Tenerife Full Island Tour

Imagine a day spent weaving through some of Tenerife’s most striking sights—from towering cliffs and lush valleys to sacred basilicas and historic towns. For around $62.70, you get about 8 hours of sightseeing, comfortably transported in an air-conditioned minivan, with hotel pickup included on select hotels. Led by guides with a knack for storytelling, you’ll cover the Los Gigantes cliffs, the La Orotava Valley, and the Candelaria Basilica—a trifecta of natural beauty and cultural richness.

What we love most? First, the convenience of round-trip transportation that takes the hassle out of figuring out how to get between sites, and second, the insights offered by guides who bring Tenerife’s stories and landmarks to life. But, be prepared for a long day—this tour packs in a lot, and some travelers have noted that it can feel rushed, especially if the weather or traffic delay pickups and drop-offs. Still, if you’re eager to see Tenerife’s highlights without renting a car or spending multiple days, this tour offers solid value. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a rundown with plenty of opportunities for photos and free time to explore.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit Tenerife’s top sights in one day, including natural wonders and cultural landmarks.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off on select hotels.
• Expert guides: Learn about Tenerife’s landscape, history, and culture from knowledgeable guides.
• Flexible stops: Free time at Puerto de la Cruz and scenic viewpoints to take your own photos.
• Long but rewarding: An 8-hour adventure with plenty of sights, some reviews mention it’s a long day.
• Value for money: Well-priced at around $62.70, offering a rundown of the island.

The Route and What to Expect

Starting Point: Los Cristianos

Your adventure kicks off early, with pickup from your hotel in the south of Tenerife, around 8:30 am. The bus departs with a full load of fellow travelers—some reviews mention group sizes can feel large, but the guides usually manage well.

Los Gigantes Cliffs

Your first notable stop is at Los Gigantes Viewpoint, where you’ll gaze up at cliffs rising 960 feet (600 meters) into the sky. The sheer scale of these cliffs is awe-inspiring, and the lookout provides a perfect spot for photos. Many visitors mention how impressive it is to see these natural giants, and some say the view alone is worth the trip. Expect about 15 minutes here, enough to snap a few shots and marvel at the landscape.

Icod de los Vinos and the Dragon Tree

Next, a short drive takes you to Icod de los Vinos to see the world’s oldest dragon tree—a symbol of the island. This is a great photo opportunity, and the tree’s ancient, gnarled branches create a surreal scene. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, giving you just enough time to appreciate its size and take some pictures. A recurring comment from travelers is how “great” it was to see something so ancient and unique.

La Orotava Valley

Your journey then continues into the La Orotava Valley, renowned for banana plantations, lush vineyards, and pine-covered mountains. Here, the scenery is both vibrant and peaceful, an ideal spot for nature lovers. Guides usually offer commentary on local agriculture and landscape features, adding depth to your experience. Expect to spend some time admiring the views, which many say are stunning and authentic. The valley’s fertile landscape vividly illustrates Tenerife’s rich agricultural history.

Puerto de la Cruz and Free Time

Following the valley, you’ll stop at the Puerto de la Cruz fishing port area for about an hour. This gives you a chance to stretch, explore a charming town, or grab a quick snack. One review noted that this is a “nice village,” perfect for wandering and maybe tasting local tapas or doing some shopping.

Candelaria and the Basilica

The final highlight is Candelaria, the Patron Saint Capital of the Canary Islands. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria is an impressive church with a massive dome and a sacred atmosphere. Flanked by a lively square, you’ll see statues of the Guanche Kings—the first inhabitants of the islands—and in the basilica, the Black Madonna attracts pilgrims and visitors alike. This stop is about 30 minutes, offering both spiritual and cultural insights. Many visitors find it a meaningful and photogenic end to the day.

Return and Drop-off

Your day concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, generally back in the south of Tenerife, around 4:30 or 5 pm. Travelers appreciate the seamless logistics but note that some mornings involve lengthy pick-up times, so flexibility is helpful.

The Experience in Detail

Transportation

Traveling in an air-conditioned minivan makes the long day more bearable, especially during Tenerife’s warm months. The group size varies; some reviews mention a larger bus rather than a small group, which may influence comfort—particularly legroom and space to relax. While some travelers prefer smaller groups for intimacy and ease of movement, most agree the vehicle is comfortable enough for the day’s journey.

Guides and Commentary

Guides like Christophe and others are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They bring Tenerife’s stories to life, explaining the geology of the cliffs, the history of the dragon tree, and the significance of Candelaria’s basilica. Some reviews mention that the guide’s multilingual delivery can be a bit overbearing or too rapid, especially when dealing with a large group.

Pace and Duration

This tour is a long day, and some reviews mention feeling a bit rushed—particularly those who want more time at each stop or dislike spending hours on the bus. If you prefer a relaxed pace or want to linger over a particular site, this might feel a little tight. However, others appreciate the efficiency of seeing so many highlights in just one day.

Value for Money

At just over $62, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see Tenerife’s key sights. It’s especially valuable because transportation, guide, and most entrance fees are included. The free time at Puerto de la Cruz and the scenic viewpoints make it feel like a well-rounded experience. Given the reviews highlighting “good value” and “excellent guides,” many find the price justified.

What’s Not Included

Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan for a quick meal during your free time. The basilica visit also doesn’t include admission fees, so if you want to go inside or see additional exhibits, you should plan accordingly.

Who Should Book?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Tenerife in one day—especially those with limited time or who prefer guided logistics over renting a car. It suits those who appreciate natural scenery, cultural landmarks, and are comfortable with a long day on the bus. Be aware that some reviews note the group size can be large, so if you prefer a more intimate experience, you might consider other options.

Final Words: Is It Worth It?

If your goal is to get a broad sense of Tenerife’s landscape and culture without the hassle of navigating alone, this tour delivers. The combination of impressive cliffs, lush valleys, and sacred sites ensures you leave with a well-rounded impression of the island. The guides are generally friendly and knowledgeable, adding value with their stories and insights.

However, it’s a long day, and if you’re someone who prefers a leisurely pace or has mobility concerns, this might feel a bit overwhelming. Still, for the price, the transportation, and the variety of sights covered, it provides solid value.

In summary, this tour is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see many highlights in one go, and for those who enjoy learning about local culture and geology in a comfortable setting. Keep in mind the group size and pace, and you’re likely to come away with plenty of photographs and stories to tell.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available for selected hotels, making it convenient and avoiding the hassle of finding meeting points.

How long do stops last?
Most stops are between 15 and 30 minutes, with some longer free time at Puerto de la Cruz, giving you a chance to explore or relax.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and your camera. Since lunch isn’t included, pack snacks or plan to buy something during your free time.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves a lot of walking and long hours on the bus, children with moderate physical fitness generally enjoy the sightseeing. Check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

How many people are on the tour?
Group sizes vary, but some reviews mention many buses and large groups, so expect a sizable crowd.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Whether you’re after breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, or a quick overview of Tenerife, this full island tour offers a practical and engaging way to spend your day. Just remember, it’s a long but rewarding ride—perfect for those eager to see the best of the Canary Islands in one go.