Volcanoes, Coast and Colonial Villages: A Road Trip in Captivating Tenerife

Your first full-day in Tenerife is all about discovering the scenic and cultural delights of the quaint little fishing village of Garachico. Overlooking the waters of the Atlantic, the charms of the village lie in its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture: churches, convents, elegant residences and tree-lined patios are dotted along pristine cobbled streets. Partly rebuilt after the volcano erupted and engulfed the port in 1706, Garachico has nevertheless risen from the ashes to become one of the best-preserved and culturally vibrant towns on the island. There are also a number of beautiful beaches nearby, perfect for a leisurely afternoon lazing in the sun, as well as the wild Montanera pine forest. You can spend the day exploring Garachico at your own pace or we can arrange for you to see some of the village’s best sites in the company of a friendly local guide.

The next three days are all about slowing down, reconnecting with nature and savouring the wild landscapes of the north coast, with its mountains, beaches and wonderful hiking trails. One of our favourite things to do on the island is a hike in the Teide National Park, which you’ll embark on with an experienced local guide. Soaring out of rich and diverse volcanic landscapes are two huge stratovolcanoes, Teide and Pico Viejo. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of a relatively old and geologically complex volcanic system that is slowly evolving. The lava flows form an extraordinary palette of colours and shapes, and support an exceptional array of flora (including the Teide broom, Descurainia and knapweed) as well as over 700 species of insects, reptiles and birds of prey. We can also whisk you off to a banana plantation to learn about the unique properties of the Canary Islands’ banana.

The time has come to bid farewell to Garachico and hop across to the other side of the island. Your next destination is San Cristóbal de la Laguna, the ancient capital of the island. The journey takes around an hour, but there are plenty of beautiful spots en route worth stopping at, including La Orotava, which dazzles visitors with its rich architectural past. On arrival in San Cristóbal de la Laguna, settle in for your final two nights in a beautifully-renovated hotel in the heart of the historic centre. To wind down after a day of travelling, we recommend making use of the soothing spa before settling in for a delicious organic evening meal at the restaurant.

It’s your final full-day in Tenerife and what better way to spend it than with a hike in the mountains? After a hearty breakfast this morning, you’ll be met by an experienced local guide, who’ll be leading you on a scenic walk through the Anaga massif, a mountain range in the northeast of the island that reaches an altitude of over 3,000ft at the Cruz de Taborno. The path winds through luscious vegetation made up of laurels, ferns and tree heathers. This is also a great opportunity for a spot of bird watching, before reaching a collection of isolated hamlets that practice traditional agriculture. Head back to the hotel this evening for one last evening of delicious local food and wine before journeying home tomorrow.