Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour

Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour Review: A Balanced Look at This Popular Excursion

If you’re considering visiting Tenerife and want a taste of its most iconic sights without the hassle of planning each detail yourself, the Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour might be a solid choice. With a good overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 67 reviews, this guided trip promises to show you some of the best natural and cultural spots across the island in about eight hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it offers a chance to see Mount Teide’s UNESCO-listed volcanic landscape and the charming town of Vilaflor, all while including stops at intriguing spots like Garachico and Masca. Plus, the fact that hotel pickup and drop-off are included makes it more convenient than trying to organize transport on your own. One thing to keep in mind is that the trip involves quite a bit of driving along winding, mountainous roads—so if you’re prone to travel sickness, you might want to prepare accordingly.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Tenerife’s highlights without dedicating multiple days. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or prefer having a guide to navigate the logistics and provide insights about the sights. It might not be ideal for those with mobility challenges or anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace, especially since the stops are relatively brief and involve some walking and steep roads.

Key Points

• Well-rounded itinerary: Covering Mount Teide National Park, Vilaflor, Garachico, and Masca provides a diverse experience.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews highlight the guides’ expertise and friendly attitude, enhancing the trip.
• Great value: At around $66 per person, this tour packs in a lot of highlights for a reasonable price.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned coaches and hotel pickup add to the ease of the experience.
• Limited time at stops: Expect about 30 minutes at each stop, which is enough to see the main sights but not long enough for in-depth exploration.
• Potential for motion sickness: The winding mountain roads are a highlight but can be challenging for some travelers.

What to Expect from the Tour

The journey kicks off early in the morning, with hotel pickup from select south Tenerife hotels. The first major stop is Mount Teide National Park, about 30 minutes to admire its otherworldly volcanic scenery. While the cable car isn’t included, the views of Spain’s highest peak and the surrounding landscape are breathtaking even from ground level. Many visitors mention the cool mountain air, so bring a hoodie or jacket, especially if you’re sensitive to temperature changes.

Next, the tour heads into the pine-forested hills of Vilaflor, one of the island’s highest villages. It’s a charming spot with narrow lanes and traditional Canarian architecture—a perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. From there, the group moves onto the volcanic plateau, often called a lunar landscape, which has even featured in movies like Planet of the Apes and Clash of the Titans.

The journey continues to Icod Los Vinos, famous for its Drago Tree—claimed to be the oldest dragon tree in the world. The tree is impressive, with an umbrella-like canopy, and many visitors find it fascinating to learn about its legendary healing powers and blood-red sap. While there’s a bit of free time here for lunch (which is at your own expense), it’s a good chance to sample local Canarian dishes or relax before heading north.

The tour then takes you to the picturesque Garachico, a town that was heavily impacted by a volcanic eruption in 1706. The lava reshaped its coastline and streets, leaving behind cobbled streets, historic mansions, and natural black sand beaches. It’s a peaceful place to stroll and appreciate Tenerife’s resilience. After that, the highlight for some is the mountain village of Masca, perched on a canyon ridge with sweeping views toward La Gomera. Formerly a pirates’ hideout, Masca’s steep, narrow streets and dramatic scenery make it one of the most photogenic spots on the island.

The Practicalities

The transportation is in an air-conditioned coach, which is appreciated on the warm days. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select south Tenerife hotels, making logistics smoother for travelers. The start time is early at 8:40 am, and the entire trip lasts roughly eight hours, giving you a full day of exploration.

Food isn’t included, so be prepared for the opportunity to buy lunch at Icod Los Vinos or other stops. Some reviews mention the organized nature of the stops and the limited time—about 30 minutes at each location—which keeps the day busy but means you won’t have hours to linger. If you’re a slow walker or have mobility issues, keep this in mind.

The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with many reviewers highlighting the engaging commentary and careful driving through challenging mountain roads. The driver’s skill in navigating narrow, winding roads is a frequent compliment, and it’s clear that safety and professionalism are priorities.

The Value and Its Drawbacks

At just over $66, this tour is generally seen as good value, considering the number of locations visited and the convenience of a guided experience. You get to see Tenerife’s most iconic natural wonders and some cultural highlights without the stress of planning transportation or logistics. However, some note that the short stops limit the depth of exploration, and if you’re craving more time at a particular site, this might feel rushed.

Travelers with motion sickness should be aware that the roads through the mountains are quite winding, and some reviews mention the challenge of the roads. If you’re prone to feeling queasy, bringing medication or motion sickness bands could help.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This full-day trip is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Tenerife’s most impressive sights. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided commentary, comfortable transportation, and the convenience of hotel pickup. If you’re interested in geology, volcanic landscapes, quaint villages, and stunning vistas, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer longer stops, more flexibility, or a relaxed pace. Those with mobility challenges may find some parts challenging due to the steep roads and brief stops, so consider your comfort level.

Final thoughts

In the end, this Tenerife Highlights Full-Day Tour offers a well-organized, value-packed way to explore the island’s most spectacular sights. The combination of volcanic landscapes, charming towns, and breathtaking views makes it a memorable experience, especially with a knowledgeable guide to fill in the details.

While the stops are brief and the roads winding, many travelers praise the professionalism of the guides and the stunning scenery that makes the trip worthwhile. Whether you’re keen to see Mount Teide up close, wander through Masca’s dramatic scenery, or learn about the island’s resilience in Garachico, this tour offers a balanced snapshot of Tenerife’s natural beauty and cultural charm.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from select south Tenerife hotels, making it easier to start your day without extra hassle.

How long is the tour?
Expect around 8 hours from start to finish, with about 30 minutes at each stop for quick sightseeing and photos.

Do I need to pay for anything additional?
Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch. Entrance to Mount Teide isn’t free, but the cable car isn’t part of this tour, so that cost is separate if you choose to go up the mountain.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While the reviews don’t highlight family-specific activities, the tour does involve some walking and steep roads. It’s probably best for older children or teenagers comfortable with mountain roads.

What should I bring?
Bring layers, especially a hoodie or jacket for Mount Teide. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes are also recommended for the stops.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving some flexibility if your plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate.

This tour offers a wonderful way to see Tenerife’s highlights in one day, especially if you like a guided experience that balances scenic drives with cultural stops. It’s a trip that many find rewarding, even if it’s a bit fast-paced at times.