Discover awe-inspiring nature on these 3 Tenerife excursions
Tenerife is a unique territory. Its incredible landscapes, climate and geography are living proof. On these Tenerife excursions, you’ll discover an island full of charm, revealing striking contrasts and the world’s most singular spots.
Read on to get our Princess Hotels & Resorts recommendations: three walks that reveal Tenerife’s incredible natural side.
Excursion 1: Teide National Park
Visiting Teide – the most prominent volcano in the Canary Islands – has to be one of the most famous trips in Tenerife. And one of the most unique places in the world! It started to form a massive 170,000 years ago.
In 2007, it was declared a Natural World Heritage Site. And its credentials don’t end there; it’s also Spain’s highest peak. It towers 3,715 metres above sea level, and measures 3,000 metres deep from its base.
You can admire it in all its glory from Mirador de La Ruleta, a viewpoint that gives you one of the best views you can get of the volcano and Teide National Park.
If you want to go up to Teide, you can take a cable car from the base station to a higher one called ‘La Rambleta’ at an altitude of 3,555 metres. From there, soak in the magnificent views from different viewpoints.
You’ll need to buy your cable car tickets in advance. If you want to go right up to the summit, you need to get a special permit.
If you decide to walk up the peak from the base, we recommend checking the permits you need in advance from the National Park. Please note that the Refugio de Altavista del Teide mountain shelter is currently closed for maintenance, so you won’t be able to stop off there for a break. This is a demanding route, so it’s only recommended for experts.
How to get to Teide National Park
There are four access roads (from the north, south, east and west). This gives you the option to get to Teide either by car or public transport, or go on a guided tour.
You can take the 342 line directly to Teide from the Playa de las Américas bus station near our Princess hotels in Tenerife.
Planning your trip
If you decide to take a tour, the most comprehensive option is the Teide Tour with a cable car. This option includes an official guide in various languages, your cable car tickets (optional) and transport with pick-up and transfer from your hotel.
The trip costs 74 € per person, and is available every day, in various languages.
Excursion 2: Anaga Rural Park
Do you love nature and hiking? Anaga Rural Park is an absolute must. It’s one of the most beautiful trips you’ll go on in your lifetime – we promise! Beauty, diverse nature and a network of paths come together in perfect harmony – you’ll feel as though you’re on another planet.
Where is it? It’s located in the north-east of the island of Tenerife. The park spans across the municipalities of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Macizo de Anaga mountain range was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2015. This natural landscape is home to the largest number of endemic species on the European continent. You’ll see the beautiful laurel forest; the Canary Island’s quintessential native species. Not to mention juniper trees, dragon trees, tabaibas and cardones (types of Euphorbia).
Practical information
We recommend you first stop off at the Cruz del Carmen Visitor’s Centre. When you get there, you can ask about all the paths (there are lots) and different access points (via public transport or on foot).
One of the most popular routes is the ‘Sendero de los Sentidos‘ (or ‘path for the senses’, in English); taking you on a sensory journey through the laurel forest. This 500-metre route is rated low difficulty. This makes it the ideal Tenerife excursion to go on with children. The path is suitable for pushchairs as well as people with reduced mobility. Along the way you’ll find information panels with sensory signs, encouraging visitors to interact with the surroundings.
Excursion 3: Cueva del Viento cave
Cueva del Viento is a volcanic cavity located in the municipality of Icod de Los Vinos. The fifth-longest volcanic tube in the world travels a distance of 18 kilometres.
It was formed more than 27,000 years ago when the Pico Viejo volcano erupted, and is now part of a network of underground landscapes waiting to be explored. It’s the world’s only example of a formation of three overlapping volcanic tubes. What’s more, it’s home to incredible fauna; a total of 190 known species, above all invertebrates that have learned to live in the dark environment, such as the Wolltinerfia tenerifae carabid beetles.
Planning your trip
Part of the Island Council of Tenerife, OAMC (the Autonomous Agency of Museums and Centres) offers a guided tour. The route starts at the Visitors’ Centre, where you’ll be given an introductory talk. You’ll learn all about the wonders of this unique volcanic cavity from an expert guide.
- Excursion duration: two and a half hours.
- Difficulty level: average.
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 09:00 -16:00.
You can buy tickets online or when you get there. It costs around 20 € per adult and 8.50 € per child (but please note, children under 5 years of age are not permitted to go on this activity).
Are you all set to go on one of these incredible Tenerife excursions? Get ready for some fantastic adventures.
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