Self-drive holiday - Discovery stay in Tenerife & Lanzarote

You are beginning your trip to Tenerife with an experience at sea, off the west coast of the island. Today, you board an ecological hybrid vessel, recognized as the quietest on the island, to discover the waters of Tenerife and their marine fauna. This coast, declared a whale heritage site in 2021, is a privileged location for observing whales and dolphins throughout the year. The excursion takes place in a small group of 8 people maximum, for a more intimate and respectful approach. The boat is equipped with a hydrophone and a 360-degree camera, to best enrich the observation experience. Throughout the outing, you are accompanied by an experienced skipper and marine biologist, who share their knowledge of the cetaceans you encounter. This sea outing also allows you to sail along the cliffs of Los Gigantes, in a particularly pleasant setting. Refreshments and local gourmet snacks are also provided during the excursion. Duration: 2h30

Off the coast of Tenerife, you set out to discover a marine sanctuary recognized as a whale heritage site. This stretch of ocean welcomes several species of cetaceans year-round, offering privileged conditions for their observation. In a small group, accompanied by a skipper and a marine biologist, you enjoy an approach that is both respectful and enriching. Equipped with a hydrophone and a 360° camera, the boat allows you to experience an immersive adventure, while the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes unfold on the horizon. During the navigation, some local specialties and refreshments complete this moment suspended between sky and sea.
Duration: 2h30

At the heart of the immense Cañadas del Teide caldera, dominated by Pico del Teide reaching 3,718 meters, you discover one of Europe's most remarkable volcanic landscapes. We suggest you take the Roques de García trail, a pleasant hike that allows you to get close to the famous rock formations sculpted by erosion and admire the full geological diversity of the park. Along the way, the contrasts between ancient lava flows, volcanic reliefs and, depending on the season, snow-capped peaks offer a striking spectacle.

Approximately 3.5 km – 2 hours of walking

From the viewpoint, take the Sentier des Sens, a pleasant walk through a forest of laurels several centuries old. Among giant ferns, mosses and trees wrapped in lichens, this short stroll offers an immersion in the laurel forest, a remnant of the ancient subtropical forests that once covered southern Europe.

Take time to walk through the historic center, between shaded squares, flower-filled patios, churches and small shops. This stroll is ideal for soaking up the architectural heritage and Canarian way of life.

Approximately 1h30 to 2 hours of walking

Today, we invite you to discover a banana plantation at Finca Margaritas, located in Las Galletas. This visit allows you to learn more about banana cultivation, an emblematic fruit of the Canaries. The banana grown in the archipelago benefits from a favorable climate, volcanic soil conducive to plantations, and the care provided by farmers throughout its cultivation. Tenerife is the largest producing island of this fruit, recognizable by its bright yellow color dotted with black spots. The visit is conducted with an English-speaking guide and concludes with a tasting of local banana-based products.

After this discovery, we suggest you have lunch at the El Cordero restaurant, located near the plantation.

In the afternoon, you then set off for the ascent of Montaña Roja, at El Médano. This short 2-hour hike allows you to end the day on a pleasant note, with an open view of the entire south coast of the island upon arrival. 2 hours of hiking – elevation gain: 200 m – linear route with return by the same path. Our agency will provide you with a detailed description of this hike.

Just a few minutes from the plantation, we suggest stopping at El Cordero restaurant to enjoy generous Canarian cuisine in a typical setting.

The trail rises gradually between the dunes of blonde sand and the volcanic reliefs bordering the Atlantic. At the summit, the gaze embraces the beaches of El Médano, the turquoise waters of the coast and, on clear days, the mountains that outline the horizon of Tenerife. An accessible hike, ideal for concluding the day in a setting where volcanic earth meets the ocean.

Approximately 5 km – 2 hours of walking

Elevation gain: +200 m

Today, discover some of the most beautiful treasures of Tenerife, between Canarian and colonial architecture, agricultural traditions and island lifestyle. You start this day in the picturesque village of Masca, nestled in the Teno massif. Between chains of volcanic mountains plunging towards the Atlantic Ocean and a winding road, arriving at Masca is already part of the experience. Legend has it that Masca beach served as a secret refuge for pirates. This hamlet was once inhabited by the Guanche, an aboriginal population that came from the African coast, before being occupied at the end of the 15th century by peninsular conquerors. On site, you take time to stroll through the small paved streets of the village, lined with cultivated terraces where avocados, mangoes, papayas and guavas grow in particular.

For lunch, we recommend the Blanky Casa Fidel restaurant, located in the heart of the village.

You then continue on the small Masca road towards the village of Santiago, where a stop allows you to discover its beautiful Canarian-style church.

The day ends in Garachico, classified among the most beautiful villages in Spain. You discover its natural seawater pools, its military fortress and its small botanical garden.

Take time to wander through the cobbled streets of this hamlet steeped in history, once occupied by the Guanches, the first inhabitants of Tenerife. The terraced orchards of avocado, mango, papaya and guava trees still testify today to a way of life deeply connected to the mountain. For lunch, we recommend the Blanky Casa Fidel restaurant, ideal for discovering the flavors of Canaries cuisine.

Approximately 1 hour visit on foot

Let yourself be carried away by the peaceful atmosphere of its cobblestone streets, between historic dwellings, shaded squares and volcanic coastline. Each stroll reveals a new facet of this village with its unique character.

You start this day in Icod de los Vinos, where you take time to stroll through the historic center, classified as a Property of Cultural Interest. A stop is then necessary at the Dragon Park, undoubtedly the most well-known site in the town. This three-hectare botanical garden is home to the world's oldest dragon tree. You can follow marked trails among the endemic and indigenous plants of the Canaries, and also discover a recreation of a Guanche cave, as a tribute to the island's indigenous inhabitants.

By the seaside, you then head to Puerto de la Cruz, where you discover its Botanical Garden (entrance at 3 €), the Lago Martiánez, a complex of swimming pools and seawater lagoon, as well as its pedestrian streets and old port. For lunch, we recommend the Mesón Los Gemelos restaurant.

You continue the day in La Orotava, strolling through its cobbled streets to admire the colonial and local architecture, as well as the famous House of Balconies (entrance at 6 €, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). We also suggest a stop at the gofio mill "La Máquina", in La Orotava. Gofio, flour made from roasted cereals, mainly corn or wheat, holds an important place in Canarian culture. Used in both desserts and savory dishes, it remains a central ingredient in many recipes of the archipelago. The mill is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free entrance.

In the heart of the city, Drago Park is home to one of the most emblematic symbols of Tenerife: the famous thousand-year-old dragon tree. As you walk through the pathways of this botanical garden, you discover a remarkable collection of endemic plants from the Canaries as well as a reconstruction of a Guanche cave, recalling the history of the island's first inhabitants.

Approximately 1 hour visit on foot

Take the opportunity to visit the Botanical Garden, a true haven of greenery bringing together species from all over the world, before heading to Lago Martiánez, a seawater pool complex designed by César Manrique. We recommend having lunch at the Mesón Los Gemelos restaurant, renowned for its traditional Canarian cuisine.

Approximately 2 hours of walking tour

Stroll through the cobbled streets of its historic center and admire the elegant colonial mansions that make up the city's charm. Don't miss the famous House of Balconies, a true masterpiece of Canarian architecture, before discovering the gofio mill "La Máquina". You will learn how this traditional flour, made from roasted cereals, became one of the pillars of the archipelago's gastronomy.

Approximately 2 hours of walking tour

In the heart of Montañas del Fuego, you explore one of Europe's most impressive volcanic landscapes. Between lava fields, craters, volcanic cones and expanses in ochre, black and red hues, each panorama reminds you of the power of the eruptions that shaped the island. Following the famous route imagined by César Manrique, you discover a raw territory where nature reigns supreme. The geothermal demonstrations carried out on site also allow you to observe the heat still present beneath the surface.

Today, we suggest you discover three must-see sites in Lanzarote: Cueva de los Verdes, Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río.

1- Cueva de los Verdes: Cueva de los Verdes is a volcanic tunnel formed by the Corona volcano. It is one of the longest and most fascinating in the world, with more than 6 kilometers of galleries extending from the crater. The visit allows you to explore approximately one kilometer of this volcanic tube, for an immersive discovery in a unique mineral setting.

2- Jameos del Agua: Jameos del Agua is located inside the volcanic tunnel created by the eruption of the La Corona volcano, in its part closest to the ocean. This site owes its name to the presence of an interior lake, which constitutes a unique geological formation. Imagined and developed by artist Cesar Manrique, this space combines nature and artistic intervention in a remarkable setting.

3- Mirador del Río: Mirador del Río is installed on a promontory of volcanic rock overlooking the sea at 475 meters high. It offers a clear view of the island of La Graciosa and allows you to fully appreciate the reliefs and environment of this part of Lanzarote. An ideal stop to enjoy the panorama.

Accompanied by a guide, you venture into a spectacular volcanic tube thousands of years old. As you make your way through the underground galleries, the light highlights the shapes sculpted by lava, revealing a mineral universe that is both surprising and mysterious.

Approximately 1 hour visit

Imagined by artist César Manrique, this exceptional site harmoniously combines nature, architecture and art. Between the underground lake with crystal-clear waters, lush gardens and spaces carved into volcanic rock, the visit offers a unique experience where human creation enhances the landscape without ever distorting it.

Perched at 475 meters altitude and perfectly integrated into the cliff by César Manrique, the Mirador del Río unveils a spectacular panorama over the island of La Graciosa, the Atlantic Ocean and the steep cliffs of northern Lanzarote. An ideal place to admire all the wild beauty of the archipelago.

Approximately 30 to 45 min visit

Take the time to explore these narrow volcanic crevices, whose walls in ochre and black hues bear witness to the power of the geological forces that shaped Lanzarote. This still-preserved site is also an ideal location for taking stunning photographs.

Approximately 30 to 45 minutes of walking visit

The trail rises gradually through a mineral landscape dominated by volcanic scoria and lava fields. Little by little, the panoramas open up over the whole of Lanzarote, revealing a succession of volcanic cones and expanses shaped by fire. At the summit, you discover the largest crater in the Canaries archipelago, with a diameter reaching nearly 1,200 meters, offering a spectacular view over the surrounding volcanic lands.

9 km – 2h15 walking time

Elevation gain: +502 m

Difficulty: moderate

For this day, we suggest you discover two must-see sites in Lanzarote: Lago Verde and Los Hervideros. Lago Verde, also called La Laguna de los Clicos, is among those landscapes shaped by fire, sea and wind. Formed as a result of the 1730 eruptions, this site takes the form of a natural amphitheater open to the ocean. The green lagoon actually occupies part of a volcano's crater, making it one of the most striking landscapes on the island.

We recommend you then continue towards Los Hervideros, located nearby. This site allows you to observe a natural phenomenon characteristic of the Canaries: a coastline formed of dried lava descending to the ocean. Equipped for visitors, Los Hervideros offers you beautiful views of waves crashing against these volcanic rock formations. A lovely stop to discover the meeting point between sea and lava on the coast of Lanzarote.

For lunch, we suggest Restaurante El Caletón, located in El Golfo.

Nestled at the heart of an ancient volcanic crater that opens out to the ocean, Lago Verde fascinates with the emerald color of its lagoon, created by the presence of microalgae. Dark cliffs, black sand and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic make up a spectacular setting, shaped by volcanic eruptions, wind and sea.

Approximately 45 min walking tour

From the walkways set up, you observe the waves of the Atlantic rushing forcefully into cavities carved by erosion. With each surge, the water spurts between the volcanic rocks, offering a spectacle as powerful as it is fascinating. This site perfectly illustrates the permanent meeting between solidified lava and the ocean.

Approximately 45 min walking tour

Continue your discovery at the Wine Museum of Lanzarote, located within the Bodega El Grifo, one of the oldest wineries in Spain. Here you will discover the history of local viticulture and the cultivation methods specific to this volcanic land.