About this tour
When Alex from our team booked this transfer, we got a straightforward run from the south of Tenerife up to Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast — eight hours round trip in an air-conditioned coach. You're dropped in the city centre and left to your own devices, which means a solid chunk of time to wander Plaza del Charco, check out the Botanical Gardens, stroll Paseo de San Telmo, or hit the beach. It's less a guided tour and more a ride with built-in free time, so you're steering your own day once you arrive.
Highlights
- Air-conditioned coach beats the Tenerife heat on the drive
- Hotel pickup from select southern resorts saves hassle
- Eight hours gives genuine breathing room to explore at your pace
- Plaza del Charco and waterfront promenade are walkable from drop-off
- Botanical Gardens on your doorstep if you're after greenery
- No rushed schedule or group shepherding once you land
What to expect
You'll be picked up from your hotel (if it's on the approved list — check 48 hours before) and driven north in comfort. The journey itself is decent enough: you're not fighting traffic chaos, and the coach has air-con, which matters on Tenerife. Once you hit Puerto de la Cruz, the driver drops you in the centre and you've got most of the day to wander. The city itself is a working northern port town, not glitzy — think older Spanish charm rather than resort polish. Plaza del Charco is a pleasant square to base yourself around, the waterfront walk is easy, and the Botanical Gardens are genuinely worth an hour if plants are your thing.
The catch is you're entirely self-directed. No guide, no itinerary, no group commentary. That's brilliant if you like autonomy and rubbish if you prefer someone pointing out what matters. Lunchtime rolls around and you're hunting your own spots — no meals included. The drive back is the reverse of the morning, so plan to be at the coach on time.
What travellers say
- Comfortable air-conditioned coach removes driving stress
- Real free time to explore rather than tightly scheduled stops
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in south beats renting a car
- North coast is genuinely different from tourist-heavy southern resorts
- Works for mixed fitness levels and ages
- No guide means you're navigating Puerto de la Cruz solo
- Food and drinks not included; you'll hunt lunch yourself
- Limited pickup days if you're in Los Gigantes or Puerto Santiago
- Not accessible for wheelchair users or families needing infant seats
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you're based in the south and curious about the quieter northern coast without hiring a car, this removes the stress. Solo travellers and groups who want to plot their own course will appreciate the freedom. The drive itself is pretty comfortable, and eight hours gives you real time rather than a rushed hit-and-run.
You're entirely on your own for food and drinks — bring cash or know where cards work in the city. The tour's not guided, so if you rely on someone explaining history or logistics, you'll miss that. Early pickup times aren't specified but transfers usually aren't leisurely — budget for a 6 or 7 a.m. start. It's not wheelchair accessible, there are no infant car seats, and pets aren't allowed. If you're staying outside the designated southern hotel zones (especially Los Gigantes or Puerto Santiago), pickups are only Monday, Wednesday, Friday — book ahead or you're stuck arranging alternatives.
Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Take water. Have your voucher (paper or digital) ready. Group sizes vary but it's a shared coach, not private. Peak summer means more punters, so don't expect solitude.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.