Things to do in Tenerife

Nat Geo Day Tour: Wine in the Canary Islands - a Sensory Experience

Sipping wine with views of the sun-drenched slopes where it was produced, you'll be immersed in the culture and cultivation of Canarian wines on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Hear about the island's wine-making heritage and embrace the sights, smells, tastes, textures and sounds at a family-run winery as you try four vintages, paired with food at every stop along the senses.First, at La Casa del Vino, a 17th-century estate-turned-museum, you'll be welcomed with a glass of local sparkling wine and a rosquette – a Canarian pastry. Your guide will share the story of how savvy 16th-century Spanish growers planted European vines in the fertile, volcanic soil – catapulting Tenerife onto the global wine scene.Then, it's onto Bodegas El Lomo. See the garden, where rare grapes – almost extinct in Europe – continue to thrive, and sip wine, paired with a signature tapa from visionary chef, Jorge Bosch. The in-house wine specialist will take you through the key scents and stages to reveal a wine's origin in an aroma workshop with another signature tapa. Then, it's out to the patio for harvest snacks with textures of toasted gofio grains and a creamy local goat cheese, served with a fruity carbonic macerated wine. Your grand finale awakens your hearing. In a darkened room, try your final vintage and tapa and tune into how music affects your perception of wine.This is much more than a simple wine-tasting tour – it's a personal insight into how wine can stir the senses.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Teno Alto, Tenerife's Last Shepherd Stronghold

Set off on an immersive tour through Teno Alto, a bastion of rural traditions within Teno Rural Park. Your local guide will unveil the settlement's evolution during a scenic 75-minute hike. Encounter ethnological elements from prehistoric to present times, and experience the profound connection of Teno Alto's inhabitants to their land, sustained by agriculture and goat herding – the region's hallmark.At the trail's end, delve into the heart of local culture and meet one of Teno's last shepherds. Discover the artistry behind traditional cheeses and the tireless efforts of generations to preserve this ancient craft. Witness a "salto del pastor" exhibition – an esteemed folk sport showcasing remarkable agility and skill.End your adventure at Mirador de Garachico, a traditional restaurant, where the third-generation owners elevate Canarian cuisine with modern flair. Indulge in a tasting menu crafted to reflect the flavours and landscapes of Teno Alto, using locally-sourced produce that highlights the region's culinary richness. To complete the experience, complement your meal with carefully selected wines from the region.By joining this tour, you'll not only support sustainable tourism in a protected area but also contribute to the preservation of its cultural heritage. Interact with locals, gain insights into their way of life, and savour the essence of Teno Alto through its flavours and traditions.

VIP La Gomera by minivan tour from north of Tenerife

La Gomera is the Canary Island where time stood still. Be whisked away in VIP class on the ferry from Tenerife and explore its peaks and valleys in the best way possible – by luxury minivan. Highlights include Abrante viewpoint, San Sebastian and Garajonay National Park – Spain's last remaining rainforest. Arianne, one of our guides on this tour says, "La Gomera is a return to the past, to the origin of the Canary Islands. It's a totally different world."In little over half an hour after landing, you'll go from sea level to more than 1,300m as you snake your way up towards Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are camera-grabbing views of the island's Jurassic-like landscapes along the way. Garajonay is steeped in Canarian mythology, as your guide will explain. There's a stop to explore the mystical Laguna Grande laurel forest, which is so moist that many tree trunks are smothered in moss.You'll tuck into a typical Canarian lunch at a restaurant in the heart of this peaceful and natural forest setting. Here you'll experience a demonstration of silbo gomero, the ancient ‘whistling language' used by islanders to communicate over long distances from valley to valley. After this peek into the heritage of La Gomera, which is still taught in schools there today, you'll head to a square by the port for a drink, with free time to wander the capital, San Sebastian. Finish off the day in style as you head to the VIP section of the ferry where food and drinks are included to while away the crossing.

Sites & Bites: Icod de los Vinos and La Orotava’s bananas and wine

The pine forests and coastal cliffs of northern Tenerife give it a natural and rugged look, but it's the volcanic, fertile soil that provides the area with its star attractions. From vineyards and orchards to banana farms and ancient trees, you'll see and taste Tenerife's home-grown highlights on this half-day tour.First up is Icod de los Vinos, a 16th-century town with a great view of Mount Teide. But even Spain's highest peak can't steal the attention away from the Drago Milenario, a thousand-year-old dragon tree that takes pride of place in the town's botanical gardens. This incredible specimen stands at over 20 metres tall with a canopy that's spread to over 300 main branches. Your guide will explain more about why this native tree is a cultural symbol of the Canaries during your visit. While in Icod de los Vinos, you'll see lines of the town's other treasure growing up and down the hillsides – bananas. Find out all about the island's history of banana farming and taste the freshly harvested fruit, as well as a sweet banana liqueur. Next, you'll head east to La Orotava, one of the oldest wine regions in the Canaries and right on the edge of Teide National Park. You'll see the traditional town centre with its cobbled streets, wooden balconies and buildings in every shade of yellow and visit the Molino de Gofio, a 17th-century gofio mill that's now a museum. It showcases how toasted flour is produced and used in everything from breakfasts to soups and stews, and you'll get to taste the nutty flavoured Canarian delicacy, too.

Guided tour of the San Blas Environmental Reserve in Tenerife with transfers

Tenerife's volcanic landscapes and history are the focus of this tour, which is a perfect pick if you want to add a dash of the outdoors to your holiday to the Canary Islands. You'll head into the San Blas Environmental Reserve, a 500,000-square-metre area that showcases the island's volcanic past in all its glory. Arturo, one of the guides at the reserve, says "I'm always amazed by how people are impressed by what they discover inside the reserve and by how many generations have lived here. San Blas is a perfect example of heritage conservation that reminds us of the importance of preserving and protecting our legacy for future generations."You'll be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the park, where you'll kick things off with a quick museum visit. Here, you'll learn how the island was formed millions of years ago, as well as get a glimpse into some of the native flora and fauna found around here. When you're finished checking out the exhibits, you'll then follow your guide around a two-kilometre-long trail that cuts its way through the volcanic landscapes.To end your visit, you'll turn your attention towards the reserve's underground tunnels. They're decked out with exhibits and video presentations that tell you everything you could want to know about the area. You'll follow your guide around the passageways, and they'll tell you how they were formed by lava flows. When you're done here, you'll leave the reserve and head back to your accommodation.

Full-day guided tour of La Laguna with lunch and wine-tasting

A day of contrasts, cuisine and captivating views awaits on this full-day tour of Tenerife's past and present. You'll explore the colonial city of La Laguna and take a panoramic drive through Anaga Rural Park, stopping by some of the island's finest viewpoints. You'll also tuck into a hearty lunch in Taganana, sample wine at a local winery, and call at Las Teresitas beach. Valeria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘During our visit to La Laguna market, you're not just shopping, you're engaging with artisans, tasting authentic local produce, and meeting the community. Explore, connect, and support – that's how we can keep the spirit of Tenerife alive.'First up is La Laguna – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – for a tour of its old town. Nestled in a valley in the shadows of iconic Mt Teide volcano, the city is crammed with beautiful colonial architecture, pastel-coloured palaces and Mudejar-style churches, chapels and convents. Stroll around its cobbled streets with a walking tour, before visiting the market. Then, keep your camera handy as you drive through Anaga Rural Park, with a stop midway at a viewpoint offering panoramic views.You'll sit down for lunch in Taganana. Here, you'll feast on a range of traditional Canarian dishes, including wrinkly potatoes with mojo sauce. After, you'll have a short stop at one of Tenerife's most beloved beaches, Las Teresitas, before a visit to La Casa del Vino to round off the day. Raise a glass or two to the island with a wine tasting session.

North Tenerife guided tour with local lunch

Go on an exploration in the north of Tenerife and you can expect to find pretty villages, ancient history and dramatic scenery aplenty. On this tour, you'll discover the old-world charms of La Orotava, the historic fishing port of Garachico and the legendary dragon tree of Icod de Los Vinos.

Full-day Garajonay National Park tour with local lunch

La Gomera boasts unspoilt landscapes and a distinct culture all of its own. On this tour, you'll visit this Jurassic-like island and discover Garajonay National Park, a string of villages and the charming capital, San Sebastian.The star of the show is without doubt Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a mishmash of deep ravines and gorges filled with ancient, misty laurel forests and rare plant life. On a visit to its interpretative centre, you'll find out about its botany and history. You'll also get to know hamlets such as Chejelipes, and the northern villages of Hermigua and Aguilo.After a local lunch, you'll get to watch a demonstration of the unique-to-the-island ‘whistling language' known as 'silbo gomero'. To round off the experience, there's free time to explore San Sebastian. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of Columbus before he began his first voyage of discovery.

Masca, Teno and rural Tenerife tour from the north

Rural, remote and rugged northwest Tenerife offers an enticing snapshot of the island's attributes. The ridge-top hamlet of Masca, the colonial village of Los Silos, epic coastal views and typical local lunch are just some of the stars of this tour. David, one of our expert local guides, says, "I call Teno Rural Park the Lost Kingdom. It's so raw and wild. It's hard to get to and hard to live in – and even harder to leave. I love its local specialities, such as fried cheese with mojo and barbary fig jam."Depending on your departure point, the route differs – but you can expect to spend some time admiring Masca, Teno Alto, Los Silos and viewpoints such as Lomo Molino in the heart of Teno Rural Park. Masca, perched precariously on a precipice overlooking a deep gorge, is home to fewer than 100 villagers. For them, the dinky chapel, massive laurel tree and gorge view are an everyday treat. Beloved of hikers, Teno Alto is even smaller and situated between lunar landscapes and vegetation-rich hills.Los Silos is the largest village you'll visit. The main square, with its gleaming neo-Gothic white church and octagonal bandstand, exudes the town's easy-going nature. You'll also enjoy a few pit stops at scenic viewpoints so you can drink in Teno's landscapes. And to round off the day, there's a typical Tenerife lunch in a family-run restaurant located on the saddle of mountain more than 1,000 metres above sea level. A perfect opportunity to sample local cuisine.

La Gomera Tour from Tenerife with lunch

As you approach La Gomera by sea, the dramatic contours hint at extraordinary landscapes waiting to be explored. As Arianne, one of our expert local guides says, "A trip to La Gomera is like visiting a totally different era. You'll feel like you're getting back to the past, to the origins of the Canary Islands." On this day trip from Tenerife, you'll discover remote villages, spend time in Garajonay National Park and visit the capital, San Sebastian. Garajonay National Park boasts pristine woodlands which are over 60 million years old, and they are undoubtedly a highlight of a visit to La Gomera. The park is a true natural treasure, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Deep ravines scar the swathes of evergreen laurel forests bursting with rare plant life. The visitor centre is the place to find out more about the unique botany and history of Garajonay. Next, you'll pay a visit to some of La Gomera's most scenic villages where you can get a feel for what life is like for the island's residents. After departing Garajonay, we'll stop for a typical lunch made from local produce, served at a family-run restaurant with striking views over the island's volcanic landscapes. You'll also delve into La Gomera's culture with a demonstration of 'silbo gomero' – a unique whistling language. Arianne says, "With a landscape like ours, communicating by whistle saved a lot of climbing." Round off your island tour with free time to explore San Sebastian, where Columbus set out on his first voyage of discovery.

VIP guided tour of La Gomera with Garajonay Park and lunch

Seen from the sea, La Gomera's jagged peaks and lush green landscapes tell you something special lies ahead. And this island just west of Tenerife really is something out of this world. You'll discover remote villages, explore the Jurassic-like Garajonay National Park and visit the capital, San Sebastián.

Southern Tenerife sightseeing tour with wine-tasting

Dramatic landscapes and rugged, volcanic shores come as standard in Tenerife. But, not a lot is said about the rich agriculture the island offers. On this tour, you'll journey through the south and get to know the island's culture and identity. You'll see how aloe vera is grown and learn about its many uses at a plantation, explore the lofty village of Vilaflor de Chasna and sample local wines. Ivan, one of our expert local guides, says “Vilaflor was once called Chasna. But, when a ship captain called Pedro de Bracamonte visited, he spotted a beautiful Guanche girl and shouted Vi la flor de Chasna, which means I've seen the flower of Chasna – after this, the village got its name.”The dry climate and year-round sunshine in the Canaries mean that aloe vera thrives here, even though it is not a native species – it originally came from the Arabian Peninsula. You'll take a guided tour of the plantation, and the owners will share their knowledge about the curative powers of this well-known plant, which is used for medicinal purposes in cultures throughout history.Next, you'll visit Vilaflor. Perched on the southern slope of the island's volcano, Mount Teide, the views down to the coast from 1,400 metres above sea level are next level. The village has an almost Alpine feel that's totally different from the tropical coastline – it has the largest pine forest in the Canaries on its doorstep. After a look around the village, you'll visit an award-winning family-owned winery and sit down for a tasting.