Spain : The Canary Islands

Contrasts of Tenerife Walk (with car hire)

Trip code: W07TN 4.7 (11 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 1+ to 2+

Flights
available

19.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Mount Teide and its UNESCO National Park
  • Lunar landscapes, lava fields, dramatic volcanic mountains, rugged barrancos, far reaching ocean vistas
  • Superb for ornithologists, botanists and geologists
  • Choice of easier or more difficult circular walks daily - all within easy driving distance from the hotel

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 3 evening meals
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Car hire group E included

TRIP DESCRIPTION

On Tenerife it is forever springtime and the sunny climate, glorious flowers, balmy temperatures and majestic scenery make it a perfect antidote to a cold winter. A rugged and spectacular island, it has an incredible variety of landscapes to explore.

This self guided walking holiday takes you to the very heart of Tenerife to discover its traditional towns, wild hidden valleys, spectacular coastline and impressive volcanic landscapes. The walking is both spectacular and rewarding, and with a hire car provided, it is easy to discover what the island has to offer.

You begin in 'Isla Baja', where terraced fields and abundant wildflowers form a colourful blanket over deep valleys and plunging ravines, and traditional farms still produce goat's cheese for which the area is renowned. The region's authenticity is fiercely protected and the town of Garachico has won awards for its preservation. From here, head to the UNESCO recognised Teide National Park, with its lava fields, beautiful volcanic chaos and iconic Mount Teide scratching the sky at over 3700m above sea level.

We provide fully detailed route notes with a choice of easier or more challenging circular walks daily, so you can tailor your day's walk to your current energy levels - but with all the walks highlighting the stunning landscapes of this remarkably diverse island.

Your accommodation is special too. Your first 4 nights are at the Hotel Quinta Roja, a beautifully restored 17th century nobleman's mansion, superbly located next to the main square in the traditional old port town of Garachico. Next stop is the Hotel Spa Villalba, sitting on the edge of the sleepy village of Vilaflor - the highest in Tenerife - and a short drive from the UNESCO recognised Teide National Park.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Garachico

Arrive in the perfectly preserved coastal town of Garachico and your elegant hotel set in a beautiful 17th century mansion.

You stay at Hotel La Quinta Roja.

hotel details



Hotel La Quinta Roja, Garachico

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


La Quinta Roja is a restored nobleman's mansion right next to the village square in Garachico, so you could not be more central.

They have preserved all that is historic and beautiful - ancient wooden boards on the first floor balcony enclosing the central courtyard, and the original stone stairs for example - while modern touches add to the quirky but compelling style. Bedrooms have different room dimensions and come with the original wooden shutters, as well as towelling robes, stereo and all your modern comforts. Breakfasts are provided here.

Day 2: Teno Rural Park Walk (8km/5.0mi or 12km/7.5mi)

Start the day with a short drive through the banana plantations of La Isla Baja to Parque Rural de Teno. Then set off on foot from the village of El Palmar to the mountain ridge and the Mirador de Baracan. There are superb views of deep barrancos snaking down the cliffs to the coast and you can even see as far as La Gomera on a clear day. Continue past abandoned terraces, stone circles and traditional farmhouses.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Quinta Roja.

hotel details



Hotel La Quinta Roja, Garachico

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


La Quinta Roja is a restored nobleman's mansion right next to the village square in Garachico, so you could not be more central.

They have preserved all that is historic and beautiful - ancient wooden boards on the first floor balcony enclosing the central courtyard, and the original stone stairs for example - while modern touches add to the quirky but compelling style. Bedrooms have different room dimensions and come with the original wooden shutters, as well as towelling robes, stereo and all your modern comforts. Breakfasts are provided here.

Day 3: Arenas Negras Volcano Walk (13km/8.1mi or 15km/9.3mi)

Visit the Ecomuseo del Tanque to see how the islanders lived in times gone by, then follow the Canal de Vergara to La Corona Forestal, the green lungs of Tenerife and home to masses of birdlife, including the endemic pinzon azul (Canary blue chaffinch). The landscape changes to black sand and rocks as the Arenas Negras volcano looms into view through the trees. Return across the Chinyero lava field, with its contrasting rich green lichen.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Quinta Roja.

hotel details



Hotel La Quinta Roja, Garachico

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


La Quinta Roja is a restored nobleman's mansion right next to the village square in Garachico, so you could not be more central.

They have preserved all that is historic and beautiful - ancient wooden boards on the first floor balcony enclosing the central courtyard, and the original stone stairs for example - while modern touches add to the quirky but compelling style. Bedrooms have different room dimensions and come with the original wooden shutters, as well as towelling robes, stereo and all your modern comforts. Breakfasts are provided here.

Day 4: Monte del Agua Walk (8km/5.0mi or 12km/7.5mi)

From the tranquil village of Erjos, head to Monte del Agua, a treasure trove of richly diverse flora and birdlife. At Casas de La Cumbre, views over deep ravines spread out before you before you’re rewarded with the sight of snow capped Teide. The last descent takes you to the Charcas de Erjos ponds where local and migrant birds can be spotted.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Quinta Roja.

hotel details



Hotel La Quinta Roja, Garachico

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


La Quinta Roja is a restored nobleman's mansion right next to the village square in Garachico, so you could not be more central.

They have preserved all that is historic and beautiful - ancient wooden boards on the first floor balcony enclosing the central courtyard, and the original stone stairs for example - while modern touches add to the quirky but compelling style. Bedrooms have different room dimensions and come with the original wooden shutters, as well as towelling robes, stereo and all your modern comforts. Breakfasts are provided here.

Day 5: Teide National Park - Samara and Black Caves (5km/3.1mi or 9km/5.6mi)

Today you set out on your discovery of the Teide National Park – comprising of several volcanoes including mighty Mount Teide. Climb to the summit of Samara for an outstanding panorama over the volcanic chaos of Montana Reventada, the archaeological Guanche remains of Cuevas Negras and Pico Viejo, Tenerife’s second highest volcano. It’s a short onward drive to your hotel in the village of Vilaflor - the highest village on Tenerife and famous for its almendrados or almond biscuits!

elevation

You stay at Hotel Spa VillAlba.

hotel details



Hotel Spa VillAlba, Vilaflor

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Hotel Spa VillAlba is the perfect get away from it all, peacefully located on the edge of the highest village on Tenerife and surrounded by pine trees. It is superbly appointed, coming with spa facilities - including Turkish bath, sauna and jacuzzi - as well as an indoor / outdoor swimming pool. The bright and comfortable rooms are spacious and with views overlooking the pine forest or the hotel gardens. There is also a cosy lounge, complete with log burning fire, and a TV room. Breakfasts and evening meals are provided here.

Room upgrades: Superior, Junior Suite and Suite
Superior rooms are more spacious and come with balcony. The junior suite is larger again, with a separate sitting room and balcony overlooking the hotel gardens. The suite comes with separate sitting room, balcony and hydromassage bath.

Day 6: The Moon Landscape (8km/5.0mi or 13km/8.1mi)

An exhilarating walk today follows the Camino Real de Chasna – an ancient shepherds’ path connecting the north with the south of the island. Pass through protected pine forest to Los Escurriales, or the Moon Landscape, a fragile geological formation carved over centuries by wind and water erosion.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Spa VillAlba.

hotel details



Hotel Spa VillAlba, Vilaflor

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Hotel Spa VillAlba is the perfect get away from it all, peacefully located on the edge of the highest village on Tenerife and surrounded by pine trees. It is superbly appointed, coming with spa facilities - including Turkish bath, sauna and jacuzzi - as well as an indoor / outdoor swimming pool. The bright and comfortable rooms are spacious and with views overlooking the pine forest or the hotel gardens. There is also a cosy lounge, complete with log burning fire, and a TV room. Breakfasts and evening meals are provided here.

Room upgrades: Superior, Junior Suite and Suite
Superior rooms are more spacious and come with balcony. The junior suite is larger again, with a separate sitting room and balcony overlooking the hotel gardens. The suite comes with separate sitting room, balcony and hydromassage bath.

Day 7: The Best Mirador of Teide (11km/6.8mi)

Savour the best vistas of Mount Teide’s caldera and its ochre coloured palette of lava flows along the Siete Canadas trail to the summit of Mount Guajara. With views as far as Gran Canaria and La Palma on a clear day, it’s a fantastic ending to a week’s walking. The easier option today takes you to Teide's caldera and the Roques de Garcia (3.5KM/2MI/2HR)

elevation

You stay at Hotel Spa VillAlba.

hotel details



Hotel Spa VillAlba, Vilaflor

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


The Hotel Spa VillAlba is the perfect get away from it all, peacefully located on the edge of the highest village on Tenerife and surrounded by pine trees. It is superbly appointed, coming with spa facilities - including Turkish bath, sauna and jacuzzi - as well as an indoor / outdoor swimming pool. The bright and comfortable rooms are spacious and with views overlooking the pine forest or the hotel gardens. There is also a cosy lounge, complete with log burning fire, and a TV room. Breakfasts and evening meals are provided here.

Room upgrades: Superior, Junior Suite and Suite
Superior rooms are more spacious and come with balcony. The junior suite is larger again, with a separate sitting room and balcony overlooking the hotel gardens. The suite comes with separate sitting room, balcony and hydromassage bath.

Day 8: Leave Vilaflor

Make your way back to the airport in time for your flight home.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £426.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Room upgrades available
  • Transfers instead of car hire available, quote W07TT - Call for prices
  • Extra nights available

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Holiday was enjoyable. Parking at the first hotel should be changed from roadside to old football stadium.

Susan Lockwood, 15 Feb 2024

 

We were lucky with the weather being perfect for an early spring walking holiday but the overall experience was enhanced by the Headwater backup of accommodation, welcome guide, and especially the Walking Route App. So straightforward.

Isabelle Mcgrath, 4 Feb 2024

 

We had an excellent holiday. The variety of walks chosen was very good and each day showed us a different aspect of the island. The walk on the fourth day when we transferred from one hotel to another was planned to start from a small parking area on the Teide plateau. By the time we arrived there mid-morning the parking was completely full (it was a sunny Sunday afternoon) and there was nowhere to safely park in the vicinity. We were therefore unable to undertake that days walk which was a shame. This was the only problem we encountered on an otherwise faultless holiday. Thanks to all the team.

Jane Johnson, 31 Jan 2024

 

A fantastic way of discovering the rugged beauty of Tenerife and its well preserved natural areas. The option of long routes and short routes provides the needed flexibility for each day of the trip.

Mr Vinsot Pothuau, 18 Feb 2023

 

We had a great time with varied walks and lovely swims in sunshine in February. The local guides were helpful and supportive; for example they informed us about a closed road with ice and fog. Driving in Tenerife is challenging with many windy roads and we felt we could have been told in advance about this.

Ms James, 7 Feb 2023

 

Contrasts of Tenerife Walking holiday does just what it says on the tin! It was a series of excellent, very different walks - contrast between and within the walks! Superb variety, lovely hotels to stay in and a great holiday!

Mr Cobb, 20 Jan 2023

 

We greatly enjoyed the varied walking routes and the comfortable hotels. The detailed route notes and gps maps gave us confidence.

Mr Bull, 5 Jan 2023

 

A wonderful walking holiday in Tenerife. Walks extremely well described in the trip notes. Weather variable as expected this time of year but suitable alternatives to high level hiking were suggested for the days with poor weather. The hikes gave us a fantastic experience of the variety of climate, terrain and aspect of this beautiful Island. It was our first visit to Tenerife but we will return.

Mr Hawkes, 2 Dec 2022

 

We used a hire car, organised by Headwater. When we arrived at Garachico late on Friday evening we found it difficult to find parking in the narrow streets and to navigate the one way system. Your advice was to park in a street nearby the hotel. The hotel receptionist suggested the car park , the campo futbal,only a two minute walk from the hotel. The car park was free and there were always spaces. We suggest that you direct future clients here.

Mrs Glover, 18 Nov 2022

 

Excellent holiday, superb walks in great locations. We did all the longer walks, some with a fair bit of ascent/descent and they were all excellent. Take sticks for the descents! Vilaflor & Garachico hotels were great, good food (and large portions) included in Vilaflor. There was an event in the main square in Garachico for 2 nights whilst we were there, but fortunately the music stopped around 10pm both nights.

There's a great little bar/cafe in Vilaflor with a large terrace overlooking the views at the back - Casa Pana, just down from the Dulceria Vilaflor below the main square. You can't see the terrace from the front! And in Garachico we had great meals at Hotel San Roque, just around the corner from Quinta Roja, and also at El Caleton by the sea.

We had a couple of nights added on at the end and stayed at the Hotel Botanico near the botanical gardens, both excellent. La Orotava is also worth stopping at to look at the gardens.

Mrs Marchant, 2 Mar 2022

 

An energetic walking holiday in stunning surroundings. Tenerife was surprising and stimulating, from the rocky coastline, amazing views through to the extraordinary volcanic landscape. Thoroughly recommend.

Ms Findlay, 25 Nov 2021

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 1+ to 2+

Flights
available

19.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from £1169

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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