My name is John and I am a qualified Canary Island Guide working on the island of Tenerife. I enjoy meeting people and showing off the delights of my island. I consider myself easy to get on with and always do my best to make your day interesting and relaxing.

Although I am British I was brought up here in the islands when the rhythm of life was perhaps a little gentler. In fact, I have a preference for gentle, unhurried excursions with plenty of time for taking photographs and for clients to stretch their legs.

My Scottish ancestors settled in the Canary Islands over two hundred years ago so I can tell you quite a lot about the real, native Tenerife with numerous anecdotes and interesting information one doesn't usually find in books or brochures. Tenerife has a fascinating history. Its people are unique and proud of their connections with the original pre-Hispanic Guanche inhabitants. During my excursions I can tell you something about the Spanish conquest, the island's volcanic eruptions, its history of trade with Europe and America, its charming traditional customs, its involvement with piracy from as far back as the 16th century and much, much more.

I offer guided tours in my own vehicle or sometimes a hired vehicle if necessary. But they are always private and for you only. I will also hire transport and a driver if your group is larger. We will see the places you choose to visit be they old town centres, historic monuments, volcanic landscapes, vineyards or even beaches. The island is full of fascinating contrasts, the vegetations and colours changing from valley to valley, from the black sand beaches hidden under cliffs to the amazing lunar landscapes inside the Teide National Park, from the coastline banana plantations to the vineyards on the sloping hills. And, of course, it is blessed with folklore and delicious local cuisine. In fact, if we have the time and you request it I will always try to squeeze in a visit to a local inn so you can sample some of the Canary Island recipes and wines.

Tenerife is a remarkable island and I very much look forward to meeting you and showing you around.

I am a qualified Official Canary Island Tourism Guide, with License Nº 3736, as issued by the Canary Island Government. To prepare myself for the required exam I took a course specifically designed for guides in the Canaries at ESETEC, (Canary Island School of Technical Training). This enabled me to pass the required examination to qualify as a guide.

I am not a mountaineer so would not be able to take clients mountain climbing, for example up the slopes of Mount Teide, but I can, of course, take you on the cable car and walking along the many mountain and coastal tracks in Tenerife.

Approaching Mount Teide over a sea of cloud

The remarkable tower of jewels, which flowers only in May and June

The cable car almost reaches the summit on Mt Teide

Delicious baked cheese with mojos and palm honey - mouth-watering!

La Orotava in June - the famous Corpus Christi sand carpets

Down by the fishing harbour in Puerto de la Cruz

This chandelier plant is an example of Tenerife's colourful surprises

If you want a taste of what the Canary Islands might have been like until not so very long ago, the Taganana Tour is the one for you. Away from the speed of modern life, Taganana remains isolated and almost untouched by progress.

It is hidden deep in amongst the steep valleys of the island's oldest mountain range and the tour meanders in and out of ravines, from the beautiful coastline of spectacular cliffs and beaches once used by pirates to land their treasures right up to the sub-tropical rain forest in the Las Mercedes peaks.

The sights are simply magnificent and beautiful. The contrasting colours, varieties of plant and tree species and pretty mountain hamlets will keep your camera occupied almost around every corner. If it is open we will peep inside the beautiful church of Our Lady of the Snows with origins in the early 16th century before heading for Tenerife's very own sub-tropical rain forest. If requested we will make time for a simple but delicious tapas lunch before ending the tour.

The Taganana Tour - Tenerife Full Day

When modern-day cruise liners come into port it is hard to imagine that the bay of Santa Cruz was the scene of Conquistador landings, historic battles and piracy, as well as a peaceful haven for explorers and navigators to take on provisions when they journeyed around the world.

But today, this colourful city is home to over 200. 000 people and it is bustling with life, from the busy Calle del Castillo shopping street to its historic monuments, gardens, museums and theatres. Indeed, pavement cafes, restaurants and bars evidence a thriving business community and the grand Ramblas are filled with life. No city can be without a market place and the Our Lady of Africa market, of neocolonial architecture, is as colourful as any around the world, while down by the sea the 18th century St John's fortress shares admiration with the spectacular Sydneyesque opera house.

Santa Cruz is a city designed for living and the César Manrique maritime park and the Las Teresitas beach are playgrounds for all the family.

Santa Cruz: Tenerife's Busy Capital

Nobody should visit Tenerife without witnessing the dramatic scenery in the Teide National Park, breath-taking evidence that the Canary Islands were formed by prolonged volcanic activity.

Our excursion takes us deep into an amazing landscape of rock formations, giant lava flows and strange shapes and colours one could only imagine on another planet. The park was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2007 and is one of the most visited national parks in the World. In May and June the flora is amazing with the Retamas and Echiums in blossom. In winter, if we are lucky, Mount Teide will be even more photogenic with a covering of snow sparkling in the sunlight.

We will make numerous stops for spectacular camera shots. If requested and if we have time we might stop at a local inn to sample traditional Canary Island cuisine on our return. 

Tour guide in Tenerife John R.

English, Spanish

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