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