Scenic / Cultural
Best of Tenerife
La Laguna, La Esperanza forest and the Orotava Valley — a classic northern Tenerife day.
Cruise suitability: Works well on a solid full day in port
Best of Tenerife concentrates on UNESCO La Laguna, the cool green of La Esperanza forest and views across the Orotava Valley — a rewarding scenic and cultural day from Santa Cruz.
This itinerary suits guests who want island depth beyond the harbour without attempting every coastline in one call.
La Laguna’s colonial grid is Tenerife’s cultural counterpoint to Santa Cruz’s port energy; La Esperanza and the Orotava Valley add the green northern character that surprises first-time visitors.
If Mount Teide is your non-negotiable priority, compare Tenerife Total Experience instead.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Depart Santa Cruz
Meet near the cruise terminal and travel inland toward La Laguna.
Stop 2
La Laguna
Walk colonial streets and absorb UNESCO heritage architecture.
Stop 3
La Esperanza forest
Continue into cooler forest landscapes typical of Tenerife’s north.
Stop 4
Orotava Valley
Pause for valley viewpoints before returning toward Santa Cruz.
Highlights
- UNESCO La Laguna colonial streets
- La Esperanza forest scenery
- Orotava Valley viewpoints
- Northern Tenerife character
- Cruise-timed return to Santa Cruz
Included
- Port pickup and drop-off planning in Santa Cruz
- Air-conditioned transport
- English-speaking guide commentary
- Return planned around the ship’s all-aboard
Not included
- Entrance fees unless stated on your voucher
- Lunch and personal purchases
- Gratuities
Return to ship guarantee
Return to ship guarantee: itineraries are planned around your Santa Cruz cruise call so you are back at the terminal with time before all-aboard. If an operational delay on our side causes you to miss the ship, we work with the local provider under the published return-to-ship assurance for that booking.
Getting there from the cruise port
Cruise ships berth at Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s passenger terminal on the city’s waterfront edge. Santa Cruz itself is compact and walkable for an independent city day — Plaza de España, the Auditorio waterfront and Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África sit within a realistic stroll for many guests. Mount Teide, La Laguna, Anaga and round-island routes require organised road time; confirm meeting instructions and plan from your ship’s all-aboard time, not merely the published departure. Aim to be back at the terminal 60–90 minutes early; longer island days need the larger end of that buffer.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Comfortable walking shoes for La Laguna streets
- A light layer helps in forest shade
- Return to ship guarantee: itineraries are planned around your Santa Cruz cruise call so you are back at the terminal with time before all-aboard. If an operational delay on our side causes you to miss the ship, we work with the local provider under the published return-to-ship assurance for that booking.
Excursion FAQs
Does this include Mount Teide?▼
No. Best of Tenerife focuses on La Laguna, La Esperanza forest and the Orotava Valley. For Teide, choose Tenerife Total Experience.
