Are you looking for the best Tenerife excursions? Then you’ve come to the right place. As I have travelled extensively around the Canary Islands, I can point you towards the best excursions in Tenerife and beyond.
Booking a day tour is a great option if you are not hiring a car, especially if you are travelling alone in Tenerife. It is an easy, cost-effective and time-efficient way to explore the island, accessing places its bus network doesn’t reach.
Some of these day trips take place in Tenerife; others transport you to one of the neighbouring islands. They all showcase the natural beauty and fun activities the Canary Islands offer.
Ready to discover the most popular and best excursions from Tenerife? Let’s do it!
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My Top 3 Picks: Best Tenerife Excursions
In a hurry? Here is my pick of the best Tenerife excursions.
Stargazing at Teide National Park
Grand Tour of Northern Tenerife
Food & Wine Tour
Best Excursions in Tenerife
1. Mount Teide Tour with Cable Car Ticket & Transfer
Rising to a height of 12,198 feet (3,718 meters), Mount Teide is Spain’s tallest peak and one of Tenerife’s most popular attractions.
Although the bus service in Tenerife is good, it can be tricky to reach Mount Teide on public transport. Even if you are hiring a car, parking can be problematic.
A day excursion is your best bet to visit Mount Teide.
This hugely popular full-day excursion to Mount Teide includes a transfer from Puerto de la Cruz or the resorts in the south of the island, a tour guide and cable car tickets.
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What other travellers have said
A fantastic day out and we would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Tenerife! Our guide Ben was brilliant and provided information throughout the trip.
Kelly
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2. Teide National Park Stargazing
If you are allergic to setting your alarm whilst on holiday, why not visit Mount Teide later in the day?
UNESCO-listed Teide National Park is the third-best place in the world to view stars, described by NASA as a “window to the universe.” For an unforgettable Tenerife experience, join this tour that includes an optional transfer from resorts in the south.
It’s a terrific package.
There’s an option to eat an authentic Canarian meal at a restaurant on your way up the mountain. And what could be better than sipping a glass of cava as you take in the sunset from above the clouds?
Powerful computerized telescopes are available and an expert astronomer will take you on a laser-guided safari trek across the night sky. At the end of the night, you’ll be given free photos.
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What other travellers have said
Absolutely amazing tour! All the staff had great knowledge of the night sky but Keiran was exceptional!
Tom
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3. Grand Tour of Northern Tenerife
This tour is perfect if you are staying in Puerto de la Cruz and want to hit the highlights of Northern Tenerife in a day. However, it does not include the cable car to Mount Teide.
Focusing on the attractions in the lush north of the island, the tour starts at El Teide National Park, before moving on to Icod de los Vinos to see the ancient Dragon Tree. You’ll then visit gorgeous Garachico, a town partly destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706, and the dramatic mountain village of Masca.
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What other travellers have said
The tour was awesome! You will see a lot of spectacular places.
Lukáš
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4. Tenerife Full Island Tour
This 8-hour day trip sure packs a lot into one day. It’s perfect if you are short on time and want to see as much as possible.
Starting from Los Cristianos, you swing by Los Gigantes viewpoint before heading north to Icod de los Vinos, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Pick-ups available in the south of the island.
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What other travellers have said
A well organised & enjoyable trip. Ivan, our guide was first class and there was the right balance of stops and driving. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Sarah
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5. Full-Day Food & Wine Tour
Now this is my type of day trip.
If you love food and wine you will love this highly-rated full-day tour that visits bodegas to taste the best that Tenerife has to offer. It includes a stop in lovely La Laguna, a 4-course lunch and winery visits.
Pick-ups from southern resorts
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What other travellers have said
The trip was amazing and was made that much better by the guide Noemí. She was great and very informative. La Laguna was beautiful and the two wineries we visited were both spectacular in their own way.
Amy
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6. Hiking in the Anaga Forest
Walking in the Anaga Forest was the highlight of my Tenerife vacation.
On a clear day, the views from this primaeval laurel forest’s miradores are sensational. From the highest one, Pico del Inglés, there are sweeping views that take in Punta del Hildalgo and the beach at Las Teresitas.
It is unforgettable.
Get in touch with nature on this guided hike through a landscape that hasn’t changed for millennia. Private transfers are included.
You’ll typically be walking for five hours, covering a distance of about 7 miles, with up to 600m ascent/descent.
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What other travellers have said
Excursion was amazing! Andy is great guide and always searched for safe alternative pathways if some trail was closed. Stunning views and unique endemic forest.
Maksym
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7. Eco-Yacht Whale Watching Cruise with Swim
The Canary Islands are one of the best places in Europe to go whale watching, and the waters off Tenerife are home to fin whales, pilot whales, killer whales and bottlenose dolphins.
I’ve been put off whale-watching trips in the past because many chase after these lovely marine mammals, causing them distress. Not this 2-hour excursion from the port of Los Cristianos.
They have taken measures to whale spot in a responsible way, maintaining a close but respectful distance. The low-level yacht allows you to view marine life from to the sea surface.
Before returning to Los Cristianos, you can end the tour with a swim and snorkel (your own gear is needed).
Looking at the stellar reviews, I understand why this is one of the most popular Tenerife excursions.
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What other travellers have said
I had such a great experience, we saw young whales and an adult, also a few dolphins, the guides were knowledgeable.
Andre
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8. Kayaking and Snorkelling with Turtles
For an alternative water-based activity in Tenerife, take a look at this highly-rated 3-hour experience.
If you’ve ever fancied kayaking and snorkelling with turtles and dolphins in a non-intrusive way that respects the animals’ freedom, this is your chance. The boat sets off from Los Cristianos and all equipment, including wetsuits and snorkelling equipment, are provided.
Whilst marine mammal sightings can never be guaranteed (you have a 90% chance), views of the coastline and mountains of Tenerife are a certainty.
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What other travellers have said
The views of Mount Teide were breathtaking as we paddled our Kayaks along the coast.
Arun
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Best Excursions from Tenerife to Other Canary Islands
9. Day Trip from Tenerife to La Gomera
Called Isla Redonda (Round Island) by the Canarians, La Gomera is a popular day trip from Tenerife. The island’s number-one attraction is Parque Nacional de Garajonay, a UNESCO-listed ancient laurel forest.
This 10-hour excursion includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected southern resorts, the ferry crossing and a guided tour of La Gomera.
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What other travellers have said
It was the best guided tour experience in my life.
Viktoriia
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10. Day Trip to La Palma from Tenerife
This is a long day tour from Tenerife but, if the reviews are anything to go by, it will be well worth your time and money. Also known as La Isla Bonita, La Palma has a volcanic spine enveloped by lush banana plantations, orchards and forests.
This 11-hour excursion sets off from Los Cristianos (pickup not available). Although you get to see many of the island’s highlights, the tour’s USP is a viewing of the Cumbre Vieja Volcano (Tajogaite), which last erupted in 2021.
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What other travellers have said
Definitely a must see, a must choose tour. This was fantastic one day tour from Tenerife to La Palma. We saw what Tajogaite Volcano on Cumbre Vieja did to the island. You will experience a full power of nature in this tour.
Vinko
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And That’s a Wrap!
I hope this review of Tenerife excursions helps you decide the right tour for you. There is something for every type of traveller and all budgets.
Finally, if you want to make the most of your time in Tenerife, take a look at these posts:
- The Ultimate 1-Week Tenerife Itinerary & Guide
- Tenerife Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide
- 10 Best Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
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About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.