Full day tour visiting Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Anaga

Discover Tenerife’s North: A Full-Day Tour of Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga

If you’re considering a guided trip to explore some of Tenerife’s most captivating spots, this full-day tour covering Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga might just be worth your attention. It offers a convenient way to see a mix of the island’s vibrant city life, historic charm, and breathtaking natural landscapes—all in one day.

What we really like about this experience? First, the knowledgeable guides make all the difference, offering insights that bring each location to life. Second, the stunning scenery along mountain roads and viewpoints like Cruz del Carmen make this trip visually rewarding. On the flip side, a potential downside could be the limited time in each stop, which past travelers mention can make the experience feel a bit rushed.

This tour tends to suit those who want a taste of Tenerife’s diverse offerings without the hassle of organizing transport themselves. If you’re after a relaxed overview of the island’s highlights or have limited time, it could be a solid choice. However, if you’re keen on spending more time in each place to soak up the atmosphere, you might prefer a more tailored or self-guided option.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary covering city, historic town, and natural reserve
• Expert guides providing detailed and friendly commentary
• Scenic drives with spectacular mountain views and viewpoints
• Flexible options for exploring Santa Cruz independently later
• Value for money at around $60, offering transportation, guide, and a full day of sightseeing
• Not included: lunch, so bring your own or plan to dine in towns

The Tour Breakdown: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a comprehensive look at the northern part of Tenerife, combining urban exploration with natural beauty. Here’s how each stop typically works and what you should anticipate.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The Dynamic Capital

Your day begins in Santa Cruz, the island’s vibrant capital. The city is home to eye-catching architecture like the Tenerife Auditorium and innovative public spaces such as Plaza de España. You’ll have about an hour here, which most reviews suggest is enough to get a feel for the city’s lively streets, shops, and landmarks.

From the reviews, we gather that Santa Cruz’s charm lies in its blend of modern design and energetic street life. While some travelers wish for more time to explore extensively, most find an hour sufficient to see the main sights and get a sense of the city. One reviewer notes, “Would have liked longer in Santa Cruz, 90 mins was too short,” indicating that if you’re the kind of person who loves wandering around, you might feel a bit rushed.

La Laguna: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Next, the tour takes you to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a city renowned for its historic and cultural significance. Founded after the island’s conquest, La Laguna boasts beautiful old buildings, traditional plazas, and a relaxed atmosphere. The UNESCO designation underlines its importance as a place worth seeing.

You’ll get about two hours here—a good chunk of time to walk around the picturesque streets, see sights like the cathedral and Plaza del Adelantado, and soak in the town’s ambiance. We love that many travelers think La Laguna is more charming and character-filled than Santa Cruz, describing it as “an amazing place to visit.” Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the chance to explore without rushing, and some wish for even more time to soak up the town’s vibe.

Anaga: The Natural Wonder

The highlight for many is the visit to Parque Rural de Anaga, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, filled with lush vegetation, dramatic scenery, and viewpoints offering spectacular vistas. Visiting viewpoints like Mirador de la Jardina and Cruz del Carmen allows for incredible photo opportunities and a chance to breathe in the island’s natural beauty.

Most reviews praise the stunning views and the impressive drive through winding mountain roads, with some saying it’s “fantastic to see Tenerife’s natural side.” However, a few express disappointment about the limited time — around 30 minutes — at each viewpoint, feeling it’s too short to fully appreciate the scenery. One reviewer states, “I expected 120 minutes in Anaga, but only got 30,” highlighting the challenge of fitting everything in.

Transportation and Guide Experience

The tour includes a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and an official guide accredited by the Canary Islands government. Past travelers often commend the knowledge and friendliness of the guide, who provides insights into the history, geography, and culture of Tenerife.

One reviewer specifically praised a guide for being “very knowledgeable,” answering all questions, and being considerate of different languages and accessibility needs. Having a guide who shares engaging stories and provides context can elevate the experience, making the sights more meaningful.

The group size is capped at 55, which keeps things manageable, but most reviews indicate that the average number tends to be smaller, making for a more personalized experience.

On Timing and Pacing

The scheduled durations are generally about 8 to 9 hours, which seems tight but manageable. The tour begins with pick-up arrangements, and most reviews mention punctuality. However, a few travelers have experienced issues, such as no pick-up at their hotel or misplaced transfers. It’s worth confirming your pickup point and time beforehand to avoid surprises.

Cost and Value

Priced at around $60 per person, this tour offers good value considering the transportation, guide, and the opportunity to see three key areas of Tenerife. Since the fee does not include lunch, you’ll need to budget for that separately, but many guests find this is a good deal to cover multiple highlights without additional planning.

The Real Traveler Insights

The reviews tell a balanced story. Many describe the views as “spectacular” and the guide as “very knowledgeable”—two qualities that are clearly valued. One traveler said, “The views on the way to Taganana were just spectacular,” emphasizing the natural beauty along the route.

On the other hand, some reviews highlight areas for improvement. For instance, the limited time in each location can leave visitors feeling they didn’t get enough time to enjoy the surroundings fully. One comment mentions, “If there was extra 30 mins in each place, it would be less rushed,” which resonates with travelers who want a more leisurely pace.

A few negative reviews touch on logistical issues, like missed pickups and poor communication, which serve as reminders to double-check your arrangements and confirm details before your trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a comprehensive yet manageable overview of Tenerife’s north, this tour is a solid pick. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who:

• Want a guided experience with rich commentary about the island
• Prefer to see multiple sights without the hassle of organizing transport
• Enjoy a mix of urban, historic, and natural scenery
• Don’t mind a somewhat full schedule with limited time at each stop

However, if you’re a slow traveler who loves to linger at each place, or if you’re hoping for more time in the Anaga viewpoints, you might find this tour a bit rushed. Also, those with specific dietary needs or issues with mobility should check on accessibility, as some stops involve walking on uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour offers a good balance of city bustling, historic charm, and natural beauty, all with the support of an experienced guide. For around $60, you get to see some of Tenerife’s most photogenic spots, hear stories about the places you visit, and enjoy a comfortable ride through scenic mountain roads.

While the schedule can feel tight, especially at viewpoints in Anaga, the overall experience is quite appreciated by travelers. The tour suits those who want a broad taste of the island without the stress of planning every detail themselves. Just be prepared for a busy day—and maybe bring a little extra patience for the short stops.

If you’re keen on learning about Tenerife’s highlights from a friendly guide, enjoying spectacular views, and exploring towns full of character, this tour could be a worthwhile addition to your trip.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll need to bring your own snacks or plan to eat at one of the local restaurants in La Laguna or Tanganaga.

How long do I spend in Santa Cruz?
Most travelers get about an hour to explore Santa Cruz, enough to see the main sights and get a quick feel for the city, but some wish for more time.

What if I don’t speak Spanish?
The guide is accredited by the government and generally provides commentary in multiple languages, making it accessible for non-Spanish speakers.

Are the viewpoints in Anaga worth the visit?
Absolutely. Travelers describe the views from Mirador de la Jardina and Cruz del Carmen as “spectacular,” though some mention the short time makes it hard to fully enjoy them.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a guided tour, so the schedule is fixed. However, some travelers opt to stay longer in Santa Cruz afterward by rebooking a return trip later in the day.

What’s the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 55 travelers, but most reviews reflect smaller, more manageable groups, making it easier to hear and ask questions.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the emphasis on natural scenery and cultural sights makes it suitable for most travelers. Consider your children’s walking stamina, especially in Anaga.

What is the transportation like?
A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle is provided, with some travelers noting the driver is skilled at navigating Tenerife’s winding mountain roads.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Make sure to review the cancellation policy when booking.

If you’re looking to tick off Tenerife’s highlights in one day with the help of a guide, this tour delivers a good mix of sights, stories, and scenery. Just keep in mind the time restrictions and plan accordingly to make the most of your day.