What you should know before hiring a car in Puerto de la Cruz
Practical information
Where to rent a car in Puerto de la Cruz?
The city of Puerto de la Cruz is located on the northern coast of the island of Tenerife, which can be found in the Canary Islands. The city overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean and can be reached from either of Tenerife's two international airports: Tenerife Norte Airport or Tenerife South Airport. From each airport, visitors can choose from transport options such as bus, taxi or shuttle bus to reach Puerto de la Cruz. However, it is often more cost effective - and certainly allows for more flexibility and independence – to rent a car at the airport to travel to Puerto de la Cruz. Alternatively, a number of car rental agencies can be found in Puerto de la Cruz itself. Car rental companies operating on the island of Tenerife include Europcar, Avis and Autos Plaza.
Driving in Puerto de la Cruz: parking and other tips
Thanks to its location in the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, road rules on Tenerife and in Puerto de la Cruz are the same as those in Spain. Drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times; cell phones may only be used when in hands free mode; and visitors must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Puerto de la Cruz. The speed limit in Puerto de la Cruz is usually 50km/h as it is an urban area; on rural roads, the speed limit rises to 100km/h, and on the motorway it is 120km/h. However, look out for road signs indicating the speed limit while driving in Puerto de la Cruz.
Home to narrow streets and a complex one way system, driving in Puerto de la Cruz can be a challenge for those not used to its roads. Nonetheless, renting a car in Puerto de la Cruz is a great way to explore the surrounding areas! In the city itself, parking can be found both at hotels, on the street, and in a number of parking lots. Free parking can be found by the harbour and, while a short walk from the town center, this is one of the most popular and convenient places to park in Puerto de la Cruz.
Road trips from Puerto de la Cruz
Rent a car in Puerto de la Cruz and explore Tenerife at your leisure. From beaches to bustling coastal towns and cities, the island is perfect for a relaxed road trip. These are three of our top destinations to explore by rental car from Puerto de la Cruz.
Mount Teide
Located in the Teide National Park, around 25 miles from Puerto de la Cruz, Mount Teide is one of Tenerife's most impressive natural attractions. A drive through the Teide National Park is an experience in itself, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and take photos of the surrounding scenery. Mount Teide itself is a volcano, whose summit can be reached by foot or cable car. Parking can be found near the base of Mount Teide, allowing visitors to easily enjoy a road trpip from Puerto de la Cruz to this popular attraction in Tenerife.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital both of Tenerife and the Canary Islands (a position it shares with Las Palmas). Located on the north-east coast of Tenerife, overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, the city is a 25 mile drive from Puerto de la Cruz. In the city,the Old Town is a popular attraction; it is home to landmarks such as the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Palacio de Carta. Having explored the city's cultural attractions, relax on the Playa de Las Teresitas.
Los Cristianos
The town of Los Cristianos can be found on the southern coast of Tenerife, around 45 miles from Puerto de la Cruz by rental car. The town is known for its beaches, which include the Playa las Vistas and the Playa de Los Cristianos. Nearby, the Playa de las Américas boasts man-made and natural beaches as well as the Siam Park – a popular water park.
