Tenerife-South Airport car hire
With almost guaranteed sunshine all year round, Tenerife is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations.The all-inclusive resorts are a big draw for those in the market for lazy days and hedonistic nights, but there's a great deal to discover further afield. For intrepid souls looking for natural and cultural excursions, your Avis hire car is waiting. Explore the island's historic towns, rural villages and volcanic parkland on an independent, self-drive holiday.
Tenerife South Airport, previously known as Tenerife South-Reina Sofia Airport, is one of two on the island. A courtesy shuttle bus will take you from the terminal to your car so you can get you on your way as quickly as possible.
Planning to fly in to the other airport on the north of the island? Visit Tenerife North Airport.
Popular car hire locations on Tenerife
Your journey starts here
From the moment you arrive, Avis has got your car rental covered for the duration. Whether you fancy a supermini or hot hatch for an urban jaunt, an elegant saloon for a business trip or wedding, or a people carrier for a family holiday – your perfect hire car is standing by on the tarmac.Frequent renters get upgraded – and additional days for free – by signing up for Avis Preferred loyalty benefits. Simply choose a date and time and we’ll prepare your quality hire car.
Tenerife: coast to coast
On the south-east coast the laidback resort of El Médano is cooled by trade winds ... cue a coterie kite-boarders and windsurfers attracted by the waves. You'll also find a smattering of good bars and restaurants (not the 'English' bars prevalent in other parts of the island) and, in Playa La Tejita, one of the best natural beaches on Tenerife.Near the most westerly point of Tenerife, Los Gigantes enjoys a sheltered location at the foot of its colossal cliffs. While the harbour-side beach here is a small, black-sand affair, the spectacular views here more than make up for it.
On the northeast coast of Tenerife, five miles from provincial capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you'll find the hidden gem Playa de las Teresitas. This stretch of imported Saharan sand lurks below the Anaga mountains and offers warm, shallow waters perfect for families.
The upmarket new face of Tenerife, Costa Adeje is dotted with designer boutiques, four- and five-star hotels and luxury villas. The two beaches here, Playa Fañabé and Playa del Duque, offer all sorts of watersports and a whole-coast-long promenade.
The sweeping, sandy beaches of Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas nearby are some of the most lively and child-friendly on the island. Find sunbeds galore, showers and a beach volleyball court.
Plan your journey from Tenerife-South Airport
Mount TeideIt's possible to trek from Las Cañadas del Teide crater through petrified lava flows to the summit of Spain's highest mountain (3,718m). Most will opt to take the cable car up, but everyone should make time for a spot of lava hiking on the lunar-like landscape surrounding this dormant volcano.
Los Gigantes
Boat out into the waters surrounding the forbidding Los Gigantes cliffs to watch bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. Boats sporting yellow and blue flags means they have been accedited by the Atlantic Whale Foundation for observing eco-friendly practices.
Garachico
On the island's north coast, Garachico reveals the prettiest plaza on the island (perfect for a coffee) but also a number of sea water rock pools. Scull through a long narrow channel through the solidified lava, jump from rock platforms into plunge pools, or float in clear, shallow waters.
Golf courses
There are two great golfing options on Tenerife. At clifftop Buenavista in the remote northwest, find six par-three, six par-four and six par-five holes. Closer to the action, tee off at Golf Las Américas whose gently sloping coast-side course is also home to exotic birds.
Driving rules in Spain
Which side of the road?In Spain, please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may not be used at all while driving
- Do not use headphones when driving (except hearing aids)
- Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility
- Always use indicators, you will be fined for not using indicators when needed
- Cyclists have right of way, at all times
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
- Motorways: 120km/h (74mph)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 and less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
- Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.