Tenerife: Discovery of the Island on Caterham Lotus 7

If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through Tenerife’s stunning landscapes behind the wheel of a legendary sports car, this tour offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this ride, reviews highlight its uniqueness and high adrenaline factor. The chance to drive or be driven in a Caterham 340 SV—an ultra-light, powerful sports car—sets this experience apart from typical sightseeing outings.

What we love about this tour? First, the sense of freedom and excitement that comes with driving such an iconic vehicle. Second, the breathtaking scenery—from Mount Teide’s volcanic grandeur to the lush greenery of Anaga Rural Park. Third, the flexibility in choosing routes and durations, whether a quick 1-hour thrill or a full-day adventure.

A potential drawback? The security deposit and the requirement for a manual driving license might deter some, along with the need to be under 6 ft 6 in. Still, for those craving a truly memorable experience that combines adrenaline with natural beauty, this is a top contender.

This tour is perfect for driving enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to combine scenic exploration with the thrill of racing a sports car. The private group setup ensures a personalized experience, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or even solo explorers wanting a taste of Tenerife’s legendary roads.

Good To Know

• Unique experience driving or riding in a Caterham 7 on scenic Tenerife roads
• Flexible options for duration, route, and whether you want to drive yourself or be a passenger
• Stunning views at Mount Teide and Anaga Rural Park that enhance the thrill
• Safety and comfort provided with professional briefings, simulators, and instructor guidance
• Good value considering the inclusion of personalized routes, simulator, and vehicle familiarity
• Limited restrictions, but some requirements like age and license eligibility apply

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering Tenerife on the Legendary Caterham 7

Tenerife, with its volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and expansive coastlines, offers a fantastic backdrop for this unusual adventure. The tour is run by 7Drive Tenerife, promising a mix of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and a taste of motorsport history through the Caterham 340 SV.

Starting Point and Safety Briefing

The adventure kicks off at C. Bencomo, 54, where you’ll meet your guide and undergo a 15-minute safety briefing. This is an essential part of the experience, especially for those driving the vehicle themselves. Reviewers mention the friendly and professional staff, including instructors who help you get comfortable behind the wheel. Before heading out, you’ll get a quick history lesson on the legendary Caterham brand, adding a touch of automotive lore.

Vehicle Familiarization and Simulator Test

One of the standout features? The pre-drive simulator session. Test-driving a professional racing simulator helps you tune your skills and feel more confident before hitting Tenerife’s roads. Many reviews praise this step as it bridges the gap between theory and actual driving, reducing the nerves and letting you focus on enjoying the scenery.

The Scenic Drives: Mount Teide and Anaga

The itinerary offers two main scenic drives—Mount Teide and Anaga Rural Park—each about two hours long. Both spots are key highlights for anyone visiting Tenerife.

Mount Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tenerife’s highest peak, provides spectacular volcanic vistas. The drive offers sweeping views of the summit and the surrounding crater fields. Many reviewers mention how the curving roads and changing landscapes make for an exhilarating ride. Passing through Las Cañadas del Teide for a 30-minute break, you’ll have a chance to take in the surreal lunar-like surroundings and snap some photos.

Next, the route takes you through Canary Islands’ scenic views, totaling about 40 minutes of picturesque driving. Expect to see lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and maybe even some local wildlife, depending on the season.

The Anaga Rural Park drive is another highlight. Its narrow, winding roads through ancient forests and rugged mountains create an authentic driving challenge that thrill-seekers will love. During this stretch, many reviewers note how the lightweight Caterham responds eagerly to every twist and turn, making the experience feel like racing on a mountain track.

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Custom Routes and Flexibility

Depending on your chosen package—1, 4, or 8 hours—you can tailor your experience. The longer durations allow for more extensive exploration, maybe even reaching more remote parts of the island. The road books and route briefing help you follow a predetermined trail, but there’s room for customization if you prefer handheld routes or specific landscapes.

Driving or Being Driven

One of the tour’s greatest strengths is the option to drive yourself or opt for a professional driver. For those who want to keep their focus on the road, the instructor-driven option is a safe and informative choice. Guests mention that the professional guidance makes all the difference, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with manual transmissions.

Price and Value

At $117 per group, this experience offers solid value considering what’s included—safety briefings, simulator training, vehicle familiarization, and the chance to drive a brand new Caterham 340 SV. The mileage allowance—50 km for 1 hour, 140 km for 4 hours, or 280 km for 8 hours—is generous and allows for a good amount of sightseeing.

While refueling isn’t included, many find that the fuel costs are reasonable given the distances covered. The personal nature of the activity, especially with private groups, ensures a tailored experience that makes this worth the investment.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins in front of Loro Parque, a central Tenerife landmark, making it easy to access from most accommodation zones. The activity is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those who can drive manual gearboxes and are under 6 ft 6 in (200 cm). The age requirement—at least 25 years old with five years of driving experience—ensures drivers are seasoned enough for the task.

Additional Details

• The experience is available in French, English, and Spanish, accommodating a broad range of visitors.
• It’s a private group experience, ensuring personalized attention.
• Cancelling up to 24 hours in advance guarantees a full refund, giving peace of mind.

Why This Tour Works

The appeal lies in the combination of scenic beauty and adrenaline. The routes are carefully chosen to maximize breathtaking views while providing enough twists and turns to satisfy driving enthusiasts. Many reviewers emphasize how the mountain roads and volcanic landscapes create a surreal backdrop, elevating the thrill of driving such a nimble car.

The professional guidance and simulator training significantly boost confidence, making it accessible even for those who aren’t experienced racers. Plus, the flexibility in duration means you can tailor the experience to your schedule and appetite for adventure.

However, the security deposit and license requirements mean this isn’t for everyone. If you’re comfortable with manual transmissions, over 25 years old, and eager for an adrenaline rush, you’ll find this experience exceptionally rewarding.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

The ideal guest is someone who loves cars, adventure, and natural beauty. It’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic thrill, small groups of friends craving a shared adrenaline rush, or solo travelers with a passion for driving. The private nature guarantees a more intimate experience, making it suitable for special occasions or just a unique addition to your Tenerife trip.

If you’re not comfortable driving manual gearboxes or don’t meet the age and license prerequisites, this might be better enjoyed as a passenger.

Overall Impression

This tour offers a rare chance to combine the excitement of driving a legendary sports car with the stunning landscapes of Tenerife. The customizable routes, professional guidance, and scenic stops make it a genuinely immersive experience that stands apart from conventional sightseeing tours. The cost is reasonable considering the exclusivity and the quality of the vehicle, and the safety measures in place help ensure a smooth ride.

For those craving a memorable, high-octane adventure amid some of the Canary Islands’ most beautiful scenery, this experience ticks many boxes. It’s especially appealing to automotive lovers and those looking for an adrenaline kick in a stunning natural setting.

FAQs

Can I drive the Caterham myself?
Yes, if you’re at least 25 years old, have a valid drivers license, and five years of driving experience, you can choose to drive yourself. A security deposit of $3,000 is required if you opt to drive.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
The tour includes vehicle familiarization and simulator testing, which helps make beginners feel more confident. However, driving manual transmissions and handling a sports car requires some experience.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers safety briefing, car history, simulator test, vehicle familiarization, route briefing, and either a test drive or guided drive depending on your choice. Mileage allowances are based on duration.

Where do we meet?
The activity starts in front of Loro Parque, a central and accessible location in Tenerife.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute changes.

Are there any restrictions on height?
Yes, the experience isn’t suitable for those over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm). The physical constraints are mainly due to the vehicle’s size.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm in advance if specific needs exist.

To sum up, this Tenerife sports car tour offers a distinctive way to see the island, combining scenic drives with the thrill of racing a lightweight, powerful vehicle. Whether you choose to drive or be a passenger, you’ll enjoy the views, the curves, and the sensation of speed — all wrapped up in a private, flexible package designed for adventure lovers.

You can check if your dates are available here: