Tenerife Full Island Tour

Explore Tenerife’s Top Sights in a Full-Day Tour

The Tenerife Full Island Tour offers an immersive experience of the island’s most impressive landmarks in approximately 8 hours. Priced at $62.70 per person, this tour is ideal for those wanting a rundown without the need to arrange multiple trips. It departs from Los Cristianos with hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward, especially for visitors staying in the south of Tenerife.

This tour highlights Los Gigantes cliffs, La Orotava Valley, and Candelaria Basilica, providing a balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural richness. The air-conditioned minivan ensures comfort during long drives, while the small group size (up to 55 participants) allows for a more personalized experience. The tour promises a full day of sightseeing, with plenty of photo opportunities and insights from a professional guide.

However, it’s important to note that some reviews mention long travel times, especially during pick-up and drop-off, and the possibility of large group sizes exceeding expectations. This tour suits those eager to see many highlights in one day but may be less ideal for visitors seeking a more relaxed pace or intimate group setting.

Key Points

• Price: $62.70 per person for an 8-hour full island experience
• Highlights: Los Gigantes cliffs, La Orotava Valley, Candelaria Basilica, Icod de los Vinos dragon tree
• Transport: Air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Group Size: Up to 55 participants, may vary
• Tour Focus: Natural landmarks and cultural sites with educational commentary
• Limitations: Long hours on the bus and sometimes large groups can reduce intimacy

Starting the Day with Los Gigantes Cliffs

The tour begins at 8:30 am with pickup from Los Cristianos hotels, though some reviews note slight delays. Traveling along the west coast, the first major stop is the Los Gigantes viewpoint, where you get breathtaking views of cliffs towering 960 feet into the sky. This spot offers perfect photo opportunities of these geological marvels that dominate the landscape.

The scenic drive features twisting roads and panoramic vistas, setting the tone for a day full of visual delights. The speed and pacing of the tour mean you’ll spend around 15 minutes at the viewpoint, enough to appreciate and capture the scenery without feeling rushed.

Visiting the Parque del Drago in Icod de los Vinos

Next, the journey takes you to Icod de los Vinos, home to the famous Dragon Tree. This tree is reputed to be the oldest of its kind in the world, making it a highlight for those interested in unique natural features. The 30-minute stop allows ample time to observe and photograph this iconic tree, which has a striking appearance and historical significance.

This part of the tour emphasizes Tenerife’s natural heritage, offering a closer look at one of the island’s most renowned botanical specimens. The visit here is brief but impactful, fitting neatly into the overall schedule.

Cultural Highlights in La Orotava Valley

Traveling through the La Orotava Valley, travelers enjoy views of banana plantations, vineyards, and pine-covered mountains. This lush landscape illustrates Tenerife’s agricultural richness and diverse terrain. The guide shares insights into local farming practices and the island’s natural environment during this scenic drive.

The valley’s beauty provides a peaceful contrast to the coastal cliffs and offers photo opportunities. This stop isn’t lengthy but offers enough time to absorb the vibrant scenery and learn about the island’s farming traditions.

Exploring Candelaria and the Basilica

The Candelaria Basilica is the last major stop of the day, situated in the Patron Saint Capital of the Canary Islands. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria features a grand domed structure flanked by a lively plaza. Here, the Black Madonna statue is a revered icon, attracting many visitors for its spiritual significance.

In the square outside, you can see statues of the Guanche Menceyes (Kings), representing the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands. The 30-minute stop at this sacred site offers a chance to appreciate the religious and cultural heritage of Tenerife. Note that admission to the basilica is included, but visiting the statues in the square is free.

Free Time and Lunch in Puerto de la Cruz

The tour includes a 1-hour window at the Puerto de la Cruz fishing port, offering a chance to explore the charming village. This break is perfect for grabbing lunch, strolling along the waterfront, or browsing local shops. Some reviews point out that the lunch options are not provided by the tour, so bringing snacks or planning ahead can enhance this free time.

This stop provides a relaxed environment to enjoy local cuisine, with many cafes and eateries nearby. It’s a good opportunity to experience the island’s hospitality and atmosphere beyond the main sightseeing spots.

The Guide’s Role and Multilingual Offerings

Throughout the tour, a professional guide leads the group, providing commentary on Tenerife’s history, culture, and natural features. Guides often speak multiple languages, ensuring many participants can understand the stories behind each sight.

The reviews praise guides for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, with some mentioning specific guides like Christophe receiving high marks for their storytelling. The guide’s role is central to making the long day engaging and educational, helping visitors understand the significance of each location.

Comfort and Transportation Details

Traveling in an air-conditioned minivan, the tour prioritizes passenger comfort during the long drives across the island. Pickup and drop-off are available at selected hotels in Tenerife’s southern region, simplifying logistics for most travelers.

Despite this convenience, some reviews mention extended pick-up times due to large group sizes or multiple hotel stops. The maximum group size of 55 can sometimes feel crowded, especially during stops and transfers, which may slightly diminish the intimacy of the experience.

Pacing, Duration, and Physical Requirements

The 8-hour schedule means a full day of sightseeing, with an emphasis on covering many sites rather than spending deep time at each. The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as walking at stops like the basilica or the dragon tree can require some mobility.

Travelers should be prepared for long bus rides and potential delays during pickup and drop-off. The schedule is quite packed, so those seeking a leisurely exploration might find this tour a bit rushed.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour

This tour is ideal for visitors wanting a rundown of Tenerife’s most famous sights in one day. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate natural landscapes and cultural landmarks. The tour offers good value, with multiple stops and an educational guide at a reasonable price.

However, it may be less suitable for travelers who prefer more relaxed pacing or smaller group sizes. The large group element and full itinerary mean some may feel hurried or crowded at times.

Final Thoughts on the Tenerife Full Island Tour

The Tenerife Full Island Tour delivers a solid, balanced experience of the island’s highlights. It’s well-organized, offers excellent value, and features knowledgeable guides who enrich the journey. The stops at Los Gigantes, La Orotava Valley, and Candelaria provide a good mix of natural beauty and cultural insight.

While the long hours and large group size are considerations, most visitors find the experience rewarding, especially if they want to see diverse parts of Tenerife in a single day. This tour suits those with moderate fitness levels and a curious mind for the island’s landscapes and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered at selected hotels in Tenerife’s south.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Los Gigantes cliffs, Icod de los Vinos dragon tree, La Orotava Valley, and Candelaria Basilica.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there is a free time in Puerto de la Cruz to find a restaurant or cafe.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 55 travelers, which may vary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level; children comfortable with bus rides and walking will enjoy it.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Does the guide speak multiple languages?
Yes, the tour may be operated by multi-lingual guides, ensuring clear commentary in various languages.

Are there any physical limitations?
Participants should be prepared for long bus rides and some walking at stops.

Where do I meet the tour?
The tour departs from Los Cristianos with specified meeting points and times.

How much does this tour cost?
The price is $62.70 per person, offering a full day of sightseeing.

What makes this tour different from other Tenerife excursions?
It combines the island’s natural landmarks and cultural sites in a single day, with convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide.

This tour provides a reliable and efficient way to see Tenerife’s most iconic sights, perfect for travelers eager to maximize their island experience in a short time.