Car Hire - Tenerife North Airport (TFN)

Tenerife Norte, also known as Los Rodeos Airport, sits in the municipality of San Cristobal de La Laguna in the north of the island. It is one of two airports serving Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, and handles a mix of domestic, inter-island and some European routes. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital, is around 11 kilometres away and reachable in roughly 15 minutes by car.

Santa Cruz is a busy, coastal city with a character unlike many other Spanish island capitals. It has a working port, wide tree-lined boulevards and a lively central square, the Plaza de Espana, which sits close to the waterfront. The city is known for its striking modern architecture, including the Auditorio de Tenerife, a concert hall that draws visitors from across the island. It also has a strong Carnival tradition, one of the most celebrated in Spain, and a good selection of local restaurants, markets and independent shops. The north of the island in general has a greener, more verdant feel than the south, with higher rainfall, historic towns and a slower pace of life.

Hiring a car at Tenerife Norte makes it straightforward to get the most from the island. Tenerife is not especially large, but the landscape varies considerably from one region to another, and a hire car gives you the freedom to move between them at your own pace. The road network is well maintained, and the main routes connecting the north, south and centre of the island are easy to navigate. The TF-5 motorway links the airport area to the northern coast quickly, while inland routes such as the TF-24 take you up through forest and farmland towards the central highlands. An automatic car is a practical choice if you are planning drives in the mountainous interior, where gradients can be steep and roads narrow. Families travelling together may want to consider a 7-seater people carrier or SUV for added comfort and luggage space.

Nearby attractions

The north of Tenerife has a range of destinations worth visiting by car.

Teide National Park surrounds Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, and the volcanic landscape is dramatic at any time of year. Visitors can take a cable car close to the summit, walk marked trails through the caldera, or simply drive through the park and stop at the viewpoints along the way. Advance planning is advisable, as permits are required for the final ascent on foot.

Puerto de la Cruz is the main tourist town on the northern coast and has a long history as a destination for visitors from across Europe. The town has a traditional feel, with a historic centre, black sand coves and the well-known Loro Parque, a large animal and wildlife park popular with families.

The Anaga Rural Park covers the rugged, forested mountains in the northeast of the island and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The area has a network of hiking trails passing through ancient laurel forest, dramatic ridgelines and small traditional villages. A hire car is the most practical way to reach the more remote parts of the park.

Tenerife's north combines history, natural scenery and a genuine sense of local life. From volcanic highlands to coastal towns and ancient forests, the island rewards those who choose to explore it by road.