11 BEST Tenerife Day Trips and Excursions
Planning your trip to the Canary Islands and wondering what the best Tenerife day trips and excursions are?
You’re in the right place! With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do when visiting Tenerife.
Whether you’re looking to explore the island, enjoy a day on the water, or even hop over to nearby islands like La Palma and La Gomera, we’ve found the best Tenerife day trips for you.
We spent a month in the Canary Islands, exploring Tenerife’s best day trips and top spots.
We’re here to help you plan the perfect day out, making sure you get the most out of your time on this beautiful island.
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Overview of Tenerife Day Trips
Before we dive into the details of each trip, we like to give you an overview of our #1 Tenerife Day Trip in each category:
| Category | #1 Tenerife Day Trip |
|---|---|
| 🌋 Best South Tenerife Day Trip | Tenerife VIP Tour |
| 🌴 Best North Tenerife Day Trip | Teide and Masca VIP Tour |
| 🐋 Best Tenerife Day Trip on the Water | Whale Watching Eco Catamaran Tour |
| 🐬 Best Private Tenerife Yacht Day Trip | 33 Foot Yacht with Dolphin Watching |
| 🌠 Best Tenerife Day Trip Under the Stars | Teide National Park Sunset & Stargazing |
| 🥾 Best Tenerife Day Trip Hiking | Mount Teide Hiking Day Trip & Cable Car |
| 🌄 Best Private Tenerife Day Trip Hiking | Anaga Rural Park Private Tour |
| 🌊Best Tenerife Theme Park Day Trip | Siam Park All-Inclusive Package |
| 🏰 Best La Palma Day Trip from Tenerife | Day Trip to La Palma Volcanic Landscapes |
| ⛴ Best La Gomera Day Trip from South Tenerife | VIP Route through La Gomera |
| 🏞️ Best La Gomera Day Trip from North Tenerife | Full-Day Vip Tour to Gomera |
BEST Tenerife Day Trips
The Tenerife VIP Tour tops our list of the best day trips in Tenerife.
This 8 to 9-hour adventure from South Tenerife takes you to Teide National Park, the charming village of Masca, and historic San Cristobal de la Laguna.
You’ll also visit Villaflor de Chasna, La Orotava, Icod de Los Vinos, and Garachico, enjoying picturesque views and volcanic ridges along the way.
We loved the typical Canarian lunch at Restaurante Bambi which added a delicious touch This is by far one of the most comprehensive day trips in Tenerife!
Picking a reputable company is so important! Below is the company we trust to give you the best experience:
Get Holiday
If you are staying in North Tenerife, then we recommend this other VIP day trip from Puerto de la Cruz instead.
BEST Tenerife Day Trip on the Water
The Whale Watching and Listening Eco Catamaran Tour with Food Tasting is the best day trip in Tenerife on the water for a great price.
This whale-watching and snorkeling catamaran cruise from Costa Adeje lasts 5 hours, while most whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife are only 2-3 hours.
The expert crew provides live commentary about the marine wildlife of southern Spain, which we found super educational and fun.
You’ll also pass the stunning cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. Plus, you’ll have free time to swim and snorkel.
The best part? Unlimited drinks and snacks are served on board!
If you want a day to yourself with your group, you can also charter a Private 33 Foot Yacht with Whale and Dolphin Watching.
BEST Tenerife Day Trip under the Stars
The Teide National Park Sunset & Stargazing with Dinner (Star Safari) is our top pick for Tenerife day trips under the stars.
This 6.5-hour tour includes a delicious meal at a traditional Canarian restaurant, followed by a breathtaking sunset above the sea of clouds.
After dinner, enjoy stargazing with powerful telescopes and expert guides who explain the visible constellations and planets. This tour is perfect for everyone, even if you don’t know much about astronomy.
While enjoying the stays, you’ll also sip on a glass of cava – we found it to be a lovely touch. It’s a memorable night under the stars at Mirador de las Narices del Teide!
BEST Tenerife Day Trip Hiking
This 6-hour Mount Teide Hiking Day Trip & Cable Car is one of the best day trips in Tenerife! It mixes a relaxing cable car ride with an exciting hike to Spain’s highest peak.
You’ll skip the cable car line and hike the last 170 meters to Mount Teide’s summit – an exclusive treat that other visitors do not get to do!
The tour includes hotel pickup from popular spots in southern Tenerife and a special permit for crater access, all in the price.
With stunning views of Tenerife and nearby islands, plus a small group setting, this tour gives you an experience that few get to have!
If you prefer a private hiking experience with those you are traveling with, we recommend the Anaga Rural Park Private Tour.
It’s a great excursion for cruise ship passengers to Tenerife and lasts around 8 hours.
You will visit some of the last laurel forests in the world in Anaga Rural Park and some very unique villages in Northeastern Tenerife like San Andres and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
BEST Best Tenerife Theme Park Day Trip
Siam Park is our favorite theme park in Tenerife, and for good reason. The rides are thrilling, and the park’s design is stunning.
Our favorite ride is the Tower of Power, which plunges you through a shark tank for an unforgettable experience.
The All-Inclusive Entry Ticket is the best way to enjoy Siam Park. It offers fast-track access to all attractions to skip the line, a delicious lunch with drinks (soft drinks, beer, wine, and water), and amenities like towels, floats, and lockers.
BEST La Palma Day Trip from Tenerife
We LOVED La Palma and highly recommend it as a day trip from Tenerife if you can’t stay a few nights on the island.
This tour company handles all the ferry logistics and transportation around La Palma, making it stress-free.
You’ll visit Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Tazacorte Beach, Mirador de la Concepción, and the Cumbre Vieja volcano.
The itinerary is well-planned, covering most of La Palma’s major highlights. It’s a fantastic overview and one of the best day trips from Tenerife.
BEST La Gomera Day Trip from Tenerife
Our top pick for a day trip to La Gomera from Los Cristianos, Tenerife, is a VIP tour with a cozy group of no more than 18 people. Guided by a certified expert, this tour covers all the highlights.
After the ferry ride, you’ll visit the impressive Roque de Agando and the Chipude Fortress in Garajonay National Park. You’ll also explore the Las Loceras Centro de Interpretación, where local women preserve traditional pottery.
The tour includes a stop at the Palmarejo viewpoint for stunning views over Valle Gran Rey and ends with a leisurely exploration of La Gomera’s capital, including the historic Torre del Conde.
The small-group setting allows for meaningful interactions with knowledgeable guides passionate about La Gomera. For an unforgettable day trip from Tenerife to La Gomera, this tour is our ultimate choice.
If you’re staying in North Tenerife, check out this Full-Day Vip Tour to Gomera that is perfect for history buffs and adventure seekers alike!
It highlights La Gomera’s role in the discovery of the New World.
How to Pick Great Tenerife Day Trips
When choosing the best day trips in Tenerife, start by thinking about what interests you the most.
Are you into nature, history, or adventure?
For nature lovers, trips to Mount Teide, Teno Rural Park, or the Barranco del Infierno are musts.
If history fascinates you, exploring La Laguna or Santa Cruz de Tenerife Old Town can be exciting.
Next, consider how much time you have. Some trips, like a visit to La Palma or La Gomera, will take all day, while others, like a trip to Anaga Rural Park, can be shorter.
We don’t recommend taking day trips from Tenerife to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, or El Hierro. They are too far away by boat, and there is too much to do on the island to see in one day.
Check the weather forecast before planning. Some activities are better enjoyed on sunny days, while others are perfect for cooler, cloudy weather.
Lastly, think about transportation. Decide if you want to rent a car, join a guided tour, or use public transportation to get around Tenerife.
Guided tours often provide great insights and save you the hassle of planning, while renting a car offers more flexibility.
Tenerife Tips
Where to Stay in Tenerife
When planning Tenerife day trips, we suggest staying in South Tenerife, especially Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos.
These spots have great beaches, lively nightlife, and plenty of dining options. Plus, you’ll be close to many top attractions and Tenerife day trips starting points.
We love staying at Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria for its luxurious amenities and ocean views.
Northern Tenerife is also worth considering, with places like Landmar Playa La Arena offering beautiful landscapes and a quieter vibe. Some day trips in Tenerife even start from the north.
What to Eat in Tenerife
Tenerife’s food scene is a treat, featuring traditional Canarian flavors and fresh local ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes:
- Papas Arrugadas with Mojo: Wrinkled potatoes with red or green tangy mojo sauce are a staple.
- Gofio: Roasted grain flour used in porridge, stews, or mixed with honey and almonds for a sweet treat.
- Ropa Vieja: A hearty stew with shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.
- Grilled Fish: Local varieties like parrotfish, served with papas arrugadas and mojo.
- Bienmesabe: A sweet dessert made with almonds, sugar, lemon zest, and eggs, often served with ice cream or in pastries.
Language in Tenerife
In Tenerife, Spanish is the official language and is widely spoken by locals. English and German are also common, making it easy to communicate.
When booking your Tenerife day trips, check which languages the guides speak.
Learning a few basic Spanish phrases before your trip can enhance your experience and show appreciation for the local culture.
Money in Tenerife
In Tenerife, the currency is the Euro (€).
Booking your Tenerife day trips online with a credit card is easy, and you can pay in your own currency.
Tipping your guides on day trips in Tenerife in Euros is appreciated. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the island for quick cash withdrawals.
Internet in Tenerife
Internet connectivity in Tenerife varies. Main towns and tourist areas usually have decent Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, remote areas you might visit on Tenerife day trips, like Teide National Park, may have poor signal.
We always use an eSim from Airalo for SUPER affordable data packages. We’ve had great connectivity with them and no issues during our Canary adventures!
Setting up an eSim is easy and ensures reliable data for navigation, reservations, and exploring. This is especially helpful if you’re renting a car and relying on GPS.
FAQs for Day Trips Tenerife
Why is Tenerife good for day trips?
Tenerife is great for day trips because you can explore volcanic peaks, lush forests, charming towns, and stunning beaches all in one day, making it perfect for varied adventures.
Is there a lot to do in Tenerife?
Yes, Tenerife offers a wide range of activities, from exploring Mount Teide and beautiful beaches to visiting charming towns and enjoying water sports. There are amazing Tenerife tours for everyone!
What is so special about Tenerife?
Day trips in Tenerife are special because they offer diverse experiences, from exploring volcanic Mount Teide to hiking in amazing valleys. You can enjoy beaches, whale watching, visiting charming villages, other islands, and even theme parks.
In Conclusion: Tenerife Day Trips
We hope this guide to the best Tenerife day trips and excursions helps you plan unforgettable adventures.
Whether you’re exploring Mount Teide, whale and dolphin watching, hiking, stargazing, or visiting nearby islands like La Palma and La Gomera, we believe Tenerife will wow you just like it did us.
Have a fantastic time discovering all the amazing experiences this beautiful island has to offer!
We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”
🌟 Loving our content? Support the journey and buy us a coffee! ☕️
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Tenerife
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La Gomera
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Canary Islands Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in the Canary Islands?
Yes! Renting a car is a necessity in the Canary Islands if traveling between cities! If you want to go on day trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you can use public transportation, but we recommend renting a car. Discover Cars is our go-to choice for car rentals in the Canary Islands.
📲 Will my phone work in the Canary Islands?
Maybe, but it will be expensive! Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe. To use your phone in the Canary Islands and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel. There is not a lot of free WIFI in the Canary Islands, so you’ll need your phone for navigating.
🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in the Canary Islands?
While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime. NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my the Canary Islands?
Our go-to for Canary Islands hotels is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to the Canary Islands?
For finding cheap flights to the Canary Islands, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive. Vueling and Iberia are usually our airlines of choice to get to the Canary Islands. Air Europa and Binter Canarias are the main inter-island airlines.
🚐 Should I book tours in the Canary Islands? Do the guides speak English?
We LOVE taking tours in the Canary Islands. We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English. For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.
🚑 Should I buy Canary Islands travel insurance?
100% YES! Spain has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which provides universal healthcare coverage to all Spanish citizens and legal residents in the Canary Islands! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!
💧Can you drink the water in the Canary Islands?
The water in the Canary Islands is safe to drink. In some rural or remote areas, or in older buildings with outdated plumbing systems, water quality might not be as high. For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.
🎫 Do I need a visa for the Canary Islands?
Likely Not! US passport holders don’t need Spanish visas for travel less than 3 months. If you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you will be considered a resident and must have an entrance visa.
