Folklore in Tenerife

Full-day Tenerife villages tour with Anaga Country Park and lunch

One of the island's first Spanish settlements, Taganana is also one of the most remote villages in Tenerife. And on this trip, it's just one of three scenery-packed locations you'll visit, alongside Candelaria and Anaga Country Park. In maximum groups of just 30 passengers per trip, you'll travel in a fleet of minibuses to discover it all in style.

Tenerife discovery excursion with local delicacies

Dusty and lunar-like in the south, green and mountainous in the north, Tenerife packs a continent into one island. Think quaint villages, stunning views and a local lunch on this full day experience. You'll visit the UNESCO-listed old town of La Laguna, drop into a bodega for lunch and explore an aloe vera farm as well as finding out about the island's banana-growing heritage. Arianne, one of our local expert guides, says, ‘Canarian bananas are smaller but thicker, and their peel has dark speckles. The pulp is yellower, and it should be eaten riper, which makes it sweeter.'First up is a visit to an aloe vera plantation. Here, you'll learn about the healing qualities – especially skincare – of this crop. Then it's on to La Laguna, arguably the prettiest town on the island. Throw in its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it makes for a real gem of a stop. Wander its poker-straight streets of pastel-coloured palaces and colonial-era churches and convents, or stop for a coffee in one of the cool tree-lined plazas. Next, you'll head to a family-run bodega for a typical Canarian lunch of seasonal and locally sourced produce to reduce the environmental impact. And it goes without saying that some of the bodega's wines will be served with the food. Your final stop is the Casa del Plátano in Icod de los Vinos. Here you'll find out all about the island's banana-growing heritage and tempt your taste buds when you sample fresh bananas and banana liqueur.

La Gomera 4x4 Safari Tour from the South

From ancient laurel forests with bubbling streams to deep palm-filled valleys and black sand beaches, La Gomera is the unsung hero of the Canary Islands. You'll take the ferry over from Tenerife to explore its verdant national park and seek out some spectacular rock formations on this 4x4 full day tour.

La Gomera Tour from Tenerife with Lunch

As you approach La Gomera by sea, the dramatic contours hint at extraordinary landscapes waiting to be explored. As Arianne, one of our expert local guides says, ‘A trip to La Gomera is like visiting a totally different era. You'll feel like you're getting back to the past, to the origins of the Canary Islands.' On this day trip from Tenerife, you'll discover remote villages, spend time in Garajonay National Park and visit the capital, San Sebastian. Garajonay National Park boasts pristine woodlands which are over 60 million years old, and they are undoubtedly a highlight of a visit to La Gomera. The park is a true natural treasure, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Deep ravines scar the swathes of evergreen laurel forests bursting with rare plant life. The visitor centre is the place to find out more about the unique botany and history of Garajonay. Next, you'll pay a visit to some of La Gomera's most scenic villages where you can get a feel for what life is like for the island's residents. After departing Garajonay, we'll stop for a typical lunch made from local produce, served at a family-run restaurant with striking views over the island's volcanic landscapes. You'll also delve into La Gomera's culture with a demonstration of 'silbo gomero' – a unique whistling language. Arianne says, ‘With a landscape like ours, communicating by whistle saved a lot of climbing.' Round off your island tour with free time to explore San Sebastian, where Columbus set out on his first voyage of discovery.

Tenerife Tour with Teide National Park and Lunch

Tenerife's mix of volcanic landscapes and charming colonial towns makes for epic sightseeing. And you'll discover the best of these in just one day on this VIP experience. See the famous Roques de Garcia, visit Puerto de la Cruz and enjoy lunch in a restaurant famed as much for its views as for its traditional Canarian fare. Arianne, one of our guides, says, ‘I love this tour because it combines everything that the island offers – botany, volcanology, sociology and the local way of life.'Your adventure begins the moment you board your VIP bus in the morning and set off towards Teide National Park. Along the way, there's a coffee stop at Vilaflor – the island's highest village – which has a compact old quarter of colonial buildings. At the national park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll have free time to explore the Roques de Garcia. These jagged volcanic rocks make the ideal backdrop for some selfies. Then, as you head north out of the park, the lunar-like landscapes give way to luxuriant eucalyptus forests.Our next stop is a popular restaurant, which boasts views of Teide and the coastline. Tuck into a typical lunch made from locally sourced seasonal products. In the afternoon, we'll head into Puerto de la Cruz. Enjoy a stroll along its volcanic seafront and through its palm-studded plazas and exotic gardens. On the return leg, we'll stop at a famous viewpoint, which looks down on the wave-washed coastal village of Garachico.

La Gomera 4x4 Safari Tour from the North

From ancient laurel forests with bubbling streams to deep palm-filled valleys and black sand beaches, La Gomera is the unsung hero of the Canary Islands. You'll take the ferry over from Tenerife to explore its verdant national park and seek out some spectacular rock formations on this 4x4 full day tour.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Teno Alto, Tenerife's Last Shepherd Stronghold

Set off on an immersive tour through Teno Alto, a bastion of rural traditions within Teno Rural Park. Your local guide will unveil the settlement's evolution during a scenic 75-minute hike. Encounter ethnological elements from prehistoric to present times, and experience the profound connection of Teno Alto's inhabitants to their land, sustained by agriculture and goat herding – the region's hallmark.At the trail's end, delve into the heart of local culture and meet one of Teno's last shepherds. Discover the artistry behind traditional cheeses and the tireless efforts of generations to preserve this ancient craft. Witness a "salto del pastor" exhibition – an esteemed folk sport showcasing remarkable agility and skill.End your adventure at Mirador de Garachico, a traditional restaurant, where the third-generation owners elevate Canarian cuisine with modern flair. Indulge in a tasting menu crafted to reflect the flavours and landscapes of Teno Alto, using locally-sourced produce that highlights the region's culinary richness. To complete the experience, complement your meal with carefully selected wines from the region.By joining this tour, you'll not only support sustainable tourism in a protected area but also contribute to the preservation of its cultural heritage. Interact with locals, gain insights into their way of life, and savour the essence of Teno Alto through its flavours and traditions.

VIP guided tour of La Gomera with Garajonay Park and lunch

Seen from the sea, La Gomera's jagged peaks and lush green landscapes tell you something special lies ahead. And this island just west of Tenerife really is something out of this world. You'll discover remote villages, explore the Jurassic-like Garajonay National Park and visit the capital, San Sebastián.

La Gomera from the North

Marooned off the southwest coast of Tenerife, the tiny island of La Gomera has a lost-in-time feel. Away from the tourist trail, it's totally unspoilt – think jagged ravines, terraced white villages and pristine forests.

La Gomera Tour with Garajonay Forest and San Sebastian

La Gomera boasts unspoilt landscapes and a distinct culture all of its own. On this tour, you'll visit this Jurassic-like island and discover Garajonay National Park, a string of villages and the charming capital, San Sebastian. Arianne, one of our guides, says of the island, ‘La Gomera is a totally different world – it's a return to the past, to the origin of the Canary Islands.'The star of the show is without doubt Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a mishmash of deep ravines and gorges filled with ancient, misty laurel forests and rare plant life. On a visit to its interpretative centre, you'll find out about its botany and history. You'll also get to know hamlets such as oasis-like Chejelipes, which is on the banks of a reservoir, and the northern villages of Hermigua and Aguilo. One of the highlights is a visit to a family-run restaurant famed for its jaw-dropping views over the island's volcanic landscapes. Here, you'll enjoy a typical lunch made from locally sourced ingredients.And you'll get you to learn about local culture, too. There's a demonstration of the unique-to-the-island ‘whistling language' known as 'silbo gomero'. To round off the experience, there's free time to explore San Sebastian. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of Columbus before he began his first voyage of discovery. More than a visit to another island, a trip to La Gomera is a journey to another era.