Routes guide · Plan your trip
Routes around Tenerife
Group places by area so you don't cross the island every day. If you prefer to follow a ready-made plan based on your days, see the itineraries.
Before you start
Less road, more place.
Tenerife packs very different landscapes into one island — summit, forest, ravines and coast — but crossing it end to end every day takes hours you could spend at each place. The most comfortable way to explore is to group your visits by geographical area.
If you'd rather not plan anything, we have five ready-made itineraries depending on the days you have: from a 3-day getaway to a full week.
Choose by area
What to visit by area.
Grouping your visits avoids crossing the island several times and leaves time to enjoy the scenic roads.
North
La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Icod de los Vinos and Garachico. Historic towns, lush vegetation and a coast shaped by the volcano.
La Orotava · Puerto de la Cruz · Icod de los Vinos · Garachico
Suggested time: 1 day
South
El Médano, La Tejita and the southern approaches to Teide. Sun, beaches, wind sports and the fastest way up to the summit.
El Médano and La Tejita · Southern approaches to Teide
Suggested time: half a day – 1 day
West
Masca, Teno and Los Gigantes. Ravines, cliffs and roads that are as much a part of the trip as the destination.
Masca · Teno · Los Gigantes
Suggested time: 1 day
Northeast
Anaga, La Laguna, Santa Cruz and Las Teresitas. The most complete combination for a single day.
Anaga · La Laguna · Santa Cruz · Las Teresitas
Suggested time: 1 dayBefore you set off
Plan less. Drive better.
- Group places by area and avoid crossing the island several times.
- Check the weather for the summit, the north and the south separately: it varies a lot from one area to another.
- Set out early for Teide, Anaga, Masca and Punta de Teno: they are the roads with the most traffic and the least parking.
- Check access, permits and bookings before entering protected areas such as Teide or Masca.
- Leave some slack: a scenic road can't be enjoyed on an impossible schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Before you choose your route.
Is it better to visit the north or the south of Tenerife?
It depends on what you're after: the south has sun, beaches and the quickest routes up to Teide; the north has more vegetation, historic towns and a wilder coast. If you have several days, combine both in separate areas so you don't cross the island daily.
How many days do you need to see Tenerife?
With 3 days you can cover Teide, Anaga and the west. With 5, you add the north and a coastal day. A week lets you slow the pace and give each area its own day.
Can you get around Tenerife without a car?
It is possible along the Santa Cruz–La Laguna axis thanks to the tram and the buses, but for Anaga, Masca, Teno or Teide a hire car simplifies the itinerary a great deal.
What is the best way to plan the route?
Choose two or three areas you are most curious about, group nearby places together and leave at least one day not fully planned.
Your trip starts here
You don't need to see everything. You need to choose well.
Go back to the places guide and choose two or three areas you are genuinely interested in. The rest of the island will still be there next time.