Green, greener, North Tenerife! This tailor-made shore excursion is perfect for cruise guests who love fascinating natural landscapes, enjoy taking their time in botanical gardens, and want to stroll through historic Canarian villages. Discover the highlights from Santa Cruz to Garachico and Icod de los Vinos in just one day.
Route Overview & Logistics for Cruise Guests
The entire route covers approximately 130 kilometers, about 100 kilometers of which run comfortably along the TF-5 highway. With a typical excursion window of six hours, you will have plenty of room for discovery despite the driving time.
Stage / Section Distance Pure Driving Time Recommended Duration Santa Cruz Port → Jardín Botánico (Puerto de la Cruz) approx. 38 km approx. 40 min. 1 hour
Jardín Botánico → Garachico approx. 35 km approx. 35 min. 1 hour
Garachico → Icod de los Vinos (Drago Milenario) approx. 7 km approx. 12 min. 1 hour
Icod de los Vinos → Santa Cruz Port (Direct Return) approx. 60 km approx. 50 min.
Optional Stop: Casa del Vino / Bodega Monje On the way back Varies 30 minutes Time calculation at a glance: The pure driving time is about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. Combined with the planned stops totaling 3.5 hours, this results in a realistic and perfectly filled 6-hour schedule.
The Highlights of the Shore Excursion in Detail
1st Stop: The Botanical Garden in Puerto de la Cruz (Jardín Botánico) Your first destination is the historic Botanical Garden, which is well signposted from the TF-5 highway. Founded in 1788 by a decree from King Carlos III, the grounds house a fascinating variety of exotic, tropical, and subtropical plants across more than 60,000 square meters. A place of peace that invites you to linger and marvel. The entrance fee is a family-friendly €3.
2. Stop: Garachico – The Most Beautiful Village in the Canaries Next, head to Garachico. With its natural sea pools (Piscinas Naturales), inviting promenade, and an exemplary restored old town, many consider it the most beautiful village in the Canary Islands. Historical background: In 1706, Garachico was almost completely destroyed by the eruption of the Trevejos volcano. The striking church tower is the only historical remnant still standing today.
Culinary Insider Tips for Garachico: Restaurante Silogía (in the Quinta Roja): Here, upscale traditional Canarian cuisine meets modern Asian influences. The kitchen meets the highest standards. Restaurant Cañada de Garachico: Another top tip for excellent fusion cuisine that creatively reinterprets Canarian specialties. Cinnamon Atelier: The absolute top address for all visitors with a sweet tooth – ideal for an exquisite dessert or specialty coffees.
3. Stop: Icod de los Vinos – The Ancient Dragon Tree & Butterfly Park Reach Icod de los Vinos via the TF-42. The path to the world-famous Drago Milenario (the centuries-old dragon tree) is excellently signposted and impossible to miss. Two further highlights await you right in the neighborhood: • • Iglesia Mayor de San Marcos: A true jewel of Canarian church architecture and a wonderful place of silence. Mariposario del Drago: A fascinating butterfly house. In a huge glass house, countless exotic butterfly species fly freely in their natural environment – an absolutely magical experience for every age group.
Optional Extension for Wine Lovers Indulgence stop on the way back: Casa del Vino & Bodega Monje If you have a weakness for fine wines and enough time to spare, you can plan a detour on the drive back to the port. To do this, take exit 21 on the TF-5 towards El Sauzal. Both at the Casa del Vino and the traditional Bodega Monje, everything revolves around Tenerife’s unique wines. A museum visit paired with a short wine tasting is definitely worth it. From the Casa del Vino to the cruise port in Santa Cruz, it is only about 30 kilometers.
⚠ Important Safety Note for the Tour Never leave bags, suitcases, cameras, or other visible items in your parked rental car. Consistently take all valuables with you to the viewpoint, even during short photo stops.
💡 Insider Tips for a Stress-Free Experience • • • Weather and Clothing: The north of Tenerife can be noticeably cooler and damper than the south. Be sure to pack a warm jacket and sturdy shoes. Check the weather conditions before departure – road closures (e.g., due to fog or forest fire risk) can occur. Reserve a Rental Car in Advance: If your ship is only in port for about 8 hours, every minute counts. Reserve the car in advance at a station directly at the terminal (Provider 1 is about 250 meters away, Provider 2 about 400 meters). This avoids long shuttle rides. Fair Fuel Policy: Choose an option where you can return the vehicle without refueling first (pre-payment or subsequent billing) to avoid losing time at the gas station on the way back. Look for transparent fuel prices.
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