Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour

Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour: A Complete Exploration of the Island’s Natural Wonders

The Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour offers an engaging way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights in approximately 8 hours. Priced at $66.36 per person, this tour departs from south Tenerife, with hotel pickup and drop-off at select locations, making it a convenient choice for visitors staying in the southern part of the island. The tour is led by a professional guide and features air-conditioned coach transport that ensures comfort through Tenerife’s diverse landscapes.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on volcanic landscapes, quaint towns, and breathtaking viewpoints. While it doesn’t include the cable car at Mt. Teide, it provides plenty of time to admire the UNESCO-listed volcanic park, visit the famous Drago Tree in Icod, and explore picturesque Garachico and Masca. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive snapshot of Tenerife’s natural beauty and cultural sites in one day.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $66.36 for a full 8-hour exploration of Tenerife.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off at select south Tenerife hotels.
• Visits Mt. Teide National Park, Vilaflor, Icod Los Vinos, Garachico, and Masca.
• Guided experience with a multilingual guide and air-conditioned coach.
• Stops last around 30 minutes each, offering enough time to explore without feeling hurried.
• Notable views of La Gomera from the mountain hamlet of Masca.

Starting from South Tenerife to the UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tour begins at 8:40 am with a pick-up at select south Tenerife hotels. From there, the coach heads towards Mt. Teide National Park, the highlight of the trip. While visitors don’t get the chance to ride the cable car, they enjoy spectacular views of the highest peak in Spain—Mt. Teide, towering at 12,200 feet (3,718 meters)—and the lunar-like volcanic landscape.

The drive into the park is scenic, with photo stops along the way showcasing Tenerife’s rugged west coast. The guide shares insights into the park’s geological history and filming spots like Planet of the Apes and Clash of the Titans. The 30-minute visit allows an up-close look at the UNESCO-listed environment, perfect for photography and appreciating Tenerife’s volcanic origins.

Vilaflor, the Mountain Village with Pine Forest Charm

Next, the tour visits Vilaflor, a quaint town set in the pine-forested foothills of Mt. Teide. Known for its cooler climate and charming streets, Vilaflor offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the coast. Visitors have a brief stroll through its cobbled lanes and can admire traditional Canarian architecture. It is a great spot for a quick break before continuing the journey into Tenerife’s highlands.

The guide provides context about Vilaflor’s history and its role as one of the highest villages on the island. Cooler temperatures here contrast with the coastal heat, making it a refreshing stop during the day.

Exploring the Volcanic Plateau and Forests

From Vilaflor, the coach travels through lush forests toward the volcanic plateau, a lunar landscape marked by rock formations and plains. This area has been featured in movies like Clash of the Titans, adding a cinematic touch to the scenery. Although there’s no cable car ride, the views from the coach provide a sense of the raw volcanic terrain.

The landscape here is surprisingly otherworldly, with bare rocks and sparse vegetation, emphasizing Tenerife’s geological diversity. The guide explains the significance of the volcanic activity that shaped the island, making it an educational experience as well as a visual delight.

Icod Los Vinos and the Ancient Drago Tree

The tour continues to Icod Los Vinos, famous for its wine production and the world’s oldest Drago Tree. This umbrella-shaped dragon tree is a natural marvel, believed to possess healing powers through its red sap, known as dragons’ blood.

Visitors have around an hour here, allowing time to view the Drago Tree and explore local mansion architecture. The guide shares stories about the tree’s history and mythology, adding depth to the sightseeing experience. A lunch break is available at this stop, with own expense, offering a chance to try Canarian cuisine for those interested.

Garachico: A Town Reborn from Volcanic Eruption

Next, the coach heads to Garachico, a picturesque north-coast town that was Tenerife’s main port until a 1706 volcanic eruption buried parts of its harbor. Today, Garachico presents a charming mix of old streets, mansions, and monuments reflecting its historical resilience.

You’ll enjoy a 30-minute stop to wander the cobbled streets, admire the black sand beaches, and learn about the town’s volcanic past. The guide offers stories of its recovery and highlights key landmarks, making this stop both scenic and educational.

The Mountain Hamlet of Masca and Views of La Gomera

The final notable stop is Masca, a mountain village perched on a canyon ridge. Known for its spectacular views of La Gomera, Masca’s narrow winding roads are a highlight for driving enthusiasts. The village’s roughly 120 inhabitants once served as a pirate hideout and now attracts visitors for its breathtaking scenery.

After a 30-minute visit, visitors can take in the panoramic vistas of La Gomera’s rugged terrain from the mountain ridge. The photos from this vantage point often feature steep cliffs, canyons, and sea views, creating a memorable end to the day’s sightseeing.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

This full-day tour begins at 8:40 am and includes hotel pickup and drop-off at selected south Tenerife hotels. The air-conditioned coach features a multilingual guide, who shares informative commentary throughout the day. The stops are timed to offer around 30 minutes for each, balancing sightseeing with comfort.

While the tour does not include the cable car at Mt. Teide, it emphasizes scenic drives and notable landmarks. Travelers should wear comfortable footwear and bring a hoodie or jacket for the mountain stops, as temperatures at Mt. Teide and Vilaflor can be significantly cooler than the coast.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits travelers looking for a rundown of Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and spectacular viewpoints. It’s especially well-suited for those who prefer guided excursions to navigate Tenerife’s challenging mountain roads safely. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes it convenient, though the itinerary’s pace means it’s best for those comfortable with short visits at each stop.

The tour’s value for money is reinforced by expert guides, scenic drives, and visits to many key sites across the island. However, physically challenged travelers should consider the steep hills and winding roads, and those keen on cable car experiences may find this tour less suitable.

Final Thoughts on the Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour

This 8-hour adventure offers a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural sights, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers who want a balanced glimpse of Tenerife in a single day. The guided format, comfortable transport, and the chance to see Mount Teide’s volcanic landscape, Masca’s dramatic scenery, and Garachico’s historic charm are its main strengths.

While it’s not perfect for those seeking longer stays at each site or mountain activities like cable car rides, the tour delivers a solid overview of Tenerife’s highlights at a reasonable price. It’s particularly recommended for visitors who enjoy scenic drives, photo opportunities, and learning from knowledgeable guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include the cable car at Mt. Teide?
No, the tour does not include the cable car. It focuses on the scenery and landmarks around the park.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting from 8:40 am with hotel pickup.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but there is time for a meal at Icod Los Vinos with own expense.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility challenges?
Travelers should be comfortable with steep hills and winding mountain roads. Those with mobility issues may find some stops challenging.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable footwear and a hoodie or jacket for the cooler high-altitude areas like Vilaflor and Mt. Teide.

How many stops are there during the tour?
There are four main stops, each lasting about 30 minutes, including Vilaflor, Icod Los Vinos, Garachico, and Masca.

What is included in the tour package?
The package covers professional guides, air-conditioned transportation, and hotel pickup/drop-off at select hotels.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by Viajes Teide S.L..

Is this tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, the tour accommodates most travelers, though those sensitive to travel sickness should prepare for winding roads.