Do you want to go on holiday to Tenerife, but know that just one destination won’t be enough to keep you occupied? If you’re looking to inhale as much as you can of Tenerife in one holiday, a road trip can be a great way to see the breadth of the country. From white sandy beaches to volcanic mountains, there will always be something to see.
When driving in another country, there are always some practicalities. Make sure you’re happy driving on twisty, sometimes narrow roads, although there is the main highway that runs all around the island if you prefer to stick to that. Drivers drive on the right, and you should be aware of some basic Tenerife road rules, as well as the locals’ niche trait of stopping in the middle of the road to talk to friends they’ve seen in town.
For this post, we’ve assumed you’ll fly into Tenerife North airport and will drive anticlockwise around the island. Of course, the length of your holiday will affect where you go on your trip, but we take a look at some of the spots you really won’t want to leave off your itinerary.
Piscina Natural de Jover
With the warm weather in Tenerife, you’ll be sure to want to get in the cool, refreshing water for a swim. These natural volcanic rock swimming pools allow you to look out over the north coast of the island, and the beautiful azure waters will ensure that you really relax into your holiday. This is the perfect place to get in the seawater safely, without worrying about currents. They’re family-friendly too, as they are lifeguarded, and there is a small bar and freshwater showers for afterward.
El Elevador de Aguas de Gordejuela
The site of the first steam machine on Tenerife, this spot is also called Casa Hamilton, after the company that owned it. Built to pump water, the building now stands in ruins but is food for the imagination as the dramatic structure hangs on the edge of the cliff, with the water crashing on the rocks below. To get the most out of the scenery, park in Los Realejos, and walk the Rambla de Castro path, which takes around three hours to do the loop, depending on how long you stop for.
Masca
Masca is a small mountain village, but it’s worth the detour, as it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Tenerife. The drive is all part of the experience, but this isn’t one for the faint-hearted, with switchbacks and narrow passes as the norm once you leave the main road. Some drivers get too nervous and end up relying on the locals to help them get back to a wider road, but if you can hold your nerve, the drive is worth it to see this village nestled between lush green slopes connecting in a dramatic V shape. The scenery looks like it is from another world.
El Puertito
If you want to experience non-touristy, authentic Tenerife, then this should definitely be on your road trip agenda. As well as being completely picturesque and boasting the stunning coastal views that Tenerife is famous for, it also has another secret.
The bay is home to a group of friendly turtles, who are not camera shy and are used to humans. Rays also live in the bay, so it truly is a perfect spot for animal-loving snorkelers.
