Tenerife by Car: The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary
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Tenerife might look small on a map, but you absolutely need a car if you want to leave the resorts and see the good stuff. While a full week is ideal, five days is the perfect sweet spot. It’s plenty of time to check off your Tenerife bucket list without feeling rushed.
Having lived in Tenerife for a few years, I’ve designed this itinerary so that you not only see the highlights, but also get the chance to explore like a local.
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Tenerife now!
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Southern luxury: Bahia del Duque (9.0/10)
- Northern charm: Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden (9.3/10)
- In the capital: Hotel Emblemático Hi Suites (9.4/10)
How to spend the best 5 days in Tenerife
If this is your first time in Tenerife, you will love it. Here is a brief overview of what you will get to do and see in this Tenerife itinerary.
Day 1: stroll by the beach, Mount Teide and stargazing
Day 2: explore historic towns
Day 3: Siam Park
Day 4: visiting towns with stunning landscapes
Day 5: spotting marine life
Carol and Max in Masca, Tenerife with views to the ocean
I know this is a packed itinerary, but I’ve designed it to help you make the most of your time on the island. Of course, feel free to skip or swap any of my recommendations. I just want you to experience Tenerife like a local!
Day 1: stroll by the beach, Mount Teide and stargazing
In this itinerary, I’m only accounting for 5 full days, so I hope you have a buffer day to settle.
The best way to start the trip is to enjoy Tenerife’s black sand beaches and the weather. While most of these are in the north, there are a few incredible beaches in the south, which is very likely where you will stay. This is a blog I’ve written recommending where to stay in Tenerife, but make sure to check out Vio to find the best hotel deals.
Sunbathe at Playa de Troya
Playa de Troya is a great beach to sit back and relax. If you need to drive, the closest parking is in Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina, which is completely free, but you may need patience to find parking. If you are unsure what rental company to choose, this blog will save you time: Best Car Rentals in Tenerife (Without Getting Ripped Off)
Stroll and lunch at Paseo Marítimo in Costa Adeje
For lunch, hop in the car for a quick 6-minute drive to Paseo Marítimo in Costa Adeje. It’s a lovely promenade packed with restaurants, views, bars, and souvenir shops. Just a heads up: it is definitely a tourist hotspot, but being right by the beach makes it incredibly convenient for a relaxing stroll and a bite to eat.
Since you'll be spending the rest of the afternoon and evening at Mount Teide, make sure to grab some snacks and drinks beforehand. For the best prices, stock up at Mercadona or Hiperdino (sometimes called SuperDino). These are the main supermarkets where locals actually shop.
Visit Mount Teide
Carol at Mount Teide in Tenerife
After lunch, head toward Mount Teide. If you're anything like us, you’ll probably find yourself pulling over at every other viewpoint on the drive up. The landscapes are absolutely stunning.
If you're looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, I’d highly recommend exploring Mount Teide on a guided buggy tour. It’s an incredibly unique way to experience the national park, and it's even suitable for families with kids. Just bear in mind that the driver will need a valid driver's license, closed-toe shoes, and the meeting point is located near the southern airport.
Views of Mount Teide from Mirador de La Esperanza in Tenerife
If you're prone to motion sickness, make sure to take a tablet before heading up. The roads to Mount Teide are incredibly winding and can get dizzying fast.
There are a few spots you’ll definitely want to visit to see the famous volcanic terrain: Roques de García, Roque Cinchado, and the peak of Mount Teide. In all honesty, we’ve never taken the cable car to the peak ourselves, but it is the highest viewpoint in both Tenerife and Spain. It’s an absolute must if you want breathtaking, 360-degree views of the entire island.
Max on Roques de Garcia in Mount Teide, Tenerife
Tickets cost €24 for a one-way ascent (meaning you’ll have to hike back down) or €43 for a round-trip ticket. Walking up is a proper workout, so make sure you won’t regret it halfway through!
If you did choose the guided buggy tour, this is the perfect time to grab dinner before heading back up to Mount Teide for stargazing. A local recommendation nearby is Guachinche La Maestra. It’s just a 7-minute drive from the meeting point.
Stargazing on Mount Teide
To end your first day, find a quiet spot on Mount Teide and look up. The Canary Islands are famous for having some of the clearest skies in the world, so don't miss out on this. We’ve actually created a Google Maps list with over 100 locations in Tenerife, including stargazing spots, beaches, natural pools, and much more, so make sure to grab that before you go!
If you’d rather stargaze with an expert who can actually tell you what you're looking at, we highly recommend booking this guided tour. Honestly, trying to see constellations on your own can be tough, and this tour includes professional telescopes that make a massive difference. They offer both a transport option and a self-drive version, so you can easily choose whichever fits your vibe best.
Day 2: explore historic towns
I feel like visiting the historic towns gives you a real glimpse into the local, authentic side of Tenerife, especially compared to the south, which is much more focused on tourism. Although there are plenty of towns worth visiting, these four give you the perfect balance so you don’t overdo it.
Garachico
If you are staying in the south, you'll take the TF-1 motorway up before transitioning onto the mountain roads. From the north, you can simply follow the TF-5.
Garachico is a town that was completely rebuilt after a volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. This event actually created one of its main attractions today:
Views of Garachico from Teno Massif in Tenerife
El Caletón. Bring your swimsuit because El Caletón is a stunning volcanic natural pool and one of the most popular in Tenerife. The only downside is that it can get really busy, which is exactly why we recommend visiting in the morning.
El Caleton natural pools in Garachico
Explore the old town. The local architecture dominates in this town, and I’d recommend stopping by Plaza de La Libertad, Convento de San Francisco and Iglesia de Santa Ana.
Walk by Castillo de San Miguel. It’s a very small and old stone fortress situated by the coastline.
Parking in Garachico is relatively easy and free (generally, parking is free across Tenerife, though paid options do exist). There are two main free car parks, one on the west side, which is smaller, and the other on the east side of the town centre, usually with more available spots.
Icod de los Vinos
The drive from Garachico to Icod de los Vinos is absolutely beautiful, taking you right along the coast with stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and lush banana plantations.
Icod de los Vinos is a very charming town famous for its historic architecture and local wines (Vinos means wines in Spanish). Here is what you should do:
Carol and Max in front of the Drago Milenario in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife
See the Drago Milenario. There’s a great free viewing spot (where we took our picture) from the square opposite the San Marcos Church, or you can buy a ticket to the botanical garden in advance for €5 to see it right up close.
Optional stop: Cueva del Viento. If you like unique, adventurous stuff, this is well worth the quick detour just outside of town. It’s the largest volcanic lava tube system in Europe, meaning you get to walk through underground tunnels carved by ancient lava. It’s entirely guided, and you must pre-book online, so grab your tickets ahead of time if you want to check it out!
Learn about the banana plantation at Casa del Plátano. Tickets cost €5, but we’d recommend buying your ticket in advance.
Stroll around the centre, and stop by Plaza de la Pila.
You can often find free parking along the streets, for example, on Avenida de Canarias, but there is also paid parking located right near the main attractions. It costs around €1 per hour.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
A great local food spot and one of our favourites in Tenerife on the way to La Laguna is Guachinche Toni y Virginia. Not only is the food delicious, but it also has stunning views over the hills and the ocean. You should be able to park for free outside the guachinche.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colourful streets, historic palaces and a very traditional feel. Don’t forget to:
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Stroll the historic centre, passing by places like Calle Herradores and Obispo Rey Redondo.
Visit religious landmarks like La Laguna Cathedral and Iglesia de la Concepción.
If you are into museums, check out the Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife (€5 for adults) to learn the region’s history.
For a sweet taste, try Golden Brown Bread Boutique.
Free parking in La Laguna is a bit more difficult, but not impossible. That said, there is a very convenient parking lot you can pay for near the centre.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
This is my hometown and the liveliest city on the island, so if you're looking to check out some local bars and nightlife, this is definitely the place to be.
Visit Plaza de España. There’s a really good vibe, and here you can find the big letters that spell Santa Cruz.
See the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín.
Stroll down Calle del Castillo. It’s a bustling street with many shops and cafes.
For dinner, head to Calle Antonio Domínguez Alfonso to try some of the amazing tapas bars and restaurants.
Similarly to La Laguna, parking will be difficult, but you may be lucky and find a free spot in the streets. However, I’d recommend a paid parking lot near Calle Antonio Domínguez Alfonso.
Day 3: Siam Park
I’ve actually written a full blog post sharing everything you need to know about Siam Park, but just know it will be one of the most fun days of your trip, perfect for both families and adults.
There are two important things I’ll mention so you don’t miss out.
Carol at the Tower of Power in Siam Park, Tenerife
Regarding tickets, make sure to pre-book online so you can skip the long ticket queues at the gate. Standard entry costs €44, but if your budget allows, definitely go for the all-inclusive ticket. It includes your entry, food, unlimited fast-track passes, a locker, a towel… basically EVERYTHING!
Optional: If you are interested in Loro Parque, you can buy a twin ticket that includes entry to both Siam Park and Loro Parque. If you choose this option, I’d suggest visiting Loro Parque on Day 2 instead of the towns mentioned in this itinerary.
It’s very easy to find parking at Siam Park. You can either pay €7 to park in Siam Park’s car park, just bear in mind availability is limited, or park in the surroundings for free. We found a free spot on this avenue.
Day 4: visiting towns with stunning landscapes
When visiting Tenerife, I completely understand wanting to just enjoy your hotel, sunbathe on the beach, or simply relax. In fact, if you haven't booked your accommodation yet, check out my ultimate guide on where to stay in Tenerife here. This is exactly why I suggest a half-day road trip to see two towns with stunning landscapes.
Puerto de Santiago
This is a very laid-back town with a few black sand beaches, very nice and local restaurants, and most importantly, breathtaking views of Los Gigantes cliffs.
Views of Los Gigantes from Puerto de Santiago
If you are feeling adventurous, there is a port in Puerto de Santiago with a few activities, like kayaking, luxury boat excursions with snacks, jet-skis and even whale and dolphin watching tours, but for this last one I’d recommend doing it on Day 5.
A must-visit viewpoint is Mirador Archipenque. This is an incredible spot to see the Los Gigantes cliffs above Puerto de Colon.
Masca
Carol and Max in Masca, Tenerife with views to the ocean
It’s a very small town with very dramatic views and traditional stone houses. Besides admiring the landscape, you can hike down the gorge. However, instead of hiking, I’d strongly recommend booking a water canyoning tour for the ultimate experience in Tenerife.
It can get crowded, but try parking for free here. It sets you at the top of the village, next to the views over the gorge.
Day 5: spotting marine life
Visiting Tenerife and not doing a dolphin tour is like going to Italy and not trying pizza. However, from personal experience, I’d avoid booking the cheap tours around the €25 mark. These tend to be big, overcrowded boats.
Instead, we always recommend a small-group catamaran tour that includes a buffet and drinks. It’s a bit more boujee, but it makes the experience so much more unique. Plus, it’s only a 3-hour tour, which still leaves you with plenty of free time to relax on your last day!
Where to stay in Tenerife for 5 days?
Five days in Tenerife is a good amount of time to have a good feel for the island. Since the south is the area in Tenerife with the best weather, I’d recommend staying here if it’s your first time visiting.
This is where I would stay:
Bahia del Duque: It’s located in Costa Adeje, a premier resort town with upscale hotels. This hotel is more like a mini-village with modern rooms and chic villas.
Kora Tigot: It’s located in San Miguel de Abona, one of the main tourist hubs near the southern Airport. This hotel offers modern apartment-style rooms at reasonable prices.
JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar -Adults Only: A very luxurious and elegant hotel in Costa Adeje with a more classy decoration. Ideal if you like the beach, since it’s a couple of minutes’ walk from Playa del Duque.
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