Why Hire a Car in Puerto de la Cruz?
It's an excellent choice for couples, nature lovers, photographers and anyone wanting to experience a more authentic Tenerife.
The town itself is easy to explore on foot, but some of Tenerife's most spectacular places are only a short drive away.
From Puerto de la Cruz you are perfectly positioned: Mount Teide is around 1 hour away, La Orotava is just 10 minutes away, Icod de los Vinos is around 25 minutes away, Garachico is around 35 minutes away, and Anaga Rural Park is around 1 hour away.
Having a hire car allows you to discover much more than the coastline. One day you can enjoy breakfast overlooking the Atlantic, spend the afternoon above the clouds in Teide National Park and return to Puerto de la Cruz for dinner by the harbour.
Puerto de la Cruz gives you Tenerife's character. Your car gives you the freedom to experience every side of the island.
Puerto de la Cruz — Quick Facts
What to see around Puerto de la Cruz
The north’s richest corner for gardens, history and sea.
Jardín Botánico
A 200-year-old botanical garden packed with towering tropical species from across the world — a cool, green half-hour just back from the seafront.
Lago Martíanez
César Manrique’s spectacular saltwater lido — pools, palms and sculpture set against the Atlantic. A Puerto de la Cruz icon.
La Orotava
A beautifully preserved old town in the hills just above, with grand balconied houses and views down the valley to the sea. A short, pretty drive.
Also in the north: Santa Cruz, the island’s capital. Flying into the north? See Tenerife North Airport car hire.
Recommended Drives from Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz → La Orotava → Mount Teide National Park
One of Tenerife's classic drives — leave the coast behind and climb through beautiful pine forests before reaching the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park. Recommended stops: La Orotava historic centre, Mirador de Mataznos, Teide National Park and Roques de Garcia. Perfect for first-time visitors, photographers, couples and families. Local tip: take your time through La Orotava before climbing higher — it's one of the island's most beautiful historic towns and deserves more than a quick stop.
Puerto de la Cruz → El Socorro → Garachico → El Pris
One of the most enjoyable drives on Tenerife's north coast. Recommended stops: Playa El Socorro, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico and — on the way back — El Pris fishing village. Perfect for local food, dramatic coastline and relaxed exploring. Local tip: save El Pris for the end of the day — sitting beside the Atlantic with fresh fish as the sun goes down becomes one of the memories people talk about long after the holiday ends.
Puerto de la Cruz → Icod → Buenavista → Punta de Teno
A spectacular drive through Tenerife's quieter north-west. Recommended stops: Icod de los Vinos, Buenavista del Norte and Punta de Teno (when access is permitted). Perfect for scenery, quieter roads and discovering another side of Tenerife. Local tip: this route feels completely different from the busy resorts in the south — if you enjoy peaceful drives and dramatic scenery, it's one of the island's hidden gems.
Local's Pick: Playa El Socorro
If there is one beach that captures the wild beauty of northern Tenerife, it's Playa El Socorro. Unlike the golden beaches of the south, El Socorro is a dramatic black volcanic beach backed by steep green cliffs and the sound of the Atlantic Ocean. It's popular with surfers, photographers and locals who simply come to enjoy the scenery. Watching the waves roll onto the black sand while Mount Teide rises in the distance reminds you that Tenerife is a volcanic island first and a holiday destination second. This is one of those places that never loses its magic, no matter how many times you visit.
Who Is Puerto de la Cruz Best For?
Before You Drive Away
- Much of the town can be explored on foot, but a car allows you to discover the rest of the north coast with ease.
- Public parking is available around the town, though arriving earlier in the day usually makes finding a space easier.
- The TF-5 motorway provides fast access towards Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Tenerife North Airport.
- The roads towards Teide are well maintained but include plenty of bends as you climb into the mountains — take your time and enjoy the scenery.
- Weather in the north can be different from the south — often greener and slightly cooler, making it perfect for exploring throughout the year.
- If you enjoy local food, don't limit yourself to restaurants in the town centre — small fishing villages like El Pris offer some of the freshest seafood on the island.
Airport Desk vs. Our Service
Traditional Rental
- Queue after landing
- Anonymous counter service
- Possible shuttle to a depot
Our Service
- Local driver waiting for you
- Car ready, keys in hand
- Straight on the road, no depot
Why So Many Visitors Fall in Love with Puerto de la Cruz
Unlike many holiday resorts, Puerto de la Cruz has grown naturally over centuries rather than being built purely for tourism. It combines traditional Canarian architecture, beautiful gardens, local cafés, black-sand beaches and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy Tenerife at a different pace. Many people arrive planning to spend a few days here and leave wishing they had stayed longer — it’s one of those places that feels authentic, welcoming and unmistakably Canarian.
Your car, delivered to your hotel
Tell us where you’re staying in Puerto de la Cruz and a local driver brings the car to your hotel at a time that suits you. A friendly hello, a quick look over the car together, keys in hand — and the green north is yours.
Why book with us, not a faceless chain
Backed by a 35-year local partner
We work hand-in-hand with our trusted Tenerife partner, Oasis — a family-run firm that has been on the island for over 35 years. Local know-how, with the ease of booking through us.
Delivered to your door
Your car is brought to your hotel and handed over in person by a local driver. No counter, no shuttle, no wasted holiday time.
Not just cars — memories
We’re really in the “remember the gardens and the black-sand bay?” business. The car is just how you get there. Tell us what you want to see and we’ll point the way.
Our trusted local partner
The cars are supplied and delivered by Oasis, our partner on the ground — a family-run firm that has looked after visitors to Tenerife for over three decades. We handle your booking; they hand you the keys.
What’s included in every booking
- Full insurance cover as standard
- Unlimited mileage across the whole island
- Air conditioning in every car
- Free child seats on request
- Free delivery to your hotel
How it works
Puerto de la Cruz car hire — your questions answered
No. You reserve online for free and pay when you collect your car. There is no upfront charge to book.
We can deliver the car straight to your hotel in Puerto de la Cruz - just add your hotel name when you book. We also have a local office in town if you would rather collect in person.
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before your pick-up time, so you can book early with complete peace of mind.
Every rental includes full insurance cover and unlimited mileage as standard. Fuller cover options are available if you would like extra reassurance.
Yes, the minimum rental is 3 days. This keeps our pricing simple and lets us reserve the right car for your whole trip.
Of course. Baby seats, child seats and boosters are free on request - just add them when you book and we will have them fitted and ready.
The town itself is easy to explore on foot, but some of Tenerife's most spectacular places - La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, Mount Teide and Anaga - are only a short drive away. A car turns a lovely town stay into a full exploration of the north.
Yes - around 1 hour via La Orotava. It's one of Tenerife's classic drives, climbing through beautiful pine forests before reaching the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park.
Public parking is available around the town, though arriving earlier in the day usually makes finding a space easier.
It depends on your pace: a half/full day up to Mount Teide via La Orotava, a half day along the north coast to El Socorro, El Pris and Garachico, or a full day exploring the quieter north-west through Icod, Buenavista and Punta de Teno.
A dramatic black volcanic beach backed by steep green cliffs, popular with surfers and photographers. It's very different from the golden beaches of the south - wilder, and a reminder that Tenerife is a volcanic island first.