Receiving more than 10 million annual visitors, Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary archipelago. The combination of great cuisine, a vibrant nightlife and pristine white sandy beaches, has for years attracted plenty of tourists to its shores. A car rental in Tenerife will make exploring this 160 km island easier than expected. With forest hikes, natural pools, plenty of beaches, sunshine and watersport opportunities, you’re sure to find the right thing for you.
Few companies offer the car rental experience that Auto Europe does. With more than 24,000 global locations, we have partnered with numerous local, national and internationally renowned car rental suppliers. Through our partners we are able to not only provide you a great quotation, but also a large fleet of cars to choose from. Along with car hire, we also offer motorhome rentals and a luxury car hire service. Contact one of our reservation agents to find out more.
Traffic congestion in Tenerife is normally centred around its capital Santa Cruz, mainly in the central and historical parts of the city. The islands motorways are divided into two, the TF5 North motorway and the TF1 South motorway, with the latter being the longest of the two. These motorways partially encircle the island and the Pico del Teide – Tenerife’s volcano. They also provide a link between both airports, and are an essential commuter artery. Smaller mainland roads provide access to more remote areas of the island, including numerous resorts. These roads are winding and often narrow, so extra care should be taken whilst driving.
When visiting Tenerife we recommend adhering to the following road rules and regulations, for a safe driving experience:
Free on-street parking in Tenerife isn’t easy to come by, especially in more touristy and central parts of the island. The parking bays that are available are generally all taken quickly in the mornings. The good news is that some free parking has been made available on the island. The south side of the island created a free parking zone near Parque Santiago IV resort – with additional parking options in shopping centres and around the marinas. Hotels and resorts also provide free parking for their guests.
Paid car parking spaces are more readily available and easier to come by. You will find these near public transport hubs and tourist attractions – such as, at amusement parks or El Corte Ingles. Paid car parks benefit from often being more secure, allowing you to leave your car safely for as long as you wish.
Tenerife is serviced by two international airports. These are known as the Tenerife North Airport and the Tenerife South Airport – with the latter airport being by far the more popular of the two. Both airports have flights to other islands and to other airports across Europe.
Tenerife North Airport
Located in the San Cristobal de la Laguna municipality, Tenerife North Airport was formerly known as the Los Rodeos Airport. The airport is around 5.5 km from Tenerife’s capital city Santa Cruz. Handling around 4 million yearly passengers, the airport has domestic routes to other Canary Islands; Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.
Tenerife North Airport (TFN)
Address: 38297 San Cristobel de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Website: aena.es
Telephone: +34 902 40 47 04
Tenerife South Airport
Handling more than 10 million yearly passengers, Tenerife South Airport is the busiest on the island. Also known as Reina Sofia Airport, it is located on the south side of Tenerife and approximately 35 km from Santa Cruz. This three-storey airport hosts domestic flights along with numerous international flights.
Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Address: 38610 Granadilla de Abona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Website: aena.es
Telephone: +34 913 21 10 00
With amazing food, weather, landscapes and entertainment, Tenerife has something for everyone. From hiking to whale-watching and family friendly waterparks, all the leisure activities are within easy reach. As night falls, the islands excitement and liveliness doesn’t falter. Live music, restaurants, bars and pulsating nightclubs are all but some of the activities on offer. With history and culture around every corner, these are our recommendations for when visiting.
If you’re considering a day trip to discover Tenerife and beyond, then with your car you can easy navigate the whole stretch of this wonderful island. If you’re interested in getting to know some of the other nearby islands, then you’ll have to catch a ferry or fly there. Don’t forget to inform Auto Europe and your local car hire supplier of your desire to head to another island. Often taking your car rental onto a ferry is prohibited, but this isn’t always the case. If you plan to stay in Tenerife, then don’t worry, the island is full of wonderful things to do and discover. Here are our top recommended road trips:
Island of La Gomera
Consider a day trip to the neighbouring island of La Gomera – this island is a serene place, with deserted beaches and amazing landmarks, such as the Columbus House in San Sebastian. Once there, head to the Mirador de las Carboneras and enjoy some mesmerising views over the landscape. Much of the Canarian traditions and customs are still very much alive on this island, which is less affected by tourism. To visit you’ll have to leave your car rental in Tenerife and catch one of the four daily ferries.
Vilaflor
If driving is what you enjoy with plenty of scenic landscapes then consider driving to Spain’s highest village, Vilaflor, a village located 1400m above sea level. The journey will take you through La Camella and Valle San Lorenzo along the TF28 and TF51 roads. A tranquil route that allows you to pass through some of Tenerife’s must beautiful backdrops, whilst you drive up into the mountain. Vilaflor is a quiet town, with a few bars and a couple of supermarkets – it’s the perfect place to unwind and escape city life.
City of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Originally the island’s capital city, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a beautifully preserved cobbled stoned, charming city, containing numerous colonial buildings and a splendid Cathedral. A university is also present in the city, which brings with it plenty of students from across the island. Some 17th and 18th Century buildings have even been awarded World Heritage status due to their significance. Before reaching the city, we advise you stop off at some of the many local wineries, here you’ll learn all about wine production and even get to savour some. A trip through the vineyards will also be on the cards.
Villa de Candelaria
Head towards the eastern part of Tenerife and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in a traditional town. The Villa Mariana de Candelaria is a lively coloured and quaint village with a splendid central piazza. Enjoy the beach before walking towards the piazza and the Nuestra Senora de Candelaria Basilica. In the piazza you can enjoy a coffee in one of its many coffee houses, or a bite to eat in a restaurant. The Canarian atmosphere will no doubt make you feel more relaxed and calm. Inside the Basilica, you’ll be presented with a beautiful golden alter, rustic paintings and lots of period charm.
Covering an area of 2036 km sq. Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands archipelago with a population of just under 890,000. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean around 190 km west of the Moroccan coastline. Overshadowing the island is Pico del Teide, a volcano that rises up 3,718 m above sea level. The islands volcano has contributed to moulding much of the island's landscape and interesting rock formations. Towards the northeast and northwest of Tenerife you’ll find plenty of green vegetation, whilst the south is predominantly drier.
Visually, north and south Tenerife are extremely different, but the island as a whole experiences all-year round sunshine. During August you can expect temperatures to reach on average 24ºC, whilst during winter temperatures average a comfortable 17ºC. Summers are hot, humid and very sunny, whilst winters can see some rainfall especially during December. Ultimately, Tenerife is a great place to take a holiday any time of the year.
It is agreed that the Canary Islands where first settled around 400 AD by the Guanchen – a group of people considered to be of North African origin. There is evidence that in the 1st and 4th Centuries AD, the Romans traded with the Guanchen, however they did not settle there. In 1415 the islands were rediscovered by the Kingdom of Portugal, although they did not officially settle there either. Over time the islands became contested by both Portugal and Spain, until in 1479, when both countries signed a treaty allowing Spain to have interests in the Canary Islands, and Portugal in Cape Verde, Madeira and Azores.
After this treaty, Spain put forth plans to fully conquer and colonise the islands, leaving little disregard for the wishes of the local inhabitants. During the centuries, the islands became a slave trading hub and thus extremely profitable. This led to skirmishes with pirates and the Kingdom of England, the latter of which tried to unsuccessfully conquer the islands. In 1723 the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife becomes the islands administrative capital. Tourism during the 1980s and 1990s allowed the islands to flourish and in 1993 it became a recognised EU member.
Once you arrive in Tenerife, via the ferry port or the airport, it is possible to discover individual cities on foot – due to their relatively small size. If you wish to travel between cities however or explore other parts of the island, then we would advise booking a car rental. Transport infrastructure is limited, especially in rural areas.
Bus
Titsa is the official bus company for the Canary Islands. It has routes across the island and throughout its cities. Buses are light green in colour, and are locally known as “Guaguas”. Travel cards are available for purchase, together with single tickets, from the bus station. Route number 102, 107, 108 and 343 will take you to the North Airport, whilst South Airport is covered by routes 111, 343, 415, 450 and 711.
Taxis
Official taxis are white in colour with a green light upon its roof. Taxis are metered and regulated, but always confirm the estimated cost of your journey before setting off. Taxis can be booked or caught at one of the numerous taxi ranks on the island. Taxi ranks can be found in central locations and at both North and South Airports.
Tram
Metropolitano de Tenerife is the official tram company on the island. There exists two routes, one connecting La Cuesta to Tíncer and the other Santa Cruz de Tenerife to La Laguna. Single tickets are available together with cost-saving alternatives, such as the one day Bono pass and the fifteen day Bono pass.