Rally in Tenerife – A High-Speed Motorsport Spectacle

Tenerife, with its winding mountain roads, dramatic coastal cliffs, and challenging elevation changes, is a paradise for rally enthusiasts. The island hosts several prestigious rally events throughout the year, attracting professional drivers, amateur racers, and motorsport fans from across Spain and beyond. With technical asphalt routes, hairpin turns, and breathtaking scenery, Tenerife’s rally competitions are among the most thrilling in the Canary Islands.

The island’s diverse terrain and well-maintained roads provide a perfect backdrop for rally racing, making it a must-visit destination for fans of motorsport and adrenaline-filled action.

Major Rally Events in Tenerife

Tenerife hosts multiple rally competitions throughout the year, each offering different levels of difficulty, road conditions, and iconic stages.

Rallye Isla de Tenerife (Tenerife Island Rally)

Date: Annually in October
Type: Asphalt rally (part of the Spanish Rally Championship)
Distance: Varies by category, with multiple high-speed stages
Highlights:
- One of the oldest and most prestigious rally events in the Canary Islands
- Features tight corners, rapid elevation changes, and spectacular mountain roads
- Attracts top national and international rally drivers

Subida a Guía de Isora (Hill Climb)

Date: Annually in June
Type: Hill Climb (European Hill Climb Championship event)
Distance: Around 5-6 km of steep uphill racing
Highlights:
- A pure speed test, where drivers must tackle relentless inclines and tight hairpin turns
- The perfect event for high-powered hill climb cars
- Offers some of the best spectator viewpoints in Tenerife

Rallye Villa de Adeje

Date: Annually in May
Type: Asphalt rally (part of the Spanish Super Championship and European Rally Trophy)
Distance: Includes several special stages, covering over 150 km of rally action
Highlights:
- One of the most important rally events in the Canary Islands
- Features fast-paced roads through Adeje, Guía de Isora, and the southern mountain areas
- Attracts top-tier drivers and teams

Subida a Tamaimo

Date: Annually in September
Type: Hill Climb
Distance: Short but extremely technical uphill course
Highlights:
- A legendary route among local rally fans
- Features rapid acceleration zones followed by tight switchbacks
- Popular among both professional and amateur drivers

What Makes Rally Racing in Tenerife Special?

✔ Spectacular Scenery – Rally courses wind through volcanic landscapes, dense forests, and coastal cliffs, making it one of the most visually stunning rally locations in Spain.
✔ Challenging Roads – The island's narrow, twisty roads, steep climbs, and sudden descents provide a unique test for drivers.
✔ High-Level Competitions – Tenerife hosts official national and international rally events, ensuring top-quality racing and participation from elite teams.
✔ Passionate Fan Base – The local motorsport culture is strong, with thousands of fans lining the roads to cheer on their favorite drivers.
✔ Perfect Rally Conditions – Thanks to Tenerife’s mild climate, rally events can be held year-round without extreme weather disruptions.

Best Spots to Watch Rally in Tenerife

For those looking to experience the excitement of rally racing up close, these locations provide fantastic viewing points:

Teide National Park Roads – Watch drivers tackle tight bends and altitude changes in the stunning volcanic landscape.
Guía de Isora Hill Climb Viewpoints – Ideal for watching high-speed hill climb action.
Los Loros Stage (Rallye Isla de Tenerife) – A classic stage with technical turns and fast straights, perfect for thrilling overtakes.
Tamaimo Climb Spectator Areas – Offers one of the best rally atmospheres with a passionate local crowd.

The Rally Culture in Tenerife

Motorsport has been a major part of Tenerife’s culture for decades. The island has produced skilled rally drivers, and many local enthusiasts take part in regional competitions.

Local Rally Teams – Tenerife is home to several private rally teams, competing in both national and Canary Islands rally championships.
Tuning & Car Culture – The island has a strong car modification scene, with workshops specializing in performance tuning and rally preparation.
Rally Legends – Some of Spain’s top rally drivers have competed in Tenerife’s historic races, making these events a stepping stone to international competitions.

Anecdote: The Rally Driver Who Lost His Co-Driver… but Kept Racing!

During one edition of the Rallye Isla de Tenerife, a well-known local driver was pushing hard through a tight mountain section when, after an aggressive corner, his co-driver’s door flew open. The co-driver, caught off guard, nearly fell out of the car before grabbing onto the roll cage just in time.

Instead of stopping, the driver kept going at full speed, holding the door shut with one hand while steering with the other! Spectators cheered and laughed, amazed by the quick thinking and fearless determination of both men.

After crossing the finish line, the co-driver jokingly said, "Next time, I’ll bring my seatbelt AND my parachute!" The story became legendary among Tenerife’s rally fans, proving that in rally racing, anything can happen!

Final Thoughts – Why Rally Enthusiasts Love Tenerife

Challenging mountain roads and scenic routes – ★★★★★
Top-level national and international competitions – ★★★★★
High-speed hill climbs and rally stages – ★★★★★
Passionate motorsport culture and enthusiastic fans – ★★★★★
Overall experience – ★★★★★

For rally fans, drivers, and motorsport lovers, Tenerife offers a unique combination of thrilling racing, breathtaking scenery, and a passionate car culture. Whether watching elite drivers compete in the Rallye Isla de Tenerife or experiencing the adrenaline of a hill climb event, the island delivers some of the best rally action in Spain.

Rally in Tenerife - A High-Speed Motorsport Spectacle

See also

Explore the Volcanoes Route (Ruta de los Volcanes) - Walking the Spine of La Palma's Fireborn Landscape

Jameos del Agua - Where Art Meets Lava

Carnival of Arrecife - Lanzarote’s Grandest Celebration of Joy and Color