Itineraries
7 active days
Teide's summit, the Masca gorge, paragliding, surfing and dolphins – a week for people who can't sit still on a sunbed
Day 1
Warming up on the waves
- 1
15:00–17:00
Playa de las Américas – surf spots
The south's best-known surf spots, where schools provide both board and wetsuit. Beginners head for the sandier stretches by Playa del Camisón and Playa de Troya.
- 2
sunset
Playa del Duque
An evening run or walk from Playa del Duque to Los Cristianos (~8 km).
Our tip
The biggest waves come between autumn and spring. In summer the sea is usually calmer – ideal for first lessons.
Day 2
The roof of Spain – Teide, 3,718 m
- 1
7:30
Montaña Blanca – Teide on foot
On foot from the car park on the TF-21 (km 40) via Montaña Blanca up to La Rambleta – about 8 km and +1,300 m. You need a permit for this stretch between 9:00 and 15:00 (€6 on weekdays, €10 at weekends).
- 2
13:00–14:00
Climbing to Teide's summit (PNT 10 permit)
The final 160 vertical metres to the crater require a permit from Tenerife ON (€15; book 56 days ahead, new slots released on Mondays at 7:00).
- 3
14:30–15:30
Teide cable car (Teleférico del Teide)
A one-way ticket down costs €23.50. Buy it in advance or at the top station via a QR code, provided the cable car is running.
Our tip
Easier version: take the cable car up at 9:00 with a crater permit for 9:00–11:00, then visit the La Fortaleza and Pico Viejo viewpoints. A fleece and sturdy footwear are compulsory, plus crampons and an ice axe in winter. Without the right gear you won't be let through.
Day 3
The Masca gorge and back by boat
- 1
1 h before your slot
Barranco de Masca gorge
Leave the car in the car park by the cemetery. Bus 355 to the start of the trek is compulsory – you're not allowed to drive there.
- 2
approx. 4 h descent
Masca
A demanding 5 km descent through the gorge to the sea, entry from €40.66. Hiking boots, 1.5 l of water and a boat ticket are compulsory.
- 3
afternoon
Masca
Buy your boat ticket in advance, for a sailing within 4 hours of your slot. Buses 462 and 325 run from Los Gigantes back to Santiago del Teide.
- 4
sunset
Mirador de Archipenque – views of Los Gigantes
Views of the cliffs from the Archipenque viewpoint or from the harbour.
Our tip
The gorge closes in bad weather and when the sea is rough (the boat doesn't sail). Check the status the day before at caminobarrancodemasca.com (“Masca today”).
Day 4
Sea and sky
- 1
9:00–11:30
Kayaking and snorkelling with turtles – La Caleta
The sea is glassy in the morning. Guides set off from La Caleta, where you have a good chance of seeing turtles and dolphins.
- 2
12:00–15:00 (wind permitting)
Tandem paragliding – Airsports Tenerife
Take-off at around 1,000 m above Adeje, landing by the coast in Costa Adeje. The flight lasts 15–25 minutes, with views of La Gomera.
Our tip
Book paragliding with flexible dates – flights are often rescheduled because of wind or cloud. Don't plan it for your departure day.
Day 5
The laurel forests of Anaga
- 1
8:30
Cruz del Carmen and Sendero de los Sentidos
A visitor centre and viewpoint. From here, the short Sendero de los Sentidos leads through the laurel forest (laurisilva).
- 2
9:30–13:30
Chinamada – cave houses
The classic route past the cave village of Chinamada down to the sea (~10 km, mostly downhill). Get back to the car by bus or taxi.
- 3
early evening
San Cristóbal de La Laguna (UNESCO)
Dinner and a stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Our tip
It's 1 h 15 min from Ponderosa to Anaga. The TF-12 is unpleasant in fog, so set off early. The El Pijaral trail requires a free permit with a daily limit.
Day 6
Hell's Gorge and under the sea
- 1
8:30–11:30
Barranco del Infierno
6.5 km there and back to a waterfall above Adeje; entry €16, with compulsory booking and a helmet. It's 15 minutes by car from Ponderosa.
- 2
13:00–16:00
El Puertito de Armeñime (turtles)
A small cove known for its turtles, good for snorkelling or a try dive with a diving school.
Our tip
A narrow road with very little parking leads down to El Puertito. Go in the morning or late afternoon, and leave nothing in the car.
Day 7
Roque del Conde and farewell
- 1
7:30–11:30
Roque del Conde (1,001 m)
A table mountain above the south (1,001 m), starting from the village of Vento. The hike takes 3–4 hours there and back, crosses a barranco and rewards you with a panorama from Teide to La Gomera.
- 2
afternoon
Playa del Duque
Time to recover on Costa Adeje's most elegant beach.
Our tip
There's no shade at all on Roque del Conde, so set off at dawn and take 2 l of water per person.
Stay in the heart of it
The whole island within reach
Our Ponderosa apartments are 350 m from El Bobo beach, and Sun Rays Bay house is 100 m from Ajabo beach. Book direct — no portal fees.
- Book direct — no Booking/Airbnb fees
- Guest rating 4.7–4.9 ★ on Airbnb
- Pools, free parking and on-site help
- 7-seat car with bike rack for rent
