Top 3 road trips in Tenerife

Tenerife

Tenerife is a tourists-favourite, and it’s no surprise why—the beauty of this island is unparalleled. It has everything: mountains, beaches, hiking trails, and rural villages. One activity you simply must do is take a road trip around Tenerife. Driving is the best way to explore the island in depth, and we highly recommend hiring a car in Tenerife to ensure you can travel comfortably and with ease.

Why take a route around Tenerife by car?

With Tenerife's natural landscapes, you won’t want to miss a single corner of this island. There’s an abundance of sights to see, making for endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.

One of the best ways to experience Tenerife is by embarking on a driving tour. This allows you to enjoy every stop in detail, without the pressure of rushing. Renting a car in Tenerife offers you the autonomy and convenience needed to explore the island at your own pace. To ensure the best experience, be sure to check reviews and tips for car hire in Tenerife before making your booking.

The 3 best road trips in Tenerife

One of Tenerife’s great advantages is its compact size—you can drive across the island in about three hours. However, we strongly recommend taking your time to fully appreciate each destination. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top three road trips to experience the best of Tenerife by car.

Route 1

Start your journey with one of the best driving routes in Tenerife. Begin in Santiago del Teide, where you can marvel at Gigantes cliffs. From here, drive to Masca, often considered the most beautiful village in Tenerife, before continuing to Buenavista del Norte. This charming village is the gateway to Punta de Teno, one of the island’s most secluded locations.

Although access to Punta de Teno is limited—you can only reach it by taxi, bus, or on foot—it is absolutely worth the effort. Once there, don’t miss the iconic lighthouse, a picture-perfect spot that feels like stepping into a postcard.

After Punta de Teno, head to Garachico, a village that was once Tenerife’s main commercial port. Finally, complete your route in Icod de los Vinos, home to Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree.

Route 2

Another excellent driving route in Tenerife starts in Costa Adeje, a popular tourist destination on the island’s southern coast. Here you will find the Infierno ravine, the Parish of Santa Ursula, and Bobo Beach.

From Costa Adeje, drive to Playa de la Tejita, one of Tenerife’s best beaches, offering views of the Montaña Roja volcano. Your next stop is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital city. If you happen to visit during the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Continue your journey to San Cristobal de La Laguna, a city that earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999 for its well-preserved historic centre. To finish your route, head to the Anaga Rural Park, a protected natural area located in the Anaga Massif.

Route 3

The final route begins in Los Realejos, where you can explore the Rambla de Castro, a protected landscape filled with nature and beauty. Take a hiking route to fully appreciate the area’s stunning views.

Next, head to Puerto de la Cruz, one of Tenerife’s most beloved tourist destinations. Relax at Playa Jardin, a striking black-sand beach, or take a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens, home to a wide variety of exotic plants.

From Puerto de la Cruz, drive to the Orotava Valley, a region known for its historical and architectural treasures. Wander through the old town’s streets and visit Casa de los Balcones, a 17th-century Canarian house. Nearby, you’ll find the Molino de Gofio La Maquina, an old water mill that still produces and sells gofio, a traditional Canarian food.

End your route with a visit to Mount Teide, the island’s crowning jewel and Spain’s highest peak. For the ultimate experience, dedicate an entire day to exploring Teide National Park and consider taking the cable car to enjoy the best views of the island.

The best viewpoints in Tenerife: What to see on the island

As mentioned earlier, Tenerife is a must-visit destination for those wanting to explore charming villages and discover every hidden corner. To make the most of your time, consider creating a 3-day itinerary to help you organise your trip. Hiring a car in Tenerife will make getting around much easier, allowing you to access all the must-see spots with ease.

Start your adventure with a visit to the Mirador de Ortuño, located in the town of La Victoria de Acentejo. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the National Park with Mount Teide towering in the background. Be sure to stop by the Mirador de la Corona viewpoint or the Mirador El Lance in Los Realejos. Don’t miss the Pico Viejo viewpoint at the top of Mount Teide or the Chipeque viewpoint in Santa Ursula.

The best car hire in Tenerife with DoYouSpain

To fully experience these stunning viewpoints, we recommend hiring a car in Tenerife. The best option for this is DoYouSpain, as it compares thousands of car hire options and consistently offers the lowest prices.

What’s more, you can choose your preferred pick-up location on the island, whether it’s Tenerife North or South Airport, Adeje, or Puerto de la Cruz. Should you have any questions regarding your booking, feel free to contact us via the Customer Area online or by calling +34 964 830 995.