Discovering Tenerife: The Joy of Renting a Car

Why Rent a Car in Tenerife?

While buses connect the main towns, they don’t always get you to the island’s best spots. Teide National Park, remote viewpoints in Teno, or tiny villages in Anaga are either hard to reach or take hours by public transport.

Having your own car means:

• Freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints whenever you like.

• Access to hidden gems (black-sand beaches, mountain hamlets, volcanic trails).

• Flexibility to combine different experiences in one day.

  
  

Renting a Car: What You Should Know

Where to Rent

The easiest option is at Tenerife North (TFN) or Tenerife South (TFS) airports. You can also rent in towns, but airport rentals usually give more choice.

Car Size Matters

Narrow streets and mountain roads make a small or medium car the best option. SUVs look tempting but can feel bulky in Anaga's hairpin bends.

Insurance

Always take at least basic insurance that covers damage. For peace of mind, full coverage might be worth it, especially if you’re new to mountain driving.

Costs

Rental cars can be surprisingly affordable — as low as €15–25/day if booked in advance, especially outside high season.

Driving Rules in Tenerife

• Drive on the right-hand side.

• Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on roads, 120 km/h on highways.

• Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone.

• Using a phone while driving is forbidden.

• Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/L (stricter than in some countries).

  
  

Parking in Tenerife

• White lines = free parking.

• Blue lines = paid parking (usually cheap, €0.50–1/hour).

• Yellow lines = no parking allowed.

  
  

In busy towns like Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz, it’s easiest to use underground garages. They save a lot of stress circling around. In Santa Cruz, for example, we usually park in the shopping centre.

Scenic Roads & Driving Challenges

Some roads are as breathtaking as they are challenging:

• Anaga Mountains – lush, green, with hairpin bends (tip: honk before blind corners).

• Teno Peninsula & Punta de Teno – dramatic cliffs and very narrow roads.

• Teide National Park – a must-do! Roads climb above the clouds with views of volcanic landscapes. (From 2026, new restrictions will limit private vehicle access into the park during peak hours to protect the environment, so make sure to check updated regulations before your trip - or ask us!)

• Coastal drives – small fishing villages, banana plantations, and hidden coves.

  
  

Gas stations are easy to find in towns and along highways, but scarcer in mountain areas, so fill up before heading out.

Our Tips for a Smooth Drive

• Always keep some coins for parking meters (Euros).

• Download offline maps (or use our Tenerife Virtual Map ✨ with all our favorite spots pinned).

• Start day trips early: easier parking, fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and more time to explore (or chill later)!

• Respect locals on tiny rural roads — don’t block driveways or stop in the middle for photos.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Driving in Tenerife

Driving in Tenerife gives you the freedom to truly discover the island. From cloudy forests to coastal ocean views, every road leads somewhere beautiful. The adventure of exploring hidden corners and stunning landscapes is just a drive away.

👉 Ready to make your trip easier? Check out our Tenerife Virtual Map with exact locations of hidden gems and activities, or grab our e-book for step-by-step trip planning.