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This paper describes design, observation methodology, results and interpretation of the GPS surveys conducted in the areas of the N-W of Tenerife where deformation was detected using InSAR. To avoid undesirable antenna positioning errors in the stations built using nails, we designed and used calibrated, fixed-length metal poles, allowing us to guarantee that the GPS antenna was stationed with a height repeatability of the order of 1 mm and of less than 3 millimeters on the horizontal plane. The results demonstrate that this system is ideal for field observation, especially to detect small displacements that might be masked by accidental errors in height measurements or centering when observed with a tripod. When observations were processed, we found that using different antenna models in the same session sometimes causes errors that can lead to rather inaccurate results. We also found that it is advisable to observe one or two stations in all the sessions. The results have reconfirmed the displacement in the Chío deformation zone for the period 1995–2000 and indicate a vertical rebound from 2000 to 2002. They also confirm that the subsidence detected by InSAR to the south of the Garachico village has continued since 2000, although the magnitude of the vertical deformation has increased from around 1 cm to more than 3 cm a year. Detected displacements could be due to groundwater level variation throughout the island. A first attempt of modelling has been made using a simple model. The results indicate that the observed deformation and the groundwater level variation are related in some way. The obtained results are very important because they might affect the design of the geodetic monitoring of volcanic reactivation on the island, which will only be actually useful if it is capable of distinguishing between displacements that might be linked to volcanic activity and those produced by other causes. Even though the study was limited to a given area of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, some conclusions apply to, and are of general interest in similar geodynamic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]