Tenerife in 5 Days
Five days cover the northwest, Teide, a neighbouring island and the two cities of the north and east. This plan spaces the days out so the long ones (Teide and La Gomera) do not fall back to back, and each has a tour with pickup if you would rather not drive.
Booking options
Teide with cable car from the north
Paid separately · Lunch
La Gomera seen from the south of Tenerife
Civitatis prices, ratings and conditions checked on . Check the price for your date on the listing.
Day by day
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Day 1 · Day 1: Isla Baja, Garachico and El Tanque
Start in the northwest. The Isla Baja tour lasts 5 h 30 min, picks you up at your hotel and passes through Buenavista del Norte, Garachico, Los Silos and El Tanque. Garachico was the island's main port until the 1706 eruption and still has the Castillo de San Miguel, dating from 1575. If you would rather go on your own, El Tanque is reached by the TF-42.
Isla Baja: Garachico, Icod and El Tanque -
Day 2 · Day 2: Teide and the National Park
A day for the volcano. The tour from the north lasts 7 to 9 h and includes the cable car ticket, which climbs from 2,356 m to 3,555 m in about 8 minutes. Bring a warm layer and a bottle of water, because the listing says no food or drink is sold at the top. The cable car depends on wind and temperature, so check its status on the day.
Which Teide Excursion to Choose Teide Cable Car -
Day 3 · Day 3: La Gomera
A full day, from 9 to 12 h depending on the option. Pickup is in the south of Tenerife (Los Gigantes, Las Américas, Los Cristianos and other areas), the ferry leaves from Los Cristianos, and the listing includes lunch and a short walk in Garajonay National Park. Bring your ID.
La Gomera from Tenerife -
Day 4 · Day 4: La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz
In the morning, La Orotava: its old town sits at 390 m above sea level and the Casa de los Balcones, from the 17th century, takes about 40 minutes to visit. In the afternoon head down to Puerto de la Cruz, with the Plaza del Charco, the Lago Martiánez and a protected old quarter with more than 140 listed buildings. If the day before was long, this is the easiest one.
La Orotava: What to See and Book Puerto de la Cruz: What to Do -
Day 5 · Day 5: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna
Finish with the two cities of the east. In Santa Cruz, the island's capital, you have the Calatrava Auditorium, the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África and the Palmetum, a 12-hectare botanical garden. La Laguna is close by and its old town is part of a UNESCO-recognised heritage site. It is a good day for walking with no fixed times and no long bookings.
Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife La Laguna, Tenerife: UNESCO old town
What changes from one option to another
Teide with cable car from the north
If you stay in Puerto de la Cruz or nearby, a tour with the cable car ticket included saves you from parking and sorting out the ticket. Book day 2 and leave some slack in case the wind changes the plan.
Isla Baja regional tour
This is the shortest day of the itinerary and it comes with hotel pickup. Use it to start without rushing and save your energy for Teide.
La Gomera in a day
It leaves from the south and includes the ferry. If you are staying in the north, work out the transfer to one of the pickup areas or make your own way to the Los Cristianos ferry terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Are five days enough to see the main sights of Tenerife?
Yes for the north, Teide and a neighbouring island, which is what this plan covers. In five days you will not reach all of the south, so decide whether you prefer La Gomera or more time on the coast.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
No. The three tour days include pickup, and the cities on days 4 and 5 can be covered on foot. If you rent a car, Teide and La Gomera are easier with organised transport.
Which day should I book Teide for?
As early in the trip as you can, to leave room in case the cable car closes because of wind or temperature. If day 2 does not work out, swap it with another day in the plan.
Can I do La Gomera if I am staying in the north?
Yes, but pickup is in the south. Make your own way to the Los Cristianos ferry terminal or choose a pickup area close to your route.