Tenerife South-North Loop & Mount Teide
A complete island loop starting from the south coast, linking whale watching, Masca, Mount Teide, historic northern towns, and Anaga.
A moderately paced itinerary with six nights split across four bases: the South Coast, Los Gigantes, Puerto de la Cruz, and Santa Cruz, ensuring you never have to backtrack. The Mount Teide Cable Car, the scenic mountain roads of Anaga, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Cristóbal de La Laguna are all featured on the northern route, making this ideal for first-time visitors who want to drive. Loro Parque and Siam Park have been omitted, and the road to Punta de Teno is currently closed and not included.
In winter, high-altitude roads may close due to snow, and the cable car frequently suspends operations due to high winds. Keep one day flexible.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive on the South Coast
Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive along the TF-1 to Costa Adeje (approx. 20 minutes). Enjoy an evening stroll along the beach promenade.
Stay: Costa Adeje
Day 2 · Whale Watching & South Coast Beaches
Tenerife（Playa de las Américas、Los Cristianos）
Embark on a whale-watching boat tour from Puerto Colón (tours range from half-day to 6 hours). Spend the afternoon walking along the coast or taking a taxi.
Book whale-watching tours in advance, and try to choose certified operators.
Stay: Costa Adeje
Day 3 · Masca Village & Los Gigantes
Tenerife（Masca、Acantilados de Los Gigantes）
Drive via Santiago del Teide and follow the winding TF-436 down to Masca (approx. 1 hour), then continue to the cliffs and harbor of Los Gigantes.
The village is free to enter without reservations. However, hiking the gorge requires official permits and shuttle transfers. Arrive early to avoid traffic.
Stay: Los Gigantes
Day 4 · Historic Northwest Towns to the North Coast
Tenerife（Garachico、El Drago Milenario、Cueva del Viento）
Drive over the mountain pass to Garachico (approx. 40 minutes), then continue via Icod de los Vinos to Puerto de la Cruz (approx. 40 minutes).
Cueva del Viento requires advance reservations. The TF-445 road to Punta de Teno is currently closed; check official advisories for updates.
Stay: Puerto de la Cruz
Day 5 · Mount Teide & La Orotava
Tenerife（Teide National Park、Teide Cable Car、Roques de García、La Orotava）
Drive up the mountain along the TF-21 to the cable car station (approx. 1 hour). Return in the afternoon via the historic town of La Orotava.
Purchase cable car tickets in advance and check wind conditions on the day. Hiking to the summit requires a separate permit; check park notices.
Stay: Puerto de la Cruz
Day 6 · La Laguna & the Anaga Massif
Tenerife（San Cristóbal de La Laguna、Anaga Rural Park、Playa de Las Teresitas）
Drive along the TF-5 to La Laguna (approx. 35 minutes), take the TF-12 into the Anaga mountains, and then drive down to Santa Cruz.
Mountain roads are prone to heavy fog. Traffic restriction plans for Anaga are being implemented; check the latest regulations before setting out.
Stay: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Day 7 · South via the East Coast & Return to Airport
Tenerife（Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África、Basilica of Candelaria、Pyramids of Güímar）
After exploring the local market, drive south along the TF-1, passing Candelaria and Güímar, to reach Tenerife South Airport (total driving time approx. 1 hour).
An afternoon flight is a safer option, as the local market is not recommended on Sunday afternoons.