With the freedom of cruising around Tenerife on your own four wheels you can soak up the sensational scenery of the striking island at a pace that suits you. Wind down the windows, breathe in the fresh sea air and feel the breeze run through your hair as you roam the network of roads.

As in mainland Spain, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road, overtaking on the left. Bear in mind the speed limits that apply to different types of roads – the maximum on motorways and dual carriageways is 120 km/h, while on rural roads it drops to 100 km/h and to 50 km/h in urban areas.

Follow the TF-1, a motorway that takes you down from the north-east to the south and then up the west coast, to reach the main resorts. With no toll fees to pay and clear signposting, reaching your destination should be stress-free. Take the TF-5 from San Cristóbal de La Laguna to discover the towns and fishing villages dotted along the northern coastline.

Intrepid explorers with Mount Teide on their itinerary should make for the TF-24, which stretches across the centre of the island from the north-west. Follow the epic winding route through the mountains and savour the panoramic vistas as you go. To experience the rugged Anaga Mountains, drive along the TF-12 and make the most of the spectacular terrain Tenerife has to offer.

There’s more than one way to fall in love with this Spanish island destination. Scratch beneath the surface of sun-blessed Tenerife and you’ll find the island is a bastion of natural charm. Coupled with rich history and a stellar culinary scene, there’s truly something for everyone visiting this enduringly popular archipelago.

Beaches and dreams

This island’s reputation for leisure precedes it – there’s no shortage of beaches to soak up the generous sunshine.

Start your beach hopping trip at Los Gigantes, a secluded spot on the west coast. Lay down on the shore and you’ll be surrounded by incredible cliffs, shielding you from any breeze that may dare to ruffle the serenity. Juxtapose this with a road trip to Playa Jardin, an idyllic man-made coastal stretch freckled with exotic flora. If you’re a keen surfer, gigantic Atlantic Ocean waves crash against the shore here, the perfect conditions for a day of surfing.

The beauty of a beach can draw a crowd, but there are plenty around the island which remain hidden gems. Drive out to La Caleta along the south-west coast and you’ll find a peaceful place to enjoy the rays.

The virtue of volcanoes

Unleash your inner adventurer and discover the volcanic landscapes that give this island a unique profile. Sub-tropical vegetation, deep rock cuts and wild cliffs await.

Pull on your hiking boots and trek through craggy terrain to the summit of Mount Teide, the epic dormant volcano at the heart of the island. Reach the top and you’ll have incredible views not just of the crater but also across Tenerife. On a clear day you can see for miles – and Tenerife specialises in clear days.

Make your way to the north-east of the island for more spectacular scenery among the Anaga Mountains. There are lush forests juxtaposed with craggy peaks and you can finish a day of sumptuous vistas at Llano de los Loros viewpoint.

Leave the island behind and take to the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Speed out from El Puertito de Armeñime, strap on your scuba diving gear and see intriguing green turtles up close. If you’d prefer a more sedate experience, take a boat trip from Puerto Colon and watch the water carefully for sightings of whales and dolphins.

Towns that enchant

While the golden beaches fringing the island and the arresting landscapes are a magnet for sun-seekers and hikers, beautiful architecture can also be found in Tenerife if you know where to find it.

Sleepy La Orotava, a quaint town in the north, is bursting with colonial heritage. Spend a day being charmed by its history – you’ll walk cobbled streets, spotting ornate mansions and flower-filled plazas on your way. Gothic and baroque churches stud the town, while the balconies that give Case de los Balcones its name are a real draw.

Drive half an hour north of La Orotava and you’ll be in La Laguna – considered by many to be Tenerife’s prettiest town. Cast your eyes over the pastel-hued buildings lining the narrow streets. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 16^th century Mudejar architecture and a veritable swatch of colours on every street.

Whatever brings you to this famed island – sightseeing, an activity holiday, lazing in the sun or even business – car hire in Tenerife means it can open up to you as you please, in a place where driving through the landscape is balm for the soul.