Canary Islands -
Tenerife
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Tenerife 4 Day Road Trip Itinerary and Best Places to Visit
Tenerife 4 Day Road Trip Itinerary and Best Places to Visit
After four years of living on the island, we've distilled the best of Tenerife into one perfect four-day journey. We’re now sharing the ultimate road trip itinerary, equally suitable for island veterans and first-time visitors. We've prepared more than just a list of must-see spots; we've also optimized the driving route to help you make the most of your time.
All the places are marked on a Google map — helps you see everything at a glance.
Hi! We're a family from Ukraine who have been living in Tenerife for four years. Our passion is exploring the island and its most beautiful hidden gems, which you can find on our Instagram, YouTube, and this website.
This guide is no exception. It is based entirely on our own experience traveling around the island. Each location on the list has been visited and filmed by us. Our honest itinerary offers only the spots that are truly worth seeing.
Views of Tenerife
Our Tenerife 4-day itinerary will help you:
Get an optimized route for a 4-day trip without backtracking or unnecessary detours.
See the best beaches, historic towns, lush forests, and the Teide landscapes.
Avoid burnout, as active and relaxing days are evenly balanced.
📌Please note: This itinerary is designed for travelers with a car. While the roads on the island are good, many sections include steep climbs and sharp switchbacks. Drive carefully!
Where to Rent a Car in Tenerife?
Local companies often offer great terms and full insurance for rentals. Sanasty Car Rental and Be Cars both have positive reviews on Google Maps. If you're traveling during the peak season, be sure to book your car well in advance. To avoid any issues, we recommend choosing full insurance and taking photos of the car’s condition upon pickup.
Booking.com Сar Rental can help you compare prices across various rental companies and book ahead of time. Simply click the link, choose your pickup/drop-off dates and location (city, airport, or station) to browse all available options.
The Island Where the Weather is Always Just Right
When is the best time to explore Tenerife in 4 days? A question almost every traveler asks is which season is best for Tenerife. It’s not called the "Island of Eternal Spring" for nothing! The weather is comfortable from January to December, so it largely depends on your preferences.
Here is what to expect during your 4-day Tenerife road trip:
Winter: This is peak season, so be prepared for more tourists, especially in the south. While the air temperature remains pleasant, swimming can be tricky due to stronger waves and cooler ocean temperatures. If you visit in January or February, expect higher prices and crowds; book everything in advance if possible.
Spring or Fall: These are probably the most versatile seasons. At this time of year, you can enjoy Mount Teide, lush green forests, and local culture. There are fewer tourists, and the temperatures are perfect for walking and exploring the island.
Summer: Summers in the south are quite hot, while the north and the mountains remain very comfortable. This season is popular with beach lovers, but you can still catch waves at certain beaches, explore parks, and hike Mount Teide.
Our route is available year-round. The only caveat is that, in winter, there may be occasional snow or road closures on Mount Teide (which are very rare).
Tenerife Nature
The Best Places to Base Yourself in Tenerife
We recommend staying in the south of the island during your trip to Tenerife. The towns of Las Américas, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos are ideal as your home base. They are located near the starting point of the first day's route and offer easy access to the TF-1 highway (which runs along the east and south coasts with multiple exits). Furthermore, these areas provide a wide range of hotels and apartments to suit every taste and budget.
If you're looking for hotels or apartments in Las Américas, Costa Adeje, or Los Cristianos,Booking.comallows you to compare prices, locations, and guest reviews in one place.
If you want to spend more time in Puerto de la Cruz or La Orotava, you can book a hotel in the south for the first two nights and stay in the north for the rest of your trip. This way, you won't have to drive back south every evening.
Another important reason to base yourself in the south is the airports. Most international flights arrive at Tenerife South (TFS), from where you can easily reach southern towns by taxi, bus (check the schedule on the official Titsa website), or by picking up a rental car.
For Spanish residents, there is also the option of arriving by ferry and even bringing your own car. These depart from both the other Canary Islands and mainland Spain (Cadiz, Huelva).
Why Tenerife Should Be Your Next Getaway
In just 4 days in Tenerife by car, you'll see a greater variety of landscapes, culture, nature, and beaches than almost anywhere else in the world.
This island is unique in its contrasts:
In the south: resorts with palm trees, beaches, and beautiful promenades.
In the north: wild beaches with black volcanic sand and the powerful ocean.
In the center: Teide National Park, where deserts and forests are separated by just a few kilometers.
Throughout the island: historic towns with traditional Canarian architecture, churches, and incredible miradores (viewpoints).
Our Tenerife 4-day itinerary is the optimal route to help you experience all this beauty. Although four days isn't much for an island you'll want to stay on forever, we’ve created the most comprehensive guide to make the most of your trip.
Tenerife Landscapes
Tenerife North vs. South
Who would have thought that one island could offer such different landscapes, nature, and even lifestyles? In Tenerife, two worlds coexist in one place.
The South is a Tourist Hub
Families, beach lovers, and those looking for a place to party or enjoy a cerveza at a bar usually choose the south. It has a well-developed infrastructure, is always bustling with tourists, and offers convenient promenades and light-sand beaches. Furthermore, it's warm year-round, and it almost never gets cloudy or rainy (rain is very rare and usually limited to short episodes during the winter months.)
The North is for Canarian Authenticity and Nature
The north sees far fewer tourists than the south. Here, locals, historic towns, and authentic Canarian life attract those seeking the "real" Tenerife. The beaches boast strong waves and black volcanic sand—the island's calling card. You can hike in the mountains, explore forests, and enjoy the mystical mists and rocky coastlines.
Our Tenerife self-drive itinerary combines the best of both worlds. You can stay in the south and explore the north using our guide. Enjoy both relaxing leisure time and the most interesting northern attractions.
Northern Tenerife
Convenient Island Navigation
You can drive around the entire island in a single day using the TF-1 and TF-5 highways. But why rush? There are so many interesting spots where you could easily spend a whole day, which is why we created our Tenerife 4-day itinerary.
In four days, you'll visit the main viewpoints in both the south and north, see the best coastal spots, explore Teide National Park, and discover incredible northern sites. Without further ado, let's move on to the first day of the trip!
Day 1 — South of Tenerife: Visiting Las Américas, Los Gigantes & Masca
Relaxed Trip Start in Las Americas
After your flight and airport transfer, we recommend starting the first day in a relaxed manner. You can enjoy your morning coffee near Playa de Las Américas. This beach is considered a true calling card of the island's south. It is surrounded by palm trees, a long promenade, beautiful hotels, and numerous cafes.
You can start your walk at any point, depending on where you are staying or parking. We recommend walking from Playa del Camisón to Playa de Las Américas (or vice versa). Along the coast, you'll see Mirador de la Gomera and Salto del Patito, and as you get closer to the town, you’ll find bright, beautiful houses filled with the spirit of Tenerife.
It’s best to arrive around 9–10 am when it’s less crowded and easier to find a spot.
If you plan to spend more time here, don't forget your sunscreen, a hat, and water (it can be really hot).
Tenerife Coasts
Los Gigantes Cliffs View and Marina
Our next destination is Los Gigantes (check out our article on the best sights and things to do in Los Gigantes). You can drive from Las Américas along the TF-1 highway, or turn off after Tijoco Bajo onto the TF-46. The drive takes about 40 minutes.
Most travelers come here to see the famous Los Gigantes cliffs. These are massive rock walls that look as if they were carved out of stone.
One of the best views is from Mirador Archipenque, which you can't miss. From this vantage point, you can see the entire town, the harbor, the cliffs, and the ocean. Next, you can drive down to Marina Los Gigantes. Paid parking is available directly at the marina, making it a convenient stop for a short walk. From here, you can see the cliffs from a different angle; there is also a yacht marina and a quiet promenade nearby.
You can also find a great place to dine with an ocean view here (Tas-k and Restaurante Los Gigantes Beach Club have many good reviews on Google, but feel free to choose according to your taste).
💡If you have an extra day, we highly recommend whale watching in Tenerife South.
It’s a great opportunity to see the island from the water and meet the local wildlife, including dolphins and whales. Choose the best whale and dolphin watching tours from Los Gigantes.
Mirador Archipenque
Los Gigantes
Natural Attractions and Sunset at Masca
From Los Gigantes, you can return to the TF-1 or take the TF-82 north towards Santiago del Teide. Turn off onto the TF-436, which leads directly to the Masca village.
This route offers some of the best views on the island: Mirador de Cherfe and Mirador de Masca. You should definitely stop here to admire the Teno Mountains, the gorge, and the winding road leading into the valley. It’s a perfect spot to take some amazing photos. A little further along is the famous Masca Serpentina (the switchbacks), followed by the village itself.
Teno Mountains
In the village, you can stroll through narrow streets set against a backdrop of cliffs, lush greenery, and the ocean. We recommend walking to the Masca Viewpoint and visiting a local restaurant, such as Restaurante "El Guanche", which serves authentic Canarian food and drinks.
Parking is currently a major challenge, so we've prepared some Masca village parking tips:
Parking in the center is practically impossible; it's best to look for spaces on the approach to or exit from the village.
Do not park on turns or in prohibited areas, as your car will be towed.
Visit the village closer to sunset for a better chance of finding a free spot.
Please note: Access and parking regulations in Masca may change from time to time. Before your visit, we recommend checking the latest updates on the official Cabildo de Tenerife or Buenavista del Norte municipality websites.
We recommend parking near The Cross of Hilda Lookout (Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda) and walking from there. It's a 4 km round trip, but you won't even notice the distance thanks to the incredible views.
The road to Masca is one of the most challenging sections on the island due to its narrow switchbacks, steep climbs, and winding serpentines.
Limited parking makes the situation even more difficult, but we highly recommend visiting this village.
If you prefer to skip the stress of driving and just enjoy the views, you can visit Masca with a guide. These tours include a drive through the gorges, stops at the most iconic viewpoints, and fascinating stories about the Guanches.
Let’s spend the second day of your itinerary in the north of the island. You’ll visit La Laguna with its colonial architecture, Anaga with its lush laurel forests, and some of the more remote beaches in Tenerife.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Just like the first day, we recommend starting with a leisurely stroll through La Laguna, one of the most beautiful and significant towns on the island. If you're staying in Las Américas, the drive north takes about an hour via the TF-1.
The city has many churches and museums, but most of them close for siesta, so be sure to check the opening hours in advance.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Anaga Laurel Forest and Rural Park
From La Laguna, the first stop in Anaga Rural Park is just a 20-minute drive along the TF-12.
Anaga Laurel Forest and Rural Park
The Anaga area is strikingly different from the rest of the island. This place is almost always shrouded in mist, with dense green vegetation and surreal landscapes. The laurel forest (laurisilva) has existed here for millions of years, and the area is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Anaga Laurel Forest and Rural Park
We recommend visiting the following locations:
Mirador de Jardina: Located on the way to the park along the TF-12. Incredible views of the valley, the city, and the hills are guaranteed. During peak season, parking can be limited.
Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés: A must-see. Located slightly northeast along the TF-12, this narrow road cuts between two high mossy walls surrounded by trees. If you're lucky enough to arrive on a foggy day, you'll feel like you're in a fairy tale.
Pico del Inglés Viewpoint: Located just a bit further along the TF-114. Enjoy views of the mountain ranges and the entire northern coast in clear weather, or embrace the mystical vibes when it's foggy.
At the restaurant, we recommend trying carne fiesta (marinated fried pork), carne de cabra (slow-stewed goat), conejo en salmorejo (rabbit in a traditional spicy marinade), papas arrugadas with mojo sauces (both mojo rojo and mojo verde), local goat cheeses, and a glass of house wine.
Remote Northern Beaches: Almáciga & Benijo
The beaches of northern Tenerife are drastically different from those in the south. White sand and palm trees give way to black volcanic sand, dramatic cliffs, and powerful waves. While swimming can be dangerous, taking photos and strolling along "the edge of the world" is an unforgettable experience.
Two must-see locations at the end of your second day are Playa de Almáciga and Playa de Benijo. Both can be reached from Taganana via the TF-134.
Playa de Almáciga will greet you first. It's a wide beach with strong waves and a scenic road where you can take dozens of beautiful photos from different angles.
Playa de Benijo is located further east along the same road. Please note that access to the shore is currently limited due to the risk of landslides. However, at sunset, when the cliffs are bathed in golden light, you can still capture incredible views from the viewpoints above. You can find updates on beach access on the official website.
🚨Important! Swimming is dangerous at both beaches due to strong currents and waves. They may also be closed during storms.
💡Note on driving: Reaching La Laguna and Anaga can be tricky if you're not used to narrow, winding roads. For less experienced drivers or those looking for a more relaxed trip, we recommend booking a tour with a local guide via this link.
Day 3 — Teide National Park & Volcano Landscapes
Have you watched Clash of the Titans, Fast & Furious 6, or One Million Years B.C.? Scenes from these movies were filmed in Teide National Park. Lava fields, craters, and cliffs at an altitude of 2,000 meters make this site feel like it’s located on another planet.
Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain and one of the world's largest volcanoes, so you can see all seven Canary Islands on clear days.
Stargazing in Teide National Park is also an unforgettable activity. Thanks to the high altitude, dry air, and the absence of light pollution from large cities, you can see the Milky Way and thousands of stars from the Teide plateau with the naked eye.
Teide National Park
You can reach the Park via the TF-24, which runs from the north of the island to the El Portillo Visitor Center and continues onward, just north of Mount Teide. Bring food, sunscreen, water, and warm clothes on this trip (temperatures drop to 0°C in winter).
While driving along this road, you'll enjoy incredible views from Mirador de Montaña Grande and Mirador de Ortuño, but don't linger too long as it only gets better from here!
As you approach the volcano on the TF-24, you'll be greeted by Mirador de Chipeque. Want to take some amazing photos? This is the place. The panorama is simply breathtaking. Imagine a sea of white clouds, the volcano peak, and lush green vegetation.
The next must-see stop is Mirador de Alto de Guamaso. Here, you can walk along a trail around a genuine volcanic cone and admire the vastness of the National Park. You can leave your car in the parking lot; the walk itself takes about an hour, including time for photos.
This spot offers a surreal landscape where scenes from Clash of the Titans were filmed. You’ll feel like you’re on Mars, surrounded by volcanic rock, ash fields, and craters. It’s also a great place for a quick snack (if you brought your own) to fuel up for the rest of the day.
🚨This is a strictly protected area. Do not leave any trash, do not remove stones or volcanic material, and always stay on marked paths. Leave the landscape exactly as you found it.
The cable car takes you to an altitude of 3,555 meters, reaching the La Rambleta station. From this vantage point, you'll have incredible views of the northern part of the island and the volcanic craters below. The air is quite thin at this altitude and can cause dizziness, so if you feel unwell, it’s best to descend slowly.
The Roques de García trail and La Ruleta make up one of the Park's most famous areas. You'll see enormous stone pillars, the most iconic of which is Roque Cinchado. Spend some time walking through the lava fields and observing the bizarrely shaped rock formations.
Continuing along the TF-21 and turning onto the TF-38 at Boca Tauce, you’ll reach Mirador de las Narices del Teide. From here, you can clearly see the aftermath of the 1798 eruption, with black lava fields and two craters visible on the slope. You can also book a buggy tour from the south of the island here.
Further along the TF-38 is Mirador de los Poleos. We think this is the perfect place to end a busy day. In the evening, you can enjoy an incredible sunset as the light hits the rolling clouds and black lava fields.
Mirador de los Poleos
Mirador de los Poleos
📌If you prefer not to drive, you can still visit these incredible places by booking a guided tour with a transfer. One of the most popular options is Sunset and Stargazing at Teide National Park, which includes comfortable transportation, scenic viewpoints, and an unforgettable experience of sunset followed by stargazing in one of Europe’s darkest skies.
Also, located in the heart of the National Park is the hotel, Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide. Staying there overnight allows you to admire the Milky Way under one of the clearest skies in the world and watch the sunrise over the Park in the morning.
Day 4 — Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava
On the fourth day of your Tenerife tour, we recommend visiting two North Tenerife coastal towns that will leave you speechless.
Puerto de la Cruz Route
Puerto de la Cruz is considered one of the most authentic places in Tenerife. It developed during the era when the North was the island's main hub. To this day, it retains its colonial architecture and historic charm, with fishing districts, narrow streets, and traditional houses.
A city beach with the black volcanic sand typical of the north and powerful waves. There are benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery, with a palm-lined promenade nearby.
We can't write about Puerto without mentioning César Manrique, the architect behind the construction of Lago Martiánez. You can visit the pools or simply walk by; either way, the area looks incredible with its palm trees, islands, and fountains.
Walking further along the promenade, you won't miss the Ermita de San Telmo. This beautiful chapel stands right next to the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a majestic appearance. Nearby are the San Telmo natural lava pools, where you’ll often see locals swimming.
Further along the promenade is a small bay that used to be the heart of old Puerto. It is surrounded by fishing boats, the old port, and the soothing sound of the ocean. A statue of a fisherwoman in the square highlights the importance of fishing to traditional Tenerife life.
Moving slightly away from the historic center, you’ll find one of the island’s main attractions — Loro Parque. Many visitors come to Puerto de la Cruz specifically for this park. It is home to tigers, gorillas, penguins, dolphin shows, and many other species. You could easily spend a whole day here, so we recommend either setting aside a separate day or skipping the next town on the itinerary if you choose to visit. Get your discounted park tickets.
The park is located about 30 minutes on foot from the city center, and along the way you’ll passPlaya Jardín, one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto, famous for its black volcanic sand and palm-lined promenade.
Loro Parque
Lunch in Puerto de la Cruz
How can you spend such a busy day without lunch? We recommend choosing a restaurant in the Playa del Muelle or Plaza del Charco area. There are plenty of spots serving both authentic Canarian food and international dishes. We suggest checking Google Maps reviews to find the best fit for your taste.
Where to stay in Puerto de la Cruz
If you’re planning to stay overnight in the city, you’ll find a wide range of hotels — from classic resorts to modern boutique stays. You can explore and book accommodation in Puerto de la Cruz here: https://booking.tpx.lt/lIMUwk5n
La Orotava
From Puerto, you can reach La Orotava via the TF-31 in just 15 minutes. The town's historic center is definitely worth a visit. You won’t find another place on the island that has preserved so much of its colonial heritage, and as a bonus, it offers incredible ocean views.
Many travelers visit in June for the annual Corpus Christi celebration. During this event, locals spend the morning (the date changes each year, but it's always a Thursday) creating carpets from volcanic sand, flowers, and other natural materials.
Corpus Christi Celebration
Even if you visit at other times of the year, this town still has plenty to surprise you:
It’s one of the town’s main symbols, built in the Canarian Baroque style. Inside, you’ll find incredible altars, and its two domes are visible from almost anywhere in town. It took nearly forty years to complete this architectural masterpiece.
This 17th-century house is famous for its perfectly preserved wooden balconies. Inside, there is a charming courtyard with an ancient well and blooming flowers.
The old center looks much like it did centuries ago, with its narrow streets and stone houses. The main square (Plaza de la Constitución) features a fountain and palm trees, offering a beautiful view of the Church of San Agustín. We recommend stopping here to soak up the town's charm.
La Orotava Historic Center
La Orotava Historic Center
4.Victoria Garden (Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja)
They say it's better to see this place once than to hear about it a hundred times. This is a stunning multi-level garden with palm trees and symmetrical flowerbeds.
Victoria Garden
Final Words
We hope we've shown you Tenerife as we see it every day. The island offers incredibly diverse landscapes, a rich historical and cultural heritage, and plenty of options for both relaxation and active holidays. We've tried to showcase its many facets, but you can always find more detailed information about towns and beaches on our website. We also recommend reading our guide to the top 31 places to visit in Tenerife.
If you have more than four days, we also recommend visiting the following locations:
The island's capital feels a bit like a "mini Sydney." It's home to the famous Nuestra Señora de África Market, the Auditorio de Tenerife, and the golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas.
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