Tenerife is a fantastic spot for soaking up the sun, enjoying the beach, and catching some waves, all while taking in the unique scenery. If you’re planning to explore Tenerife’s beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and lush forests, renting a car is the way to go since public transport options are limited. The island’s road perimeter is just 359 km, which means you can drive around the entire island in about 3-4 hours. For the best car rental deals, head to the airport. Keep in mind that there are two airports in Tenerife, so compare prices before booking. While most cars are rented from Tenerife South Airport, Tenerife North is also a good option. With DiscoverCars, you can compare prices from various rental companies, including international brands like Hertz and local ones like Cicar.
To pick up your rental car, you’ll need a credit card and a valid driver’s license. Make sure you understand the rental terms before signing any agreements, as some companies may charge extra for things like travel insurance, tag fees, and mileage. Renting a car in Tenerife usually costs between 25-50 Euros per day for a compact 4-seater, and gas prices are generally affordable. Driving in Tenerife is similar to driving in most European countries, with well-maintained roads, familiar traffic laws, and scenic routes to enjoy. Just remember that the speed limits are a bit lower than you might be used to, so keep an eye out for local animals like goats and donkeys that may wander onto the roads occasionally.
One of the main concerns about driving in Tenerife is the traffic, especially in certain areas where congestion has increased in recent years. However, driving on the TF1 motorway is usually smooth with two lanes on each side. On the north coast, the TF-5 ring road has one lane on each side, making it a bit more crowded. Despite this, the smaller mountain roads are generally not too challenging to navigate.
If you’re looking to explore different parts of Tenerife by car, here are some average driving distances between cities and towns on the island:
- Santa Cruz to La Laguna: 11 km (7 miles)
- Puerto de la Cruz to Adeje: 56 km (35 miles)
- Playa de las Americas to Teide National Park: 60 km (37 miles)
Driving in Tenerife follows the right side of the road, similar to most European countries. For UK residents, ensure your license is valid, as rental companies may not accept expired or paper documents. Americans or those from outside the EU will need to present both their driver’s license and international driver’s license, if applicable, when renting a car. Most rental companies also require at least 1 year of driving experience.
Exploring Tenerife by car opens up opportunities for some amazing road trips, like the Northwest drive through Rural de Teno Park, the North coast route, the Anaga National Park adventure, and the Central Crater journey through Parque Nacional do Teide. Each road trip offers unique sights, from picturesque villages to lush forests and stunning mountain views. So, why wait? Hit the road and discover the beauty of Tenerife beyond its beaches!
