Can you drive to tenerife

We started from our south coast resort, from where there is a good motorway all the way to Santiago del Teide.

There, if you like, you can take a small side trip to the small ridge-top village of Masca. On the north coast we first went to the lava town Garachico, from where we drove on to Icod de los Vinos where the dragon tree everybody is talking about is located. Icod de los Vinos is beautiful town in itself, and so is the next destination La Orotava on the mountains above Puerto de la Cruz. Just like the south coast, the north coast of Tenerife has a good motorway, so driving on the hilly mountain slopes of the north is easy.

The remote village of Masca is not far away from Los Gigantes. Masca is a mountain village with an exceptional location. It sits on a knife-edge ridge.

Below is a deep ravine, Barranco de Masca that descends down to the ocean. When in Masca, the Barranco is a perfect place to hike. If not, the village is a place to visit in itself. Masca requires a short side trip, the road turns off at Santiago del Teide and winds up and then down the other side.

The scenery is dramatic and so is the narrow winding road. If you plan to hike or stay any longer in the village than just stop, it might be a good idea to make a separate trip to Masca.

Building style in Masca looks very different from what it is on the coast. Most Masca houses look like this white-washed village church:. The town of Santiago del Teide is on flat land and has a large wine-growing district around it. From Santiago the main road winds up a bit and then down to the north coast.

There are small villages on the roadside, but not really the kind of villages we are looking for. The scenery, however, is fantastic. The mountain chains around El Teide split the island in two zones: the lush, wet north that gets the rain, and the hot, dry south, a desert and cactus country. Driving around Tenerife: from Santiago del Teide to the north coast. The dramatic scenery of the north has in many places been created by lava flows from the mountains.

Garachico lets you taste the real Canary Islands. The old Canarian town has its roots in its long and dramatic history. Garachico once was the biggest port of the island — until the nearby volcano Volcan Negro suddenly erupted.

That was in , and on that day a thick lava layer flowed over Garachico into the sea, leaving most of the town buried. Of the whole town, only a few buildings closest to the sea were saved. They soon built the town back, trying to make it as was, but now on the lava layer. Drink Drive Limit mg. You drive in Tenerife on the Right side. To rent a car is 21 years and to drive is years of age.

Driving Laws in Tenerife. Driving in Tenerife. Driving License:. Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in Tenerife? The following documents are compulsory and should be carried with you at all times when driving in Tenerife: A full UK driving licence Identification, such as a passport Proof of insurance Proof of ownership V5C certificate You are also expected by law to carry the following items with you: Replacement tyre Reflective jackets Headlamp beam deflectors Warning triangle GB sticker or Euro plates.

The minimum age to drive a car in Tenerife is 18 years of age. Speed camera detection devices are illegal and you will be fined if caught.

However you can use your GPS which warns of speed cameras on route. Police are known for stopping drivers at random and on the spot fines can be given for speeding or drink driving. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat of the vehicle, unless they are over cm tall. Children should have a suitable car restraint.

A minimum of third party insurance is required. Teide National Park is home to beautiful plants and wildlife, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This, combined with the breathtaking surrounding landscapes, makes the National Park an unmissable destination for all visitors. Located just off the South Highway, the park is just a 6-minute drive from the popular resort of Playa de las Americas or a minute coastal drive from Santa Cruz.

Relax in a rubber ring as you float along the lazy river or boost your adrenaline with the 90ft vertical drop of the Tower of Power slide. There is something for everyone to enjoy with over 18 different attractions and slides for the whole family.

To the north of the island lies the coastal town of Garachico, rich with culture and history. The tranquil town has retained its Canarian identity, with traditional shops and restaurants dotted along the coast.

Indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, swimming in the natural, volcanic coves around the village. There are many hidden gems on the island of Tenerife, just waiting to be found and explored.

From visiting a volcano to discovering pretty coastal towns, there is something for everyone on this small island. Car hire is the easiest way to get around, granting you complete freedom to go and see whatever you wish. Holiday Autos makes easy to hire a car in Tenerife. We do the hard work of comparing car hire for you.

Our car hire experts negotiate exclusive rates with top car hire brands to bring you the best deals.