Driving in Tenerife with Carhire3000

La Orotava

La Laguna

Los Cristianos

Santa Cruz

	Driving in Tenerife with Carhire3000
Tenerife is an island of unabashed beauty boasting a dynamic landscape where pine forests and vineyards quickly transform into staggering mountain ranges, volcanic formations and breathtaking coastlines punctuated by a kaleidoscope of different colours and beauty – offering visitors arguably one of the most spectacular driving experiences in the whole of Europe.

Scenic Drives in Tenerife - 1. La Orotava to San Marcos

The route between La Orotava on the north-west coast and the ‘hidden’ beaches of San Marcos offer some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery. Through the unforgettable climb up to the vantage point at La Coronal, you are greeted with formidable landscapes, forestry and some of Tenerife’s oldest towns and traditional villages.

Leaving La Orotava and taking the ascending TF21; you will be promptly gifted with a magnificent view of the red tiled rooftops and ornate domed houses of the town before turning onto the TF324 towards Los Realjos. The main road between La Orotava and Los Realjos descends through the vineyards of La Perdoma, which promptly give way to views of the dominant Tigaiga mountain range, punctuated by a dramatic, lush green pine forest setting.

From Los Realjos take the TF221, where to your left; you will see the antique pine balcony of the Casa del Pino as the road twists through sugar cane and orange and lemon trees at both sides of the road before being greeted with the sculpture of Mencey Bentor a Guanche at El Lance – a prince who leapt to his death in this exact spot to avoid capture by the Conquistadors. The El Lance restaurant provides the perfect stopping point to enjoy the inspirational views that will accompany you on the journey along the coast to San Marcos. When leaving El Lance, take the TF344 and head for La Corona. Here, the road ascends 2km until you reach a designated viewpoint which offers unparalleled panoramas of the coast as the Corona Forest sits above you.

From that short detour; rejoin the TF221 towards San Marcos as you pass through tropical ravines in the enchanting pine forest. Should you wish to stretch your legs; park at Barranco Ruiz, where you will find a designated walking trail, or should money be burning a hole in your pocket; the farmer’s market at La Guancha a little further on is a perfect place to pick up some local produce and wine. If travelling with children, a recommended stopping place is at La Pinaleta which has a play area, picnic facilities and a small number of good eateries set around a charming plaza.

From La Pinaleta the road is surrounded with vine trees and wild flowers, with the staggering dominance of Mount Teide in the background. Pick up signs for Garachio and join the main Puerto de la Cruz de los Vinos road as you keep heading for San Marcos. Here you will travel through banana plantations as the bright aquamarine of the coast peeks in and out of view tantalisingly until you reach the sheltered bay of San Marcos. With some of the calmest waters on the island, relaxed environment and number of amenities and restaurants; San Marcos is the perfect place to sunbathe, swim and enjoy an evening meal before heading back to your resort.