One of the charms of Tenerife is its varied and marvellous landscapes. It is the largest island of the Canarian archipelago and it offers many unique places to visit. A road trip on the island can lead to discovering charming villages, incredible forests, paradisiacal beaches and hidden places that will make your holiday an unforgettable experience. If you are willing to travel the kilometres, the roads will become a very attractive proposition.
REASONS FOR TRAVELING THE ISLAND BY ROAD
Although there is public transport with many connections that reach almost anywhere on the island, choosing to rent a car and explore it step by step and at your own pace, it is undoubtedly the best option. Sometimes, you will see how the roads snake around mountains and cliffs which require a slower driving speed; but don´t worry, this will be compensated by the beauty of the landscapes you can see. Leave behind the bustling, tourist areas and discover completely different environments, from rugged mountains to deserted beaches, offering a pleasure for the five senses and a delight for nature lovers. A fact to consider is that the fuel on the islands is cheaper than in the rest of Spain and Europe, so this is another advantage when deciding on this experience.
RECOMMENDED ROUTES
Here we take a road trip through the most attractive points of Tenerife, following 3 essential routes which include wonderful places, so that you will not be disappointed, and they will add to your fantastic holiday in Tenerife.
Route 1. Las Americas-Cliffs of Los Gigantes-Masca.
This route takes us from Playa de Las Americas to Masca’s tiny hamlet. We can travel on the motorway (TF-1) or we can follow the older general road so as not to miss any detail. We will go through Adeje, a town that combines the charms of a small village with one of the most important tourist areas in Europe. Later, we will pass the small fishing villages of Playa San Juan and Alcalá to finally arrive at Los Gigantes. Its cliffs tower over the sea, and their sheer height can give a sensation of vertigo.
They reach up to 600 metres of altitude and are one of the natural treasures of Santiago del Teide, the municipality where we find ourselves. From its harbour, it is possible to sign on for an excursion to see cetaceans, one of the favourite activities for visitors. In a northwest direction, on the TF-436 road, we arrive at Masca, a small hamlet that hides at the top of a ravine with the same name and is a point of reference for lovers of hiking and nature.
Route 2. La Laguna-El Teide-La Orotava-Isla Baja.
Located at the exit of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, we join the TF-24 road towards La Esperanza. In just 60 km of winding journey you can enjoy a landscape of incalculable beauty where, after passing through a sea of clouds, you will believe you have reached heaven. The Teide National Park occupies the highest part of the island and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thanks to the biodiversity of its flora and fauna.
We recommend touring the entire Ucanca Valley until you reach the Roques de García with Teide in the background crowning the picture. Here you can enjoy unique views. From Mount Teide, we descend to La Orotava, a beautiful town in a historical location. Don`t miss a visit to the Church of the Conception, the Church of San Agustín, the House of the Balconies and the Town Hall. If you continue on this route, you cannot miss Isla Baja. This is the most northeastern area of Tenerife and here you will find villages with great charm such as Los Silos, Garachico or Buenavista del Norte, before reaching Punta de Teno, a uniquely beautiful place.
Route 3. Santa Cruz, Las Teresitas and Anaga.
Starting from the majestic Auditorium of Tenerife, the work of the prestigious architect Santiago Calatrava, we travel through part of the capital via its Avenida Marítima. Five kilometres east from Santa Cruz, we reach the fishing village of San Andrés, where we find the main beach of Las Teresitas. Its yellow sand stretches several kilometres along the coast and by continuing up to the Mirador de Las Teresitas, we can contemplate it from above. This is a delight for everyone and an essential stop along the route.
From here it is easy to access the Anaga Rural Park, one of the jewels of the Canary Islands, along the road known as “El Bailadero”. The higher you ascend, the better views of the ocean you will have. Your goal is to reach one of the oldest Laurisilva forests on the planet. We enter a leafy natural forest with plant and animal species that you will not find anywhere else in the world. It is advisable to drive with caution and not miss the opportunity to make stops at the multiple viewpoints that can be found along the way. The best views and over diverse landscapes are waiting for you.
