The Best Day Trips in Tenerife (and to the Neighbouring Islands)
Updated 29 October 2026 · DoTenerife
The best day trips in Tenerife are Mount Teide National Park, Masca village and gorge, the historic towns of La Laguna and La Orotava, the Anaga mountains, and Garachico on the north coast. For a different island, La Gomera is about 50 minutes by ferry from Los Cristianos. Most trips are doable without a car via excursions or buses, but a hire car gives you far more flexibility.
Day trips at a glance
| Day trip | From the south (approx.) | Best way | Pair it with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teide National Park | 1 hour drive | Car or coach tour | Vilaflor, La Orotava |
| Masca | 1 hour drive to Santiago del Teide | Car + official shuttle | Los Gigantes, Garachico |
| La Gomera | 50 min ferry from Los Cristianos | Ferry, then car or tour | Whole day on the island |
| La Laguna | 50–60 min | Car, bus or tram from Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz |
| La Orotava & Puerto de la Cruz | 1 hour | Car or bus | Loro Parque |
| Anaga Rural Park | 1h15+ | Car | Las Teresitas beach |
| Garachico & Icod | 1 hour | Car or tour | Masca, Teno |
| Candelaria & Güímar | 40 min | Car or bus | Pirámides de Güímar |
| Gran Canaria | Fast ferry from Santa Cruz | Ferry | Las Palmas old town |
Times are rough guides and depend on traffic and your starting point.
1. Mount Teide National Park
Spain’s highest mountain and a landscape of lava fields, pumice and rock towers. The cable car climbs to 3,555 m, with a separate permit needed for the summit. Read the full Mount Teide guide for prices, permits and the new 2026 trail rules.
2. Masca
A mountain hamlet in the Teno massif reached by a spectacular hairpin road. The gorge hike to the sea is now booked in timed slots, with mandatory shuttle buses from Santiago del Teide and a separately booked boat out. Details in Masca village and gorge.
3. La Gomera
Tenerife’s small, green neighbour has the Garajonay National Park laurel forest, terraced valleys and the whistled language Silbo Gomero. Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària sail from Los Cristianos to San Sebastián de La Gomera in about 50 minutes. See La Gomera from Tenerife.
4. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
The island’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a grid of colonial streets, painted mansions, a cathedral and a lively student bar scene. The tram links it with Santa Cruz.
5. La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz
La Orotava’s old town has carved wooden balconies, gardens and the Casa de los Balcones. Ten minutes downhill, Puerto de la Cruz has Loro Parque, the Lago Martiánez lidos and a harbour old town. Good for a long day, or stay overnight. See the Loro Parque guide.
6. Anaga Rural Park
Laurel forest, ridge roads and remote villages such as Taganana and Chamorga in the island’s north-east. Viewpoints like Pico del Inglés and Cruz del Carmen are spectacular when the cloud lifts. Some popular forest paths, such as El Pijaral, have required a free permit from the Cabildo, so check before you go. Finish at Playa de las Teresitas.
7. Garachico and Icod de los Vinos
Garachico was the island’s main port until a 1706 eruption filled the harbour with lava. Today it has cobbled streets and natural lava rock pools. Nearby Icod de los Vinos is home to the Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree, and the Cueva del Viento lava tube, which is visited on booked guided tours.
8. Candelaria and Güímar
Candelaria’s basilica houses the island’s patron saint, with bronze statues of Guanche kings lining the seafront. Nearby, the Pirámides de Güímar ethnographic park has stepped stone structures, gardens and a museum.
9. Los Gigantes and the west coast
Not a long trip from the south, but worth a day: boat trips beneath the cliffs, Playa de la Arena for sunset, and a relaxed marina. Pair it with Masca.
10. Gran Canaria
Fast ferries from Santa Cruz de Tenerife reach Agaete, on Gran Canaria’s west coast, in roughly an hour and a half, with connecting buses to Las Palmas; conventional ferries to Las Palmas take longer. It’s a long day, so most people prefer an overnight stay.
Planning tips
- Book ahead for Teide permits, Masca slots and ferry crossings in high season.
- Check the weather on both sides of the island: the north and Anaga can be cloudy when the south is sunny.
- Driving: mountain roads are narrow and winding. Our car hire and driving guide covers what to expect.
- No car? See getting around Tenerife for buses and tours.
- Back for the evening: check what’s on this week to plan nights around your day trips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from the south of Tenerife?
Mount Teide is the most popular, about an hour's drive from the southern resorts. La Gomera by ferry from Los Cristianos and a tour of the north via La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz are the other favourites.
Can you do a day trip to another island from Tenerife?
Yes. La Gomera is around 50 minutes by ferry from Los Cristianos, making it the easiest. Gran Canaria is reachable by fast ferry from Santa Cruz, roughly an hour and a half each way.
Do I need a car for day trips in Tenerife?
It helps, especially for Anaga, Masca and Teide at sunset, but organised excursions and TITSA buses cover most major sights. Masca's gorge trail is reached by official shuttle bus only.
How long does it take to drive around Tenerife?
A full loop of the island by motorway and coast road takes around three to four hours of driving without stops. Mountain roads to Teide, Masca and Anaga are slower than the distances suggest.
Is a Teide and Masca combined tour worth it?
It's a long but rewarding day that covers two highlights. You won't have time to hike the Masca gorge on the same day, but you'll see the village and the mountain road.