Tenerife: 18 routes from the Teide crater to the pirate Masca

There are over a hundred excursions on Tenerife, and your vacation is short. Without a plan, a day gets eaten up by travel, and all you're left with is the beach near your hotel.

The island holds the highest point in Spain: the Teide peak rises above 3,700 m above sea level (as of 09/2026, Volcano Teide reference). Nearby lie laurel forests, black sand beaches, and old conquistador towns.

Below you'll find excursions for every taste: from a full island sightseeing loop to a horseback ride and a sea safari. For each one, we've noted how long it takes, who it's for, and where you'll stop along the way.

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How to choose an excursion on Tenerife

💡 In short:

• Long routes take the whole day, short walks fit into a couple of hours.
• For Teide and the west of the island, bring a warm jacket: it's colder and windier up top.
• Some programs aren't suitable for families with small children because of winding roads and long hikes.
• Prices and opening hours: as of 09/2026, verified on the official Loro Parque website and Volcano Teide.

The first group covers sightseeing routes around the whole island, the second covers themed trips to a single destination, and the third covers evening food programs. Below you'll find a quick summary, followed by a breakdown of each excursion.

1. Island sightseeing tour

© Christoph Strässler · CC BY-SAPhoto: Christoph Strässler, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

A sightseeing loop is the way to understand the island as a whole. In one day you drive a ring around Tenerife and see everything at once: rocky shores, the volcano from a scenic pass, and a black sand beach in the north.

The guide tells the story of the island's oldest port, Garachico. In 1706 it was nearly destroyed by the eruption of the Trevejo volcano, and the town was rebuilt from scratch (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia). The route then continues to Icod de los Vinos to see the Dragon Tree, to La Orotava with its historic buildings, and to Candelaria, where the "Black Madonna" stands in the basilica.

Along the way you sample local wines and buy olive wood souvenirs.

• Duration: full day.
• Who it's for: a first introduction to the island.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes and a light jacket.
• The catch: in one day you'll see many spots briefly, not in depth.

Want the same format in a small group? Check out this full-day island tour.

2. Teide volcano and its cable car

© Thomas Wolf , www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SAPhoto: Thomas Wolf , www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

A trip to Teide feels like traveling to another planet. The landscape changes outside the car window: first pine forests, then lava fields and obsidian slopes. The peak rises above 3,700 m above sea level. It's the highest point in Spain (as of 09/2026, Volcano Teide).

Along the way, it's worth stopping in Vilaflor, a small town with churches and wineries that tourists rarely visit. The forests here are home to the largest pine tree in the archipelago, and it has a hollow where people leave notes with wishes. Higher up, the cable car (Teleférico del Teide) operates: fares and hours change by season, so check the official website for current information.

You choose lunch on the route yourself: a barbecue outdoors or local cuisine.

• Duration: half a day.
• Who it's for: those who want views without long hikes.
• Not for: people who don't handle altitude changes well.
• The catch: it's windy at the top and always colder than on the coast.

3. All of Tenerife and Anaga park

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

This route shows the whole island and ends in its greenest corner. Anaga occupies the northeast of Tenerife: since 2015 it has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and its laurel forests are considered among the oldest on the island (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia).

The trip starts in Santiago del Teide, then you climb to viewpoints above the towns and coastline. The guide talks about the conquistadors and the indigenous Guanches. In Icod de los Vinos, a wine tasting awaits, and the Dragon Tree here was considered sacred, its resin called "dragon's blood."

The program also includes the Tunnel of Happiness, a fishing village, a volcanic pool, and swimming at a local beach. In San Cristóbal de La Laguna, houses from the conquistador era have been preserved.

• Duration: full day.
• Who it's for: active travelers ready to do a lot of walking.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, and a camera.
• The catch: the itinerary is packed, with almost no free time.

4. Western Tenerife: the undiscovered side

The western part of the island rarely sees tourists, and that's its charm. The route lasts a full day and leads through stone villages, old farms, and small towns. The trip starts in Santiago del Teide.

In Icod de los Vinos, you drink local coffee and taste wine, and walk near the Dragon Tree. In Garachico, the guide tells about the fires, volcanic eruption, and epidemics the town has survived. Near Los Silos there's a cave that "sings" in windy weather, and its hum sounds like the voice of the island itself.

The route ends in Buenavista del Norte, where there are golf courses, a lighthouse, and stairways leading straight down to the ocean.

• Duration: full day.
• Who it's for: those who have already seen classic Tenerife.
• Not for: families with small children, the drive is long.
• The catch: you spend a lot of time in the car between stops.

5. Undiscovered Tenerife and Anaga

© Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net ). · CC BY-SAPhoto: Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net )., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Here the active part of the program goes hand in hand with time on the water. You swim at Las Teresitas beach: the sand was brought here from the Sahara, and breakwaters protect swimmers from ocean waves.

Then the route heads to Roque de las Bodegas, where high swells crash against the rocks. Next you enter Anaga Park with its laurel forest, cliffs, and ravines. From the viewpoint you can see the entire northern part of the island.

The guide talks about the indigenous people and their legends. You enter a cave village that is still inhabited today, and its residents enjoy ordinary modern conveniences. There will be a lot of walking.

• Duration: full day.
• Who it's for: those who want to combine beach and forest.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes.
• The catch: lunch at a restaurant is paid separately.

6. Loro Parque and Teide volcano

© karel291 · CC BYPhoto: karel291, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

This route is designed for families. First you spend several hours at Loro Parque, then you head up to the "Martian" landscapes of Teide. The park covers more than 13 hectares and has a large penguinarium (as of 09/2026, official Loro Parque website).

The zoo is home to gorillas, capybaras, sloths, and a Bengal tiger, with separate enclosures for pink flamingos. There's a large aquarium and shows with dolphins and orcas. Seeing all the interesting residents takes more than an hour.

Then the road continues through the Orotava Valley into Teide National Park. You climb higher and higher, and the clouds stay below. Along the way you'll find the best viewpoints, a talk about volcanoes, and the oldest pine tree in the Canary Islands.

On the way back, you can have lunch at a restaurant and try Canarian coffee.

• Duration: full day.
• Who it's for: families with children.
• Not for: those who aren't willing to pay extra for admission.
• The catch: zoo admission is paid separately.

7. The mysterious Teno natural park

© Dreizung · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dreizung, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Teno shows the island from an unfamiliar side, with almost no people around. You are picked up from your hotel and driven to the natural park in the west of Tenerife. Here you'll find basalt cliffs, dense vegetation, and deep ravines where it's easy to capture the best shots of your trip.

The guide tells you about the evergreen forests and rare plants of the Canaries. Near the settlement of Los Silos you see a whale skeleton, and in the village of Masca the traditional houses of the archipelago have been preserved. You'll hear a local legend about pirate treasure that people still search for in the area.

The route then continues to the westernmost point of the island with its old lighthouse. From the viewing platform you can see waves crashing against the sheer cliffs.

• Duration: half a day.
• Who it's for: nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes for climbs.
• The catch: lunch at the restaurant is paid separately.

8. Around the island in one day

© Chmee2 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Chmee2, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The circular route covers almost all the main highlights of Tenerife. The road is long, but the trip doesn't feel tiring: active stretches alternate with rest. First you head west to Santiago del Teide, then turn north.

In Icod de los Vinos you'll see the sacred Dragon Tree, and in the town itself you can stroll around, buy souvenirs, and try local wines. The guide tells the history of the area, about the way of life of the indigenous people and the traditions they left behind.

You stop at the grounds of an old monastery, and the day ends in Candelaria, where the basilica houses the "Black Madonna," one of Spain's shrines. Pilgrims come here from all over the archipelago.

• Duration: full day.
• Who it's for: those who want to see everything at once.
• What to bring: warm clothing, the weather in the mountains is changeable.
• The catch: you spend a lot of time on the road during the day.

9. Tastes of Tenerife: a gastronomic evening

A gastronomic trip is best planned for the evening, otherwise you won't manage to try all the dishes of the archipelago in one go. Canarian cuisine has absorbed Spanish traditions, recipes of the indigenous people, and even elements of South American cooking.

You visit restaurants that tourists usually don't find, but locals frequent constantly. They serve grilled meat, fish and octopus, shrimp and mussels. In the fishing village, all of this is washed down with homemade white wine.

You'll also be offered fried goat meat with cheese and red wine. Don't let the modest look of the place put you off: portions here are large, and the bill is usually lower than in tourist areas.

• Duration: evening.
• Who it's for: foodies who love trying new things.
• The catch: you can't cover the entire cuisine in one evening.

10. Corners of the island that not everyone sees

The route leads to the most poetic spots of Tenerife and shows the island from its everyday side. The trip starts in Santiago del Teide, which is surrounded by vineyards. You'll visit the local Catholic church, and on certain days tourists are allowed into the town hall, where you can sit in the mayor's chair.

The road then heads to a pirate village along a winding mountain road, so thrills are guaranteed. But the views from here are wide open. According to legend, pirates buried gold in the village's surroundings.

Near Garachico you'll see solidified lava and can take photos on its boulders. In Icod de los Vinos the Dragon Tree grows, and in Candelaria the "Black Madonna" awaits you. The program also includes volcanic pools, local coffee, wines, and goat cheese.

• Duration: full day.
• Who it's for: curious travelers.
• The catch: because of the winding road, the trip is hard for people prone to motion sickness.

11. Loro Parque, the kingdom of animals

Loro Parque is considered the main attraction of the island's north. A zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and dolphinarium are spread across a large area, so the trip is interesting for both adults and children. You're picked up at a convenient spot and brought back to your hotel in the evening.

The park began with a collection of parrots: that's what fascinated its founder. Today tigers and jaguars, monkeys, flamingos, and cranes live here, and dolphins and sea lions perform in daily shows. The ornithological side is complemented by the botanical one: the orchid garden features tropical species, and the Parrot Museum tells the history of these birds.

There's also an "Australian Corner," where birds fly freely and may land on your shoulder. A playground is set up for children, and a small Thai-style building often appears in photos. The local restaurant serves national cuisine, so you can grab a bite right on the grounds.

The drive to the park is also part of the program. The guide tells you about Puerto de la Cruz: the indigenous Guanches once lived here, later displaced by the Spanish, and the city has preserved monuments from that era. Along the way you see several interesting sights, which you'll also hear about.

• Duration: half a day.
• Who it's for: families with children.
• The catch: park admission is paid separately.

12. Horseback ride through volcanic valleys

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

The horseback ride takes about an hour and is suitable even for those who have never been in the saddle. Beginners are given equipment, a short briefing, and an introduction to their horse, after which the group sets off along a trail through a valley of volcanic origin.

Fruit trees of the island's south grow on both sides of the trail: mango, avocado, and others. During the flowering season they look especially beautiful. If you're not confident in the saddle, an instructor will lead your horse; if you want to ride on your own, that's allowed.

Experienced riders go up into the mountains with an instructor and look down at the island and the ocean, while hearing about horses and life on Tenerife along the way. The stable is located near Siam Park, so it's easy to get here. A photographer will capture you on horseback.

• Duration: about an hour.
• Who it's for: children and adults, including beginners.
• The catch: the program differs for beginners and experienced riders.

13. Garachico, the Canarian phoenix

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The history of Garachico resembles the fate of the mythical bird: the city literally burned and rose again. In 1706 the eruption of the Trevejo volcano almost wiped it off the face of the earth, and with the city went its status as the island's main port (as of 09/2026, description of the 1706 eruption).

Little survived. You'll see the fortress that the lava flows bypassed: it protected residents from pirate raids. The guide tells you about "Fuegos del Risco," a pyrotechnic show held once every five years in memory of the tragedy (as of 09/2026, Tenerismo).

Next on the program is an ancient monastery, natural bathing pools, and a historic cigar shop. You'll walk through the streets of the old town, see the Emigrant Monument, and climb to the bell tower of St. Anne, which offers a view of the surroundings.

• Duration: half a day.
• Who it's for: those interested in history.
• What to see: the fortress, the monastery, the natural bathing pools.

14. Icod de los Vinos and the Dragon Tree

© Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net ). · CC BY-SAPhoto: Photograph by Mike Peel ( www.mikepeel.net )., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

This is a walking tour, and there's a lot of walking involved, so it's not suitable for very young children. But you get to know one of the most interesting towns on the island.

You'll see the Church of San Marcos and its historic interiors. Then you'll stop by the town library, a historic building with a statue of Neptune in the courtyard. The guide will show you a stone pyramid and explain its purpose.

The dragon tree in Icod de los Vinos is about 1,000 years old, reaches 21 m in height, and has been protected as a national monument since 1917 (as of 09/2026, Ayuntamiento de Icod de los Vinos). Banana plantations grow nearby, and at the beach you can swim in the Atlantic and sunbathe.

Try the local malvasia, which Shakespeare and Byron already appreciated.

• Duration: half a day.
• Who it's for: those who enjoy walking.
• Not for: families with small children.
• The catch: the route is on foot, so you spend part of the time on your feet.

15. Jet ski sea safari

The sea safari is for those who want adrenaline, not a quiet beach. You're picked up from your hotel and taken to the port of Las Galletas. From there you head out into the ocean on a jet ski, then snorkel.

From the water you get an unusual perspective: a panorama of Teide National Park, cliffs, coves and caves that are hard to reach by land. Along the way you pass fish farms, and if you're lucky, you'll see dolphins or whales.

The water here is clear and the underwater world is rich. Those who can't swim will be given a life jacket. Drinking water and equipment rental are included in the price; bring your own food. No driver's license is needed to operate the jet ski.

• Duration: about two hours.
• Who it's for: active travelers.
• Not for: small children; they can only join with adults.
• The catch: whale sightings aren't guaranteed, it all depends on the weather.

Want to add other activities to your safari? Tours and boat trips are easy to find on GetYourGuide.

16. Canarian dinner at a traditional finca

© Mataparda · CC BYPhoto: Mataparda, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

A finca is a private house with a large plot of land, and dinner here feels like visiting old friends. The tour is tied to winemaking, so it starts at a museum where you learn the history of local malvasia and get to taste it.

After the tasting you head to the north of the island, where the finca itself is located. Here you walk along the vineyard and through the fruit orchard while the owner explains how local wine is made and stored.

Dinner is prepared by a professional chef, and the menu is discussed in advance. The table features rabbit or goat, fish and seafood. After dinner you're driven back to your hotel.

• Duration: an evening.
• Who it's for: those who want to try Canarian cuisine as a guest.
• The catch: the menu needs to be agreed on in advance.

17. Photo walk through the island's capital

This walking tour introduces you to the island's capital, the former port town of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The guide not only tells the history but also photographs you, and the finished photos arrive a few days after the walk.

The route goes along La Rambla boulevard, past works from the "Sculpture on the Street" project, through city squares and an evergreen park. At the market, try the banana wine and goat cheese.

At the end you take photos at the city's new landmark, and the walk itself is short and packed with sights: it's a great fit for your first day on the island.

• Duration: a couple of hours.
• Who it's for: those who love being photographed.
• The catch: photos don't arrive right away, but a few days later.

18. Pirate trails to the village of Masca

© Thomas Wolf , www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SAPhoto: Thomas Wolf , www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

The village of Masca was hard to reach until recently: people got here on foot or by donkey. Today you can drive there, but first you have to tackle a mountain switchback road. If you get carsick, take medication beforehand.

The guide tells you about the village's indigenous inhabitants and the pirates who hid their treasure in the surrounding area. The views along the way are sweeping, so a camera will come in handy.

Then you return to Garachico, which used to be the island's largest town. Here you'll see the church and the old fortress, swim in natural pools and have lunch at a local restaurant.

• Duration: half a day.
• Who it's for: those who handle switchback roads well.
• Not for: people prone to motion sickness.
• What to bring: motion sickness medication and a camera.

Want to turn these excursions into a ready-made itinerary? Live options with prices and reviews are collected below.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Do you have to book a tour to get to Mount Teide?

No. You can go up to the cable car's top station on your own; tickets are bought in advance on the official Volcano Teide website. A tour is more convenient for those who don't want to drive on mountain roads: transfer, timing and stops are all handled for you.

Which excursion is best with kids?

Two programs work well for families: Loro Parque and the horseback ride. At the park, kids spend several hours among animals and at shows, and you can ride even with no experience, with an instructor leading the horse. Loro Parque takes half a day, while the horseback ride is about an hour, so a child won't get tired.

Where can you try real Canarian cuisine?

Look into fishing villages and small restaurants away from the waterfronts. On the menu, look for grilled fish, octopus, shrimp and fried goat with goat cheese. An evening gastronomic trip or a dinner at a finca will get you into places where locals themselves go.

Is it worth driving to Masca in a rental car?

Yes, but be prepared for a winding mountain switchback road. In the past, people reached the village on foot or by donkey; now a paved road leads there. If you get carsick, take medication and take it easy on the turns.

What should you bring on an island excursion?

Comfortable shoes, water and a warm jacket. On Teide and in the western part of the island it's colder and windy up high, even when the coast is hot. A camera will also come in handy: half the routes pass through viewpoints with panoramas.

In short: what to book

If it's your first time on the island, start with a sightseeing circle: it gives you the big picture in one day. With kids, choose Loro Parque and the horseback ride; for food, take the evening restaurant trip; and for adrenaline, go on the sea safari.

Selection matrix:

• First time on Tenerife: sightseeing tour or a loop route around the island.
• With kids: Loro Parque and the horseback ride.
• For food: evening restaurant trip and dinner at a finca.
• For active recreation: sea safari and the Anaga hiking route.

You can find ready-made excursions on GetYourGuide and choose a hotel for your trip on Trip.com.

Airport transfer is easy to book in advance on Kiwitaxi.