Car Rental Tenerife

If you are landing at the island’s largest airport, Tenerife South – also called Reina Sofia Airport – you will find easy road links to many of the island’s main resorts. Follow the TF-1 high way, also known as the Autopista del Sur, which runs along much of the island’s eastern and southern coast. It makes for an easy journey from the airport to destinations such as Los Cristianos and Las Galletas, two popular towns on the southern-most tip of the island. The TF-1 also leads north from the airport to the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which lies on the northeast coast. 

The other international airport on the island is Tenerife North, also known as Los Rodeos. It’s situated close to La Laguna, the former capital of the island and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its many impressive, architectural sights. From here it’s less than a 10-mile drive to the capital, while the popular resort of Puerto de la Cruz is only 17 miles to the west along the TF-5 highway.

Tenerife may be larger than its neighboring island of Gran Canaria, but you will find its best destinations are all easily accessible in a rental car. The national park of Teide, which dominates Tenerife’s interior landscape, is just a short drive from the capital and La Laguna via the TF-5 and TF-24. You can also reach the park from almost anywhere on the island, with some beautiful and scenic routes available.

Generally speaking, the popularity of Tenerife as a visitor destination means that the roads can be very busy, particularly at peak times. However, if you plan your journeys in advance, the road system is relatively modern and well maintained, making driving reasonably straightforward.

Like the rest of Spain, you’ll drive on the right on Tenerife. Most major resorts offer on-street parking for free, but there are also many underground parking lots across the island where you will need to buy a ticket. The island’s highways, or autopistas, are toll-free and the upper limit is 120km/h (81mph). In towns and cities, the speed limit drops to 40km/h (25mph) or 60km/h (37mph).

From its lively southern resorts to the cities of the north – and all the flora and fauna in between – Tenerife offers an incredible range of attractions to explore. Renting a car means you can explore the island’s highlights at your own pace. Most of Tenerife’s breathtaking attractions – like the beaches and Teide National Park – are an easy drive away.

Volcanic heights

Tenerife might be famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and hot climate, but head to the center of the island and you will find its most spectacular natural treasure. The third highest volcanic formation in the world, Mount Teide lies at the heart of a national park of the same name, and dates back 170,000 years.

The park is easily accessible by car, with a parking lot available at the cable car base station. From here, you can hike almost to the top of the volcano, a walk which takes several hours but allows you to take in some fantastic scenery and explore the unearthly landscape filled with lava rocks and streams.

Alternatively, take the cable car, which will take you to a height of 3,555 meters – and bring your camera. The panoramic views are spectacular, and, on a clear day, it’s possible to see across the water to the other Canary Islands. If it’s cloudy, simply look down and marvel at the natural beauty of the sea of clouds below you as you climb ever higher.

Capital culture

The island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is on the north-east coast of the island. It’s home to colorful buildings and stylish restaurants, with many boutique stores around its main shopping areas, Plaza de Candelaria and Calle de Castillo. There are also several historic buildings to be found, such as the city’s oldest church, Iglesia de Nuestra Senor de la Concepción, which dates back to the 16^th century.

If you are lucky enough to visit the city in January or February, prepare to be amazed by the sights and sounds of Santa Cruz Carnival – one of the biggest in the world. Bursting with bright colors, the festival takes place over a whole month, filling the city with parades, dancing and, of course, parties that last long into the night. 

Sunshine hotspots

When you need a break from all the sightseeing, you’ll find many beaches all around the island where you can relax and enjoy a low-key day. Close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife is Playa de las Teresitas, one of the most popular beaches with calm, blue waters that are ideal for taking a swim. You can also enjoy great views of the city from this manmade beach, which was created with sand from the Sahara Desert.

For something completely different, head to the western side of the island and Los Gigantes. This secluded resort is named after the cliff-like mountains that tower high above. They’re intimidating, yet make for some incredible scenery, as well as sheltering the black-sand beach from the sea breeze.

On the south coast of the island you’ll find many of Tenerife’s liveliest resorts. Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos all offer excellent facilities – including plenty of watersport activities – along with restaurants and cafes close to the waterfront. 

Renting a car in Tenerife means it’s possible to explore all this and more during your stay on the island.