Golden beaches, glorious sunshine and breathtaking landscapes – little wonder Tenerife is so popular for holidaymakers.
In this quick guide to the island’s top day trips, we follow the paths of secret hikes, hidden beaches and secluded villages. Tenerife’s size means you can reach most places within one and a half hours from practically every spot on the island.
So pick you your hire car from Tenerife South Airport or Los Rodeos Airport, don your sunglasses and enjoy the quieter side of the island.
Tiede National Park
It’s impossible to miss Tenerife’s biggest attraction. Teide National Park covers 73 square miles – about a tenth of the entire island – and at its centre is the 3,718-metre Mount Teide, one of the largest volcanoes in the world.
To get there, take the spectacular TF-21 to the cable car parking – Aparcamiento del Teleférico – and hop aboard to be taken to the top for edge-of-the-world views.
The road itself is spectacular. It starts in Vilaflor and twists its way up through the trees to emerge into a barren and rocky lunar-like landscape.
Abades
The traditional fishing village of Abades is one of the sunniest spots in Tenerife, with an average of 350 days of sun. Its slow, relaxed pace of life means you’ll find more locals than tourists.
The sea here is perfect for scuba diving with the opportunity to see an array of colourful fish, barracudas and even rays and octopuses. It’s also a breeding ground for the angel shark, so you may be in with a chance of spotting this rarely seen species.
Based in the south-east of the island, Abades is less than 40 minutes’ drive from popular resorts such as Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz and Playa San Juan.
Callao Salvaje
Just six miles from the popular resort of Playa de las Americas, Callao Salvaje is a beautiful and relatively undisturbed fishing town.
Wander the colourful streets, dipping in and out of local craft stores, grocers and cafes. There are several restaurants right along the seafront, so you can flit between sunning yourself on the sand and indulging a fresh seafood lunch in no time at all. The seafood paella at Bar Restaurant El Delfin is a must-try.
The fishing village of Playa de San Juan is just a quarter-hour drive away along the TF-47.
La Orotava
On Tenerife’s north-east coast, La Orotava is a photographer’s paradise. Ornate architecture, lush green lawns, bright flowers and red roads come together to create a town that pops.
Walk down its cobbled streets to find cafes and restaurants serving delicious, fresh seafood or head down to the peaceful beachfront to relax as you soak up some rays. The town also backs on to lush valleys with a great hiking trail that leads to Mount Guarjara – the islands third tallest mountain. Follow the trail up the mountain to enjoy captivating views of the ocean and neighbouring islands.
La Orotava is just 15 minutes south of Puerto de la Cruz and 30 minutes north-west of Santa Cruz.
Masca Valley
The Masca Valley in Tenerife’s western tip is a hotspot for both hikers and driving fanatics.
From the ridge in the centre of Masca town centre, you can hike down into the gorge itself. At their highest points, the ravine walls tower 600 metres above sea level, providing just enough shade to keep you cool on your journey. You’ll wander through spiralling rock formations and dense forests before reaching an isolated, black sand beach that makes the perfect spot to catch your breath and refuel.
Arriving from the south, you’ll enter the valley via the narrow TF-436, which is renowned for its hairpin turns. The views of the rich flora and fauna of the valley as you descend are truly breathtaking. Mirador de Cherfe offers a quiet spot to pull over and snap some Instagram-worthy shots of the landscape. From the north, you’ll have the equally winding TF-82 to tackle.
Tenerife is a naturally stunning island, full of wonders and breathtaking scenery. Hire a car in Tenerife with Hertz and discover more than the traditional holiday resorts.
