trees.
What you will do on this excursion
Your adventure begins with pick-up at your hotel and the journey through Vilaflor to Las Cañadas del Teide, an impressive national park crowned by the majestic Teide, declared a World Heritage Site in 2007. Here, the volcanic landscapes seem like something from another planet, with rock formations sculpted by lava. You will then cross the Orotava Valley until you reach Icod de los Vinos, where you can admire the famous Drago Milenario, symbol of Tenerife, and enjoy a typical Canarian lunch at a local restaurant.
The route continues to the north of the island with a stop in Garachico, a charming village with cobbled streets and views of the Roque de Garachico. Then, you will enter the Teno Massif to visit Masca, a historic pirate hideout located between imposing ravines at an altitude of 750 metres. During the tour, you will make several stops at strategic viewpoints to capture the beauty of the landscape before returning to your hotel.
Why I recommend this excursion
This is a very popular experience that offers excellent value for money, showing you the island's main attractions and some of its most charming villages on a perfectly organised route.
Useful information
- Group size: 15 people
- What's included: Private transport, pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, professional guide, all entrance fees
6. Day trip to La Gomera from Tenerife
La Gomera captivates visitors with its inland landscapes and impressive Garajonay National Park, a place that alone is worth taking a trip to La Gomera from Tenerife.
What you will do on this excursion
Departing by ferry from Puerto Colón in the south of Tenerife, with prior collection from your hotel, you will arrive in San Sebastián de La Gomera, the capital of this island.
From there, you will head to Garajonay National Park, home to the laurel forest, unique in the Canary Islands and protected by UNESCO, which was the most common type of vegetation in Europe at the dawn of human civilisation.
Taking a short route through this beautiful park, you will ascend to the Degollada de Peraza viewpoint to enjoy wonderful views of the Barranco de la Laja ravine and the Chejelipes water dams.
You will continue to the villages of Las Rosas and Agulo in the north of La Gomera, where you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy typical island cuisine while being shown the Gomero whistle, a method of communication used by the island's aborigines that has been adapted to Spanish over the centuries.
After lunch, you will return to San Sebastián de la Gomera, passing by places of interest in the life of Christopher Columbus, such as the Torre del Conde and the Casa de Colón, and the villages of Chipude and El Cercado. Once back, you will take the ferry to Tenerife and be transferred back to your hotel.
Why I recommend this excursion
Visiting La Gomera is a perfect activity for a week-long trip or longer to Tenerife, so if you have time to spare, I recommend you don't miss this comprehensive organised excursion, which offers good value for money and excellent guides.
Useful information
- Group size: maximum 55 people
- What's included: Professional guide, return transfer from your hotel, lunch at Mirador del Abrante, La Gomera port fees, ferry fees
7. Excursion to Anaga Peak
Pico Anaga is located in the north-western corner of Tenerife and can be reached via San Cristóbal de La Laguna. It is one of my favourite places on the island, as it is not only a very beautiful area but also one of the least touristy and least visited, so an excursion to Pico Anaga always promises an unforgettable day.
What you will do on this excursion
Leaving from your hotel in Tenerife, you will take the road to San Cristóbal de La Laguna (or, as the locals know it, simply La Laguna) where you will take a short walk to visit the city's main market and learn about the different varieties of potatoes used in Canarian cuisine.
You will head to the Mercedes laurel forest, one of the most beautiful on the island, and begin the ascent to the Anaga peak, continuing to the northern tip of Tenerife. There, you will rest and enjoy a picnic on Roque de las Bodegas beach, the perfect setting for an Instagram photo.
You will head back to Anaga Peak and visit another beach, Las Teresitas, which is special because it was built with sand from the Sahara, and where the palm trees transport you to a faraway place.
To end the excursion, you will pass through Santa Cruz de Tenerife and visit its impressive port, making a final stop in Candelaria, famous for the Black Virgin housed in its basilica. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel with the satisfaction of having enjoyed a day you will always remember.
Why I recommend this excursion
As I mentioned earlier, this area of Tenerife is one of the least visited by tourists, so it always promises a very enjoyable experience. In addition, the beauty of the beaches and viewpoints you will visit are perfect places to capture in a photograph that will always remain in your memory.
Useful information
- Group size: maximum 6 people
- What's included: Picnic, hiking poles, professional guide, pick-up from your hotel and return
8. Excursion to El Hierro from Tenerife
Take the ferry for an excursion to El Hierro and visit its viewpoints: each one offers an unforgettable view of the land and sea, so beautiful that you'll find it hard to believe it's not hand-painted.
What you'll do on this excursion
A local guide will accompany you on an excursion to the most amazing places in El Hierro, starting with the Peña viewpoint in the north of the island, which offers beautiful views of the El Golfo valley and its endless fields of grapes and other local fruits.
The second stop is the Jinama viewpoint, which offers a stark contrast with its views of El Golfo bay and its rugged volcanic cliffs, on which you can see abandoned buildings and remote chapels, giving you the feeling of being lost on an almost deserted island.
Next, it's time to take a route through the Frontera Rural Park and literally walk through history: there you will see the laurel forest, a unique ecosystem of the Canary Islands and protected by UNESCO. You will arrive at a local restaurant and enjoy a menu of typical dishes such as potatoes with mojo sauce, grilled cheese, rabbit or gofio escaldón.
At sunset, you will visit the Church of La Candelaria, a small whitewashed church with a beautiful bell tower on top of a mountain, and you will visit the natural pool of La Maceta, formed on the seashore and one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to swim.
Before taking the ferry back to Tenerife, you will visit the Hotel Punta Grande, a tiny black stone hotel on the edge of a cliff.
Why I recommend this excursion
Although neither the ferry ticket nor the food are included in the price, organising this excursion on your own would be even more expensive than paying for the activity and those two extras. Therefore, this is the best option as I think the excursion route is ideal and the price is the cheapest you can find for an excursion to El Hierro from Tenerife.
Useful information
- Group size: 50 people
- What's included: Local guide, driver and air-conditioned minibus, return transfer from your hotel
- What is NOT included: Lunch (€14 per person) and ferry ticket (€24 per person)