So you’re thinking about hiring a car in Tenerife. Good. Honestly, it might be one of the best decisions you make on this trip, but it’s not without its quirks. I’ve driven all over this island, from the motorway chaos around Santa Cruz to the narrow, winding tracks up near Masca, and I can tell you there’s a lot nobody warns you about before you pick up those keys.
This isn’t a glossy travel brochure take. This is what driving in Tenerife is actually like, the good bits, the frustrating bits, and everything in between.
Why Driving in Tenerife Is Genuinely Worth It
Let’s start with the good stuff, because there’s plenty of it.
Tenerife is a big island. People forget that. It’s not somewhere you can comfortably cover on foot or even by bus if you want to see the real thing. The public transport network is decent enough for getting between the main resorts, but the moment you want to go somewhere interesting, somewhere off the tourist trail, you need a car.
Think about the drive up to Teide National Park on a clear morning. You wind up through pine forests, the air gets cooler, and then suddenly you’re in this otherworldly landscape of volcanic rock and rust-coloured earth. There’s a stretch called La Tarta, named because the layered rock formations genuinely look like slices of cake. You can’t really appreciate any of that from a coach window. You need to be able to pull over, get out, and just stand there for a minute.
That’s what a car gives you. Freedom. The ability to stop when something catches your eye, to take the long way round, to find the little roadside bar that isn’t in any guidebook.
Parking is also far less of a headache than people expect. Most of the main resorts have free on-street parking, and the underground car parks at popular spots are reasonably priced. Hiring a small car for a week won’t break the bank either, especially if you book in advance through a reputable local company.
The Parts of Tenerife You’ll Only See By Car
This is the bit I really want people to understand. So much of what makes Tenerife special is tucked away in places that buses simply don’t go.
The Anaga Rural Park in the north east, for example. Ancient laurel forest, tiny villages clinging to cliff sides, roads so narrow you’ll hold your breath. You won’t get there on a day trip from Playa de las Américas unless you’ve got your own wheels.
The same goes for the west coast villages, the quiet fishing spots around Los Gigantes, or the agricultural valleys in the north where locals grow bananas and tomatoes and the pace of life feels completely different to the resort strip.
If you’re travelling with family, a car also gives you that sense of proper adventure. You’re not following a guide with a flag. You’re making your own choices, finding your own lunch spots, and coming back with stories that are actually yours.
The Honest Downsides of Driving in Tenerife
Now, the stuff the car hire companies don’t mention.
The roads can be genuinely confusing. Not in a scary way, but in a “wait, was that my exit?” kind of way. Motorway junctions aren’t always well signposted, lanes merge without much warning, and pedestrian crossings are sometimes placed in spots that make absolutely no sense, right next to bus stops where parked buses block the view of anyone trying to cross. It catches you off guard the first time.
The driving culture is also a bit different to what most British visitors are used to. Tinerfeños are sociable people, which is lovely, but it does mean you’ll occasionally find someone stopped in the middle of the road having a chat with a neighbour through the window. No hazard lights. No apology. Just a conversation. You learn to wait.
Mobile phone use while driving is more common than it should be, and the mountain roads, while genuinely beautiful, demand your full attention. If you’re not used to tight bends and steep drops, take it slow. There’s no shame in pulling over to let someone pass.
Driving Laws You Need to Know Before You Go
Tenerife follows Spanish driving law, so if you’ve driven in mainland Spain, you’ll already know the basics. A few things worth knowing:
- Drive on the right. The steering wheel is on the left side of the car. If you’re coming from the UK, give yourself ten minutes in a quiet car park to get your bearings before you hit the motorway.
- Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers, front and back.
- Children under 12 cannot sit in the front seat unless they’re over 1.5 metres tall.
- Speed limits: 40 to 60 km/h in urban areas, up to 120 km/h on motorways.
- Alcohol limits are stricter than in the UK. The legal limit is 0.5 mg/ml of blood, so if you’re driving, keep it to one drink or none at all.
The DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) is Spain’s road traffic authority and their website has full details on driving regulations if you want to check anything specific before you travel.
It’s also worth knowing that you’ll need your driving licence, passport, and the car hire documents with you at all times. Police checks do happen, particularly on the motorways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Tenerife
Is it easy to drive in Tenerife as a British tourist?
Yes, for the most part. The main challenge is switching to driving on the right, but most people adapt within an hour or so. The motorways are well maintained and the signage, while occasionally confusing, is manageable with a sat nav or Google Maps running.
Do I need an international driving licence?
No. A full UK driving licence is accepted in Tenerife and across Spain. You don’t need an international permit.
Is parking expensive in Tenerife?
Not really. Free street parking is available in most resort areas, and paid car parks are generally cheap by UK standards. Just watch out for yellow lines and restricted zones in town centres.
Are the mountain roads safe?
They’re safe if you drive carefully and don’t rush. Some roads in the north and west of the island are narrow and winding, but they’re well maintained. Take your time, use your horn on blind bends (locals do), and you’ll be fine.
What’s the best area to drive in Tenerife?
The drive from La Orotava up to Teide is one of the best on the island. The north coast road through Garachico and Buenavista del Norte is also worth doing. For something more dramatic, the road down into the Masca gorge is unforgettable, though it’s not for nervous drivers.
Should You Bother Hiring a Car in Tenerife?
If you’re staying in one resort and you’re happy by the pool, maybe not. But if you want to actually see Tenerife, the real Tenerife, then yes. Absolutely yes.
You can read more about getting around the island on our Tenerife transport guide over on The Tenerife Forum, which covers buses, taxis, and everything else if you want to compare your options before you decide.
The truth is, some of the best moments I’ve had on this island happened because I had a car and I took a turning I wasn’t sure about. That’s the thing about Tenerife. It rewards curiosity. And curiosity needs wheels.
