Leaving Playa de Las Americas

Without a shadow of a doubt, the most popular resort in Tenerife is Playa de Las Americas. With its sun-kissed beaches, hundreds of bars and nightclubs as well as attractions for the whole family, it isn’t hard to figure out why this area is so popular. However, even the party animals in all of us can get bored and restless, so why not get a car hire in Tenerife, and set off on your own adventure?

Where to go

Tenerife may be a small island, but there is plenty to see and do beyond the discos of Playa de Las Americas. Head north towards Tenerife’s highest peak and popular tourist attraction, Pico del Teide. If you want to get away from the crowds, then why not take a drive to the picturesque village of Masca? This beautiful little town is steeped in Canarian tradition and the drive offers some of the most breathtaking views the island has to offer. La Orotava is another traditional Canarian town worth a visit, with colourful buildings and scenic landscapes these escapes will give you a glimpse of Tenerife that many people don’t know it exists.

La Orotava, Tenerife
La Orotava, Tenerife

Head North

If you are looking to please the child in you then why not visit Loro Parque – Tenerife’s biggest Zoo located to the north of the island in Puerto de la Cruz. With everything from dolphins to chimpanzees, you are guaranteed a close encounter with another species. If you are staying in Puerto de la Cruz, then why not check into the Hotel Botanico – one of the most luxurious hotels on the island that ranks highly with Trip Advisor reviews on Tenerife.

Looking for some R ‘n’ R?

If all that driving has taken its toll, and you just want some rest and relaxation then it is time to head for the beach (and Tenerife has plenty of them). If you want to soak up the sun on the natural volcanic black beaches, then Playa de La Arena has one of the best. If you would rather seek a golden sandy beach then Costa Adeje’s coastline is for you. Wherever you decide to go, this island has something for everybody and it is all yours for the taking.

 

Things to Do and See Around Puerto de la Cruz

If you’re heading to Puerto de la Cruz for a holiday this year, the best way to get out and explore this wonderful area of Tenerife is to hire a car.

Puerto de la Cruz itself is a pretty town and a popular holiday resort that’s a great spot for enjoying traditional Canarian surroundings and Tenerife’s glorious year-round climate. From here, you can hire a car with Tenerife Car Hire either in Puerto de la Cruz or at Tenerife North Airport, and discover some of the island’s best beauty spots.

puerto_de_la_cruz_large

Head to La Orotava, a lovely town with a distinctive Canarian charm, and spend a leisurely afternoon wandering along its winding streets and sampling the local produce in its tempting cafes and restaurants. Or, drive further along the north coastal roads and make regular stops at its small towns and villages. This is a great way to discover the ‘real’ Tenerife and you’re bound to find plenty of lovely little photogenic places – the type that the locals frequent and very few tourists know about.

It’s also well worth spending a day in Santa Cruz, the island’s capital city. This vibrant place is located in the far northeast of the island, and it’s a haven of traditional Spanish restaurants, tasty tapas bars, vibrant bars and cafes, and fabulous shops – perfect for melting some plastic and picking up some souvenirs for the folks back home.

And if you’ve got the kids in tow, a trip to Loro Parque is an absolute must. Here, your kids can discover such wonderful animals as tigers, gorillas, dolphins, whales, exotic fish and rainbow-coloured parrots. There are regular shows and demonstrations too.

So whatever you fancy, there is a seemingly endless list of things to see and do all over north Tenerife. It’s just a matter of getting behind the wheel, hitting the road and finding your favourite…