Tenerife in december

I was just there 2 weeks ago but can't fully answer your question as I rented a car from Cicar (great service) and used it to drive around the island. I would think it would be difficult to get to some of the hiking trailheads without your own transport. Also, if you want to take the gondola up to Teide (volcano - highest point on the island), you will need a car.

I ended up staying in two different hotels (split 3 nights between the 2) - one in the Southern part of the island and one in La Oratava (really liked this town). I enjoyed some of the steep drives around the island but be forewarned that the roads can be twisty with hairpin bends and lots of curves.

Hi, thanks for the response. The more I read the more I think a rental would be a better option. Was your rental from the airport? Any recommendations on places to stay. I like the idea of 2 splits rather than 3-4.
Thanks in advance

Yes, all my rentals were from the airport. I rented with Cicar in Tenerife (TFN), Gran Canaria (LPA) and in Lanzarote (ACE). This company has great reviews and I found it to be hassle free. There is no looking over the car, the gas tank may not be full when you get it and you return it with approximately the same amount you got it with. You just hand the keys over and are on your way. I believe all rentals have full insurance coverage (mandatory) so it seems like they don't worry about scratches, etc.

Hotels - I'm probably not the best person to guide you. I used my points with Hyatt to stay at the Dreams resort (my wife likes all inclusives) in the South and at the Alua Soul in La Oratava.

I've only been to Gran Canaria, where I spend 2-3 weeks of January at the same accommodation in the south of the island, going on day trips everywhere. Tenerife is a bigger island, but not by a whole lot.

Oh, except for one night I spent at a hotel way up in the mountains. That was spontaneous and cheap—I didn't even check out of my main place.

I can vouch for Cicar. AutoReisen is also good. Be careful with the speed cameras on the highways!

Thanks! I did book a car through Cigar from the airport, and thus far booked one night at the parador Las Cañadas Del Teide. I think I want to start in the north and work my way around to the south. I have an early flight back out, so I figured it would be best to end up in the south near the airport. I am still debating how many nights to stay in la laguna before moving onto probably los gigantes ( or may be a bit before that). then spend one night in Teide and finally end up in los cristianos/costa adeje before flying out.

I found La Laguna to be a great base for three nights. Fires might have affected the northeastern peninsula, but it was very scenic, and the town of La Laguna is very interesting. The rest of the north coast to Garachico is also worth exploring (I really enjoyed Garachico).

So, you could stay 3 nights in La Laguna, then move to Teide for 1 night, and finish in the south for the last 3 (or 4?) nights. 3 bases rather than 4 is my suggestion; 4 bases feels like a lot for just a week in an island with such good roads.