Tenerife: Private island tour, with departures from the south and north

Exploring Tenerife: A Closer Look at the Private Island Tour

If you’re considering a tour that promises to showcase Tenerife’s most iconic sights in a single day, this private 8-hour experience might be on your radar. While it’s a popular option for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the island, it’s important to weigh what you’ll get—and what you might miss—before booking. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but we’ve sifted through reviews, itineraries, and details to give you an honest, balanced perspective.

What we like about this experience is its flexibility and focus on key highlights. Notably, the tour offers a personalized touch with private groups and optional pickup from various locations, making it more convenient for different travelers. Plus, the route takes in Teide National Park, charming villages, and spectacular coastal scenery, aiming to give you a well-rounded taste of Tenerife.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s duration and busy itinerary could feel rushed—especially if you’re someone who prefers to linger longer at each spot. It’s a full day’s commitment, and the speed at which you’ll see things might not suit those who want a more relaxed pace. Still, if you’re eager to cover the essentials without fuss, this could be a good fit. The tour tends to attract those who want an efficient introduction to Tenerife’s top sights, whether they’re first-timers or travelers pressed for time.

This tour would appeal most to adventurous explorers looking for a private, guided snapshot of the island’s highlights. If you’re okay with a packed schedule and appreciate the intimacy of a private group, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private group tours let you customize your day and avoid large crowds.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Highlights like Teide, Garachico, Masca, and La Orotava are included, offering a broad view of Tenerife.
• Flexible Pickup Options: Multiple pickup locations improve convenience, especially if you’re staying in different parts of the island.
• Time Management: The tour covers many attractions, but the condensed schedule might feel hurried.
• Cultural and Scenic Mix: The route balances natural wonders with charming villages and coastal towns.
• Value for Price: The tour’s price must be weighed against the quality of sights and the personalized service.

Detailed Review of the Tenerife Private Island Tour

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Initial Drive

As soon as you book, you’ll appreciate the private setting—a big plus if you dislike crowded group tours. The experience provider offers pickup from six different locations, including popular spots like Las Américas, Puerto de la Cruz, and Costa Adeje. This flexibility is great if you want to start your day hassle-free.

Once onboard, the drive lasts about 45 minutes in a comfortable SUV or jeep. During this time, you’ll begin to get a feel for the island’s varied landscape—ranging from lush coastlines to volcanic terrain. For those arriving from the south, your journey will weave through Vilaflor, the highest village in the Canary Islands, providing a scenic preview of the elevation and natural beauty to come.

Vilaflor and La Orotava: Starting Points for the Day

If departing from the south, the first stop might be Vilaflor. Here, you’re rewarded with views of the surrounding volcanic scenery—an ideal spot for quick photos and to appreciate the island’s volcanic origins. Travelers have noted the route through Vilaflor offers “scenic views on the way”, though the stop itself isn’t long—just about 10 minutes.

From the north, the tour takes you to La Orotava, a town known for its beautiful architecture and traditional Canarian charm. The guided tour of La Orotava lasts approximately 35 minutes, allowing you to see key sights and get a flavor of local history. Some reviews mention that this stop is “short but worthwhile,” especially if you’re curious about Tenerife’s colonial-era buildings.

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Icod de los Vinos and the Drago Milenario

Next, the tour visits Icod de los Vinos, about an hour’s drive from La Orotava or Vilaflor. Here, the highlight is the Drago Milenario, a legendary dragon tree estimated to be over a thousand years old. The guided visit to the dendrological park provides a peaceful setting with plenty of photo opportunities.

Reviewers mention that the scenic drive here is “lovely,” and the town itself is worth a quick walk. The main point—seeing the ancient dragon tree—adds a unique touch, especially for nature lovers. Keep in mind, the stop lasts about an hour, so it’s enough to explore without feeling rushed.

Teide National Park: The Central Highlight

No Tenerife tour would be complete without a visit to Teide National Park. This is the main event for many, and for good reason. The tour spends approximately 1.5 hours here, with guided views and plenty of opportunities to take in the park’s spectacular volcanic landscape. You’ll ascend to over 2200 meters, passing through zones of surreal rock formations and volcanic craters.

This part of the tour receives mixed reviews. Some travelers love the breathtaking scenery and the chance to see the iconic volcano up close. However, others feel that the time allotted isn’t enough to truly appreciate the park’s vastness. As one reviewer pointed out, “we admired the changing landscapes and vegetation,” but wished there had been more time to explore or take photos.

Garachico and the Coastal Charm

After Teide, the journey continues to Garachico, a town often praised for its historic charm and natural pools. The tour spends about 1.5 hours here, giving you time to wander the cobbled streets and enjoy the coastal views. The natural pools, formed by volcanic lava, are a highlight for many visitors.

According to reviews, Garachico’s architectural beauty and history make it a favorite stop. One traveler noted, “the town is famous on the island for its beauty,” and many enjoy strolling along its waterfront. Expect to see well-preserved buildings, lovely plazas, and perhaps grab a quick snack or drink.

Lunch and the Return Journey

A key part of the day is a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can choose from traditional Canarian dishes or international options. This is a good chance to relax, refuel, and discuss the morning’s adventures. The meal isn’t included in the tour price, but reviewers find it offers decent value and a taste of local cuisine.

After lunch, the route takes you back through La Orotava (if you started from the north), or along the coast if coming from the south. The drive offers additional scenic views, with some reviewers mentioning “impressive panoramic vistas” along the way. The tour wraps up with drop-offs at your initial pickup point.

What’s Included and What to Expect Overall

This private tour includes transportation in a comfortable SUV or jeep, guided commentary in English and Romanian, and pickup from several key locations. Expect a full day of sightseeing, with plenty of opportunities for photos and brief explorations.

While the itinerary is packed, it’s designed to give you a rundown of Tenerife. However, some reviews mention that the pace can be a little rushed, especially if you like to linger at each spot. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, this may feel more like a whirlwind tour.

Pros and Cons to Consider

Pros:
– The private setting offers a more personalized experience.
– You get to see top sights like Teide, Masca, Garachico, and La Orotava in one day.
– Pickup from multiple locations adds convenience.
– The guide provides insightful commentary, enriching your understanding of each spot.

Cons:
– The schedule is quite full, which might make it feel rushed.
– The trip duration is about 8 hours, so it’s a long day—less ideal if you prefer slow-paced sightseeing.
– Limited time at each stop means you might not fully explore some places.
– The price, while offering a private experience, might seem high relative to the brief stays at key sites.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who wants a guided, private snapshot of Tenerife’s most famous sights and are comfortable with a busy schedule, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who value personalized service and prefer to see a lot in one day without the hassle of organizing multiple transport links.

However, if you’re a nature lover who prefers more time to explore or isn’t keen on a fast-paced itinerary, you might find this tour a bit too condensed. Likewise, if you’re traveling with very young children or seniors over 95, there may be considerations regarding the pace and physical activity involved.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly recommended for children under 2 years or wheelchairs, and the schedule might be too busy for very young kids. If you’re traveling with older children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, it could work fine.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you might have some flexibility to discuss your preferences with the guide. However, the core stops are fixed, so it’s best to confirm beforehand.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides are available in both English and Romanian, so check your language preference when booking.

Is there a lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you’ll have a chance to eat at a local restaurant during the day. Expect traditional or international cuisine options.

How long is the drive between stops?
Drive times vary but expect around 45 minutes from the starting point to Vilaflor or La Orotava, with longer drives between major sites like Teide and Garachico.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
Probably not, given the busy schedule and walking involved at some stops. It’s best for those who are comfortable with moderate walking and minimal physical strain.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and camera are recommended. Also, dress appropriately for the weather, especially at high-altitude spots like Teide.

How much does this tour cost?
Pricing isn’t specified here, but considering the private nature and extensive itinerary, it’s likely on the higher side. Think of it as an all-in-one day trip designed for convenience and exclusivity.

Final Thoughts

This private Tenerife tour offers an efficient way to see the island’s most famous sights in a single day, with the comfort of tailored service. It’s perfect if you’re eager to cover a lot of ground without the hassle of planning each detail yourself. The route includes Teide National Park, charming villages, and stunning coastal views—giving you a well-rounded glimpse of Tenerife’s diverse beauty.

That said, the quick stops and packed schedule might not satisfy travelers wanting a more relaxed experience or time to really soak in each location. It’s best suited for those who prefer a guided, private adventure with a focus on highlights rather than extended exploration.

If you value convenience and a personalized touch, this tour could be a great way to kickstart your Tenerife visit. Just keep in mind the pace and plan accordingly so you can enjoy each stop to the fullest.

This experience is a solid option for travelers who want a comprehensive, private overview of Tenerife, especially if you’re short on time but want to enjoy the island’s most iconic sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: