Hiking Holidays in the Canary Islands – Eco-Friendly Travel by Train, Ship, and Bus

This trip was inspired by the guide “Traveling with a Climate Protection Factor”, a must-read for anyone looking to explore Europe sustainably, even on mid-range distances.

Outbound and Return: Adventure on Rails and at Sea

Our route took us from Bern using an Interrail Pass, with stops in Girona and Valencia before reaching Huelva in southern Spain. Theoretically, this journey can be done in two days, but we decided to take our time—enjoying an afternoon in Valencia and a longer stay in Córdoba. Why rush when you can savor the journey?

The crossing from Huelva to Tenerife with Fred. Olsen Express / Balearia took about 34 hours. One downside: the port in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Muelle Bufadero (Dique del Este), is far from pedestrian-friendly. Either arrange a taxi during the port entry to reach the Rotonda Las Olas within the port area, or prepare for a long walk toward the city center. The port is fully fenced, with no direct access to the road where buses operate. This was particularly inconvenient since our ferry didn’t dock until around midnight.

Tip for the Return Trip: If you’re departing from another island (we left from La Palma), Naviera Armas / Trasmediterranea offers a kind of mini-cruise with stops on Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. This extends the journey to over 60 hours, but the time spent on the open sea remains similar. We preferred Olsen’s ships for their comfort and amenities, but Armas is a solid alternative—especially if you depart from Cadiz, whose port is conveniently located in the heart of Santa Cruz.

Public Transport in Tenerife: Buses That Impress

Tenerife boasts a modern, well-developed bus network—affordable and reaching almost every corner of the island. In more remote areas, like the Anaga Mountains, schedules are less frequent, but with good planning, you can still get anywhere. Some routes are truly spectacular: the ride from Santiago del Teide to Buenavista or from Santa Cruz to Taganana is an experience in itself. A word of caution, though: the driving style of the bus drivers isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Note: We couldn’t access the online timetable on titsa.com—neither by laptop nor phone—likely due to a browser issue. It only worked when connected to local Wi-Fi on the island. Google Maps proved to be a reliable alternative for checking schedules.