What is the best way to get around Tenerife?

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and a popular destination for tourists and holidaymakers alike. With its stunning beaches, fantastic scenery, lively nightlife, and amazing activities, it can be a great place to visit. Knowing the best way to get around Tenerife is essential to ensure you make the most of your holiday, so let’s take a look at what your options are.

Buses

The public bus network across Tenerife is extensive and covers many areas of the island, including the capital city, Santa Cruz. Buses are a great way to get around as they offer a convenient and cheap way to travel. However, they can be slow with multiple stops, so consider this if you’re in a hurry. The bus network is run by TITSA and they provide a full route map and timetable on their website.

Alternatively, there are tour buses that offer an informative guided tour of some of the major attractions. These tend to have longer routes, stopping at important sites of interest for people to explore. The tour companies usually provide a fleet of comfortable shuttles, so be sure to enquire if you’re interested, as this can be a great way to get around and explore the island.

Car Rental

If you want to take your time exploring Tenerife, nothing beats hiring a car. This gives you the freedom to go wherever you want in your own time and without relying on public transport timetables or delays. With car rental so competitively priced nowadays, it can be very cost effective too. The main roads are well maintained and easy to navigate, making car rental a great option. Major car hire companies such as Avis and Enterprise are readily available at the airports or you can rent privately via sites such as Easy Car.

A benefit of hiring a car on Tenerife is that it also allows you to visit some of the inaccessible areas of the island that you may not find with public transport. For instance, you can travel to the north coast of Tenerife much more easily with a car than waiting for a bus.

Taxi Services

There are plenty of reliable taxi services available in Tenerife if you don’t want to hire a car or take the bus. The most convenient way of calling a taxi is through one of the many app-based services such as MyTaxi or Cabify. You simply enter your current location and desired destination before requesting a taxi to come pick you up. The great thing about using apps is that they inform you of how long it will take for your driver to arrive and also show an estimated fare before you accept the service. Just bear in mind that taxis can be expensive depending on where you’re going, but these services provide an extremely convenient option if local public transport isn’t an option.

Conclusion

There are multiple ways to get around Tenerife depending on what your needs are. Buses provide a great way to travel around the island cheaply and conveniently, while tour buses offer an informative guided tour with luxury shuttles. Car hire is very popular as it offers more freedom and reliability while travelling around the island, or alternatively, you could opt for one of the many convenient apps for taxi services if that’s more suited to your transportation needs. Whichever transport option you choose, make sure that you’re prepared and aware of all the necessary information before starting your journey.

Insider’s Guide to Exploring Tenerife

Tenerife is a beautiful and diverse island that is famous for its year-round warm weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. But there is so much more to discover beyond the usual tourist hotspots. As a local, I can show you some of the hidden gems that will make your Tenerife experience unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Discovering Hidden Gems

While Tenerife’s beaches are undoubtedly stunning, don’t miss the chance to explore some of the lesser-known attractions. Head to Garachico, a former capital city, and visit the beautiful natural seawater pools. Relax and take a dip while enjoying the view of the ocean. Next, head to the remote village of Masca, nestled deep in the island’s mountains. Here, you can explore the stunning Masca Gorge, a two to a three-hour hike that takes you through beautiful vegetation, followed by a stop at the village’s charming café.

Dining Spots: Tasting Local Cuisine

Tenerife offers a unique and delicious cuisine that boasts a blend of traditional Canarian and Spanish dishes. For an unforgettable meal, head to Restaurante Los Roques, a restaurant in a beautiful location with stunning views of the ocean. Be sure to try the Restaurant’s signature dish—an octopus carpaccio that attracts foodies from all over the world. Another must-visit spot is El Rincón de Juan Carlos, where the food is elevated to an art form, offering a culinary experience that is both healthy and delicious.

Cultural Experiences: Exploring Tenerife’s Traditions and Customs

Tenerife’s cultural traditions are a mix of cultures, with roots in Spanish, African, and Latin American culture. The island hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Carnaval de Santa Cruz in February, which attracts revelers from all over the world, and the Corpus Christi flower carpets, where locals create intricate sand and flower patterns on the streets in celebration. However, perhaps the most interesting festivals are the firewalking festivals, happening in various Canarian towns, including San Pedro de Güímar and Adeje. These festivals offer incredible insight into Canarian religious and spiritual practices.

Local History: Fascinating Stories from Tenerife’s Past

Tenerife has a diverse history that includes some intriguing tales. For instance, did you know that the famous explorer Christopher Columbus stopped on the island during his 1492 voyage to the new world? He obtained water, supplies, and information about the trade wind, a crucial component in his journey. The island was also a haven for pirates, who used it as a base for their operations in the Atlantic. Visit the Castillo Negro in Santa Cruz, a fortress that was once used as a lookout for pirate ships.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences

If you’re looking for an unforgettable and unique experience, there are many things to do that go beyond the conventional tourist offerings. You can try paragliding in Adeje, parasailing in Los Cristianos, or take a hot air balloon ride in Puerto de La Cruz. Head to El Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third tallest volcano in the world, for some incredible stargazing opportunities, and visit the Pyramids of Guimar, an unusual archaeological park that may have been built by the island’s indigenous people.

Tenerife is an island full of unique and fascinating experiences waiting for you to discover. Go beyond the usual tourist attractions, and you’re sure to find an unforgettable adventure around every corner.