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 16th 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.
