8 days
Duration
Moderate
Difficulty
Spain
Location
year-round
Availability

  Get up close to Spain’s highest mountain, the mighty volcano El Teide

  Be blown away by the contrasting landscapes, from barren moonscapes to lush, green forests

  Stay in historic hotels in the ’undiscovered’, picturesque towns of La Orotava and Garachico

  Visit the village of Masca, spectacularly situated at the edge of a ridge high above a stunning valley

  Enjoy comfortable hiking temperatures and sunshine all year round


Self-drive walking holiday in Tenerife

On this week-long walking holiday you will walk the best hand-picked hiking routes, as well as staying in charming historic hotels in Tenerife’s loveliest, most authentic colonial villages.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary islands and an island of incredibly varied landscapes. It is an island of tropical forests, volcanic moonscapes and spectacular coastal trails weaving through groves of palm trees. From the semi-desert scrub of the south, to the luscious green fields of the north, and from the pine and laurel forests of the hills to lunar landscapes of Las Cañadas. That is not to mention the awesome, snow-capped Teide – one of the world’s largest volcanoes and Spain’s highest peak (3718 m). Tenerife’s diversity of walking routes, coupled with year-round sunshine, makes this an ideal walking destination.

The perfect hiking destination

Tenerife is perfectly set up for hiking, with dozens of well marked footpaths and trails as well as little known tracks and routes up remote mountain passes to challenge even the most experienced hiker. The walks in this tour are selected to include some of the best coastal, volcanic and forest walks that the island has to offer.

Why self-drive?

Driving allows you to see parts of Tenerife that tourists rarely get to, and enables you to enjoy the best walks amid vastly different landscapes. The accommodation is also a real highlight of this trip. We have selected the very best, authentic hotels in the most charming towns as well as the spectacular Parador de las Cañadas del Teide. So you can discover this world of extreme beauty while enjoying the luxury of four very comfortable hotels.

If you prefer not to rent a car, we also have a version of this tour with taxi transfers here.

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS From €630 per person sharing*

*A high season supplement will apply from October – May.
*A single supplement charge will apply for solo walkers.

ACCOMMODATION The hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. Some of the hotels we work with are listed below. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked.

Extra nights can also be booked at any of the hotels along the way.

AVAILABILITY You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, throughout the year.
INCLUDED
7 nights accommodation in comfortable en-suite rooms
7 breakfasts
Detailed walking notes & maps
Pre-departure information pack
24 hour telephone assistance
NOT INCLUDED
Flights & Travel Insurance
Lunches & dinners. A pack lunch may be ordered at most hotels or you can buy provisions in villages along the way.
Car rental
National Park permit to El Teide summit (not needed for our walks)
El Teide cable car ticket
1

Day 1: Arrive in La Orotava

La Orotava is 90 km from Tenerife South Airport via the motorway and the journey takes just over an hour.

This colonial town is one of the loveliest on the island and one of the most truly ‘Canarian’ places in the Canary islands. The cobblestone streets are lined with traditional mansions complete with ornate wooden balconies and surrounded by manicured gardens. For early arrivals, there is time to take a stroll along the steep lanes of this picturesque village. You can easily cover the centre on foot in a couple of hours.

Overnight: La Orotava

2

Day 2: Orotava Valley

Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 580 m | 5½ hrs approx.

Today’s route begins with a short drive to Aguamansa, from where you begin a circular walk through the lush vegetation of the Valle de Orotava.

The lush valley surrounding Orotava has been one of Tenerife’s most prosperous areas since the 16th century, and is a major cultivator of bananas, chestnuts and vineyards. This is also excellent hiking country, with a maze of footpaths leading you into Canarian pine woods, with 1200 m views down over the coastal plain.

Overnight: La Orotava

3

Day 3: Teno National Park

Distance: 8-11 km | Ascent: 400-650 m | Descent: 400-650 m | 3½ to 5 hrs approx.

Today you drive to your next accommodation in the coastal town of Garachico, a gracious, tranquil town located in a deep valley flanked by forested slopes and a rocky coastline. The town has a distinct Canarian identity, with its towering palm trees, whitewashed houses and narrow, cobblestone streets. In 1706 a major volcanic eruption buried half of the town in lava. Just outside the town, you can hike trails that follow the path of the lava flow.

There are several walks to choose from, as you explore the hilly terrain of the rugged and beautiful Parque Rural de Teno, a true paradise on Tenerife’s westernmost cape. This corner of Tenerife has a wild, unspoilt charm and offers spectacular views stretching from Teide to the nearby islands of La Gomera and La Palma.

Overnight: Garachico

4

Day 4: Walk the Masca Gorge

Distance: 5.5/11 km | Ascent: 0/600 m | Descent: 600 m | 2 ½ or 6 hrs approx.

Today you will walk through a stunning gorge, “el Barranco de Masca”, with the chance to visit the spectacular village of Masca, perched on a knife-edge ridge hundreds of metres above the valley floor. There are 2 walks to choose from: a one-way route with return by boat or a there-and-back walk along the gorge. If you suffer from vertigo or are not a fan of sheer drops, you can opt to do one of yesterday’s routes instead.

Overnight: Garachico

5

Day 5: Las Cañadas del Teide

Distance: 6/14 km | Ascent: 250/500 m | Descent: 250/650 m | 1 ½ or 5 hrs approx.

Today begins with a one and a half hour drive from Garachico to your next accommodation: El Parador de las Cañadas, situated at the base of the awesome El Teide.

Towering over the island, the formidable El Teide is the highest point in all of Spain (at 3718m). Many hikers have heard of Teide, but few realise just how spectacular the mountain and surrounding national park is. The Parque Nacional del Teide, encompassing the volcano and surrounding hinterland, is both a Unesco World Heritage site and Spain’s most popular national park.

You have 2 walks to choose from here: a short, circular route around the twisted lava pinnacles of Roques de Garcia, or a demanding but rewarding ascent to Guajara, the second highest peak on Tenerife.

Overnight: Parador Cañadas del Teide

6

Day 6: El Teide National Park/La Laguna historic centre

Distance: 4-5 km | Ascent/Descent: 50 m | 2 hrs approx.

Today you get better acquainted with El Pico del Teide, wandering through the bizarre landscape of Las Cañadas. Again, several options: do another short route in the national park, or opt instead for a stroll round Santa Cruz or the immaculately preserved colonial town centre of La Laguna.

Overnight: La Laguna

7

Day 7: Walking in Northern Tenerife

Distance: 12-14 km | Ascent/Descent: 450 m – 650 m | 3 hrs – 4½ hrs approx.

Several routes to choose from today, after driving to the north side of the island. Both walking and driving itineraries offer spectacular scenery, with mist shrouded peaks rising from the laurel forests. On foot, you follow coastal paths, deep gorges and picturesque farming villages. Exquisite landscapes in the prettiest part of Tenerife.

Overnight: La Laguna

8

Day 8: Depart Tenerife

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. If you wish to extend your stay in the Canaries then why not try our walking tour of La Gomera, the botanical paradise of the Canaries, to make a fantastic two week holiday.


Getting to La Orotava

The main international airport is Tenerife South Airport.

  • For car rental on Tenerife, we can recommend Cicar.
  • La Orotava is 90 km from Tenerife South Airport via the motorway and the journey takes just over an hour. In the documentation of your trip you will find driving instructions for transfers between arrival/departure airports and hotels.
Tenerife
La Orotava, Tenerife
La Orotava
Hiking in the Orotava Valley with a view to El Teide
Hiking in the Teno National Park
View of Mount Teide from the Teno National Park in Tenerife
Hiking signpost for Punta de Teno, Tenerife
Punta Teno, Tenerife
Garachico
Garachico
Hotel La Quinta Roja in Garachico
Hiking in the volcanic landscape around Garachico, Tenerife
Banana plantation near Garachico
Banana plantation near Garachico
View over the Masca Gorge with La Gomera in the distance
The Masca Gorge, Tenerife
The stunning village of Masca, Tenerife
The Masca Gorge
The Masca Gorge
Hiking in Parque Nacional Teide
Teide National Park
Hiking in the Teide National Park
Hiking trail at the Roques de Garcia
View of Mount Teide from the Parque Rural de Anaga in Northern Tenerife
Anaga Natural Park

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