Route: TF-1 towards Santa Cruz, then continue on the TF-5 to Puerto de la Cruz, then back via Icod de los Vinos and the TF‑82 to Costa Adeje.
Total distance: approx. 170 km
Morning start: Take the TF‑1 to Puerto de la Cruz
In the morning, take the TF‑1 and drive towards Santa Cruz. Shortly before the capital, turn onto the TF‑5 towards Puerto de la Cruz. After about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll reach this traditional coastal town, which many visitors consider one of the most beautiful places in the north of the island.
A first highlight is the Botanical Garden of Puerto de la Cruz. It was created in 1788 by order of King Charles III and today features more than 3,000 different plant species. The original idea was to acclimatise plants from the New World to Spain’s climate on Tenerife first, before sending them on to Madrid or Aranjuez.
Video impression: https://www.youtube.com/live/JNfro-T8S8Y
Stroll through Puerto de la Cruz
Take your time to wander through the old town of Puerto de la Cruz. Personally, I like parking at the Martiánez shopping centre, then walking from there along the seafront to Playa Martiánez, past the Lago Martiánez seawater pools to Playa San Telmo and Plaza del Charco.
For me, Plaza del Charco is the most beautiful square in Puerto de la Cruz: a lively meeting place where you can enjoy a coffee under the plane trees in one of the many cafés and watch the world go by.
Many visitors combine their stay in Puerto de la Cruz with a visit to Loro Parque:
https://www.loroparque.com/
I recommend buying tickets in advance.
Parking around Loro Parque is often difficult. A small tourist train takes you conveniently to the entrance. The park is large—plan at least four hours to enjoy the different areas and shows at a relaxed pace. There are plenty of places to eat in the park, or you can head to one of the many restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz afterwards.
On to Icod de los Vinos
After your time in Puerto de la Cruz, continue on the TF‑5 towards Icod de los Vinos. The town’s best-known landmark is the “Drago milenario”, the legendary dragon tree. No one knows exactly how old it really is—but thanks to the good signage, you definitely won’t miss it.
Very close by, there are two more worthwhile sights:
- Iglesia Mayor de San Marcos: an architectural gem and a peaceful place.
- Mariposario del Drago: a large glasshouse where many butterfly species live in a natural setting. No matter your age, it’s fascinating to watch big and small butterflies up close.
More info: https://www.mariposario.com/
Return via El Tanque and Santiago del Teide
By the afternoon, your day trip will slowly be coming to an end. Take the TF‑82 through typically Canarian villages such as El Tanque and Erjos towards Santiago del Teide. This route offers lovely views and a bit of “island feeling away from the motorway”.
In Santiago del Teide, you have two options:
- Stay on the TF‑82 and continue enjoying the country road, or
- Switch to the TF‑1 motorway and you’ll be back in Costa Adeje in under 20 minutes.
Personal tip on driving direction
It doesn’t really matter whether you take the TF‑1 first thing in the morning towards Santa Cruz or towards the west. However, I usually choose the option via Santa Cruz in the morning, and in the late afternoon I like to return to Costa Adeje via El Tanque, Erjos and Santiago del Teide. Many tour buses use this route in the morning, so in the afternoon you’re more likely to avoid getting stuck behind buses for long stretches.
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