| Adored by sun-worshippers everywhere, Tenerife | | | | lizards and Spain's highest peak, Mount Teide. In |
| is an island paradise that not only serves up some | | | | the winter months it is common to see snow on |
| of the sunniest beaches in the Canary Islands | | | | the peaks of the mountain, while in summertime, |
| group, but also a plethora of beautiful drives, each | | | | temperatures can climb to 40 degrees and over. |
| of which contribute to memorable and unique | | | | The drive out is straightforward and you'll find the |
| holidays. If you really want to get to know the | | | | park can be accessed via the public road, which |
| highways and byways of Tenerife, there's nothing | | | | runs across the Caldera from the northeast to |
| like a drive to reveal the true spirit of this | | | | the southeast. 3. Pirámides de Güimar |
| beautiful destination. Touring Tenerife with car hire | | | | Heading out along the eastern coast island, past |
| is a joy-road rage is unheard of and generally | | | | Santa Cruz, you'll encounter the ancient and |
| speaking, most roads are quiet and pleasant. | | | | mysterious structure of Pirámides de |
| Those looking for a more lasting reminder of the | | | | Güimar. The pyramids form part of the |
| island than a tan or cheap souvenir will find an | | | | island's Ethnographic Park, a site devoted to the |
| island drive to be an unforgettable way to | | | | island's ancient heritage. Admission to the park |
| discover this stunningly scenic destination. Be sure | | | | doesn't come cheap, but discount rates are |
| to bring a camera along for the drive-there are | | | | available for groups. Look out for special offers in |
| plenty of picturesque sights worth capturing along | | | | the tourist office too. 4. Black Beaches With car |
| the way. 1. Masca The pretty coastal village of | | | | hire it's possible to experience the many varied |
| Masca is well worth exploring by hire car. Masca is | | | | and unusual beaches that the island has to offer. |
| situated at the northwest tip of the island, at the | | | | Tenerife's famous volcanic history has greatly |
| foothills of the Teno Mountains. The journey to | | | | impacted the look and quality of the island's |
| the village involves a zigzag drive from Santiago | | | | beaches. As a result of volcanic activity in the |
| del Teide encompassing dramatic hairpin bends on | | | | past, many of the island's naturally occurring |
| the way. Long before the days of Captain Jack | | | | beaches are black or grey in appearance. |
| Sparrow, the village's choppy, rugged coastline | | | | Examples of Tenerife's curious black beaches |
| was sparking tales of skulduggery, pirates and | | | | include Candaleria to the east of the island, Puerto |
| buried treasure. Masca is a definite must-do drive. | | | | de la Cruz to the north of the island and Playa las |
| 2. Teide National Park The natural beauty of Teide | | | | Americas's grey beaches. However, the typical |
| National Park has long been considered one of the | | | | golden sandy beaches associated with sunshine |
| world's most unique landscapes. Unusual features | | | | holidays are to be found at Los Gigantes and San |
| include a 30-mile wide volcanic crater, rare | | | | Juan to the west and Fanabe on the south of the |
| varieties of violet, various breeds of birds and | | | | island. |