Located roughly 300 km from the East African coast, the Spanish island of Tenerife is the largest of the Canary group of islands. With its breathtaking scenery and thriving tourist industry, Tenerife is a popular island holiday destination. Driving is, of course, the best way to traverse the difficult terrain with its steep and rugged coasts. Motoring through the enchanting landscape is a spectacular way to enjoy the scenic thrills of Tenerife while also discovering the various island cultural and historical attractions.
The uneven contours of the Anaga massif
Renting a Car
Travelers to Tenerife will find that renting a car is convenient as car rentals are available at the island’s airports. Though some travelers have considered hiring a taxi for their excursions, most travelers will advise you to rent a car as it’s less expensive. When you book your holiday you can also find out more about car rentals for your stay on the island. For travelers who want to get beyond the towns and resorts of the island and explore its majestic landscape and remote villages, a car is really the only option to explore with freedom and ease.
Teno massif – Cliffs of the Giants area
The Nature of Tenerife’s Roads
In the large towns, congestion can be quite considerable and parking rather dicey unless you have the knack for squeezing into tight spaces. On the other hand, once you venture into open country, especially in the north, the roads open up and may even be empty for long stretches. As in any country, the driving and road layout may take some getting used to, but since most travelers opt to rent in order to go exploring, you won’t be alone! Be sure to use care in the mountains as there are very narrow roads and even hairpin turns that can make island driving a bit of a challenge—though well worth the adventure!
Pyramids of Guimar
Where to Drive
Most tourists wind up in the south which is known for its spectacularly sunny climate. On the other hand, the north boasts a decidedly extraordinary geography that beckons the driver to explore. The central highlands are almost other-worldly while the coasts are stunning. While traveling to various sites around the island, you’ll enjoy the views from the road and may even want to pull over to take some photographs from time to time. There are many dramatic rock formations around the various regions of the island that are only accessible by car. Be sure to map some routes before traveling to Tenerife so you’ll be ready to explore!
Teide Volcano
Teide National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teide National Park is home to the highest mountain peak in Spain and the Atlantic Islands. With various archaeological sites and the vegetation growing from old lava flows, the park boasts some spectacular scenery. Driving to the park is a must as there are some incredible views to be seen around this mountain landscape. Of course, Tenerife boasts many fine areas to explore and anywhere around the coast is sure to result in memorable sights of land, sea, and sky. The resorts of Tenerife are splendid, of course, but to really see what the island is like, you must get out and go for a drive!
Photo Credits
Anaga massif – Wikipedia Creative Commons
Cliffs of the Giants – Wikipedia Creative Commons
Teide Volcano – 2007 – Wikipedia Creative Commons
Pyramids of Guimar – Wikipedia Public Domain
Guest Author Bio
Simon Dance
Simon Dance has been professionally employed in the travel industry for over five years and is a tourism and business graduate. You can read more of his travel articles at the HouseTrip website.
Oh. I like your pics. And I’m very impressed with your second photo. It looked like there’s a mist covering the cliffs.