Canary Islands - Tenerife - The Best 4-Day Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

The Best 4-Day Tenerife Road Trip Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Looking for the perfect 4-day Tenerife itinerary by car? Explore the island’s breathtaking landscapes with this ultimate itinerary and guide. We’ll show you exactly where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your Tenerife adventure.

Table of Content

Day 1: Traveling through the South of Tenerife – Las Americas, Los Gigantes, and Masca Day 2: Visiting La Laguna, Anaga and Benijo Beaches Day 3: Volcano Teide - Tenerife's Main Natural Attraction Day 4: Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and Garachico

All the places are marked on a Google map — helps you see everything at a glance.

💡This itinerary is designed with the assumption that you have a car and are staying in the southern part of the island, where most tourists arrive via the South Airport.

🚗 Where to rent a car?

We recommend booking a car in advance with one of the local rental companies. For example:

This is not an advertisement, and we do not cooperate with these services, but they have excellent reviews on Google.

Day 1: Traveling through the South of Tenerife – Las Americas, Los Gigantes, and Masca

The trip will take you past picturesque beaches, majestic cliffs, and secluded mountain villages. This day will give you stunning views and a relaxing holiday by the ocean.

Las Americas – Breakfast and Walk Along the Coast

Playa de Las Americas

08:30 - 10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel or in one of the restaurants on the coast of Las Americas.

💡You can park your car on the coast in Safari Centre Parking — this is a covered parking lot with good reviews.💡

💡Choose a restaurant with a rating of 4.5+ on Google Maps for a quality breakfast with an ocean view.💡

Playa de Las Americas

10:00 - 12:00 – Morning promenade along the ocean.

This is one of the most beautiful places for a walk in Tenerife – well-kept walking areas, stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, palm trees, and atmospheric cafes. A calm pace will allow you to enjoy the sea breeze and the atmosphere of the resort. Take a walk from Playa del Camisón to Playa de las Américas.

Paseo Francisco Andrade Fumero

Playa del Camisón

Los Gigantes – Impressive Cliffs and Natural Pools

12:00 - 16:00 Los Gigantes (travel time is about 40 minutes).

Stop 1: Mirador Archipenque – one of the best viewpoints over the cliffs and the city.

Mirador Archipenque

Stop 2: Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes – a natural pool with sea water and stunning views of the cliffs.

Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes

💡Be careful – swimming is only possible in calm waters. There have been many bad incidents over the past year, so please be very careful, and if there are waves – don’t take any risks. You can spend about 2 hours here.💡

For lunch, you can choose a restaurant with an ocean view. For example: Fettuccine Los Gigantes.

Masca – a Picturesque Village in the Mountains

16:00 - 19:00 Transfer to Masca (🚧30 minutes on a serpentine road. It’s a difficult path, and it requires confidence behind the wheel🚧).

Stop 1: Mirador de Cherfe - view of the serpentine and the valley.

Mirador de Cherfe

Stop 2: Mirador de Masca - stunning view of the gorge and the village.

Mirador de Masca

💡Walk through the village of Masca and rest in a cafe with traditional Canarian dishes.💡

20:00 Return home.

Day 2: Visiting La Laguna, Anaga and Benijo Beaches

This day will immerse you in the atmosphere of the old Spanish streets of La Laguna. You will see the fabulous forests of Anaga and relax on the wild beaches with black sand.

La Laguna - the City Under the Auspices of UNESCO

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

🧾The historic center of La Laguna (UNESCO) is the cultural heart of Tenerife, preserving the atmosphere of the colonial era. Here are majestic churches, monasteries, and houses of the Canarian nobility. This was the first Spanish city without fortified walls, which became a model for many Latin American colonial cities.🧾

08:30 - 9:30 Breakfast and transfer to La Laguna (travel time is about 1 hour).

💡You can park your car in the Aparcamiento Adelantado near the historical center of the city.💡

9:30 - 11:30 2 hours walking around the historical center of La Laguna.

The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna - is Tenerife's main religious landmark and a symbol of the city's colonial heritage. Built in the early 20th century on the foundations of a 16th-century church, the cathedral combines a neoclassical façade with a Gothic interior. Inside, valuable works of art are housed, including a carved altarpiece and relics. It is a must-see in the historic center of La Laguna.

The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Iglesia de la Concepción - the oldest church in San Cristóbal de La Laguna and one of the most important historical shrines in Tenerife. Founded in 1496, it was the first Christian church in the Canary Islands. The church is famous for its high bell tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Iglesia de la Concepción

Road Through Anaga – the Magical Forest of Tenerife

12:00 - 15:00 – Journey through the Anaga Mountains (travel time from the center of La Laguna to the nearest point Mirador De Jardin is about 20 minutes).

💡Take warm clothes as the temperature in the mountains can be much lower.💡

Stop 1: Mirador de Jardina - One of the best viewpoints in Tenerife, located near La Laguna. It offers impressive views of the historic city, the green hills of Anaga, and the majestic Teide volcano.

Mirador de Jardina

Stop 2: Mirador Cruz del Carmen - The viewpoint is located in the heart of Anaga Park. It offers a completely different view of La Laguna, the valley covered with dense forests, and the Teide volcano on the horizon. It is also possible to go on a hike through the Anaga rainforest from here.

Mirador Cruz del Carmen

Stop 3: Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés - one of the most picturesque places in the Anaga Park, ideal for photography. The narrow road is surrounded by dense laurel forests. It creates a mysterious atmosphere, especially on foggy days.

Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés

Stop 4: Mirador Pico del Inglés - from here, you can also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the northern coast of the island, as well as La Laguna, Santa Cruz, and the Teide volcano from a different angle.

Mirador Pico del Inglés

Lunch and Rest at Playa de Benijo

15:00 - 20:00 - leaving for Taganana and the beaches of the northern coast (travel time from Mirador Pico del Inglés to Guachinche Bibi y Maná is 40 minutes).

Stop 1: Mirador Bailadero - on one side, there is a stunning view of green mountain ranges and the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other - the valley and the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Mirador Bailadero

Stop 2: Mirador Risco Amogoje - a hidden gem in the Anaga Park. It offers breathtaking views of rocky cliffs, green valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Mirador Risco Amogoje

💡Visit the Guachinche Bibi y Maná for lunch - it’s an authentic farmhouse specializing in Canarian dishes.💡

Guachinche Bibi y Mana

You should definitely try the national dishes:

🍴 Carne de Cabra - Canarian-style stewed goat, cooked slowly with aromatic spices, vegetables, and local wine.
🍴 Carne fiesta - juicy pieces of pork marinated in spices and fried until golden brown.
🍴 Conejo en salmorejo - rabbit stewed in a fragrant marinade of garlic, wine, pepper, and spices.
🍴 Queso asado con mojo - fried Canarian cheese with piquant sauces mojo rojo (hot red) and mojo verde (soft green).

They also serve vino de la casa (house wine of local production, usually dry red).

Beaches in the North of Tenerife

(🚧check their availability before you go – they may be closed in winter due to landslides or storms🚧).

Stop 1: Playa de Almáciga – a wild and picturesque beach in the Anaga Park located in the northeast of Tenerife. This black volcanic beach with powerful Atlantic waves is a real paradise for surfers and lovers of untouched nature. 💡There are some amenities (showers and restaurants) within walking distance with a view of the ocean💡.

Playa de Almáciga

Stop 2: Playa de Benijo – one of the most picturesque and wild beaches in Tenerife hidden in Anaga Park. This black volcanic beach with majestic cliffs jutting out of the ocean creates dramatic landscapes, especially at sunset. It’s ideal for photography, walking, and surfing.

Playa de Benijo

🚧These beaches are remote, and there are almost no amenities. Yet, there are some traditional restaurants nearby where you can try fresh fish and seafood while enjoying a view of the ocean. On weekends, there are usually a lot of people. 🚧

20:00 - Departure home to the south (approximate travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes).

Day 3: Volcano Teide - Tenerife's Main Natural Attraction

You will be able to see and climb the majestic Teide. It is the highest mountain in Spain (3715m) and the center of the Teide National Park.

💡The temperature in Teide National Park differs significantly from the coast. In winter, it can drop to 0°C, and in some areas, there is even snow. In summer, the temperature is also significantly lower than near the ocean. There is a Restaurante Papillon but due to the large number of tourists, there are often queues and a limited choice of dishes. The service is also not the best, so it is better to bring the food with you.💡

Teide National Park

09:00 - 10:30 Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the National Park (travel time is about 1 hour)

Stop 1: Mirador de Chipeque - the viewpoint is located at 1800 m altitude. You can see the clouds that spread over the valley of La Laguna and Santa Cruz from here. In clear weather, you can see the silhouette of the Teide volcano towering above them. This is a great place for photos and a short rest.

Mirador de Chipeque

10:30 - 12:30 - walk and hike along Mirador de el Alto de Guamaso

💡Mirador de el Alto de Guamaso is a viewpoint and the starting point for a short hike along a scenic route around Montaña de Guamaso. The trail is about 2.5 km long and passes through unique volcanic landscapes with stunning views of Teide and the surrounding rock formations. The walk takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour at a comfortable pace.💡

Mirador de el Alto de Guamaso

12:30 - 14:00 - walking tour of Minas de San José and lunch

💡Minas de San José resembles the plain on Mars. It is covered with light-colored pumice deposits formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Scenes for Clash of the Titans and other science fiction films were filmed here. You can take amazing pictures with views of the Teide volcano. Here you can have a snack (if you brought some food). Be sure to clean up.💡

Minas de San José

14:00 - 17:00 - ascent to mount Teide by funicular

💡You can book tickets to Funicular here. Funicular will get you to the top station of La Rambleta (3555 m) and you can go to the La Fortaleza viewpoint with a panoramic view of the northern part of Tenerife.💡

🚧Climbing to the very top of Teide (3718 m) is only possible with a permit. You must book it in advance.🚧

Teide Funicular

Mirador La Rambleta

17:00 - 19:00 - after taking photos from the mountain Teide, you can visit more places

Stop 1: La Ruleta Vista Point - a viewing point where you can see the volcanic landscape and the Roques de García (picturesque volcanic formations). It is an ideal place for photographs and a short break.

La Ruleta Vista Point

Stop 2: Mirador de las Narices del Teide - one of the most impressive viewpoints in Tenerife, which is located on the western slope of the Teide National Park. It offers stunning views of the volcanic landscape and surrounding lava fields formed by the eruption of 1798.

Mirador de las Narices del Teide

💡One of the most powerful volcanic eruptions on the island took place here, at the foot of the Chinyero volcano. You will see the Narices del Teide - two craters from which lava once flowed with your own eyes. It is also one of the best places to watch the sunset with a view of the volcano.💡

Stop 3: Mirador de los Poleos - the last point of our route today is a picturesque viewpoint on the southwest side of Tenerife. You'll see breathtaking panoramic views of the island's southern coast, volcanic landscapes, and dense Canarian pine forests. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunset over the ocean and the best option for those who don't want to waste time in crowded and overly popular tourist spots.

Mirador de los Poleos

💡It’s a perfect place for a short break after a busy day in Teide National Park. Bring a blanket and a hot drink if you plan to stay until sunset.💡

19:00 - Return home (approx travel time to Las Americas is 1 hour)

Day 4: Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and Garachico

8:30 - Breakfast and departure to Puerto De La Cruz (approx travel time from the South of the island is 1 hour)

Puerto De La Cruz

09:30 - 11:00 – walking tour of the Botanical Garden in Puerto de La Cruz

💡You can park your car near the entrance of the Botanical Garden in Puerto de La Cruz. There are usually plenty of free spots. Alternatively, you can use this free parking. Entrance tickets can be bought on site. The price is around 3€ (may change).💡

💡The Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Garden (Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava) is one of the most beautiful and oldest botanical gardens in the Canary Islands. It was founded in 1788 by the decree of King Charles III to acclimatize exotic plants from the tropical regions of America, Asia, and Africa.

It has a unique collection of plants (more than 4,000 species) from all over the world, including giant fig trees, various palms and bamboo species, flowering orchids, and lotuses. It is also one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe.💡

Botanical Garden in Puerto de La Cruz

11:00 - 13:00 - visit to the Puerto de La Cruz promenade

Stop 1: Playa de Martiánez - it’s a picturesque beach with black volcanic sand. It is known for its strong ocean waves, which makes it popular among surfers and outdoor activities lovers. Lago Martiánez (a famous complex with sea pools) is located nearby. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby.

Playa de Martiánez

🚧Swimming may be restricted due to strong waves, especially in winter (note safety flags on the beach).🚧

Stop 2: Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez (Lago Martiánez) - it's a unique complex of salt pools created by the famous Canarian architect César Manrique. The pools are organically integrated into the volcanic landscape and surrounded by lush greenery. In the center, there is a huge pool (15,000 m²) with crystal clear water, and the complex itself is decorated with sculptures, cascades, terraces, and green islands.

Lago Martiánez

💡You can spend a whole day in this place, but you won't have enough time to see other famous locations. It's best to just walk around to enjoy other views.💡

Stop 3: Playa San Telmo - a small but picturesque beach on the city embankment. There are natural pools and a rocky shore formed from solidified volcanic lava. Natural lava pools are protected from the waves, and they also offer an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby is San Telmo Shrine - a chapel built in the 16th century.

Playa San Telmo

San Telmo Shrine

Stop 4: Playa del Muelle - a small and cozy beach located next to the historic port of the city. Here you will feel the atmosphere of a traditional fishing district (there are old fishermen's houses, boats, and small cafes around the beach). The beach is in a bay, so the waves here are weaker than on other beaches of Puerto de la Cruz.

Playa del Muelle

13:00 - 15:00 - trip to La Orotava (approx travel time is 30 minutes)

💡La Orotava is one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities of Tenerife, located in the Orotava Valley at about 400 m above sea level. This city has preserved the authentic Canarian atmosphere and architecture of the colonial period.💡

Stop 1: Church of Our Lady of Conception - it’s one of the most beautiful and important churches in Tenerife, located in La Orotava. This temple is a national monument of Spain and a wonderful example of the Canarian Baroque. The temple was built in the 18th century. It is decorated with carved stone details and two high bell towers. Inside there are carved altars, ancient relics, and an artfully decorated dome. It also houses important religious relics related to the history of the island.

Church of Our Lady of Conception

Stop 2: Constitution Plaza - This is the central square of La Orotava. It is surrounded by historic buildings, churches, and gardens. The square was built in the 19th century and still retains the spirit of the old town. There are cafes, restaurants, and a view of the Iglesia de San Agustín. This place is also close to the Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja (park).

Iglesia de San Agustín

Constitution Plaza

15:00 - 17:00 - leisurely lunch overlooking the ocean in Cofradía Las Aguas

💡Cofradía Las Aguas is an authentic seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views. They serve the freshest seafood caught in the coastal waters of Tenerife. The tables are located right on the beach.💡

🍴We recommend trying traditional dishes such as "ropa vieja de pulpo" (braised octopus), vieja a la plancha (fried fish), and papas arrugadas con mojo (Canarian potatoes with sauces).🍴

Cofradía Las Aguas

17:00 - 19:00 - transfer and walk around Garachico (travel time is approx 30 minutes)

💡You can park your car in a free parking lot.💡

💡Garachico is known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and unique lava pools formed after the eruption of the Montana Negra volcano in 1706. The view of the rocky island of Roque de Garachico, the lava pools, and the absence of crowds of tourists are the hallmarks of this city.💡

Stop 1: Piscinas Naturales "El Caletón" - these are unique natural pools created by lava flows after the eruption of the volcano. When the hot lava reached the ocean, it solidified, forming natural baths with crystal clear water. The unusual contrast of black volcanic rocks and turquoise water creates an unforgettable atmosphere. There are stairs for easy descent, relaxation areas, and showers, and you can also walk around the Castillo de San Miguel (historical fortress, now it’s a museum).

Piscinas Naturales "El Caletón"

Castillo de San Miguel

Stop 2: Plaza de la Libertad - it is the main square of Garachico, surrounded by colonial architecture, ancient churches, and palm trees. You’ll see important architectural monuments from the 16th to 18th centuries. The square itself is decorated with benches, fountains, and flowering plants. Festivals, concerts, and fairs are often held here, and on hot days you can relax under the palm trees.