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Highlights
Spend 8 days walking the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands on this self-guided tour
Discover the volcanic island landscapes of Tenerife, exploring basalt formations and moonlike stretches of desert.
Spend a magical night nestled at the foot of the highest mountain in Spain, El Teide.
Immerse yourself in the rich and unique flavours of the island’s traditional food and drink.
Explore Tenerife’s highest peaks, desert craters and the fascinating contrast between its lush rain forest ecosystem as you walk.
The Spanish island of Tenerife is a mystifying combination of vibrantly coloured desert, volcanic mountains, and remarkably contrasting lush rainforest. The 8-day Tenerife South to North Walking Tour will introduce you to this majestic landscape and allow you to explore it at your own pace on foot.
This mesmerizing walking adventure will lead you through some of the most remarkable natural landscapes the Canary Islands have to offer. A journey characterized by amazement and wonder will lead you to explore spectacular national parks, towering mountains, phenomenal craters, and many small picturesque, charming villages along the way.
Setting out from the highest village in Tenerife, Vilaflor, this exciting journey will take you alongside remarkable lunar landscapes as you spend a day walking the five-century old trade trail of the Camino de Chasna. Experience the 18 km wide ancient crater of Cañadas del Teide as you marvel at the colossal impact left behind by the island's first volcanic eruptions. Experience exceptional views from atop Spain's highest mountain, El Teide, at 3718m (12,198 ft), as you enjoy an exhilarating cable car ride to Pico Teide, where you can then explore it on foot. Stroll among centuries-old Canarian pine forest as you make your way through the Aguamansa woods.
Explore the spectacular beauty of Tenerife on foot and discover why Spain’s Canary Islands hold such a special place in so many walking holiday enthusiasts’ hearts.
The Spanish island of Tenerife is a mystifying combination of vibrantly coloured desert, volcanic mountains, and remarkably contrasting lush rainforest. The 8-day Tenerife South to North Walking Tour will introduce you to this majestic landscape and allow you to explore it at your own pace on foot.
This mesmerizing walking adventure will lead you through some of the most remarkable natural landscapes the Canary Islands have to offer. A journey characterized by amazement and wonder will lead you to explore spectacular national parks, towering mountains, phenomenal craters, and many small picturesque, charming villages along the way.
Setting out from the highest village in Tenerife, Vilaflor, this exciting journey will take you alongside remarkable lunar landscapes as you spend a day walking the five-century old trade trail of the Camino de Chasna. Experience the 18 km wide ancient crater of Cañadas del Teide as you marvel at the colossal impact left behind by the island's first volcanic eruptions. Experience exceptional views from atop Spain's highest mountain, El Teide, at 3718m (12,198 ft), as you enjoy an exhilarating cable car ride to Pico Teide, where you can then explore it on foot. Stroll among centuries-old Canarian pine forest as you make your way through the Aguamansa woods.
Explore the spectacular beauty of Tenerife on foot and discover why Spain’s Canary Islands hold such a special place in so many walking holiday enthusiasts’ hearts.
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Tenerife South to North Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Welcome to the beautiful Spanish island of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s beautiful Canary Islands! Arrive at the airport, where you’ll take a private transfer to your start point at Vilaflor.
Vilaflor is the highest village on the island of Tenerife, towering 1414m (4639 ft) above sea level and located on the Teide National Park’s southern side.
Legend has it that a Spanish conqueror encountered a beautiful native girl upon his arrival in the indigenous town. He recounted the tale of this encounter with the phrase “Vi la flor” (I saw the flower), which led to the town’s current name.
Soak up the captivating beauty of this quaint mountain village, enjoying your first evening in beautiful Tenerife.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vilaflor
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk the Camino de Chasna
You’ll travel north to the trailhead this morning to embark on a portion of the five century old Camino de Chasna trade trail.
Best described as a volcanic lunar landscape, the setting of today’s walk will take you alongside remarkable limestone chimneys that tower spectacularly over the trail. Formed by erosion over centuries, these rare rock formations are not only fascinating but almost dreamlike.
The trail will lead you back to the center of Vilaflor, where you’ll enjoy your second evening in this scenic mountain village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Vilaflor
Distance: 5.5 hours, 14 km, 475m of ascent, 675m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Explore Teide National Park
This morning, a private transfer will take you to the Cañadas del Teide, an 18 km wide ancient crater that is the remarkable result of the island’s first volcanic eruptions. Making your way to the edge of the crater, you’ll be met with sensational views of El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain, towering 3718m (12,198 ft) above.
Ascending El Teide in a cable car, you’ll reach an altitude of 3200m (10,498 ft) before disembarking the cable car to walk to the vista point of Spain’s second highest volcanic peak, Pico Viejo. A special permit can be requested via the Teide National Park website which will allow you to extend the walk 1.5 km past the vista point of Pico Viejo and onto the summit of the Pico Tiede. This extension is worthwhile on clear days when views of the other Canary Islands from the summit are possible.
Following your descent of Mount Tiede via cable car, continue your walk another 5 km towards the Parador de la Cañadas, a mountain lodge nestled amidst stunning volcanic mountain scenery and the location of tonight’s idyllic accommodations.
Spend your afternoon exploring the picturesque landscapes surrounding the mountain lodge, making sure to visit the fascinating rock formations at the Roques de Garcia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cañadas del Teide
Distance: Mount Tiede: 1 hour, 3 km, 100m of ascent, 100m of descent
Walk to accommodations: 1.5 hours, 5 km, 20m of ascent, 250m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Ascend Montaña Guajara
Today, embark on a thrilling ascent to Montaña Guajara (2730m, 8956 ft), Tenerife’s second-highest peak.
Reaching the dormant volcano’s summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views across the Cañadas del Teide crater and southern Tenerife. Fill your lungs with the fresh mountain air before your descent of Montaña Guajara.
Returning by foot to the Parador, spend your evening relaxing at the hotel’s refreshing outdoor pool, or treat your tired legs to a visit to the sauna.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cañadas del Teide
Distance: 5.5 hours, 14 km, 500m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 From Volcan Chinyero to the sea
A relatively easy walk, as it is mostly downhill, from the feet of Chinyero Volcano to the seaside village fo Garachico. If you think it is much descent, don’t worry! You can ask your taxi driver to drop you off at la Montañeta instead saving thus half of the distance and much descent. At the end of the walk you arrive in your charming hotel in the old town of Garachico. This quaint and beautiful historical town was the capital of Tenerife before its was damaged by a lava stream in the important eruption of Volcán Trevejo in 1706. Don´t miss swimming at the natural swimming pools near the harbor!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Garachico
Distance: 6 hours, 7.5-16 km, 1600m of ascent, 600m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Discover El Palmar, Teno Alto, and Punto Teno
This morning a short private transfer will take you to the small village of El Palmar located on the island’s sparsely populated western region.
Open woodlands and cultivated plots line your path as you ascend first to a viewpoint and further along the banks of a steep ravine to the small village of Teno Alto.
Continuing along a high plateau, take in the sights of the enormous euphorbia plants that line the trail as you make your way to the rocky headland of Punta Teno. The town, known for its famous candy cane-coloured lighthouse, boasts spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the neighbouring island of La Gomera.
A circular hiking route from Las Portelas is a great alternative for today if it’s too hot or windy. The alternative route offers more shade but boasts equally good views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Garachico
Distance: Standard route: 3.5 hours-5 hours, 8-15km, 400m of ascent, 500m of descent
Alternative route: 3 hours-3.5 hours, 9-10.5 km, 525m of ascent, 650 of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Explore Anaga Natural Park
Today’s walk will take you through the laurisilva woods of the Anaga Natural Park that make up Tenerife’s remarkable rainforest ecosystem. A stark departure from some other areas of the island you’ve already discovered, today’s walk will be among a unique landscape of rich green vegetation, sweeping ravines, and dominating cliffs.
Hikers will choose between two options for today’s walk through the rainforest. Option 1 entails a shorter but steeper route, and option 2 entails a more prolonged but flatter route.
In the afternoon, once you’ve reached the end of your walk in Anaga Natural Park, a taxi transfer will take you to your hotel in San Cristobal de la Laguna.
Spend your afternoon exploring this fascinating historic town on the north end of the island, founded over 500 years ago and today named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A great place to begin your adventure here is within the old town, known for its beautifully coloured homes and ancient churches and cathedrals. Choose from the vast array of authentic shops and restaurants that line the streets of the old town, savouring one final dinner this evening before saying “adiós” to the beautiful island of Tenerife tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in San Cristobal de la Laguna
Distance: Option 1: 4 hours, 10 km, 650m of ascent, 650m of descent
Option 2: 4.5 hours, 12 km, 400m of ascent, 400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
This morning following breakfast, a transfer will take you to the Tenerife South Airport to depart. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2026 Pricing for Tenerife South to North Walking Tour
The departures are available from January 3 to January 3, 2027
Accommodation on the Tenerife South to North Walking Tour
This tour is available in standard accommodations based in mostly 2-star and 3-star hotels with some stays at 4-star accommodations.
The 2-star and 3-star standard hotels offer basic amenities, comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms and great locations.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room where possible. Rooms are double occupancy and solo travellers will pay a supplement.
Night 7
Nivaria in San Cristobal de La Laguna ★★★★
This charming hotel boasts beautiful rooms and suites in a converted 16th-century mansion. Excellently located within the old town center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, several of the town’s historic highlights are within walking distance of the hotel.
What’s Included in the Tenerife South to North Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included on this tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Airport transfers to and from Tenerife South Airport (TFS) are included. If arriving at Tenerife North Airport (TFN), transfers must be arranged in advance for a small fee. Luggage transfers on Days 3, 5 and 7 are included. All private/taxi transfers mentioned within the itinerary are included on this tour, however, any public transport taken during the tour is not included.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- 24-hour phone assistance
- Cable car ride (return ticket) on Day 3
Not included
- Flights to and from Tenerife
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Upgrade to Select Accommodation (please enquire for the pricing)
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- How hard is the Tenerife South to North Walking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
- Are meals included on the Tenerife South to North Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Vilaflor to start this tour?
- Where does the Tenerife South to North Walking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?
- When is the best time to travel to Spain for this tour?
We rate this tour a 3/5. Walks range from 1-6 hours each day and some terrain is hilly and or mountainous. You should be comfortable with some longer walks to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included on this tour, and you can add 5 dinners for €200 EUR.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
A private transfer will pick you up from Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and take you to your accommodations in Vilaflor.
The tour ends in the town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna where a private transfer will take you to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) to depart.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Tenerife is between April and October. The subtropical climate offers great weather most of the year, but note that the summers can be quite hot for walking.
Customer Ratings
Explore the hidden corners of Europe by bike or on foot with S-Cape. Their self-guided trips have been hand-crafted by local experts to highlight every detail of your destination. S-Cape designs tours that allow you to explore without restrictive timetables and immerse yourself in the diverse culture and natural beauty of Europe at your own pace.
