Car Rental Tenerife

Meandering through this rugged paradise is a pleasure in itself. With so many top resorts and thrilling attractions, renting a car in Tenerife lets you absorb it all.

This mysterious volcanic isle is served by two primary airports – Tenerife South Airport is closest to the bustle, while Tenerife North Airport is a smaller gateway to the unspoilt north.

Autopista TF-1 is a useful highway, winding its way close to the coastline in the southern half of the island. Head west from Tenerife South Airport for a simple route to Costa Adeje, Playa San Juan and the famous cliffs at Los Gigantes. Point your car east and you’ll be greeted by stunning ocean views and an easy connection to the island’s northern routes.

Here you’ll find many quaint towns, the luscious wilderness of Anaga Rural Park and the bright port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The hairpin bends and picture-perfect views create ideal ground for a road trip.

From the island’s northern edge, autopista TF-5 stretches west along the protected landscape at Costa de Acentejo. La Oratova is located to the left of this highway, offering top attractions and easy access to the island’s tallest mountain.

If you prefer to venture into the island’s otherworldly volcanic center, use Teide Road (TF-21) to snake into Teide National Park.

Tenerife follows the national road laws of Spain, so it is mandatory to carry proof of identity while driving. It is against the law to use a cell phone whilst driving.

The maximum speed limit on Tenerife’s highways is 120km/h, and 60km/h is the minimum speed when conditions are clear. Between towns, speed limits are typically set at 100km/h, and much lower in urban and residential areas. Keep an eye out for sign posts to be aware of any limit changes.

With sunshine in all seasons and a unique carnival culture, Tenerife is a magical island with European and African influences. Despite the continued growth of tourist-friendly vacation resorts, its rugged beauty is still a major feature.

Experience magical stargazing, see marine wildlife up close or trek through the volcanic mountains. With so many wonders packed into 342 kilometres of coastline, car rental brings every star sight within reach.

Sunshine and salty air

It is impossible to visit Tenerife without being tempted by the bright lights and allure of its top resorts. These vacation hotspots have everything you need for evening entertainment and endless relaxation in the tropical sun.

Playa de las Americas is right at the heart of the action – a purpose-built 1960s resort with golden sands imported from the Sahara.

Meanwhile, Costa Adeje is famed for its volcanic beaches and warm seas. These waters are the ideal place to try out water sports and excursions, from surfing to the popular jet ski safari. There is even the Thai-themed Siam water park, with daring rides hidden among the faux temples.

Los Gigantes lets you blend action with nature thanks to the towering giant cliffs that give this resort its name. Aside from the atmospheric bars and restaurants dotted along the harbour, this is a popular place for scuba diving and boating.

Visit the traditional north

Puerto de la Cruz is the glory of the north, where fishing village character sits beside towering hotels. Step away from the city and you can discover the island’s quainter side, complete with relaxing coves and cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses.

La Oratova is a relaxing town packed with colonial beauty, where you can see the island’s quieter side from one of its oldest settlements. The town’s religious buildings are well worth seeing, including the 18^th-century La Concepción church. The annual Corpus Christi festival is a rare chance to see authentic Canarian culture, when locals line the streets with sand and flowers on a Thursday, 66 days after Easter.

Playa Bollullo is a fine example of a secluded beach where you can escape from the world for a summer afternoon. The black sands are soft and wild, framed by mossy cliffs and crashing waves. Playa de la Arena feels more adventurous still, since it is only accessible through a tunnel in the cliff face. This gives the beach a hidden and exclusive feel.

Experience carnival life

Glitter, music and outrageous displays - each February, carnival season descends upon Santa Cruz. Second only to the Brazilian celebration, this vibrant street parade is widely considered one of the best in the world.

There are carnival contests and colorful representatives from every corner of Spain for this most important event in the calendar.

Tenerife’s proximity to the equator means the island still experiences heat and sunshine in carnival season. In a typical Canarian winter, the temperature can reach highs of 20°C with eight hours of daily sunshine.

Away from the black sands - take a volcanic adventure

Experience Tenerife’s more adventurous side by taking a road trip into its rugged heart. Mount Teide is the tallest volcano and her rust-coloured foothills offer an out-of-this-world experience.

Kilometres of sprawling wilderness creates a top hiking destination, while the dark skies that surround Tenerife make for unforgettable stargazing.

Whether you want to lie on sun-kissed beaches or roam amid natural beauty, car rental in Tenerife allows you to see more of the tropical isle.