If you’re after a truly one-of-a-kind adventure on Tenerife, this Caterham Lotus 7 driving experience offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to feel the thrill of one of the most iconic sports cars on a scenic island backdrop. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply craving an adrenaline rush mixed with Tenerife’s stunning vistas, this tour might be just what you need.
What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s a rare opportunity to drive a legendary, lightweight sportscar known for its agility and power. Second, the routes are customizable, allowing you to explore mountains, forests, or coastlines. Third, it promises a blend of adrenaline and scenic beauty that’s hard to match elsewhere.
One thing to keep in mind is that this activity requires a minimum age of 25 if you want to drive yourself, and a valid driver’s license. For some, the cost—starting at $118 per group—may seem high, but the value is packed into the thrill, scenery, and exclusivity.
This experience is perfect for adventurers, car lovers, and those wanting a memorable highlight on their Tenerife trip. It also suits travelers looking for a personalized, exhilarating activity away from traditional sightseeing.
Key Points
- Unique driving experience with a legendary sports car
- Flexible durations from 1 hour to full day
- Customizable routes tailored to your preferences
- Incredible views of Tenerife’s mountain and coastal scenery
- Safety and professional guidance included
- Affordable price considering the exclusivity and thrill
An Exciting Way to Discover Tenerife
Tenerife offers a variety of popular attractions, but nothing compares to taking the wheel of a Caterham Lotus 7 and exploring the island’s scenic roads. The experience provider, 7Drive Tenerife, has designed this tour to balance fun, safety, and the chance to see some of the best sights without the crowds.
The starting point, conveniently located in front of Loro Parque, is a well-chosen spot that’s easy to find and close to other major attractions. The tour includes a welcome and safety briefing, ensuring you are comfortable and fully aware of the vehicle’s features before setting off. What stands out is the short Caterham brand history and a preliminary test on a professional simulator, which help you get acquainted with the car’s handling.
Looking for more options in Santa Cruz De Tenerife? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What’s Included and What to Expect
The package offers a lot of value, with options for test drives lasting 1, 4, or 8 hours. The mileage allowance varies accordingly—50 km for the shortest drive, up to 280 km for the longest. This flexibility means you can tailor your day to suit your pace and interests.
During the activity, you’ll have a vehicle familiarization session led by an instructor, which is especially helpful if you’re new to manual transmissions or high-performance cars. The briefing on the route ensures you’re aware of the scenic highlights and any points of interest along the way.
The brand-new Caterham 340 SV models are described as having an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 340 horsepower per ton. This means you’ll experience a driving sensation comparable to karting or quad biking but on steroids—light, nimble, and capable of delivering adrenaline-pumping moments.
The Routes and Scenic Highlights
The beauty of this experience lies in the customization options. You can follow pre-set routes like Mount Teide or Anaga Reserve, or opt for a tailored route with your instructor.
Many reviews highlight the stunning views you’ll encounter—towering mountains, lush forests, and sweeping coastlines. The mountains around Mount Teide are especially dramatic, with sharp inclines and breathtaking vistas that make the driving even more exhilarating. Meanwhile, routes through Anaga Reserve offer lush greenery and charming villages, perfect for a scenic cruise.
One reviewer mentioned, “The views from the mountain roads are incredible, and the car’s agility made every turn a joy.” This indicates that the thrill of driving a lightweight, sporty car really enhances the experience of Tenerife’s diverse landscape.
The Driving Experience: Self-Drive or Guided
You have two options: drive yourself or be accompanied by a professional instructor driver. If you opt for self-driving, you’ll need a valid license, be at least 25 years old, and have five years of driving experience. Racing shoes are provided, and a $3,000 security deposit is required—a safeguard for the vehicle but also a sign of the premium nature of the car.
If you prefer to relax and focus solely on the scenery, you can choose to be driven by the instructor. This is a good choice for those who want to enjoy the ride without the responsibility, especially if driving manual isn’t your forte.
From reviews, many appreciate the professional guidance, describing the instructor as friendly and knowledgeable, making sure you’re comfortable and safe throughout.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Considerations
Pricing at $118 per group for the shortest session is quite reasonable when you consider the exclusivity of the Caterham and the chance to explore Tenerife on your terms. Keep in mind, refueling after the test drive is not included, so plan accordingly if you’re doing a long route.
The activity is not suitable for those over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), visually impaired individuals, or anyone unable to drive manual cars. Also, it’s not recommended for people without a valid driver’s license or those unfamiliar with manual transmission.
Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk choice if your plans change.
The Experience: What We’d Expect to Feel
Driving a legendary sports car through Tenerife’s varied terrain promises more than just scenic views—it’s about the feeling of connection with the car and the landscape. The lightweight design and powerful engine make every twist and turn a thrill, especially when climbing mountain roads or cruising along coastal routes.
The reviews suggest that many find the test drive to be an adrenaline rush, with comments like “it’s like karting on steroids,” and “the car’s agility makes every corner exciting.”
The safety measures and instructor support add reassurance, but be prepared for the intensity of the drive—this isn’t a relaxed sightseeing tour but a high-octane experience.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for adventurous spirits who love driving and want to add some excitement to their Tenerife holiday. It’s ideal for car enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by sports cars and high-performance vehicles.
While it’s accessible for most, those with less driving experience or physical limitations might prefer the guided option rather than self-driving. It’s also a fantastic gift or special treat for someone who’s always dreamed of driving a legendary sports car on a scenic island road.
The Sum Up
In essence, the Tenerife Caterham Lotus 7 experience offers a rare chance to drive a legendary sports car in one of Spain’s most beautiful settings. The blend of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and personal customization makes it a memorable activity for many travelers. The cost reflects the exclusivity and thrill—a worthwhile investment for those eager to add a high-energy, scenic adventure to their trip.
This experience is best for driving enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to stand out from typical tourist activities. With options to tailor the route and duration, it caters to both quick thrill-seekers and those wanting a full-day exploration. The overall value lies in the unique opportunity to connect with the landscape in a way few others do, making it a highlight of any Tenerife visit.
FAQ
Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?
Yes, to drive yourself, you must be at least 25 years old and possess a valid driver’s license with at least five years of driving experience.
Can I participate if I don’t want to drive?
Absolutely. You can opt to be driven by an instructor driver, which allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the responsibility of driving.
What’s included in the price?
The package includes a welcome and safety briefing, a short history of the Caterham brand, a preliminary test on a professional simulator, vehicle familiarization, route briefing, and the test drive of your chosen duration with mileage options.
What if I want a longer drive?
You can choose between 1, 4, or 8-hour options, with corresponding mileage packages (50 km, 140 km, or 280 km). Longer durations allow for more extensive exploration of Tenerife’s scenic drives.
Are there any extra costs?
Refueling after the test drive is not included, so plan accordingly. For self-driving, a $3,000 security deposit via credit card is required.
Is the activity suitable for everyone?
Not for those over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), visually impaired individuals, or people who can’t drive manual transmissions. Also, those without a valid driver’s license cannot participate in self-driving.
Where does the tour start and end?
The activity begins in front of Loro Parque and ends back at that same meeting point, making it easy to incorporate into your day.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel arrangements.
Is it suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the experience is offered in French, English, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.
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