Tenerife is a quad biking paradise, where towering volcanoes and otherworldly landscapes set the scene for adventure. You’ll be heading off the beaten tourist trail to explore the rugged island interior like a true pioneer.

ATV and quad biking tours in Tenerife are a unique way to discover a different side of this popular Canary Islands destination. Lush forests, remote villages and jaw-dropping sea views are all on the agenda.

Check out our detailed guide with useful information and tips on ATV and quad biking tours, arguably one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Tenerife.

What are the most popular ATV tours in Tenerife?

La Oratava ATV tour

This hour-long ride is ideal for beginners who just want a bit of a taster session. You’ll be driving through La Orotava and Santa Úrsula districts, up in the north of the island. It’s a beautiful part of Tenerife and a place that’s often overlooked by other tourists.

Transport to the starting point from the Puerto de la Cruz area is provided. You’ll have a short introductory session before taking to the trails. The terrain is easy to navigate, and the sea views are rewarding.

Quad bike excursion to Las Cañadas del Teide

Most quad biking in Tenerife takes place in the spectacular Teide National Park. The lunar-like landscapes and imposing volcanoes offer the perfect backdrop for your adventures. These trips begin in the south of the island, with some operators offering transfers from your hotel.

After being driven to the ATV office, you’ll be allocated a vehicle and shown how to use it. You can choose to ride solo or travel with a companion if you prefer. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll head out on the trails with your group.

The route takes you all the way up to Las Cañadas del Teide, in the north of the national park. You’ll be riding at elevations of 2,400 meters, with stunning panoramic vistas all around. The terrain varies between fragrant pine forests and barren volcanic plains – you’ll be fully immersed in the wild.

During the trip, you’ll pass through the settlements of Arona, La Escalona and Vilaflor, where you can stop for a leg stretch. A highlight of the excursion is the mirador at Boca Tauce where you’ll breathe in the fresh mountain air and take photos.

Teide National Park ATV tour to Vilaflor

This Tenerife quad tour focuses on the beautiful southern landscapes of Teide National Park. You’ll be driving your ATVs from Las Chafiras up to the scenic village of Vilaflor. It’s one of the island’s most panoramic routes but remember to keep your attention on the road!

On arrival at the quad biking base, whether with a hotel pickup or under your own steam, it’s time for a quick briefing. You’ll meet your expert guide who will give you a helmet and show you how to control the ATV. There will be a bit of practice time to make sure you’re comfortable with the vehicle.

Then it’s time to set off into the wilderness. On these Tenerife ATV excursions, you’ll be riding on a mixture of paved and dirt roads for a bit of variety. Prepare for it to be dusty on the off-road sections!

You’ll ride through Las Zocas before taking the Cho Pancho old road up to Vilaflor, which is the highest village in Teide National Park. The views of the volcano are spectacular, so don’t forget to take your camera. On the return journey, you’ll pass through charming rural settlements like El Roque and La Escalona.

What is the price of quad biking tours in Tenerife?

ATV tours in Tenerife are one of the most popular experiences to enjoy on the island. Considering fuel costs and the fact you can explore otherwise inaccessible places, the price of Tenerife quad bike trips is very reasonable. All excursions run on a group basis to keep prices as low as possible.

If you just want a 1-hour taster ride, there are ATV tours in La Oratava that cost €50 per rider. These excursions have up to 6 people on them, so it’s quite a personal experience and perfect for beginners.

The Tenerife quad biking trips to Las Cañadas del Teide cost between €70 and €130, depending on the operator and the size of the group. Most of these 4-hour excursions operate with 15-20 participants. If group size is important to you, check with the provider for details of your chosen tour.

Meanwhile, for the ATV tours to Vilaflor, expect to pay €130 per person. This is also for a 4-hour trip with a maximum of 15 participants.

What do ATV tours in Tenerife include in the price?

Your operator will provide everything you need for some safe and enjoyable quad biking in Tenerife. ATV rental and a helmet are included in the tour price, along with an experienced guide. Some trips also come with hotel pickups for convenient transfers.

Jackets are often available to rent – ask your provider if you’d like this option. No other protective clothing is included, so it’s best to come wearing comfortable outdoor shoes, long pants and weather-appropriate gear.

Where do ATV tours in Tenerife start?

Some operators provide hotel transfers from selected resort areas in the south of the island. These locations include Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa Paraíso among others. Do check your joining instructions to see if your accommodation is on the list.

If pickups aren’t offered, you’ll be given details of the starting point. Common locations in the south are the ATV operator bases in Las Chafiras and Arona. You can get there by car if you have a rental vehicle, or a taxi if you prefer.

How long does quad biking in Tenerife last?

ATV tours in Tenerife generally last between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on the operator and the destination. If it’s your first time and you’re looking for a bit of a taster session, you might want to pick a shorter trip of 1 hour.

Note that these excursion lengths do include transfer time to the start of the trail, as well as plenty of stops during the ride.

When is the best time to go quad biking in Tenerife?

You can enjoy Tenerife quad bike rides in either the morning or the afternoon, so it’ll be easy to fit a tour into your schedule. Popular start times are 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. This leaves half a day free for other activities, like Tenerife boat tours or perhaps a bit of hiking.

Do consider the temperature when booking your ATV excursion. The mornings are cooler whereas afternoons can get rather hot, especially during summer. Pick an earlier ride if heat isn’t your thing.

Are ATV tours in Tenerife safe?

There aren’t any significant dangers to worry about when quad biking in Tenerife. The tours are designed so that both beginners and experts can take part, making them suitable for all ability levels. As this will be a bumpy ride, pregnant women and travelers with back problems should not take part.

The instructors are expert off-road drivers and know the terrain well. They will be on hand throughout the trip to help out where required and keep everyone on track.

Can children join quad biking tours in Tenerife?

Yes, children aged 7 years and older can participate as passengers on ATV tours in Tenerife, making this a fun family adventure. All quad bike drivers must be at least 18 years old.

Is a driving license required for ATVs in Tenerife?

All drivers will need to show their driving license when quad biking in Tenerife. Although part of the tour is on dirt tracks, there will be some driving on paved roads too.

Note that the driver and passenger can’t switch places during the ride. So, if you want to have a go at driving, you’ll need to do this from the start of the tour.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Good weather is required for all ATV tours in Tenerife, as you’ll be outside in the wilderness for most of the trip. If conditions are bad and your excursion ends up being canceled, you’ll be given a full refund or offered an alternative date.

What other outdoor activities can you do in Tenerife?

Travel tips

Wear comfortable and practical clothing. Long trousers and closed-toe shoes are essential to protect you. Don't forget to apply sunscreen and bring a jacket in case of cooler weather or rain.
Listen carefully to the safety instructions provided by your guide. These will cover how to operate the quad bike, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to navigate the terrain. Always wear a helmet when riding.
Tenerife is known for its unique and diverse ecosystems. Avoid off-roading or straying from the designated paths to protect the environment and local wildlife.
If you're planning to use a GoPro or similar action camera, check with the tour operator if they allow mounting these devices on the helmet or bike.

Quad Tours in Tenerife