Mountains, forests, volcanic cliffs… thanks to its varied landscapes, Tenerife offers some very scenic routes.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful roads to drive on Tenerife, with our useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
The most beautiful roads in Tenerife: Map
It’s not the roads with the most places to see, but the roads with the most beautiful scenery, where just driving is enough.
Some are more difficult than others (winding, narrow and steep). We’ll let you know before your road trip!
Here is a map to help you find your way:
See all our tips for driving in Tenerife and renting a car in Tenerife.
Or view the offers directly on our preferred platform.
1. Through Teide National Park (TF-21 center)
Why visit? Our review
The TF-21 road crosses the heart of Teide National Park. It offers breathtaking volcanic and lunar landscapes. We were not disappointed.
This scenic route takes you past lava fields, colorful rock formations and, of course, breathtaking views of the Teide volcano.
The road is wide and well-maintained, perfect for leisurely driving while admiring the unique scenery.
Stops along the road:
- Los Zapatos
- Los Roques de García
- El Portillo Visitor Center
- Minas de San José
- …
Useful tips
- Tenerife Center
- Between the astronomical observatory and Mirador Zapato de la Reina
- 30min drive
- Favourite direction: both are spectacular. If you can, we strongly recommend a round trip.
- Very busy during the day, prefer early morning or late afternoon. Especially if you want to be able to park to explore the most beautiful landscapes
- Excellent, wide road
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
2. Route de Masca (TF-436 south)
Why visit? Our review
The Masca route is one of Tenerife’s most spectacular roads. It winds through the Teno mountains with hairpin bends and breathtaking views of the gorges. The view is magnificent at every turn. It’s hard to keep from stopping all the time!
This route takes you to the picturesque village of Masca, nestled in the mountains, offering the perfect blend of road adventure and natural beauty.
Stops along the road:
- Village of Masca
- Mirador de Masca
- Mirador La Cruz de Hilda
- Other unofficial viewpoints along the road
Useful tips
- West of Tenerife
- Between Santiago del Teide and Mirador La Cruz de Hilda
- 45 minutes drive
- Preferred direction: from Santiago del Teide to Masca
- Narrow road with many hairpin bends
- Avoid peak times (10am-4pm) – the road is narrow, and with the amount of cars it’s frustrating. Especially as the small parking lot quickly fills up. We got there early and were able to drive leisurely, slowing down to take in the views.
- Caution in case of rain
A LITTLE MORE patience
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3. Through Anaga (TF-12)
Why visit? Our review
The TF-12 crosses the Anaga massif, offering a unique experience through primeval laurel forest. The green landscapes contrast sharply with the rest of the island, which is more volcanic and arid.
The road winds through the mist, surrounded by trees. From time to time, viewpoints offer glimpses of the valleys and ocean below.
Stops along the road:
- Cruz del Carmen
- Mirador Pico del Inglés
- Starting point for forest walks
Useful tips
- North-east of Tenerife
- Between San Cristóbal de La Laguna and San Andrés
- 1 hour drive
- Preferred direction: west to east
- Winding but well-maintained road
- Frequent fog, drive carefully
- Few service stations, fill up first
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
4. Route Nord d’Anaga (TF-134)
Why visit? Our review
While you’re in Anaga Park, head down to the northern coastal road. It offers spectacular views of the ocean and sheer cliffs. This road is less busy than the TF-12, allowing you to discover isolated villages and unspoilt beaches.
The landscape alternates between the turquoise sea below and the green mountains: a contrast characteristic of northern Tenerife.
Stops along the road:
- Benijo Beach
- Taganana village
- Mirador Risco Amogoje
- Roque de las Bodegas beach
Useful tips
- North-east of Tenerife
- Between Mirador Bailadero and Benijo
- 30 minutes drive
- Preferred direction: in both directions (but as it’s a dead-end road, you’ll have no choice but to turn around).
- The road is narrow in places and very winding on the way down.
- Better in the morning (less fog)
- Not much traffic, but you may come across vans or camper vans sleeping on the seafront.
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5. Westward descent from Teide (TF-38)
Why visit? Our review
The TF-38 offered us a spectacular descent from the heights of Teide to the west coast. What makes this route unique is the striking contrast in scenery.
The route passes through different climatic zones, from volcanic landscapes to pine forests, ending with ocean views. The sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Stops along the road:
- Mirador de las Narices del Teide
- Mirador de los Poleos
Useful tips
- West of Tenerife
- Between Boca Tauce teide and Chío
- 30 minutes drive
- Preferred direction: downhill to the west
- Well-maintained, wide and easy road
- Ideal for late afternoon sunsets
6. Punta de Teno road (TF-445)
Why visit? Our review
The road to Punta de Teno is an adventure in itself. This spectacular road runs along the Teno cliffs, with the ocean below on one side and the mountains on the other.
It leads to the Teno lighthouse, offering breathtaking views of the Los Gigantes cliffs. It’s one of the most isolated roads on the island, which adds to its charm.
Stops along the road:
- Punta de Teno lighthouse
- Views of Los Gigantes
Useful tips
- Northwest of Tenerife
- West of Buenavista del Norte
- 20 minutes drive
- Dead-end road, to be seen in both directions
- Please note: Road closed on weekends and public holidays (shuttle bus access instead).
- Narrow road through passages
- Better light in the early morning
7. Buenavista del Norte road (TF-436 north)
Why visit? Our review
This section of the TF-436 is in stark contrast to the southern section (route de Masca). It runs along the north coast with spectacular views of the ocean and the Teno mountains.
The road passes through traditional agricultural landscapes, banana plantations and offers magnificent views of the rugged northern coastline.
If you have visited Masca in the morning, you can continue north via this route.
Stops along the road:
- Viewpoints at every hairpin bend
Useful tips
- Northwest of Tenerife
- Between Las Portelas and Buenavista del Norte
- 20 minutes drive
- Road in good condition but very narrow, very winding and very steep
- Preferred direction: north towards Bueravista del Norte. We don’t recommend it the other way round, as the hairpins and steep slopes are difficult.
- Little frequented
- Beautiful at sunset
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best season for these routes?
All year round! But beware of the weather in winter in the heights (Teide, Anaga). Summer offers more meteorological stability, but also more crowds.
Do I need a special car?
No, a normal car will do. All these roads are paved. Just choose a car that’s not too wide for the narrowest roads, like Masca, and an engine that’s powerful enough for your driving comfort.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
