Beyond the Resorts: Tenerife's Best Day Trips
Most visitors to Tenerife stay in the south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas) and never leave. That's a mistake — Tenerife packs radically different landscapes and experiences into a small island, and some of the best places are a short drive or ferry ride away.
As someone born in La Laguna, I'm biased — but the north of the island is where Tenerife's soul lives. Here's how the day trips actually compare.
Day Trip Comparison Table
| Trip | Cost | Duration | Travel Time | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Gomera Ferry Day Trip Best Island Escape | €65 (ferry) | Full day | 50 min ferry | ★★★★★ | Adventure, nature, island-hopping |
| La Laguna + Santa Cruz | €15 (bus/tram) | Half–full day | 1 hr from south | ★★★★★ | Culture, food, architecture |
| Anaga Rural Park Day Hike | €0 (self-guided) | Half day | 1.5 hrs from south | ★★★★★ | Hikers, nature, photography |
| Masca Village | €10 (bus) | Half day | 1.5 hrs from south | ★★★★☆ | Photography, scenic drives |
| Candelaria + Güímar | €10 (bus) | Half day | 45 min from south | ★★★☆☆ | History, culture, easy trip |
Detailed Trip Guides
La Gomera Ferry Day Trip — Another Island Entirely
La Gomera is a different world — a circular volcanic island 50 minutes by ferry from Los Cristianos. It's greener, quieter, and dramatically different from Tenerife. The Garajonay National Park (UNESCO) is a prehistoric laurisilva forest perpetually shrouded in mist — it looks like Lord of the Rings. You can hike, rent a car and drive the mountain roads, or take a guided tour that includes the whistling language demonstration (el Silbo Gomero — shepherds here communicate across valleys by whistling).
Pros
- Completely different landscape from Tenerife
- Garajonay forest is magical
- El Silbo Gomero whistling language is unique
- Great local food (almogrote cheese spread, palm honey)
- Ferry is comfortable and reliable
Cons
- Ferry costs ~€65 return — adds up for families
- Full day commitment (early start, late return)
- You need transport on La Gomera (rent or tour)
- Sea can be rough in winter
Carlos says: Book the 8am ferry, return on the 6pm. Rent a car on La Gomera if you're confident on mountain roads — the viewpoints are spectacular.
La Laguna + Santa Cruz — Tenerife's Urban Soul
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is my hometown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the entire colonial city centre is a preserved 16th-century grid that became the model for cities across Latin America. Walk the colourful streets (Calle Obispo Rey Redondo especially), visit the cathedral, and eat at a guachinche (traditional Canarian restaurant — try the conejo en salmorejo, rabbit stew). Then take the tram 20 minutes to Santa Cruz for the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África (food market) and the Auditorio de Tenerife (the iconic wave-shaped concert hall).
Pros
- UNESCO World Heritage colonial city
- Authentic Canarian food at guachinches
- Easy and cheap — €15 for bus + tram
- Mercado de África is a great lunch stop
- Works on cloudy/rainy days
Cons
- Not a 'nature' experience — urban
- Less impressive if you're not into architecture
- Shops close 1-4pm for siesta
Carlos says: Take the 102 bus from Puerto de la Cruz or the 111 from Costa Adeje. Don't miss the guachinches — they're unlicensed family-run restaurants with the most authentic food on the island.
Anaga Rural Park Day Hike — Prehistoric Forest
Anaga in the far northeast is a mountain range covered in ancient cloud forest — this ecosystem covered southern Europe 20 million years ago and now only survives in Macaronesia. Drive to Chamorga or Cruz del Carmen, pick a trail (Chamorga–El Draguillo is my favourite: 8 km, moderate, spectacular coastal views), and hike through mist-draped trees. Free entry, no permits. Stop in Taganana village for fresh fish afterward.
Pros
- Free — no permits or fees
- Ancient laurisilva forest — unique ecosystem
- Multiple trail lengths for all levels
- Taganana village has excellent seafood
- Dramatic coastal viewpoints
Cons
- Narrow winding roads to reach it (not for nervous drivers)
- Often foggy at the top (that's the cloud forest)
- No facilities on trails
Carlos says: Go on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. Start early — the forest is most atmospheric in morning mist. The road to Chamorga is narrow; take it slow.
Carlos's Verdict
La Gomera (€65) is unbeatable if you have a full day — it's like visiting another country. For a cheaper, closer option, La Laguna + Santa Cruz (€15) is my hometown pick — authentic Tenerife without a single resort buffet. Anaga (free) is the best free activity on the island, period.
Transport tip: Tenerife's bus network (TITSA) is surprisingly good and cheap. The 111 bus connects the south to Santa Cruz in ~1 hour for ~€10. La Gomera ferry departs from Los Cristianos harbour — book at fredolsen.es.