Updated in 2026. Puerto de la Cruz is one of the best bases for road trips around Tenerife. La Orotava, Icod, Garachico, the green north and the ascent to Teide are all very close, while you can also plan longer excursions to Anaga, Teno, Los Gigantes or the south.
The key is not trying to fit half the island into one day. Tenerife’s map is deceptive: the distances look short, but time flies between bends, viewpoints, parking, photographs and meals. One well-enjoyed route is better than a collection of rushed stops.
Road trips from Puerto de la Cruz: quick summary
- Teide through La Orotava: the most iconic route from the north.
- La Orotava, Icod, Cueva del Viento and Garachico: towns, volcanoes and coast.
- Isla Baja and Punta de Teno: the quiet north and regulated access.
- Masca and Los Gigantes: a spectacular road and cliffs.
- La Laguna, Anaga, Taganana and Benijo: greenery, laurel forest and wild coastline.
- Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas and Candelaria: capital, beach and a cultural stop.
- Southern Tenerife and El Médano: beaches, promenades and a drier climate.
Before leaving Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is very well placed for exploring northern Tenerife, but not every route involves the same kind of driving. The TF-5 is fast, the climb to Teide brings changes in altitude and temperature, Anaga has narrow roads, and Teno or Masca demand genuine patience.
My recommendation is to leave early, check the weather in each area and avoid planning with a motorway mindset. If a route includes a guided visit, visitor quota, permit or regulated access, check it before setting off. Cueva del Viento, Teide, Masca Gorge and Punta de Teno are not plans to improvise cheerfully.
| Route | Best for | Driving | Check beforehand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teide | Volcanic scenery and viewpoints | Moderate, with a long ascent | Roads, cable car, permits and parking |
| Garachico and Icod | Towns and the classic north | Easy to moderate | Cueva del Viento reservation if you plan to enter |
| Punta de Teno | Lighthouse, coast and sunset | Moderate | Regulated access and bus from Buenavista |
| Masca and Los Gigantes | Mountains, bends and cliffs | Difficult because of the narrow road | Road condition, parking and reservations if walking the gorge |
| Anaga | Forest, viewpoints and wild beaches | Moderate to difficult | Weather, parking and sea conditions |
Route 1: driving up Teide from Puerto de la Cruz
If you take only one road trip from Puerto de la Cruz, make it this one. The ascent to Teide through La Orotava is one of Tenerife’s most beautiful drives: you leave sea level, cross the mid-altitude countryside and pine forest, and finish in an immense, dry and silent volcanic landscape.
The classic route climbs from Puerto de la Cruz towards La Orotava and continues along the TF-21 into Teide National Park. Once there, you can stop at Minas de San José, Roques de García, Llano de Ucanca and nearby viewpoints. If you want to take the cable car or need a permit for the summit, organise it beforehand: a cable-car ticket does not replace the permit to reach the highest point.
Recommended stops
- La Orotava, if you want to begin with its historic centre.
- Viewpoints on the ascent along the TF-21.
- Minas de San José.
- Roques de García.
- Llano de Ucanca.
- The cable car, only if you have a ticket and conditions are favourable.
Advice for 2026: check road conditions, the weather forecast, parking and possible traffic-control measures before leaving. It can be cold at the top even when you are wearing short sleeves in Puerto de la Cruz.
Related guide: driving up Teide in 2026.
Open Roques de García in Google Maps
Route 2: La Orotava, Icod, Cueva del Viento and Garachico
This is the perfect route if you want to combine beautiful towns, volcanic scenery and the north coast without embarking on an excessively demanding day. From Puerto de la Cruz, start in La Orotava, continue towards Icod de los Vinos, visit Cueva del Viento if you have a reservation and finish in Garachico.
La Orotava deserves a walk through its historic centre, Casa de los Balcones, Victoria Gardens and streets overlooking the valley. Icod adds the dragon tree, quiet squares and the possibility of entering Cueva del Viento on a guided visit that should be booked in advance.
Garachico is the perfect final stop: historic centre, seafront walk, Castillo de San Miguel and the El Caletón natural pools. If the sea is rough, look at the pools from outside. The north is beautiful, but the Atlantic is not merely decorative.
Recommended order
- Puerto de la Cruz.
- La Orotava.
- Icod de los Vinos.
- Cueva del Viento, only with a reservation.
- Garachico and El Caletón.
Related guides: La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, Cueva del Viento and El Caletón in Garachico.
Route 3: Isla Baja, Buenavista del Norte and Punta de Teno
Isla Baja is one of the most distinctive areas of northern Tenerife. You can make it a route in its own right if you want a slower day: Garachico, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte and, if access permits, Punta de Teno.
Punta de Teno is one of the island’s most special road ends: a lighthouse, sea, open scenery and views towards Los Gigantes. However, this is not a visit to improvise. Access on the TF-445 is regulated and may require a bus or taxi from Buenavista del Norte depending on the time, season or roadworks.
Take care with Punta de Teno: check the official information on the same day. Do not set off from Puerto de la Cruz assuming that you will be able to drive all the way to the lighthouse.
Check official access information for Punta de Teno
Open Punta de Teno in Google Maps
Route 4: Masca and Los Gigantes
Masca and Los Gigantes make a spectacular route, but not the most relaxed one. From Puerto de la Cruz you must cross towards the north-west, enter a mountain road and accept bends, viewpoints and limited parking.
Masca is worthwhile for its scenery and hamlet, but go early and be patient. Visiting the village is one thing; walking Masca Gorge is another, with visitor quotas, reservations and specific conditions. If you want to walk the gorge, check the official information before planning your route.
You can then continue towards Santiago del Teide and descend to Los Gigantes. The cliffs are impressive from viewpoints such as Archipenque, from the harbour or on an authorised boat trip.
Honest advice
If you dislike narrow, winding roads, do not combine Masca with too many stops. Do less and enjoy it more. The route is beautiful, but it was not designed for rushing.
Related guides: Masca and Los Gigantes.
Route 5: La Laguna, Anaga, Taganana and Benijo
This route completely changes the tone of the trip. From Puerto de la Cruz you can travel to La Laguna, walk around its historic centre and then enter Anaga through the Cruz del Carmen area. Laurel forest, viewpoints, damp roads and a wild coastline that bears little resemblance to southern Tenerife.
The descent towards Taganana, Almáciga, Roque de las Bodegas or Benijo is wonderful if you enjoy unhurried driving. However, parking is limited, the roads are winding and the sea at the beaches can be rough. At Benijo, the best plan is often to look and take photographs without swimming.
Recommended stops
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
- Jardina Viewpoint.
- Cruz del Carmen.
- Taganana.
- Roque de las Bodegas, Almáciga or Benijo.
Related guide: Taganana in Tenerife.
Route 6: Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas and Candelaria
If you want a less demanding drive, combine Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas Beach and Candelaria. It is an easy excursion from Puerto de la Cruz along the TF-5 and then through the metropolitan area.
Santa Cruz works well for its market, a walk, the Auditorium and some urban life. Las Teresitas is a broad, convenient beach close to San Andrés, ideal for a few hours of swimming if the weather permits. Candelaria, farther along the route towards the south, adds a cultural seaside stop with the Basilica and Plaza de los Menceyes.
This is a good route for days when you do not fancy mountains or tight bends. It also works well if you are travelling with children or people who prefer easier roads.
Related guide: Las Teresitas Beach.
Route 7: southern Tenerife, Los Cristianos and El Médano
The distance from Puerto de la Cruz to the south is greater, but the journey may be worthwhile if you want to see the island’s contrasts. The south is drier and more tourist-oriented, with beaches very different from those in the north. You can plan a route to Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos and El Médano.
I would not try to do everything at a relaxed pace in a single day if you also want to swim. Choose one main area: Costa Adeje for a beach and tourist promenade, Los Cristianos and Las Vistas for a family atmosphere, or El Médano for a more local outing with wind, Montaña Roja and a surfing atmosphere.
Related guides: Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos, beaches for children in Tenerife and El Médano.
What if you want to take a bus from Puerto de la Cruz to Teide?
If you do not want to drive, TITSA route 348 connects Puerto de la Cruz with La Orotava, El Portillo, the cable car and the Parador. It is useful for visiting the Teide area without a car, but its timetable is limited, so you must organise the outward and return journeys very carefully.
See the official TITSA route 348 timetable
Which route to choose for the day you have
- First day with a car: Teide if the weather is clear.
- A day of beautiful towns: La Orotava, Icod, Cueva del Viento and Garachico.
- A day of bends and dramatic scenery: Masca and Los Gigantes.
- A green and wild day: La Laguna, Anaga, Taganana and Benijo.
- A quiet day: Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas and Candelaria.
- A day of north-south contrasts: Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos or El Médano.
For a first visit to Tenerife, combine this guide with what to see in Tenerife in 2026. If you want to take road trips without depending on timetables, you can also see car-hire options in Tenerife.
Frequently asked questions about routes from Puerto de la Cruz
Which is the best road trip from Puerto de la Cruz?
If you take only one, the Teide route through La Orotava is the most iconic. If you prefer towns and coastline, La Orotava, Icod, Cueva del Viento and Garachico make a very complete route.
Can you drive to Teide from Puerto de la Cruz?
Yes. The usual ascent from the north goes through La Orotava and follows the TF-21. Check the roads, weather, parking, cable car and permits before setting out.
Is it worth travelling from Puerto de la Cruz to Anaga?
Yes, but it is a full-day route if you want to see La Laguna, Cruz del Carmen, Taganana and the coast. The roads are winding and parking can be limited.
Can I drive to Punta de Teno?
It depends on the day, time and current regulations. Access to Punta de Teno may be regulated and require a bus or taxi from Buenavista del Norte. You must check before setting out.
Do I need to hire a car if I am staying in Puerto de la Cruz?
You do not need one to travel around the municipality, but it is highly advisable if you want the freedom to visit Teide, Garachico, Anaga, Teno, Masca or the south.
