Exploring Tenerife Scenic Drive Part 2

 

Los Gigantes, Masca and the Northwest Cape

We suggest an early start, as there is a huge amount to see along this amazingly scenic drive. From Los Cristianos, take the motorway (TF-1) north to Junction 81. Exit and take the TF-47 towards Los Gigantes.

Los Gigantes is a small port town with an excellent viewing point for the huge Gigantes cliffs. After snapping a few pictures, head back up the TF-454 towards Santiago del Teide. Once you reach Santiago del Teide, look for the TF-436 to Masca (on the left, it’s easy to miss, so drive slowly through the town).

The next part of your journey will be one of the most amazing drives you have ever done.

This well-maintained road with countless hairpin bends, twists and turns up and down thousands of metres. The scenery is jaw-dropping, as is the beautiful village of Masca.

Parking facilities at Masca are limited, so arrive early if you want to stop for lunch. If you can’t find a place to park in Masca, continue further about 2 miles to a hilltop viewpoint with more parking and a small restaurant.

From Masca, continue along to Buenavista del Nova. Chances are, you will reach this point by the middle or late afternoon. But don’t skip the next bit!

At Buenavista, turn left onto the TF-445 towards Faro de Teno. A 15-minute drive will take you around cliff edges, and through tunnels to the most northwestern point on the island. The views of the Gigantes are amazing.

The drive back to Los Cristianos takes around one and a half hours. Head back to Buenavista and follow the TF-42 towards Genoves. At Las Cruces, turn right onto the TG-421. This shortcut involves another adventurous road climb with numerous hairpin bends, eventually joining the TF-82. From here, follow the signposts to Los Cristianos.

Click here to see our recommended route to explore the El Tiede volcano and its lava fields.

 

More about Tenerife

Click here go to to our Gay Tenerife Island Guide page.