Tenerife North South Self-Drive

Arrive at Tenerife airport—either North or South—and meet your car rental representative to collect your vehicle. From there, drive straight to Puerto de la Cruz on the island’s northern coast, where you will stay for the next three nights. This charming town boasts a protected historic centre and an extensive seafront, ideal for leisurely walks by the sea. Settle in and enjoy your first evening in this welcoming resort. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

After breakfast at your hotel, we suggest starting the day with a drive to the lush valley of La Orotava. This town’s streets and buildings reflect its rich cultural heritage—be sure to visit the House of Balconies, a fine example of traditional Canarian architecture. Tenerife is home to over 400 volcanoes, and today you’ll explore this volcanic landscape by heading to Las Cañadas National Park. From the Roques de García viewpoint, enjoy striking views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 metres. The park’s lunar-like terrain features ancient lava flows and colourful volcanic rock formations. On the way back, we drive through the cool eucalyptus forests of La Esperanza, offering a refreshing change of scenery. Next, visit the charming village of El Sauzal, which dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Here, you can see the 16th-century Church of St Peter and stroll around the estate of the former Marquis of El Sauzal. Don’t miss La Garañona viewpoint for stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Puerto de la Cruz, a lively resort town with a colonial past. You may wish to explore its historic centre or enjoy a walk along the seafront promenade. On the way back, stop at Lago Martiánez, a saltwater pool complex designed by renowned Canarian architect and artist César Manrique, symbolising the island’s unique blend of nature and culture. Overnight in Puerto de la Cruz.

After breakfast at your hotel, explore the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. We visit key historical sites including San Francisco’s Church, Plaza del Príncipe, and the old town with landmarks such as La Recova market, Guimerá Theatre, Casa de la Carta, and La Concepción Church. Next, we drive to Anaga Rural Park, known for its dramatic cliffs and ancient laurel forest dating back to the Tertiary period. The park’s unique vegetation is often shrouded in mist throughout the year. Following the winding road down to the coast, we reach the secluded village of Taganana, famed for its rugged landscape, charming beach, and small local restaurants. Later, we continue to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic centre, admiring well-preserved colonial architecture. We then return to Puerto de la Cruz for the night.

After breakfast, you will transfer to your new accommodation in the southern part of the island. En route, we suggest stopping at Icod de los Vinos to see the famous Dragon Tree, el Drago Milenario—an iconic natural and cultural symbol of the Canaries, estimated to be around 800 years old. Continuing along the single road from El Tanque to Santiago del Teide, you will pass through charming hamlets such as Ruigomez and Erjos. Visit the village of Masca, perched dramatically along mountain ridges above Tenerife’s deepest ravines, where cottages cling to the steep slopes. The Cherfe viewpoint nearby offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape. This area has long been remote, with roads only recently improved and electricity introduced in recent decades. Historically, the only connection to the outside world was the ancient trail of Camino de los Guanches, linking Masca to Santiago del Teide. Overnight in Santiago del Teide.

After breakfast at your hotel, we suggest exploring the southern coastline, beginning with Candelaria. This town is known for its connection to the Virgin of Candelaria, a Gothic-style statue discovered in the late 14th century and revered by the indigenous Guanche people as Chaxiraxi. The current figure, crafted in 1827 by Tenerife sculptor Fernando Estévez, stands in the shrine built under the order of Governor Pedro Fernández de Lugo. In Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, you will find impressive bronze statues of the nine Guanche menceyes (kings), created by José Abad, reflecting the area’s rich cultural heritage. Next, continue to Güímar, located in the scenic Güímar Valley. Its historic quarter features notable buildings such as the San Pedro de Arriba chapel and the Town Hall. Take time to stroll through the streets and appreciate the local architecture before returning to Santiago del Teide for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, you can choose to relax at your hotel or explore some of the inviting beaches along Tenerife’s southern coast. Alternatively, you might take an excursion through the region’s striking landscapes, enjoy a meal at a seaside restaurant with a terrace, or spend a lively day at one of the local theme parks. The south of the island offers a variety of options to suit your mood and interests. Overnight in Santiago del Teide.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before spending the day at your own pace in Santiago del Teide. This is an ideal opportunity to relax and soak up the tranquil surroundings or explore the local area independently. Overnight in Santiago del Teide.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will leave Tenerife and drive to the airport to return your rental car. Depending on your flight, you can choose to depart from either Tenerife North or Tenerife South airport. The car hire company will have provided details of the return procedure and designated drop-off location when you collected the vehicle on arrival.