Teide & Central Tenerife
Tenerife Island Highlights Loop
~160 km · One long day or, better, two days · 5 stops
A big-picture loop joining the island's signature sights — Teide, the historic north and the UNESCO city of La Laguna.
If you only have limited time and want the essence of Tenerife, this grand loop connects the island's defining experiences.
It climbs through Teide National Park, drops into the green historic north around La Orotava and Garachico, and finishes in the elegant UNESCO streets of La Laguna.
Route map
Tours & experiences on this route
Guided tours & activities
Tickets
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
Puerto de la Cruz : Tour in Quad al Teide with Photos & Snack Local
From €85
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
Combines easy motorway sections with a winding, high-altitude crossing of Teide National Park. Best split over two days to enjoy it without rushing the mountain roads.
Spring and autumn for mild weather across both the cool highlands and the warm coast.
This loop covers a lot of ground — consider basing yourself for a night in the north or the Teide area rather than driving it all in one go.
One long day or, better, two days
Places on this route
Towns & VillagesGarachico
A historic northern harbour town famous for its natural volcanic rock pools formed by an 18th-century eruption.
Towns & VillagesSan Cristóbal de La Laguna
Tenerife's former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city with a well-preserved historic grid and university life.
Towns & VillagesLa Orotava
A historic hillside town above the Orotava Valley, known for its noble houses and traditional Corpus Christi flower carpets.
BeachesPlaya de Las Teresitas
A sheltered golden-sand beach near San Andrés, just north of the capital Santa Cruz.
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.