Tenerife - Canary Islands
Crossroads: Africa, America and Europe
Look at a map and find out that this island is part of an archipelago off the coast of Morocco. Do some research and you will learn it is the capital of a Spanish autonomous community. Talk to their people and understand the special bond with Latin America and its cultural implications.
Black-sand beaches, jaw-dropping cliffs, a 20 million-year-old forest, Spain’s highest point (it is on the African plate though), volcanic tunnels and eternal spring, are some of Tenerife’s best-known claims to fame; but what about the ones only locals know about? Let us take you to a “guachinche” (typical and delicious home-like restaurant), where you will enjoy local wine and specialities. Let us show you the remote lighthouses, docks and beaches, where we grew up diving and enjoying sunsets. Let us walk you through the alleys of our favourite villages and learn how the local architecture inspired some of Latin America's most beautiful colonial towns. Let us tell you about the “Guanches”, the mysterious aboriginal inhabitants of the Islands and their mummies. And most importantly, talk to some of the friendliest people you will ever meet and let them explain why their local carnival rivals Rio de Janeiro.
The Canary Islands is a one-off location - Join us. Bienvenidos a Tenerife!
Sample Itinerary
Meals
All breakfasts, 2 dinners and 2 lunches + snacks
Activities
City walks, Anaga Hike, Stargazing at Teide, volcanic tunnels, traditional meals and mo
Transportation
Included public transportation card throughout the tour
Accommodation
7 nights accommodation in either Santa Cruz or La Laguna
Day 1
Welcome to Tenerife
Today our adventure begins - To start we will set a meeting point for you to meet your local host who will take you to your new home. Get comfy, freshen up and then join your host for an included welcome dinner. Expect local delicacies that will tell you about the unique mix of cultures this island has in store, as well as locally produced wine at one of our favourite venues. Buen provecho!
Day 2
First encounter with your new home
Buenos días! Did you sleep well? Today we will have a beautiful morning discovering your new home! After breakfast join your host and discover the city of Santa Cruz. From the Church of La Concepción, one of the oldest buildings in Santa Cruz to its futuristic opera house, this city has it all. Explore the Noria quarter, a quaint area with small houses of many different colours. Stop to admire Plaza de España (and hear how famous Admiral Nelson was defeated here!) and Plaza de la Candelaria, walk the famous Ramblas and the beautiful maritime promenade. Do not miss the local market of "Nuestra Señora de Africa" (are you into seafood? Then have lunch in this market´s basement!). After this tour, maybe head to the beach of Las Teresitas (all its sand was brought from the Sahara!) or the maritime park with its natural pools
Day 3
Anaga´s Millenary Forest:
Our destination today is the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Anaga, one of the few remaining “laurisilva” forests in the world. Today we will witness how some parts of the earth looked like 20 million years ago during the Cenozoic Era. Get your senses ready, today we will be using them a lot! This adventure includes a local guide and private transportation that will pick you up from your accommodation. An included lunch is also part of this adventure! Expect a 3.5-4 hr hike (downhill) through the different layers of vegetation that exist on the island. Your goal is the wild and private beach of Antequera, surrounded by mountains and cliffs. Go for a swim, eat your light lunch and wait for a water taxi to take you back to the fisherman village of San Andrés.
Day 5
Volcanic tunnels, millenary trees and a "guachinche" lunch
A bus will take us once again to the north of the island. Our destination: The village of Icod de los Vinos, where we will wander around and visit the famous Millennial Drago. This tree is an endemic species from the islands. A visit to Icod would not be complete without enjoying some of its traditional food and wines. This part of the island is famous for its “guachinches”. Do not expect anything fancy but do expect tasty food, locally produced wine and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. After lunch, we will take taxis that will take us closer to Mount Teide to visit the “Cueva del Viento” (Cave of the Wind). We are only going to tell you this cave actually is one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world!
Day 7
Enjoy Tenerife at your own rhythm and farewell dinner
Go shopping or maybe join your host and explore a local spot like Radazul, where you can go swimming in a beautiful environment, visit the town of Candelaria with its famous Cathedral or go to the south of the island for another hike. You can also visit some of the local museums and learn about the old inhabitants of the islands, the Guanches. Their mummies can be found in one of the museums! Ask your host for more suggestions. Tonight, an included farewell dinner will give you the opportunity to talk about all you have seen, experienced and learnt!
Day 4
La Laguna - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
A tram ride that will take us 1000 metres above sea level to the old city of San Cristobal de La Laguna. This World Heritage Site city (as declared by UNESCO in 1999) was the first capital of the island. Built inland by a natural lagoon considered to be sacred by the aborigines, was chosen by the “Adelantados” (The aristocracy that conquered the island) as the location for their residences, and soon became the most important city in the entire archipelago. Join your host and wander the colonial streets of this university town, get lost in its alleyways and discover convents, churches and squares. If you have been to any colonial towns in Latin America, you will immediately be taken back...guess what? They were designed after La Laguna!
Day 6
Stargazing from Mount Teide
After being picked up from your hotel or accommodation, you will be driven towards the Teide National Park. Enjoy the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in Tenerife that overlook the three islands. Continue into the Teide National Park where you will have the opportunity to see more stars than ever before with an expert laser-guided tour of the constellations in the dark sky, all set against the backdrop of prehistoric rock formations and Teide. This unique experience will be guided by a local astrophysicist, who will not only teach us to interpret the skies but will also tell us stories that link the cosmos with local culture and history. Simply unique!
Day 8
Until we meet again
We hope you loved your time with us. Do not hesitate to ask us for suggestions on how to get back to the airport or make arrangements for your next adventure. Hasta la próxima!
Accommodation Options
PaRiGi B&B
Location, location, location. Would you like to be in a family-run B&B in the heart of Santa Cruz close to everything the city has to offer? Then PaRiGi is your option.
Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa
Looking for comfy and relaxing accommodation surrounded by history, architecture and trendy vibes? Then Laguna Nivaria in the town of La Laguna is your place.
More options available
Your Local Tour Leader
Sara was born and raised in Spain and has lived in Tenerife for over 6 years. She is a tourism pro, Spanish teacher and a resident of one of Tenerife´s quaintest towns: Icod el Alto
Get a Quote
Contact us and let us what your perfect tour would look like and we will get back to you with a personalized itinerary/quote.