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There are many excursions from Puerto de la Cruz that you can take to discover the most interesting attractions around the island. As one of the best places in Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is a popular departure point for all kinds of tours, including boat cruises, day trips, hikes, and more.
With so many options, it can be hard to choose, so I decided to make this list of the best excursions and day trips from Puerto de la Cruz. This way, you can see the most important parts of the island, even if you don’t have a car. Also, if you want to get from Puerto de la Cruz to any place on the island, you can book a private transfer.
As you can see, there is no excuse not to explore the incredible places in Puerto de la Cruz and its surroundings. Keep reading to learn about the best excursions from this beautiful town to Teide, Masca, and more.
1. Free tour through Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
First, it’s worth noting that you can take a free tour of Puerto de la Cruz, and although it’s in Spanish, it’s a great introduction to the city. The one-hour tour starts at the Ángel Acosta Martín Plaza, where you can see several points of interest in Puerto de la Cruz, like the pier, the Virgen del Carmen sculpture, Plaza de Europa, the Santa Bárbara battery, and the Church of Our Lady of Peña de Francia.
1. Free tour through Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Throughout this Puerto de la Cruz tour, your guide will share historical facts and cultural insights about the town and the island as a whole. While the tour is free, you should tip the guide as a courtesy; we usually tip €5-€10 per person but give what you think is fair.
- Highlights: Puerto de la Cruz pier, Virgen del Carmen sculpture, Plaza de Europa, Santa Bárbara battery, the Church of Our Lady of Peña de Francia, and other points of interest
- Duration: 1 hour
- Price: Free
- Departure point: Ángel Acosta Martín Plaza
- Description: Take a guided walking tour through the city of Puerto de la Cruz to see its iconic streets, important monuments, and other top attractions.
2. Mount Teide, one of the best excursions from Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
Another excursion I must recommend for any Tenerife vacation is a Mount Teide tour from Puerto de la Cruz. As the highest peak in Spain, Teide is a landmark you can’t miss, and this tour is one of the best ways to fully appreciate the mountain.
The day trip includes transportation and a cable car ride to La Rambleta, which is 11,660 feet above sea level. Access to the summit, via Sendero 10 or Telesforo Bravo, is also included.
2. Mount Teide, one of the best excursions from Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
There are other Teide tours from Puerto de la Cruz, such as this one, which also includes transportation and the cable car ride. Unlike the other excursion, this one doesn’t include a permit, so you won’t be able to access the summit. Rather, you can take the cable car to La Rambleta, then go down one of the trails that don’t require a permit, such as Trail 11, which goes to the Mirador de la Fortaleza, or Sendero 12, which leads to the Pico Viejo viewpoint. This specific tour also stops at the Roques de García, a beautiful lookout point where you can get a different perspective of Teide.
Without a doubt, visiting this magnificent place is highly recommended, so you can check out our guide on how to climb Mount Teide for more information.
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3. Masca and Los Gigantes, another interesting excursion from Puerto de la Cruz
Another excursion from Puerto de la Cruz that I suggest you check out is this day trip to Masca and Los Gigantes.
You’ll travel from Puerto de la Cruz to Puerto Colón, where you’ll board a catamaran and sail along the coast. Discover the natural beauty of Costa Adeje and keep an eye out for wild dolphins and whales. Then, sail past the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs toward Masca, where you’ll stop and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea.
3. Masca and Los Gigantes, another interesting excursion from Puerto de la Cruz
This is an excellent tour from Puerto de la Cruz, especially if you want to capture some incredible views. Not only will you discover the magnitude of the cliffs and the scenery of Masca, but you’ll probably see dolphins, pilot whales, and other cetaceans. Of course, there is no guarantee, but the tour guides know where to go for the best chances of spotting marine life.
If you’re more interested in going dolphin and whale-watching in Tenerife, I recommend our article specifically on those types of tours. We have some great recommendations, and many of them let you retake the tour if you don’t have any sightings the first time.
- Highlights: Catamaran cruise past Costa Adeje to the Los Gigantes cliffs and Masca, with the chance to see wild dolphins and whales
- Duration: 4.5 – 8.5 hours
- Price: €49+
- Departure point: Puerto de la Cruz
- Description: Travel from Puerto de la Cruz to Puerto Colón to board a catamaran that will take you along part of the Tenerife coast. See Costa Adeje, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, and Masca, where you’ll stop for a swim. During the trip, you may see various cetaceans.
4. La Gomera, another excursion from Puerto de la Cruz that I recommend
Yet another popular excursion from Puerto de la Cruz is this tour to La Gomera, one of the most beautiful Canary Islands with forests and walking trails.
One of the nice things about this tour is that it includes transportation from Puerto de la Cruz to the port in Los Cristianos, where you’ll catch the ferry to La Gomera. Enjoy the sea breeze and marvel at the lovely coastal views, then disembark on La Gomera and begin your tour of this gorgeous island.
4. La Gomera, another excursion from Puerto de la Cruz that I recommend
Thanks to its lush laurel forests, La Gomera is a haven for nature lovers. During the tour, you’ll also visit the small village of Las Rosas, as well as Roque de Agando and the city of San Sebastián de la Gomera. You’ll also get to hear the famous silbo gomero, the whistled language of the island, which is now on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Highlights: Transportation to Los Cristianos, ferry to La Gomera, and a tour of the island’s top attractions
- Duration: 14.5 – 15.5 hours
- Price: €93+
- Departure point: Puerto de la Cruz
- Description: Take a bus from Puerto de la Cruz to Los Cristianos, where you’ll board the ferry to La Gomera. Once on the island, you will visit some of the most important sites, like the Hermigua Valley, Las Rosas, Garajonay National Park, Laguna Grande, Roque de Agando, and San Sebastián de La Gomera. You can also enjoy a demonstration of the silbo gomero. This day trip includes food and drinks.
5. Full-day island tour, one of the most complete excursions from Puerto de la Cruz
If you’re looking for a full-day trip from Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, then I recommend this excursion. It includes visits to the main towns in the north and south of the island, so it’s a great option if you’re short on time.
Over the course of about nine hours, you’ll see the beautiful village of La Orotava, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s old town, and La Candelaria, which is home to the Canary Islands’ patron saint. You’ll also visit Santiago del Teide, Teno Rural Park, Masca, and Garachico, making it an action-packed day trip.
5. Full-day island tour, one of the most complete excursions from Puerto de la Cruz
Again, this is one of the best excursions from Puerto de la Cruz if you’re going to be in town and want to make the most of your short stay by seeing all the major points of interest.
- Highlights: La Orotava, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Candelaria, Santiago del Teide, Teno Rural Park, Masca, and Garachico
- Duration: 9 hours
- Price: €36+
- Departure point: Puerto de la Cruz
- Description: Full-day tour around Tenerife, visiting both the northern and southern parts of the island, including the main tourist spots and cities.
6. Mount Teide astronomy tour, an unforgettable excursion from Puerto de la Cruz
I know I already mentioned Mount Teide, but this astronomical excursion of Teide has become one of our all-time favorite tours on the island. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind tour from Puerto de la Cruz where you can see the starry night skies and take incredible photos, this is for you.
Mount Teide was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to be declared a Starlight Tourist Destination, thanks to its prime night conditions. This is one of the top places in the entire world to go stargazing because the night skies get so dark that you can see all kinds of celestial bodies.
6. Mount Teide astronomy tour, an unforgettable excursion from Puerto de la Cruz – Efrén Yanes
During the tour, we traveled from Puerto de la Cruz to Teide National Park and got to see the Teide Observatory, one of the most important telescopes on the planet. Around dusk, we went to the cable car base station, where we could view the skies with long-range telescopes.
This was such a memorable experience, and I highly recommend it. If you plan on taking this tour, it’s also worth reading our guide on how to photograph the Milky Way so you can make the most of the starry skies.
- Highlights: Teide Observatory and astronomical observation of the night skies
- Duration: 8 – 8.5 hours
- Price: €80+
- Departure point: Puerto de la Cruz
- Description: Visit the Teide Observatory and stop at the base of the Teide cable car to enjoy astronomical observation with long-range telescopes. This tour has the option to include dinner.
7. Santa Cruz, La Laguna, & Taganana, another great excursion from Puerto de la Cruz
There is another day trip from Puerto de la Cruz that I want to recommend, and this one goes specifically to the top sites in northern Tenerife.
On this tour, you’ll depart from Puerto de la Cruz and visit the areas of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, and Taganana. First, you’ll have some time to explore the famous attractions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital. For example, you can people-watch in Plaza de España, walk through Plaza Weylerm, and see the Adán Martín Tenerife Auditorium.
7. Santa Cruz, La Laguna, & Taganana, another great excursion from Puerto de la Cruz
Then, you’ll go to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, where you can admire the bell tower of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Casa Salazar, and the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Finally, wrap up your tour with a stop at Anaga Rural Park and the village of Taganana, which is known for its traditional Canarian-style buildings.
Without a doubt, this is an excellent option if you want to get to know northern Tenerife and you don’t have a vehicle or prefer to have the help of a guide.
- Highlights: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Taganana
- Duration: 9 hours
- Price: €36.50+
- Departure point: Puerto de la Cruz
- Description: Take a tour through some of the main towns in northern Tenerife, like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Taganana. You’ll also get the chance to see the beautiful Anaga Rural Park.
8. Day trip to Masca, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos & Cañadas del Teide from Puerto de la Cruz
Finally, I have another excursion from Puerto de la Cruz to Tenerife north. This day trip will take you to some other must-see cities and attractions on the island, such as the Cañadas del Teide, Masca, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos.
The Cañadas del Teide National Park is a unique place with volcanic landscapes that will make you feel like you’re walking on the moon. It makes for one of the coolest day trips from Puerto de la Cruz, and you can see the imposing Mount Teide in the background.
8. Day trip to Masca, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos & Cañadas del Teide from Puerto de la Cruz
You will be able to visit the Roques de García before heading to Masca, where you can marvel at the mountainous surroundings. This excursion also includes a tour through Garachico and its natural pools, as well as Icod de los Vinos, which is home to the famous Drago Milenario, the oldest living dragon tree in the world.
This is quite a complete day tour, so I highly recommend it if you’re interested in exploring more parts of northern Tenerife.
- Highlights: Cañadas del Teide, Masca, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos
- Duration: 9 hours
- Price: €43+
- Departure point: Puerto de la Cruz
- Description: Travel to the most iconic places in northern Tenerife on this full-day trip. See the volcanic landscapes of the Cañadas del Teide, the Roques de García, the charming atmosphere of Masca, the natural pools in Garachico, and the tourist attractions in Icod de los Vinos.
With that, you have the 8 best excursions from Puerto de la Cruz. I hope you feel better prepared to make the most of your trip, and that you discover some amazing new sites. If you won’t rent a car in Tenerife and plan on staying in a Puerto de la Cruz hotel, these tours are the best way to maximize your time.
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about other Puerto de la Cruz tours, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you! Until then, enjoy your time exploring Tenerife!
