Published on Dec, 2024
fast and punctual pickup with a wonderful guide, radmilla, on the grand tour. make sure to bring cashif you want the camel ride or to get souvenirs and drinks at the camel stop.
I was picked up by the nearly full bus at Puerto del Carmen and was at the starting point within 30 mins. the bus came bang on time and my name was called out quickly. the bus was comfortable, air conditioned, and enough space for all.
radmilla did the tour in three languages and bless her it felt like she barely caught a break. although much time is spent on the bus, it didn't seem that tiresome as there were always facts being told and stuff pointed out. there was someone with mobility issues and radmilla took extra care to make sure she got the most out of the attractions, especially those that demanded more walking or climbing.
each location had ample time allocated, and at no point did it feel rushed thanks to radmillas time management getting the group to stay together and reminders of time.
1. El Golfo was a 20 minute ish stop which was more than enough time.
2. camel stop - we didn't ride the camels as recently had such an experience. there's a small museum and shop with cafe that's cash only.
3. the geyser demonstrations were really fun, as was the quick tour of el diablo restaurant.
4. timanfaya national Park was sublime and lots of facts by the audio guide track and a lovely surprise of experimental ambient music dotted throughout, and radmilla added her own insights too.
5. mancha Blanca, the lunch stop, was around 50 minutes and a good break from the bus. the buffet was 12 euro and included wine. can't comment as we opted out of the buffet and headed to the little tapas stand beside the main restaurant and had a lovely meal of grilled tuna, serrano ham/chicken croquettes, bread, and barraquitos for less than the price of the buffet for two. did not see the church.
6. a drive through the village of haria, rather different from the rest of the island it seemed.
7. jameos del Agua was an absolute delight, lots of cafes and bars dotted throughout. wish lots more time spent there I couldn't get enough of it. orange juice was sour tho.
we were back by 5.30pm as promised. on the way back, we were told of local food and wine to try, and other attractions as well. overall a absolutely wonderful experience!