Jeep Safari Tenerife: 4 Unforgettable Off-Road Tours
Insider tip for your Tenerife holiday: Discover the island from behind the wheel of a Jeep! At your own pace, close to nature, and far from the usual tourist trails. A personal account by off-road enthusiast Siegfried Hochstein.
My off-road passion is still fairly new: In 2024, I booked my very first Jeep safari – in the French and Italian Alps, with the provider Jeep Experience. And it was exactly that: a real experience. Back on Tenerife, my second home of choice, I started looking for routes beyond the beaten path – and was amazed by what I found. While off-road routes in the Alps are often overcrowded with Jeep tours, cross bikes, mountain bikers and hikers, things are very different here: On a Jeep safari in Tenerife, I can sometimes go for hours without seeing another soul.
How does that fit with what we keep hearing in the media about overtourism in the Canary Islands? It’s simple: 95% of tourists stay on just 2% of the island – packed into hotel and apartment complexes in the south, or dropped off in busloads at a few busy hotspots where the cruise ships dock. In these areas, mass tourism feels just like in Mallorca or other places – and sadly, many people working there still struggle to earn a living wage. But there’s another side to Tenerife: Away from those tourist zones, the Tinerfeños preserve their culture, their nature, and their sense of independence. I love crossing the island in my Jeep – and more recently, heading off-road into places of stillness. There I enjoy the silence, the views, and a glass of wine in one of those local bars that don’t show up in any travel guide. These hours give me energy. Perspective. And a deep sense of peace.
With this post, I hope to inspire other nature lovers to see Tenerife through the lens of a Jeep safari – and perhaps discover the island in a new way.
Why choose a Jeep Safari in Tenerife?
Many visitors know Tenerife as a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with dreamy beaches, rugged mountains and lush forests. But few realize: Tenerife is also a hidden gem for off-road enthusiasts – not in the sense of high-adrenaline quad races, but as a mindful, unhurried way to explore the island’s landscapes.
Tenerife is a land of contrasts: within just a few kilometres, the ecosystem can completely change – from tropical laurel forests to volcanic terrain, from succulents to Mediterranean flora.
That’s what makes a Jeep safari in Tenerife so unique: You experience more dramatic transitions in a single day than you often do on an extended hike. It’s also an unforgettable adventure the whole family can enjoy – even those who might normally roll their eyes at the word “hiking”.
Where is off-roading allowed in Tenerife?
Good to know: Off-road in Tenerife doesn’t mean “just driving cross-country.”
Leaving paved roads is strictly regulated – many areas are off-limits due to nature protection zones or fire risk. That said, there are plenty of legal tracks and paths open to 4×4 vehicles – often former forestry or supply roads, clearly marked and approved for off-road use.
To help protect Tenerife’s unique landscape, I don’t publish detailed GPS routes here for download. But I’m always happy to share my personal off-road tips with guests staying at Villa ARTE – or even join as a guide, whenever I’m on the island.
Just ask if you’d like help planning your Jeep Safari in Tenerife!
Off-Road Route Inspiration
The official platform of the Tenerife tourism board, TenerifeON, offers a wide selection of routes – and even lets you filter specifically for motor vehicles. That way, you’re always on the safe side when planning your Jeep Safari in Tenerife and sticking to legal tracks only. Wikiloc is a user-driven platform where outdoor enthusiasts share GPS tracks for all kinds of activities – including reviews, photos, and route descriptions. Just keep in mind: not all of the routes shared there are officially approved for off-road driving.
Looking for a well-located place to stay for your Jeep Safari in Tenerife?
Jeep Safari Tenerife #1: To the Chinyero Volcano and the Arenas Negras
This off-road tour offers a particularly striking landscape. It starts in the pine forests and leads across lava fields near the Chinyero volcano, all the way to the Arenas Negras. When planning this tour, I always check that the nearby Teno Mountains aren’t hidden in clouds – because when the skies are clear, the route rewards you with breathtaking views of La Gomera and La Palma. This is not a tourist hotspot, so the track is usually pleasantly quiet.
“Arenas Negras” means “black sands” – the name refers to the fine-grained, dark volcanic rock that covers vast areas here. The region was once blanketed in dense pine forests. But during Chinyero’s eruption in 1909, much of it was buried under lava and ash.
Today, Canary pines are growing here once again – a species uniquely adapted to survive heat and fire. Their return is seen as a powerful symbol of nature’s resilience. The scenery feels almost otherworldly: against the black soil, the vivid green of the pines seems to glow.
Not all car rental companies in Tenerife offer off-road-capable vehicles – and some explicitly prohibit driving on unpaved roads in their rental terms. So before you book, make sure to check with your rental provider and let them know you’re planning a Jeep Safari in Tenerife. We recommend renting a Jeep through Club Canary, a provider that offers suitable 4x4 vehicles for this type of experience.
Jeep Safari Tenerife #2: From Güímar to the Teide Observatory
By the end of this off-road tour, your Jeep will definitely be ready for a car wash. This region of Tenerife receives far less rainfall than the greener north, which means the trails here are much dustier – and your car will quickly change color to a creamy ochre.
Right at the start of the route, there’s a training area often used by quad bikers on weekends – especially those arriving with guided tour groups from the south. It’s the perfect spot to get a feel for your Jeep’s ground clearance and off-road capability before heading further off the beaten path.
The climb that follows is no joke: with gradients of up to 25%, the drive is challenging at times – but rewards you with spectacular views across southern and western Tenerife. The route begins in dense pine forest, but as you ascend beyond the tree line, the landscape opens up – with views north to the Anaga mountains and, on clear days, even across the sea to Gran Canaria.
The tour ends at the Izaña Observatory (Observatorio del Teide) at an altitude of around 2,400 meters. Thanks to the clean air, high elevation, and minimal light pollution, this is one of the best locations in the world for astronomical research. During the summer months, guided visits are offered – giving you a fascinating look behind the scenes of solar research, telescope technology, and the work of the scientists based here.
Jeep Safari Tenerife #3: Through the Pine Forests of La Montañeta to Mount Teide
There are five different routes leading up to Pico del Teide, and most of them are busy with cars, motorbikes, and cyclists. But this one is different: a quiet ascent through the pine forests of La Montañeta on the island’s north coast – heading toward Spain’s highest mountain.
It’s not a paved road, but it’s in surprisingly good condition and technically passable with a regular car. That said, it’s a popular spot for mountain bikers – many of whom take the curves too fast and unexpectedly appear around blind corners. So take it slow on the way up, even if the road might suggest you could go faster…
At one point, a small side track branches off near a lookout used by the local fire service for wildfire surveillance. This is a true off-road section, with a steep incline of up to 20%. At the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views of Teide and the island’s wild northwest coast. I like to take a short picnic break here – enjoying the quiet before rejoining the main route. From there, the road connects with TF-21 and leads to the final stretch toward the caldera. For the descent, I recommend taking TF-38, a well-paved road without sharp curves – and one that offers sweeping views of La Gomera and La Palma along the way.
Jeep Safari Tenerife #4: Into the Enchanted World of the Anaga Mountains
When the trade winds push clouds into the Anaga mountains, they bring moisture – and transform the laurel forests into something out of a fairy tale: draped in moss, ferns, lichens, and vibrant green. But when the clouds clear, the views open up to reveal spectacular coastal cliffs, small mountain villages, and a landscape full of raw, natural beauty.
Strict off-roading isn’t allowed in this national park, but I carefully choose narrow back roads and quiet hamlets – the kind of places where few tourists ever go. And that’s what makes it feel truly off-road. You won’t find restaurants or village bars here (people in this area live entirely from small-scale farming, not from tourism) – but that’s part of the charm. Luckily, my Jeep’s built-in fridge always has a few picnic essentials ready – perfect for a scenic stop with a view.
One special moment: navigating the narrow alleys of remote villages, where there’s often just 5–10 cm between the Jeep and the houses. If another car appears, you may have to reverse several meters to find a spot to pass. Not ideal if you’re unsure about your vehicle’s size – or if you’d rather avoid scratches, bumps, or adrenaline spikes.
Not an experienced off-road driver yet? Or feeling unsure behind the wheel of a rental vehicle you're not as familiar with as your own? No problem – I’ll take you to a quiet quarry where you can practice and get a feel for your Jeep’s handling off the road.
Guided tour or self-drive? Both have their appeal. If it’s your first time on Tenerife or you’re not familiar with the island, joining a guided Jeep safari can be a great option. These providers know the legal routes and often share interesting insights along the way – about the island’s nature, culture, and history.
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Five Family-Friendly Apartments
Skip the anonymous hotel blocks – at Villa ARTE, you’ll stay in one of five individually designed apartments that combine modern comfort with the charm of a historic building. Villa ARTE is located in the heart of Garachico, just steps from the ocean’s lava rock pools on one side and the old town’s historic streets on the other. A true highlight: the large rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the sea and the town.
Garachico, in Tenerife’s lush north, is also an ideal base for trips across the island – and at the same time, a wonderful place to unwind after an active day. Enjoy a good meal and let your soul relax with a glass of local wine or beer as the day winds down.
- Sustainable, healthy construction
- Spacious floor plans
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Filtered drinking water tap – no need to carry plastic bottles
- Plenty of restaurants within walking distance
Apartamento Amarillo
- SIze: 59 m²
- Floor: 1st
- Guests: ~4
- Outdoor: Balcony
Suite Azul
- Size: 44 m²
- Floor: Ground floor
- Guests: ~2
- Outdoor: Patio
Ático Exclusivo
- Size: 60 m²
- Floor: 1st
- Guests: ~4
- Outdoor: 2 Terraces
And one small request: Please drive responsibly. Take your rubbish with you, avoid idling the engine, and never start an open fire. That way, off-road adventures can remain possible for nature lovers in Tenerife – now and in the future.
