South Tenerife: San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Anaga Tour

South Tenerife: San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Anaga Tour

If you’re looking to explore some of Tenerife’s most captivating sights in a single day, this tour offers a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and volcanic landscapes. Priced at $100 per person, it runs around 8 hours, starting from Playa de las Américas. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Cristóbal de La Laguna, often called the “Florence of the Canary Islands,” and explore the dramatic volcanic terrain of Anaga Country Park, one of the oldest and most spectacular rural parks in the world.

One of the highlights we love is the chance to walk through La Laguna’s charming streets filled with historical buildings and churches—perfect for history buffs and architecture lovers alike. The second is the opportunity to see geological formations like roques (volcanic chimneys) and deep ravines that showcase Tenerife’s volcanic past. Plus, the lush forests of laurel and dragon trees make for a scenic contrast to the rugged landscapes.

However, a potential downside is the limited time allocated at each location—an issue noted by travelers who felt the visits were a bit rushed. This makes it a better fit for those who prefer quick highlights rather than deep dives into each spot. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and enjoy seeing many sights in one day, this tour could be a good choice.

This experience suits travelers who want a broad overview of Tenerife’s natural and cultural gems without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. It’s especially suitable if you’re eager to see highlights like La Laguna’s historic center and the volcanic landscapes of Anaga but don’t mind quick stops and a larger group setting.

Key Points

• Historical charm: La Laguna’s streets are UNESCO-listed and full of character.
• Natural beauty: Expect stunning volcanic formations, cliffs, and forests.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Marco, help bring the experience alive.
• Rushed schedule: Stops can be brief, so don’t expect hours at each site.
• Group size: Divided into small minibuses, but still large enough to feel like a crowd at times.
• Price for value: $100 covers transportation, guide, and some food — good for a rundown.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting early from Costa Adeje, the tour kicks off with a pick-up at the X-sur shopping center at 08:20 AM. The first stop is San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a city that dates back centuries and is an open-air museum of colonial architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and vibrant churches. We loved the way the town’s streets are a maze of history, and the guide explains the stories behind the buildings, making it much more than just a walk.

That said, some travelers expressed disappointment about the limited time in La Laguna. One review noted that “an hour and a quarter isn’t enough” to truly soak in the town’s charm. If you’re a history or architecture enthusiast, you might wish for more time to explore independently. The tour proceeds to the volcanic landscapes of Anaga, a journey into Tenerife’s geological roots.

In Anaga, you’ll see rock formations like roques, which are old volcanic chimneys and dikes filled with solidified magma. These formations create the illusion of walls and impressive cliffs that drop sharply to the sea. The landscape is dramatic; you’ll marvel at the volcanic activity from 7 to 9 million years ago that shaped this terrain.

The tour includes exploration of the forests of laurel and dragon trees, which are strikingly different from the rocky vistas—an oasis of greenery in the volcanic wilderness. These forests not only add to the scenic variety but also offer some great opportunities for photographs. However, some travelers felt the stops in the mountains were brief, missing out on capturing the full beauty of the surroundings.

Throughout the day, the group makes brief stops at several points of interest, including Las Teresitas beach and Candelaria. One traveler shared that these stops were not included in the original description and felt somewhat unnecessary, especially if those sites aren’t on your personal list of priorities.

Lunch is included in the tour, but it’s generally considered a forgettable aspect. One reviewer mentioned being seated alone instead of with the group, which could be uncomfortable if you’re expecting a communal meal experience. The guide, Marco, was praised for kindness and professionalism, which helped improve the overall day for some travelers.

The tour wraps up back at the starting point in Costa Adeje, completing an 8-hour journey full of diverse sights and experiences. The experience is designed to give travelers a taste of Tenerife’s layered history and volcanic grandeur, making it ideal for those who prefer a broad overview rather than in-depth exploration.

Why This Tour Can Be a Great Choice

This tour offers a convenient way to see both cultural and natural highlights without the hassle of planning your own transport or multiple bookings. The cost of $100 encompasses transportation, a guide, and some food, which makes it a reasonable investment for a full day’s adventure.

The small minibuses allow for easier access to some narrower mountain roads, and guides like Marco seem genuinely committed to sharing their knowledge. His kindness and attentiveness are often highlighted as a bright spot in reviews.

But be aware that time management is tight, and if you’re hoping for leisurely visits or plenty of time for photos and exploration, you might find this tour a little rushed. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, varied snapshot—a kind of highlights reel—rather than a deep dive into each location.

Who Will Get the Most Out of This Experience?

If you’re a traveler who enjoys seeing many sights in a single day and appreciates guided commentary, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially good for those new to Tenerife who want an overview of the island’s history and landscape without having to organize multiple trips.

However, if you prefer to spend hours wandering and soaking in each place, or if you’re particularly interested in photography, you might feel the stops are too brief. Also, if you’re seeking a small-group, intimate experience, this tour’s larger bus setup might not meet that preference.

This is a solid choice for those who value convenience, a balance of cultural and natural sights, and engaging guides who can bring the landscape and history to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What locations are included in the tour?
You visit San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Anaga Country Park, and make brief stops at Las Teresitas beach and Candelaria.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting from Costa Adeje at 08:20 AM and returning around the same time in the evening.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a driver takes you in a small minibus, dividing groups into manageable sizes, although some reviews mention the process of pick-up taking time.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and generally suitable for most ages, but be prepared for some walking and standing during stops.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket are recommended to stay comfortable in varying weather conditions.

Are meals included?
Yes, food is included, but some travelers found their dining experience less than ideal, often sitting alone or feeling rushed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour in multiple languages?
Yes, guides are available in Italian, French, English, Dutch, Spanish, and German—so language should not be a barrier.

Is the tour value for the price?
At $100, the tour provides transportation, a guide, and some meals, making it a good value for a comprehensive day trip.

In the end, this tour offers a well-organized introduction to some of Tenerife’s most compelling sights—perfect for travelers eager to see both the historic streets of La Laguna and the volcanic majesty of Anaga in one go. It’s a lively, scenic, and informative outing that’s best suited for those who don’t mind a busy schedule and appreciate engaging guides who can tell the story behind the landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: