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<\/p>\nArriving at Tenerife South Airport (TFS, also known as Reina Sof\u00eda Airport) is just the beginning of your island adventure. You've got your luggage, the sun is already warming up, and the whole of Tenerife awaits you on the other side of the arrivals gates.<\/p>\n
Here begins the first important decision of the journey: how are you going to get around?<\/b><\/p>\n
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Public transport exists, but it has its limitations. If you want to get to those black sand beaches of Alcal\u00e1<\/a>, to lose yourself among the misty forests of Anaga, visit the Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos<\/a> To discover the secret viewpoints of the Teno Massif, you need a car. Without one, you are left with the tourist version of Tenerife. With one, you discover the real one.<\/p>\n Here is our honest and practical guide to hiring a car at TFS without any nasty surprises.<\/p>\n First off: where do I pick up the car?<\/b><\/p>\n At the South Airport you have two options:<\/b><\/p>\n Our advice: always book online before you arrive. Prices at the counter, especially during peak season, can be between 30% and 70% more expensive than an advance booking. At Christmas, Carnival, Easter or in the height of August, the difference can be huge.<\/p>\n Which companies do we recommend?<\/b><\/p>\n We've been hosting guests at our properties across the island for a while now, and these are the ones we hear about time and time again, for good reason:<\/b><\/p>\n Company<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n Why we recommend it<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 100%, a Canary Islands-based company. No hidden charges, clear contracts and a fleet renewed every 4\u20135 years. They are adding more and more electric and hybrid vehicles to their fleet. Our top choice.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Very competitive prices. Read the insurance conditions carefully: extras can add up if you're not clear about what you're signing up for.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Hertz \/ Avis \/ Europcar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Trusted international brands. Ideal if you have a loyalty card or prefer a well-known company.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Discover Cars \/ Rentalcars.com \/ Check24<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Price comparison websites. Perfect for seeing all options in one place and finding the most suitable price.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Regarding Cicar prices: <\/b>They don't have early booking offers as such, but they do maintain stable prices throughout the year, which is appreciated when the prices of the rest of the market skyrocket during peak season.<\/p>\n It's the point where most people get surprised. Make sure you understand exactly what the included policy covers and what it excludes. Comprehensive insurance with no excess offers great peace of mind, especially if you're going to be driving on the mountain roads of the north.<\/p>\n Before paying for additional company insurance, check if your credit card already covers the rental. Mastercard Black\/Platinum and Visa Platinum\/Signature cards usually include collision damage, theft, or vandalism protection. A call to your bank before travelling can save you a considerable amount of money.<\/p>\n Most companies operate on a \u00abfull to full\u00bb policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it the same way. It's the fairest approach. Avoid prepaid fuel packages unless you plan to drive many miles and don't want to worry about it.<\/p>\n If your partner or companion is also going to drive, add them at the counter. It usually costs between 3 and 5 euros per day and is totally worth it for sharing the driving on long journeys.<\/p>\n Before you set off, do a full walk-around of the car and photograph everything with your mobile. Send it to yourself by email or WhatsApp so it's dated. This is the step most people skip, and the one that prevents the most problems upon your return.<\/p>\n Good news: Tenerife has no toll roads. And Google Maps works perfectly all over the island, so you don't need to pay for a GPS unit in the rental car.<\/p>\n During peak season (December-January, July-August, Carnival, Easter), book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Last-minute prices can rocket, and you also risk not finding cars of the size you need.<\/p>\n On the day of collection, always bring:<\/b><\/p>\n If you are travelling with young children, please request a child seat when booking. They sell out quickly during peak season and are not always available at the counter.<\/p>\n For most stays, a small or compact car is more than sufficient. Parking in the northern villages, navigating narrow streets, or finding a spot at viewpoints is much easier with a small vehicle.<\/p>\n If you are four or more people, or are planning to explore the Anaga Rural Park or the Teno Massif with full luggage, an SUV or an estate car will give you more comfort and boot space.<\/p>\n It is possible and increasingly viable. Cicar, for example, is renewing its fleet with electric and hybrid vehicles. The charging network on the island is not yet as developed as on the mainland, but if you stop every now and then at a shopping centre or a charging station, you can get around the island without any problems.<\/p>\n In the north, near where we have some of our properties, we have 60 kW chargers available for an additional charge for guests arriving with electric vehicles.<\/p>\n Renting a car in Tenerife is not just a practical matter: it\u2019s part of the experience. Here are the routes that excite us the most:<\/b><\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\nInsurance<\/b><\/h3>\n
Fuel policy<\/b><\/h3>\n
Additional drivers<\/b><\/h3>\n
Photos before leaving the car park<\/b><\/h3>\n
GPS and tolls<\/b><\/h3>\n
When to book and what to bring?<\/b><\/h3>\n
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What size of car do you need?<\/b><\/h3>\n
What if I want to rent an electric car?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Roads not to be missed<\/b><\/h2>\n
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\u00a1Hola! Para poder responder a tu pregunta, necesito un poco m\u00e1s de informaci\u00f3n.\n\n\u00bfPodr\u00edas decirme d\u00f3nde est\u00e1 tu alojamiento (la direcci\u00f3n o la zona)?\n\nCon esa informaci\u00f3n, podr\u00e9 decirte cu\u00e1nto tiempo tardar\u00e1s en llegar desde el aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur (TFS).<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Our Final Recommendations<\/b><\/h2>\n