Teide & Central Tenerife
Teide Scenic Drive
~70 km · Half to full day · 3 stops
Climb from the green Orotava valley into the volcanic heart of the island — Teide National Park and the Roques de García.
This is the classic Tenerife drive: from the lush, cultivated Orotava valley the road winds steadily upward through pine forest and out onto the vast volcanic plateau of Las Cañadas.
The landscape changes completely as you climb — greens give way to ochre, black and red lava fields beneath the cone of Teide. The Roques de García offer the most photographed viewpoint in the park.
Route map
Tours & experiences on this route
Guided tours & activities
Tickets
Mount Teide: Guided Tour, Summit Hike + Cable Car
Non-refundable
From €178
View →via Tiqets
Experiences are provided by our booking partners. Bookings are completed on the partner's secure checkout.
Prefer a guided tour?
This is a self-drive route — or let a partner do the driving with a guided tour or activity.
RECREATIONAL DIVE (certified divers only) : Explore Canarian Sealife
From €95
View →via Viator
Booking and payment take place securely with our partner. GoToTene may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Good to know
Well-surfaced mountain roads (TF-21 / TF-24) that climb above 2,000 m. Expect sustained bends, cooler temperatures at altitude and occasional low cloud. Drive with care and allow extra time.
Clear mornings for the best visibility and light; in winter the summit area can see snow and temporary road closures.
Fuel up before heading into the park — there are no petrol stations inside it. Bring layers; the summit is far colder than the coast. The Teide cable car and summit cone require separate permits/tickets.
Half to full day
Places on this route
Towns & VillagesLa Orotava
A historic hillside town above the Orotava Valley, known for its noble houses and traditional Corpus Christi flower carpets.
Nature & ForestsRoques de García
A striking group of eroded volcanic rock formations in Teide National Park, including the famous Roque Cinchado — the start of one of the island's most scenic short walks, with iconic views of Mount Teide.
Volcano & TeideTicketsTeide National Park
Spain's highest peak (3,715 m) and a UNESCO World Heritage volcanic landscape at the heart of Tenerife.
Add the stops to your Trip Planner and build your Tenerife itinerary around this drive.