The 10 Most Breathtaking Road Routes to Explore Tenerife: A Journey Across the Island of Contrasts
Tenerife, the volcanic jewel of the Atlantic, is much more than beaches and sunshine. It is an island of striking contrasts, where the lush green of the north merges with the arid ochres of the south, and where every bend in the road reveals a new postcard-worthy view. Travelling around Tenerife by car is a complete sensory experience: from the misty laurel forests to the lunar landscapes of Mount Teide, passing through villages that seem frozen in time. Below are the ten most spectacular driving routes to discover the true essence of this fascinating island. Get to know the island with the best Car Hire Tenerife. Atlas Rent a Car.
1. From La Laguna to Mount Teide: the ascent to the sky
This route begins in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage city with colonial streets and a rich university tradition. From there, the TF-24 road (known as “La Esperanza”) climbs through thick pine forests up to an altitude of over 2,000 metres. The views are simply breathtaking: a sea of clouds spreads out like a white ocean, with the majestic Teide rising in the distance. Ideal for those seeking the grandeur of nature and the thrill of altitude.
2. From Puerto de la Cruz to Garachico: the beauty of the wild north
Following the TF-42 coastal road, this route connects two of the most picturesque towns in northern Tenerife. The journey winds between banana plantations, cliffs and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Garachico, with its historic port and natural lava pools, is a perfect stop to soak up history. Every turn reveals a new landscape — a reminder of the island’s volcanic power and maritime legacy.
3. La Orotava and Teide National Park: between valleys and craters
Starting from the lush Orotava Valley, known for its elegant manor houses and wooden balconies, this route ascends via the TF-21 road into the heart of Teide National Park. As you climb higher, pine forests give way to solidified lava fields, with reddish and ochre tones that seem almost otherworldly. This is one of Tenerife’s most photogenic drives, ideal for geology enthusiasts and photographers alike.
4. Masca and the Los Gigantes cliffs: the thrill of the bends
The TF-436 road is a narrow, winding route that threads through the dramatic Masca Gorge, one of the island’s most awe-inspiring sites. The tiny hamlet of Masca, nestled between steep mountains, offers a glimpse into Tenerife’s rural authenticity. From there, you can descend towards Los Gigantes, where cliffs more than 600 metres high plunge directly into the sea. A demanding drive, but one of extraordinary beauty.
5. From Candelaria to Güímar: history, tradition and mysteries
Following the TF-28, this drive takes you from the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Candelaria — the patron saint of the Canary Islands — to the Güímar Valley, famous for its mysterious pyramids and Guanche heritage. It’s a route where spirituality and history intertwine. The visual contrast between the deep blue sea and the volcanic brown terrain creates a uniquely striking landscape.
6. The Anaga Forest: route through the laurel woods
The Anaga massif, in Tenerife’s far northeast, is one of the island’s oldest and most treasured natural areas. Starting from La Laguna, take the TF-12, which winds through mist-shrouded mountains blanketed with laurel forest — a prehistoric ecosystem sustained by the island’s trade winds. Viewpoints such as Pico del Inglés and Cruz del Carmen offer breathtaking vistas across ravines and out to sea. This is a route for those who enjoy tranquillity, nature and introspection.
7. From Vilaflor to the Teide Parador: the route of the sleeping volcano
Vilaflor, the highest village in Spain, is the perfect departure point for a scenic ascent towards Mount Teide. The TF-21 road passes through pine forests, volcanic rock formations and vast lava fields. The route culminates at the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide, at the foot of Spain’s highest peak, offering an unparalleled view of the volcano. At nightfall, the starlit sky here becomes one of the best astronomical observatories on the planet.
8. From Adeje to Santiago del Teide via TF-82: from warm coast to cool highlands
This route showcases Tenerife’s remarkable diversity. Starting from the sunny, arid south around Adeje, the road climbs gradually towards the cooler mountain interior. As the altitude rises, the landscape transforms: dry scrub gives way to deep ravines, pine forests and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the ocean. It’s a drive that captures the island’s changing climate and geography in just a few kilometres.
9. The northern viewpoint route: Icod, El Tanque and Buenavista
This panoramic drive connects a series of natural viewpoints across Tenerife’s lush north. From the ancient Dragon Tree (Drago Milenario) in Icod de los Vinos to the viewpoints of El Lance, Coricancha and La Monja, travellers can enjoy sweeping views over the Atlantic, green valleys and picturesque hillside villages. It’s a route best taken slowly — perfect for stopping at local taverns and sampling traditional Canarian cuisine.
10. The full island circuit: the grand tour of Tenerife
For true explorers, the ultimate journey is to drive around the entire island. Following the TF-1 and TF-5 motorways, one can circle Tenerife in a single day — though two or three days are recommended to savour each region at leisure. This drive captures the full diversity of Tenerife: the arid south, the verdant north, the volcanic heartland and the endless coasts. Each section tells a different story.
Conclusion
Driving across Tenerife is not just about getting from one place to another — it’s about uncovering a microcosm of landscapes, climates and cultures within a single island. Each route reveals a different aspect of its volcanic soul, lush vegetation and blended history. From the ancient laurel forests of Anaga to the lunar plains of Teide, from the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes to the fertile valleys of the north, every kilometre invites you to pause, observe and be amazed.
