Tenerife, Spain is an island that offers a massive range of unique experiences. You can lounge out on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches, you can feast your eyes on volcanoes and other natural land formations that will think you’ve arrived on a foreign planet, or you pick up some new clothes or a souvenir in one of Tenerife’s bustling markets. Regardless of what you choose to do, it’s impossible not to have a good time on the island.
Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands by land area and it also has the largest population. The island sits off the west coast of Africa and is dominated by Mount Teide, the tallest peak in Spain and a dormant volcano that’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city of La Laguna in the northern part of the island is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is home to University of La Laguna, the oldest university in the Canaries. The capital city of Tenerife is called Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and it’s home to huge festivals, gorgeous beaches, and a bunch of historical landmarks. With so much to do and see in Tenerife, the best way to get the most out of your stay there is to rent a quad bike and explore the island on your own schedule.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a quad/ATV in Tenerife. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter or a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to rent an ATV in the Canary Islands
- The price of ATV rental in Tenerife
- The best places on the island to find quad hire
- Whether it’s safe to drive an ATV in Tenerife
- The best things to do in Tenerife with a rental quad
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Hire an ATV in the Canary Islands?
Spanish law requires that anyone who has a driver’s license from their home country in a language other than Spanish get an international driving permit in order to drive a vehicle in the country, including in the Canary Islands. International driving permits are available for all licensed drivers over the age of 18. Driving without an IDP could lead to punishment if you’re caught by Spanish law enforcement.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so here. There is a $20 application fee and you should apply at least two weeks prior to arriving in Spain, as that’s how long it typically takes the permit to come in the mail. Once you have your permit, it will be valid for one full year.
What Is the Cost of ATV Rental in Tenerife?
If you plan on hiring a quad in Tenerife, you can expect to pay about €79 per day for a basic ATV. There are more affordable options for rental vehicles, however, like motor scooters and motorcycles. But if you have your heart set on an ATV, €79 per day is probably the best price you’re going to find.
Most rental shops will include the helmets and insurance in the stated price, but you should always double-check to make sure that’s part of the deal. Many shops also offer guided ATV tours around Tenerife, which are a fun way to familiarize yourself with the island.
Where Can You Rent a Quad in Tenerife?
Riding quads around the island is a very popular activity in Tenerife, so there are plenty of rental shops all over the island. The area between Playa de las Americas and Playa del Duque on the southwest coast of the island has a particularly high concentration of rental shops, so that might be a good place to start your search.
The area around Puerto de la Cruz also has a ton of ATV rental shops and several different companies offering quad tours in the area. This part of the island is particularly beautiful and is one of the best places to explore by ATV.
Is It Easy To Drive in Tenerife?
In general, the roads in Tenerife are very well-maintained and fairly easy to drive on. However, Spanish drivers can be quite aggressive and reckless, so it’s best to be very aware of your surroundings at all times when driving in Tenerife. The roads leading to Mount Teide can also be a bit dicey, as there are many tourists trying to make their way to and from the popular attraction.
When driving in the more populated areas of the island such as La Orotava, Arica, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there can be high levels of congestion on the road and finding parking can be quite difficult. However, if you take your rental quad out to the more rural parts of the island, you’re free to park pretty much anywhere, and you won’t experience much traffic at all.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Tenerife by ATV?
Now that you have all the necessary information for hiring an ATV in Tenerife, here are some of the best things to do on the island with your rental vehicle:
Teide National Park
Mount Teide is undoubtedly the most famous natural marvel in Tenerife. The area around Mount Teide also offers incredible views of the unique volcanic landscape and some incredible hiking trails. If you don’t want to hike, there’s a cable car that will take you directly to the top of Spain’s tallest mountain.
There are many roads that wind through Teide National Park, and you can explore them by ATV on your own or with one of the many ATV tour companies that operate throughout the park. If you’d rather explore on foot, there is free parking all throughout the park, so you can leave your vehicle behind and hike through the park’s incredible pine forests. The park is located right in the center of the island, about a 45 minute drive southwest from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Museum of Nature and Archaeology
One of the best places to learn about the history of the Canary Islands is at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, located right in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This incredible cultural attraction offers interactive exhibits where visitors can learn all about the anthropological history of the Canary Islands’ initial inhabitants.
The museum also features captivating exhibits about the natural geography of Tenerife. Visitors can learn all about the climate of the island and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the island’s different biomes. The museum is entirely free of charge, so you can stay for however long or short you choose to.
Tenerife Auditorium
The Tenerife Auditorium, also located right in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is probably the best place on the island to see a live performance. The building itself is a wondrous architectural feat in the avant-garde style that sits right on the water. If you go at the right time, you can catch a traditional Spanish musical performance or an interesting lecture.
The auditorium also has an annex that contains a lovely restaurant with patio seating. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal while feeling the breeze coming off the ocean.
Do you still have questions about quad/ATV rentals in Tenerife? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
Written by 
