Tenerife Road Trip: The Ultimate Island Circuit

Tenerife is made for road trips. In a single day you can drive from sun-soaked beaches to a snow-dusted volcano and down into misty laurel forest. Here is a classic seven-day circuit that shows the whole island.

Day 1–2: The south coast

Start in Costa Adeje, using the where to stay picks as your first base. Hit the beaches in the morning and spend an afternoon at a viewpoint or two from the best viewpoints list. This is the relaxed warm-up before the mountains.

Day 3: The volcano

Drive up through Vilaflor to the Teide National Park. Stop at Roques de García, take the cable car for the summit views, and read the national park guide for the permitted routes. The descent towards La Orotava through pine forest is one of the finest drives on the island.

Day 4: North and the wine towns

The La Laguna UNESCO old town deserves a morning, and the north coast road takes you past the black-sand beaches of the Anaga region — Los Gigantes on the west makes a dramatic end to the day.

Day 5–6: The east and south-east

Follow the coast down through Güímar and the volcanic badlands to El Médano — windsurfing capital and home to the island's best long-lunch spots. The El Médano guide covers the beaches and quiet coves; spend an afternoon on the sand before the final stretch.

Day 7: The loop home

Return via the quieter south-east roads and stop at hidden gems along the way. The how many days planner helps you shorten or extend the loop, and the day trips guide has single-day alternatives if you are based in one resort. Full driving logistics — tolls, parking, mountain conditions — are covered in the driving guide.