Top 10 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Shore Excursions
As a relatively small island, it is easy to visit all parts of it during an average stop in the city and that makes it a great place to go on a shore excursion, but just what can you do in Tenerife and what shore excursions are available.
That is exactly what we look at in this list as we take you through what we believe are the top 10 shore excursions in Tenerife.
Our Shore Excursions In Tenerife
Teide Cable Car
The Teide cable car is, as you would likely expect, a cable car that takes you to the top of Mount Teide, the highest peak in the whole of Spain.
You start at the base station, which is just under 2,500 metres above sea level and arrive at the top station which stands at just over 3,500 metres above sea level.
What really makes the difference is the fact that you are in the centre of a small island, so you are literally looking down all of the way to the sea and not only can you take in view of the rest of islands of the Canarian archipelago, put on a clear day, you can see all of the way across the mainland of Africa.
Despite spending the rest of your time in the region in summer cloths, don’t forget a jacket as it is often cold at the top and there is also often snow!
Mount Teide Park
The Teide National Park is an incredible place to visit as it is simply like nowhere else on earth.
With a couple of the world’s tallest volcanoes in the middle of it, it is already a special place but the barren land scape, the carved rocks and the red dusty floor all give the feeling of been in an otherworldly place- something many movie and tv location scouts have used to their advantage.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is a small resort town in the far west of the island and whilst it is quite a journey from Santa Cruz, in our opinion it is well worth it.
On first glance, you may feel like there is not too much there but when you walk down to the seafront, you will soon notice the incredible cliffs just on the edge of the town.
Known locally as the Acantilados de Los Gigantes or the ‘Cliffs of the Giants by Spanish settlers or by the more apt name of the ‘Wall of Hell’ by the indigenous Guanches, these cliffs reach almost vertically to a height of around 500 metres.
The cliffs can be best appreciated onboard one of the numerous boat rides that leave the towns small marina and you are also likely to see whales and dolphins along the way.
Siam Park
If you are travelling as a family with kids, why not head to the south of the island for a day in one of Europe’s largest water parks?
Siam Park, in Costa Adeje, first opened in 2007 and has proven to be a popular day out for those staying in the numerous hotels and resorts nearby, but it is easily reached on excursions from the capitals cruise port.
The award-winning park features Thai theming throughout and offers numerous flumes, a huge wave pool as well as an always popular lazy river- amongst other attractions.
Whole Island Tour
The island of Tenerife is home to plenty of great places to see including small villages, seaside resorts, a national park, massive cliffs and huge volcanoes.
The best thing about the island is that with a coastline of around 200 miles, it is easy to explore the whole island by coach on a full day tour.
Along the way you will be able to take in the green north part of the island including the Parque Rural de Anaga, the bustling Puerto de la Cruz, the majestic cliffs of El Gigantes, the resorts of Costa Adeje and the volcanoes of Teide National Park.
Far Side of the Island Tour
When you visit the island on a cruise holiday, you will dock in Santa Cruz, in the northeast of the island but many of the best things to see in Tenerife are found on the other side of the island including the likes of Puerto de la Cruz, Los Gigantes and the stunning views of the Orotava Valley.
This will give cruisers a great insight into the island including its history, its culture and its natural beauty.
Puerto de la Cruz
If you think the seaside resorts of Tenerife are just full of pubs, nightclubs and hotels, you are partially right but there is one resort that offers a more traditional, Spanish experience.
Known as Tenerife ‘Premier Resort’ Puerto de la Cruz is a charming town that offers along promenade, numerous cafes and the impressive Orchid Garden amongst other attractions.
Playa de Las Americas
Playa de las Americas, in Costa Adeje, is one of the Canary Islands leading tourist resorts, so if you want a day at the beach or to go bar hopping, this is the place for you.
The resort is in the southwest of the Island and is the perfect place for those looking for fun in the sun.
From Go-Karting to jet-skiing and from a submarine ride to simply sunbathing at the beach, it and plenty more can be enjoyed in the resort.
Boat Rides
As a small island, it will be no surprise that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a boat ride, including setting sail from Santa Cruz.
Amongst the options available are whale watching boats, dolphin watching boats, glass bottom boats, party boats, private yachts and even submarines.
City Tour
There is lots to see in Santa Cruz and whilst much of it can be seen on foot in the city centre, to take it all in you really need to take a city tour.
The impressive architecture of the Auditorio de Tenerife, which is on the outskirts of the city centre, is one of the most iconic buildings in the Canary’s.
Other popular sights on a tour of the city are the Church of Conception, the Plaza de Espana, the Santa Cruz botanic Gardens, the Parliament building whilst many tours will also take in the natural beauty of the Parque Rural de Anaga just outside of the city limits.
Tenerife ShoreEx
If you are wanting to explore the island of Tenerife whilst on a cruise holiday, the great news is that there are plenty of incredible Tenerife Shorex options including the ones found on this very page.
