Car Hire Tenerife South Airport

With so many visitors to the island, it makes sense that Tenerife has a well-developed road network that makes accessing all its attractions with ease. You can stick to the coast or take the winding, scenic drive up Mount Teide – the world’s third highest volcanic structure.

The driving rules are the same as in mainland Spain, with driving on the right side of the road and overtaking on the left. You also need to be 21 to hire a car here. Another difference is that you drive in an anti-clockwise direction at roundabouts.

There's plenty of free on-street parking at the major resorts, including reasonable priced underground parking. Watch out for yellow or white lines as that means parking isn't allowed while blue lines indicate a pay to park service.

Please note that children aged 12 and below cannot sit in the car’s front passenger seat. Speed limits are in km/h and vary by area. In towns it can be as low as 40km/h (24mph), while some motorways have a top speed of 110km/h (68mph) to 120km/h (74mph). There are no toll roads in Tenerife.

Tenerife’s main road is the TF-1, which snakes its way all around the island. You’ll be able to get onto it close to the airport and follow it west for the popular areas of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas before it heads up towards Las Manchas. Alternatively, you can go east for Candelaria, Guimar, El Medano and other quieter, less touristy villages and beaches.

If you plan on visiting Mount Teide, you can access the national park from different parts of the island. From the south, take the TF-21, or if you’ve driven to the north of the island, the TF-24. The two roads meet up, allowing you to cut through the park. Some of the roads in the mountain routes can be winding and narrow, so adjust your speed accordingly – or park up and enjoy the views.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re joining the millions of happy holidayers who come here every year, or travelling for business, you’ll still be able to enjoy Tenerife’s year-round mild climate and rugged volcanic good looks. Sandy beaches curve against the warm ocean, mountains soar, and you’ll be spoiled for choice for places to eat, dance and party.

A UNESCO gem

It might just be a small city in Tenerife, but La Laguna has had an impact far beyond the shores of the island. Its layout has served as the inspiration for many colonial towns all across the Americas and its well-preserved beauty moved UNESCO to make it a World Heritage Site at the turn of the millennium.

Many of the pastel-hued buildings date from the 15^th to 17^th centuries, while you’ll find 16^th century convents, an impressive cathedral (albeit one rebuilt in 1913) and, perhaps best of all, the 1502 Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion. This church has also been reworked but contains many graceful Gothic elements and some Islamic-style work on the ceilings.

Wander the squares and you’ll come across markets, boutiques, cafes and restaurants aplenty. Nub can boast a Michelin star, dishing up extravagant and innovative fusion food in a colonial building. Expect Spanish food with more than a nod to Chile and Italy, where the owners and chefs hail from.

High Teide

It’s hard to ignore El Teide. At just over 12,000ft it’s the highest point in Spain. This long-dormant volcano sits in the heart of its own national park and attracts millions of visitors a year – including plenty of locals who come here for its incredible hiking routes.

Otherworldly rock formations greet you as you ascend to the lofty peak, with numerous vantage points where you can whip out your camera and catch the perfect view.

There’s a cable car for those who can’t make it all the way on foot, and you can get tickets for a guided visit of the Teide Observatory, one of the world’s largest and most important. Stay up late enough and you’ll see for yourself why Tenerife has a reputation as a stunning spot for star-gazing.

Ride the wave

There’s a lot to see in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s unapologetically Spanish and a contrast to some of the more touristy coastal resorts. Tapas bars and hotels jostle for your attention, but there are squares where you can find serenity, world-class museums and picturesque parks.

One highlight is the Auditorio de Tenerife. Completed in 2003, Santiago Calatrava’s ravishing and instantly iconic building is reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House but has a wave-like shape of its own that’s deeply suited to its location.

It’s more than just a looker – the acoustics are world-famous, so try to take in a performance here. If you can’t, you can still book ahead to get an English language tour of this modern classic.

Stark volcanic beauty mixed with golden beaches, Spanish towns full of old world charm and buzzing resorts – car hire at Tenerife South Airport opens the door to an island that offers something for every taste.