Tenerife Full Island Tour

Thinking about seeing the best of Tenerife in just one day? This full island tour offers a chance to tick off some of the most iconic sights—think towering cliffs, lush valleys, and a sacred basilica—all with the convenience of hotel pickup and a comfortable ride. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want a broad overview without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

What we like about this experience? First, the organized transport makes a big difference—no stress about navigating or parking, especially on a big, busy island. Second, the knowledgable guides add a real layer of depth, sharing stories and insights into Tenerife’s landscapes and culture. The price, at just over $62 per person, feels reasonable considering the number of stops and the length of the day.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the itinerary’s speed. With so many highlights packed into roughly eight hours, you may find yourself rushing through some stops, with limited time to explore each place at your own pace. Also, if you’re looking to see Tenerife’s entire tapestry, including places like Mount Teide or Santa Cruz, this tour won’t include those—it’s more of a highlights overview.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a thorough, guided glimpse of Tenerife’s key spots without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. It’s particularly good if you enjoy learning from guides and appreciate comfortable, air-conditioned transport. If you’re okay with a full day on the road and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour has a lot to offer.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage of Tenerife highlights in one day
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
• Knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with stories
• Flexible options for hotel pickup and drop-off (in selected hotels)
• Some free time in Puerto de la Cruz for wandering or lunch
• Fast-paced, so be ready for a full, busy day

What to Expect from the Tenerife Full Island Tour

This tour promises a smooth, efficient way to see Tenerife’s most striking sights. Starting bright and early, with a pickup around 8:30am—though some reviews mention timing discrepancies—you’ll hop into a bus or minivan with a small group. The group size can vary, but the experience aims for a maximum of around 55 travelers, which makes for a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Los Gigantes Cliffs

Your first stop is at the Los Gigantes Viewpoint, where you’ll behold the enormous cliffs that rise over 960 feet (about 600 meters) from the sea. This is one of the real show-stoppers—standing at the lookout, you’ll feel the scale of these natural giants and have plenty of chances for photos. Many visitors mention this as a highlight, with one noting how impressive the geological wonder is, even with only 15-20 minutes there. It’s a quick stop but sets the tone for the day ahead.

Parque del Drago in Icod de los Vinos

Next, you’ll head to Icod de los Vinos to see the famed Dragon Tree—believed to be the oldest of its kind in the world. The 30-minute stop allows you to stand beneath this ancient, iconic tree and reflect on Tenerife’s botanical treasures. Reviewers mention this stop as free, but the cultural importance of the tree and surroundings makes it well worth the brief visit.

La Orotava Valley

From there, the tour moves into the La Orotava Valley, a lush landscape dotted with banana plantations, vineyards, and pine-clad mountains. This scenic drive is a favorite among travelers, who enjoy the lush greenery and mountain views. Though there’s no specific stop here, the guide shares insights into local agriculture and landscape, adding context to the view. The feeling of being wrapped in a vibrant, green landscape is quite memorable.

Puerto de la Cruz

A short break in Puerto de la Cruz offers some free time—about an hour—to grab lunch or explore. Many reviews point out this is a good chance to stretch your legs, enjoy some local tapas, or simply wander the charming streets. The town’s relaxed vibe is a perfect counterpoint to the busier sightseeing stops.

Candelaria and Basilica

The final cultural highlight is Candelaria, home to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. This impressive church, with its grand dome and oceanfront plaza, is the spiritual heart of the Canary Islands. Here, you can see the renowned Black Madonna and the statues of the Guanche Menceyes—the first inhabitants of the islands. Reviewers love this stop for its spiritual and cultural significance, although some mention the limited time can feel rushed if you want to linger longer.

Additional Stops and Feedback

One reviewer pointed out that the tour might feel a bit rushed, especially with a lot of ground to cover in a single day. If you’re someone who likes to linger at each spot, this might be a downside. Others found the guide’s knowledge engaging and appreciated the well-paced stops, despite the long day.

Logistics and Practicalities

The price of around $62 is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive coverage. The inclusion of hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport means you’re not worrying about logistics, and that adds significant peace of mind.

Keep in mind, the tour lasts about 8 hours—which is a full day—so come prepared for a lot of sitting and moving. The tour isn’t suitable for anyone with mobility issues, as moderate physical fitness is recommended for walking around some sites.

While breakfast isn’t included, there are opportunities to buy lunch during the Puerto de la Cruz stop. The tour is offered in multiple languages, and the guide’s ability to manage a multilingual group is appreciated by many travelers.

Group Size and Experience

One of the tricky parts is the actual size of the group—some reviews mention that the actual number of participants exceeds expectations, with one guest noting a bus with over 50 people. This can impact the intimacy and timing at stops, and might make some feel like they’re just a number. If you prefer smaller groups, it’s worth checking if there’s an option for smaller tours.

Timing and Pacing

A common concern voiced in reviews is the long duration of pickup and drop-off—sometimes taking up to 3 hours. While this is understandable given Tenerife’s size, it’s something to consider if you’re staying far from the main pickup points. The hurried pace during sightseeing is another aspect to keep in mind—if you value unhurried exploration, this might not be your perfect fit.

Pricing and Value

At around $62.70 per person, the cost covers a full day of sightseeing with transportation, a guide, and multiple stops. Considering the variety of sights and the convenience, many travelers find it good value. The fact that you get to see Tenerife’s cliffs, botanical marvels, and cultural landmarks in one day makes it a practical way to maximize your trip.

Of course, lunch isn’t included, so budget accordingly. Some reviews mention that the guide was well-informed and engaging, which adds value beyond just the sights.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re after a broad overview of Tenerife’s top sights and prefer the comfort of organized transport and guided commentary, this tour is a solid choice. It works well for travelers who don’t want to spend time planning or driving, and who enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides. It’s also suitable for those comfortable with a packed schedule and a full day on the move.

However, if you prefer to explore at a slower pace, or want to include spots like Mount Teide or Santa Cruz, you might want to look for a more tailored or smaller tour.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but only at selected hotels. Check your accommodation’s eligibility before booking.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, starting around 8:30am and wrapping up in the late afternoon.

What’s included in the price?
You get transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off (if applicable). Lunch and entrance fees at specific sites are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate physical activity and long duration suggest it’s better suited for older children or those comfortable with a long day on a bus.

Are there any hidden costs?
You might want to budget for lunch or souvenirs, as meals are not included, and some stops may have optional purchases.

Final Thoughts

This full Tenerife tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see the island’s highlights in a single day. The combination of scenic vistas, cultural landmarks, and the convenience of transport makes it appealing for travelers who want a broad overview without stress. The knowledgeable guides and good value are major pluses, though the busy schedule and larger group size are worth considering if you prefer a more relaxed pace or intimate experience.

Overall, if you’re eager to cover key sights, enjoy some cultural insights, and appreciate a hassle-free day, this tour is a solid pick. Just prepare for a full day of sightseeing and keep your camera ready—you’re bound to come away with some memorable views and stories.

Happy travels and enjoy your Tenerife adventure!