Pick up your car hire from Tenerife South Airport and begin exploring one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations.

he year-round sunshine and 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 in Tenerife Sur Airport 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 into the other airport on the north of the island? Visit Tenerife North Airport.

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.

Mount Teide
It'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.

 

• 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

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
• Motorways: 120km/h (74mph)

• 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