Driving in Tenerife

Driving in Tenerife is a breeze, with modern roads and clear signage that makes navigating the island easy. The southern part of the island, where the airport is located, has an extensive highway system, including the TF-1, which runs along the coast and connects the airport to the island’s key resorts. The TF-5 connects you to the northern side of the island, where you’ll find more remote villages, lush landscapes, and the lively city of Santa Cruz. Tenerife’s roads are in excellent condition, though they can be winding in the mountainous regions. If you plan to visit the Teide National Park, be prepared for steep and curvy roads that offer stunning views. A hire car allows you to take in these incredible panoramas, stopping at scenic viewpoints or taking detours through small towns. In addition to major roads, you’ll also encounter smaller coastal roads and rural routes, where you can enjoy Tenerife’s unique landscapes, including its volcanic terrain, palm-lined valleys, and dramatic coastlines. Many rural areas are dotted with small villages offering local produce, arts, and crafts, so a leisurely drive allows you to experience the authentic side of Tenerife away from the tourist crowds.

Tenerife offers some of the most stunning views in Europe, and driving through the island reveals its remarkable diversity. As you leave the airport, you can immediately enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, with dramatic cliffs rising in the distance. Heading into the island’s interior, the landscape changes with expansive lava fields, dense forests, and towering volcanic peaks. One of the most memorable drives is up to the Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site - and one of the most incredible sights in the whole of Spain. The drive takes you through pine forests before revealing a vast volcanic landscape, where the island’s highest peak, Mount Teide, stands proudly at 3,718 meters (12,198 feet). Along the way, you can stop at lookout points to snap photos of the surreal landscape, making for a truly epic road trip. Another notable route is the drive along the coast to the town of Los Gigantes, known for its enormous cliffs that rise dramatically out of the sea. The road winds around the cliffs, providing jaw-dropping views of the ocean and the rugged coastline. Driving here is a real treat, with every turn offering new and breathtaking vistas.