Tenerife isn’t just a land of beaches and volcanoes; it’s also a gigantic natural amphitheater with balconies offering unparalleled sea-mountain views. To enjoy them all without depending on bus schedules or organized excursions, the best option is to rent a car: freedom of movement, comfort, and the ability to park where other means of transport can’t reach. In this guide, I suggest a circular route through seven essential viewpoints, arranged to optimize mileage and take advantage of the changing light throughout the day.
Why explore the viewpoints in a rental car?
- Total flexibility: Wake up early to catch the first ray of sunlight over the Atlantic in Anaga, and then watch the sunset in Masca without rushing or having to rush your way through the city.
- Door-to-door access: Many viewing points are located on the TF-21, TF-24, or TF-436, mountain roads with small parking lots that are not served by public transport.
- Savings: Filling up a diesel utility vehicle costs around €55 and consumes about 5 l/100 km; a similar organized tour costs more than €80 per person.
- Comfort: Air conditioning, luggage compartment for photography equipment, and the option to make spontaneous stops.
- Weather safety: You can take shelter from gusts of wind or sudden downpours like those brought by Storm Olivier in April 2025.
Interactive map of the route
Checklist before leaving
- Check tire pressure and condition.
- Wear a windbreaker: altitude >2000m means up to 15°C less than at sea level.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me).
- Check the notices from the Cabildo (“TenerifeVial”).
- Go with ¾ of tank.
- Drones: prohibited in the National Park without permission.
1. Cruz del Carmen Viewpoint (920m)
Details: Located just 30 minutes from Santa Cruz, this wooden balcony overlooks a green ocean of prehistoric laurel trees, declared a Biosphere Reserve. In the background, the perfect pyramid of Mount Teide stands out among clouds that change color every minute. The complex has a Visitor Center (restrooms, exhibition, Wi-Fi), a recreational area with picnic tables, and a small agricultural and artisan market on weekends. The panoramic walkway is wheelchair accessible and has anchored tripods for night photography. For a complete immersion, follow the PR-TF 10 trail (40 minutes) that delves into the rainforest and returns to the parking lot.
2. Jardina Viewpoint (870m)
Details: Just ten minutes north on the TF-12, you reach a curved viewing platform with a wide shoulder. From here, you get a picture-postcard view of San Cristóbal de La Laguna (a World Heritage Site), spread out like a model at your feet; on calm days, Gran Canaria can be seen silhouetted on the horizon. There are no facilities, but on the opposite sidewalk, the “Casa Carlos” inn bakes freshly baked almond quesadillas: a great energy boost before continuing. The metal railing ensures safety for children and tripods. Optimal light: 9:30 to 11:00 in winter, 8:30 to 10:00 in summer.
3. Humboldt Lookout (330m)
Details: Named after the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt, who was fascinated by the Orotava Valley in 1799, this modern viewing point offers a 600m² platform with Corten steel railings and panoramic telescopes (€1). To the left rises Mount Teide; to the right, Puerto de la Cruz and the Atlantic; below, a sea of banana trees ripples like a green ocean. The glass-walled café serves a daily menu (€15) and competitive barraquitos; it has adapted restrooms and free Wi-Fi. Ideal for a timelapse of the “panza de burro,” the low cloud typical of the north.
4. LaTarta Viewpoint (2150m)
Details: As you gain altitude on the TF-24, a multi-colored slope appears that resembles a volcanic wedding cake: alternating bands of black basalt, reddish lapilli, and white pumice. Hence its name “LaTarta.” The esplanade can accommodate about 20 vehicles; avoid parking on the outer edge as there are no guardrails. From the metal railing, you’ll have a close-up of Mount Teide with the sea of clouds at its feet and, if visibility permits, the island of La Palma to the west. Dark sky: Bortle index 2, perfect for capturing the Milky Way from May to August. Wrap up warm: even in August, the temperature drops to 6°C after sunset.
5. BocaTauce Viewpoint (2050m)
Details: BocaTauce is the junction where TF-21 enters from the north and TF-38 ascends from the south. The parking lot, with its compacted volcanic soil, offers 360° views of gray pumice plains and frozen lava flows. In front of you lies the 1798 lava flow that emerged from Pico Viejo, a reminder that Mount Teide is alive. From here, the S-31 Roques de García trail (3.5 km, 1 hour 30 minutes) departs, winding between monoliths such as Roque Cinchado. There are no restrooms or shade: bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
6. Samara Viewpoint (1940m)
Details: The TF-38, still little traveled, hides this treasure with a red earth parking lot and direct views of 16th-century “baby” cones. The Sender