The Most Scenic Drives in Tenerife

The Most Scenic Drives in Tenerife

Spain, europe

Length

70 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Scenic Drives in Tenerife: Your Guide to the Island's Best Routes

Sure, most people come to Tenerife for the beaches and sunshine, but if you really want to fall in love with this island, you've gotta get behind the wheel. Trust me—there are some absolutely incredible drives waiting for you.

## Adeje to Los Gigantes: The Coastal Classic

If you're a coastal drive enthusiast, the TF47 from Adeje to Los Gigantes is basically mandatory. This stretch is seriously gorgeous, hugging the coastline as you pass through charming resort towns like Playa de la Arena, Playa San Juan, and Puerto Santiago. The finale? Those dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs that'll have your jaw on the floor. Perfect if you're staying in Costa Adeje and want to explore without straying too far.

## Mount Teide National Park: The Must-Do

Here's the thing—Mount Teide National Park is absolutely unmissable. The drive through this volcanic wonderland is otherworldly, with landscapes that feel almost alien. Just a heads-up though: it's *popular*, so you won't have the roads to yourself. There's a 70 km/h speed limit, which actually gives you plenty of time to soak in the views.

## The Spinal Route: Hidden Gem

For something more off-the-beaten-path, take the Spinal Route between La Laguna and El Portillo. It's called the backbone of Tenerife for a reason—you'll experience both sides of the island in one drive. Think dramatic rock formations and pristine pine forests. Bring your camera; you'll be stopping constantly.

## Masca: For Confident Drivers

Ready for a proper adventure? The drive to Masca is stunning but not for the faint of heart. From south Tenerife, head toward Santiago del Teide via the TF-1, then follow signs to TF-436. Those final stretches get narrow and twisty with some serious hairpin turns. If you need a breather and some killer photos, pull over at Mirador de Cherfe—it's the perfect, safe spot to take it all in.

Where is it?

The Most Scenic Drives in Tenerife is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.7060, -2.9761

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
70 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
40.7060, -2.9761

Related Roads in europe

Where is Lago di Lei?moderate

Where is Lago di Lei?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're carving your way up to Lago di Lei, a seriously cool high-altitude lake straddling the Swiss-Italian border. We're talking about an elevation that'll make your ears pop. You'll find this gem tucked away between Lombardy in Italy and Graubünden in Switzerland. Here's the quirky bit: even though the lake is mostly in Italy, Switzerland calls the shots on the water and dam. Back in the 50s, they redrew the border so the dam wall could sit pretty on Swiss soil for some sweet hydroelectric power. Now, about that road. It’s paved the whole way, but be warned, it can get a little rough around the edges depending on upkeep. Get ready for a tunnel-fest, including one seriously long one that’s closed every day from 6 PM to 7 AM. The road itself is a decent stretch, surrounded by epic alpine scenery and isolated valleys. Trust me, the views are worth it. You'll eventually hit the dam, where you can park up and soak it all in.

Where is Newby Head Pass?extreme

Where is Newby Head Pass?

🇬🇧 England

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Newby Head Pass in North Yorkshire, England, a hidden gem sitting pretty at 1,443 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling the Craven and Richmondshire districts in the northern part of the country. Why "Newby Head?" Legend says it's named after a Drovers Inn that used to sit right at the top. The B6255 is your paved path to glory – a winding stretch of road that clocks in at around 16.5 miles, linking Ingleton and Hawes. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Some sections get seriously steep, with gradients hitting almost 10%! The views? Totally worth it. The road's generally open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball with ice turning those bends into a slippery challenge. So, buckle up, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!

A memorable road trip to Sant Bartomeu de Dorvehard

A memorable road trip to Sant Bartomeu de Dorve

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Catalan Pyrenees in northern Spain, aiming for a tiny parish church perched way up high. I'm talking Sant Bartomeu de Dorve, a Romanesque gem from 1553, chilling at 1,393 meters above sea level! The road? Totally paved, but hold on tight, it’s a bit of a squeeze in places. You can usually get up here year-round, though winter snow might throw a wrench in your plans. Now, this isn’t a leisurely drive. From La Guingueta d’Àneu, it’s about 5 kilometers of pure uphill, gaining 452 meters in elevation. Translation? Get ready for some serious inclines, with gradients hitting a max of 17% in spots, but averaging a butt-busting 9.22% along the way. The views of the Noguera Pallaresa river valley will be worth it, though!

Where is La Caldera Refuge?moderate

Where is La Caldera Refuge?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, so you're in Granada, Spain and itching for an adventure, right? Then listen up! You NEED to experience the Camino de los Franceses (or Camino del Mulhacén if you're feeling fancy). This trail winds its way up, up, UP to the Refugio Vivac de la Caldera, perched at a whopping 3,053m (that's over 10,000 feet!). We're talking serious altitude here, making it one of the highest routes in Europe. Starting near Capileira, this 31km (19-mile) path throws you right into the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. But here's the thing: it's completely unpaved. Think rugged, natural beauty, and incredible views. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for stunning alpine lakes along the way! Be warned though, this trek is impassable in winter. This road is closed to motor vehicles, but is a great hike! The refuge itself sits beside a crater lake in a stark, breathtaking landscape. It's a bit eerie, but totally unforgettable.