{"id":4101,"date":"2013-05-01T09:24:06","date_gmt":"2013-05-01T09:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rentacar.canarias.com\/?p=4101"},"modified":"2026-09-07T13:43:32","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T13:43:32","slug":"exploring-tenerife-by-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rentacar.canarias.com\/en\/blog\/exploring-tenerife-by-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Tenerife by Car: Easy Routes to Get Started"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated for 2026.<\/strong> Exploring Tenerife by car<\/strong> is one of the easiest ways to understand the island. Tenerife looks small on a map, but Mount Teide, Anaga, historic towns, beaches, viewpoints and mountain roads make the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye transform the trip.<\/p>\n

The key is not trying to see everything on your first day. Tenerife is best enjoyed by area: a volcanic day, a northern day, a southern day, a wild-coast day and another to revisit the places you liked most.<\/p>\n

Route 1: Mount Teide and Las Ca\u00f1adas<\/h2>\n

Set off early, take a warm layer and do not overload the day with too many plans. You can enter from La Orotava, La Esperanza, Vilaflor or Ch\u00edo, depending on where you are staying. Roques de Garc\u00eda, Minas de San Jos\u00e9 and the viewpoints make the excursion worthwhile even if you do not take the cable car.<\/p>\n

Route 2: the historic north<\/h2>\n

La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Icod de los Vinos and Garachico make a perfect day trip. Combine old towns, volcanic coastline, gardens, squares and local food. If the sea is rough, swap a swim for a walk.<\/p>\n

Route 3: Anaga and La Laguna<\/h2>\n

La Laguna is best explored on foot and Anaga is best driven patiently. Cruz del Carmen, Pico del Ingl\u00e9s, Taganana and Benijo are beautiful stops, but do not try to fit them all in if you want to hike or have a relaxed meal.<\/p>\n

Route 4: the south and west coast<\/h2>\n

From Costa Adeje, you can take in La Caleta, Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 and Los Gigantes, then return at sunset. It is a rewarding route, with less mountain driving than Anaga and ideal as a first introduction to the island.<\/p>\n

Route 5: El M\u00e9dano, Monta\u00f1a Roja and the villages of the south<\/h2>\n

El M\u00e9dano, La Tejita, Los Abrigos, Tajao and Vilaflor reveal a different south: less hotel-focused and more about wind, coast, food and the island interior.<\/p>\n

Tips for driving in Tenerife<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Do not judge journeys by kilometres alone: bends and viewpoints lengthen the day.<\/li>\n
  • Book your car in advance at busy times.<\/li>\n
  • Take water, a jacket, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.<\/li>\n
  • Do not leave valuables visible in the car.<\/li>\n
  • Park outside historic centres and walk in.<\/li>\n
  • Check weather notices before going up Mount Teide or into mountain areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Frequently asked questions about exploring Tenerife by car<\/h2>\n

    Which area is best for accommodation?<\/h3>\n

    The south is convenient for beaches and warmer weather; the north for towns and greenery; La Laguna or Santa Cruz for city life and Anaga. If you can, split your stay.<\/p>\n

    Do I need a large car?<\/h3>\n

    Not always. A compact is usually enough for a couple or two people. For families, luggage or groups, an estate car, SUV or seven-seater is a better choice.<\/p>\n

    Can I drive around the whole island in one day?<\/h3>\n

    You can, but enjoying it is another matter. It is better to divide the island into areas and leave room for unexpected stops.<\/p>\n