Full day tour visiting Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Anaga

Discover Tenerife’s North: Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga in One Day

This full-day Tenerife tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s northern treasures, combining vibrant city life, historic charm, and spectacular natural scenery. While it’s designed for those eager to see multiple highlights in one go, it balances structured sightseeing with enough flexibility for you to enjoy each stop.

What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is the chance to walk through Santa Cruz’s bustling streets, admire La Laguna’s UNESCO-listed architecture, and breathe in the fresh, biodiverse air of the Anaga mountains. It’s especially suitable for travelers who love a blend of culture, nature, and scenic drives. A potential consideration is the limited time spent at each location—some reviewers feel it can feel a bit rushed, especially in La Laguna and Anaga.

This tour appeals most to those who want an affordable, guided introduction to Tenerife’s distinctive northern landscapes and towns without the hassle of planning transport or navigating the roads themselves. It’s ideal if you prefer a structured day with expert commentary and a chance to see diverse aspects of the island.

Key Points

• Value-packed experience: For around $60, you get a guided tour covering three major attractions, including transport, a knowledgeable guide, and scenic viewpoints.
• Variety of stops: From the lively capital to historic towns and breathtaking mountain vistas, the tour offers a broad snapshot of Tenerife’s north.
• Expert guides: Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ knowledgeability, providing interesting insights and answering questions.
• Breathtaking views: From the winding mountain roads to viewpoints like Mirador Cruz del Carmen, the scenery is a highlight.
• Time management: Some travelers found the time in certain locations a bit tight, especially in Santa Cruz and Anaga.
• Good for all travelers: Suitable for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, light walking, and scenic drives, but less ideal for those seeking extensive exploration or longer stays at each stop.

In-Depth Review of the Full Day Tenerife Tour

First Stop: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Our journey begins in Santa Cruz, the island’s bustling capital and main port. The city’s modern architecture and lively atmosphere make it an exciting start. You’ll have just over an hour to explore, which might seem brief, but it’s enough to soak in key sights like the Plaza de España and the Nuestra Señora de África Market—a hub of local produce and crafts.

Many reviews praise Santa Cruz’s aesthetic appeal. One reviewer mentioned that they “wanted more time in Santa Cruz” because its shops and streets are so charming. The Tenerife Auditorium also draws attention for its distinctive design, adding a touch of cultural flair. Expect to see a mix of contemporary buildings and avant-garde structures, making this stop a visual treat.

While the short duration means you won’t get a comprehensive tour of the city’s many neighborhoods, the guide’s commentary helps point out the highlights, and you get a taste of the lively urban vibe. Reviewers note that the guided walk is informative, with the guide providing insights in multiple languages, which makes the experience accessible for international travelers.

Second Stop: La Laguna

Next, we head to the historic city of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval town is famous for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The two-hour window allows for a leisurely walk through its charming avenues, where you can admire notable landmarks like the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and La Plaza del Adelantado.

Reviewers repeatedly mention that La Laguna was a personal highlight, with descriptions like “an amazing place to visit” and “tons of character and charm.” The town’s old mansions and colonial-style buildings give it an authentic feel, and it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll or a quick coffee break in one of its many quaint cafes.

The guide’s commentary enhances the visit, providing historical context and pointing out hidden gems. One traveler mentioned that the town has “tons of interesting places & info,” but also noted that extra time would allow for a deeper enjoyment of the atmosphere. It’s worth noting that some visitors felt they didn’t have enough time to explore all they wanted, so if you’re a history buff or enjoy wandering at your own pace, consider this when planning.

Lunch Break and Canarian Cuisine

Following La Laguna, the tour offers a chance for a lunch break at one of the local restaurants. While not included in the price, this is a good opportunity to taste Canarian specialties—such as fresh fish, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), and local tapas. Several reviewers appreciated the quality of the food and the chance to relax before the next phase of the day.

One visitor mentioned that their brother enjoyed a meal of fried fish, potatoes, and salad, suggesting that local eateries serve hearty and authentic dishes. Others felt that more time here would have allowed them to savor the atmosphere and explore more of the town’s eateries.

Final Stop: Parque Rural de Anaga

The mountain drive to Anaga, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a scenic highlight on its own. The winding roads reveal dramatic views of lush greenery, rugged cliffs, and deep valleys. The tour’s two-hour visit includes stops at viewpoints like Mirador de la Jardina and Mirador Cruz del Carmen.

Travelers consistently mention the breathtaking vistas. One reviewer praised the “spectacular views on the way to Taganana,” emphasizing how the scenery makes the trip worthwhile. The landscape here is a stark contrast to the urban and historic areas, with greenery and biodiversity taking center stage.

However, some reviewers found the time in Anaga to be somewhat limited. One pointed out that they only had 30 minutes to explore, which felt too short for many to fully appreciate the natural beauty. They wanted at least 120 minutes, especially since the area offers great photo opportunities and peaceful walks. Still, the viewpoints are excellent for quick photo stops and enjoying sweeping vistas.

Transportation, Guide, and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned buses, ensuring comfort during the approximately 8-9 hour day. The group size is capped at 55 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, manageable atmosphere but can feel a bit crowded at times.

The guide, an accredited professional, is consistently praised for their knowledgeability and friendly approach. Multiple reviews highlight guides who deliver interesting, multilingual commentary, making the experience accessible to international guests. One reviewer appreciated that the guide was “very considerate to all guests both to their language and accessibility needs.”

Considerations About the Price and Overall Value

At about $60 per person, this tour offers good value, considering transportation, guide services, and multiple major sights covered in a single day. It’s an economical way to see a variety of Tenerife’s highlights without renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads yourself.

However, some travelers mentioned that the time at each stop can be tight, especially in La Laguna and Anaga, where extra minutes would allow for a more relaxed experience. If you’re someone who loves to spend hours exploring or taking photos, this could be a downside.

Reviews and Real Experiences

While most reviews are positive, a few mention logistical hiccups. One traveler was disappointed because “no one picked us up at our hotel,” highlighting the importance of confirming pickup details in advance. Others appreciated the scenic drive through the rain forest and mountain roads, describing the experience as “beautiful scenery”.

A standout comment was from a guest who called the tour “a great way to explore Tenerife,” noting that the guide’s commentary and scenic stops made the day memorable. The personal insights from reviewers, like La Laguna’s “tons of character,” and the “spectacular views” from Anaga, reinforce that this is a well-rounded experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This full-day experience is best suited for travelers who want a structured, guided overview of Tenerife’s northern highlights. It’s perfect if you prefer not to rent a car or plan your own itinerary, but still want to see a mix of city life, history, and nature.

Those who enjoy scenic drives and panoramic viewpoints will find plenty to love, especially with stops at Mirador Cruz del Carmen. Food lovers will appreciate the chance to sample local Canarian cuisine during the lunch break, even if it’s not included.

It’s less ideal for travelers seeking longer, unhurried exploration or those who want to spend significant time at each site—especially in Anaga or La Laguna. If you’re a photography enthusiast or a history buff, consider whether the limited time at each stop aligns with your interests.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid, budget-friendly way to get a taste of Tenerife’s north. With scenic drives, expert guides, and a mix of urban and natural sights, it balances a variety of experiences that give you a well-rounded impression of the island.

The scenic viewpoints and charming towns make it worth considering for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The value is clear, especially with the inclusion of transportation and guided commentary. However, if you’re craving more time to really soak in each location or want a more leisurely pace, you might consider customizing your day.

All in all, it’s an engaging way to see Tenerife’s highlights without the stress of planning or driving. Just be prepared for some quick stops and a busy day—but with plenty of memorable scenery and insights along the way.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Do I need to bring my own lunch? Lunch is not included, so you can choose to eat at a local restaurant during the stop in La Laguna.

Is the tour suitable for all ages? Most travelers can participate, and the group size is capped at 55, but it involves some walking and scenic stops, so consider mobility needs.

What language does the guide speak? The guide provides commentary in multiple languages, ensuring clear communication for international guests.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is poor? The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour worth the price? For about $60, you gain access to scenic viewpoints, cultural sites, and expert guidance—making it a good value for a comprehensive day out.

Are there any hidden costs? Lunch is not included, so budget for meals separately. Other than that, the tour price covers transportation and guiding services.

Overall, this full-day tour of Tenerife’s north offers a well-balanced mixture of scenic vistas, historic towns, and cultural insights—all guided professionally and at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to tick off key sights, it’s a solid choice to make the most of your day on the island.