Ferrari F8 Spider Tenerife Driving Review

We arrived in Tenerife with a specific mission in mind. We wanted to see how a modern Italian supercar actually behaves on an island known for extreme geographical variety. The keys to the Ferrari F8 Spider felt heavy in our hands as we walked out into the warm Atlantic air. This is a machine designed for smooth European racing circuits, yet here we were, about to point its low nose toward ancient volcanic peaks and dense forests. We wanted to know what it is really like to live with this car on holiday.

Dropping the folding hardtop roof takes just 14 seconds. With the bright sun beating down on the south coast, we merged into the morning traffic. You immediately notice the sheer presence of the vehicle. People stop, point, and take photographs at pedestrian crossings. But looking good is the easy part for a car like this. We needed to know if the driving experience on these specific island roads matches the visual drama, and whether the inevitable compromises are worth the effort.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

The TF-1 motorway along the south coast is where our journey began. This road features long fast sweepers and generally excellent tarmac surfaces. The F8 Spider feels incredibly planted here. The steering is hyper-responsive, requiring only tiny inputs to change lanes or navigate the sweeping bends. You can comfortably cruise at highway speeds while enjoying the rushing wind. The cabin remains surprisingly calm with the roof down, allowing you to hold a conversation without shouting. The ride quality in the default setting is firm but perfectly acceptable for covering long distances along the shoreline.

Turning inland, we took the TF-21 climbing toward Mount Teide. This is where the landscape changes dramatically. As you ascend to 2,100 metres, the air gets thin and the temperature drops sharply. We watched the external temperature gauge fall by 10-15 degrees in less than an hour. We eventually had to roll the windows up and close the roof to stay warm. Despite the high altitude, the twin-turbocharged engine never felt starved of oxygen. The power delivery remained brutal, linear, and utterly relentless. The carbon-ceramic brakes proved invaluable on the steep downhill sections, refusing to fade or soften even after repeated heavy use into tight corners.

Then we headed to the TF-436 into Masca. This was a different story entirely. The road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and dramatic drops. To be completely honest, small cars have a distinct advantage here. The Ferrari is exceptionally wide. Navigating oncoming tourist buses and nervous drivers in rental hatchbacks on single-lane blind corners was stressful. We spent more time watching the proximity sensors and the reversing camera than enjoying the spectacular ravine views. The steering lock is good, but the sheer width of the rear track means you are constantly terrified of scraping a pristine alloy wheel on the jagged rock faces. It requires immense concentration.

Finally, we explored the Anaga forest roads in the north of the island. These roads are often damp, twisty, and frequently misty. The F8 Spider demanded absolute respect in this environment. The road surface can be greasy under the dense tree canopy, with fallen leaves reducing traction. We kept the electronic traction control in its more conservative settings. The chassis communicates brilliantly, letting you know exactly how much grip is available through the steering wheel, but the immense power requires a very delicate right foot. It is a thrilling, highly engaging drive, but one that asks for your undivided attention at all times.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

This car shines brightest on wide, sweeping roads where you can carry momentum and truly enjoy the chassis balance. The TF-1 and the wider, newly paved sections of the TF-21 are absolute perfection for the F8 Spider. The exhaust note bouncing off the sheer volcanic rock walls of the Teide national park is a sensory experience we will never forget. The suspension features a bumpy road button, which softens the dampers and absorbs uneven surfaces much better than you might expect from a low-slung performance car. It makes the car genuinely usable on rougher stretches of tarmac.

However, it does not shine in tight, congested areas. The width is a genuine liability on roads like the TF-436. You cannot relax. Every blind corner is a potential insurance claim waiting to happen. Furthermore, the attention the car draws can sometimes be exhausting. If you want a quiet, anonymous holiday where you blend into the background, this is entirely the wrong vehicle for you. It is loud, it is visually aggressive, and it announces your arrival long before you actually turn the corner. You have to be prepared to be the centre of attention everywhere you stop.

Practical notes

If you are planning to secure the Automatic, 3.9 L, 2 seats version of this car for your trip, you need to think carefully about daily logistics. Parking in the busy resort streets of Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas is a significant challenge. The street bays are often tight, and local drivers tend to park by feel. You will spend a lot of time hunting for safe end spaces or paying for secure, well-lit underground garages. When parking on the street, always look for the blue-line meters. Ensure you pay the correct tariff and display your ticket clearly, as local parking wardens are highly vigilant and will issue fines quickly.

Fuel consumption is predictably high, especially if you spend your days climbing mountains. The island has plenty of petrol stations along the coastal routes, but you must make sure you fill up with high-octane premium fuel before heading up into the high altitudes. There are absolutely no fuel stations inside the Teide national park boundaries, and running dry up there would ruin your day.

Luggage space is strictly restricted to the front trunk (often called the frunk). It holds exactly 200 litres of cargo. This is enough for two soft weekend bags or a few day packs, but you will not fit large hard-shell suitcases inside under any circumstances. Pack light, or plan to leave your main heavy luggage at your hotel. Ultimately, this car suits couples or solo travellers who want to make the driving experience the absolute centrepiece of their trip, rather than a mere mode of transport between beaches.

Verdict

Driving the Ferrari F8 Spider in Tenerife is an intense, unforgettable experience. It is not always easy or relaxing. The car forces you to plan your routes carefully, manage your parking strategy, and demands your full, unwavering attention on narrow mountain passes. But when the road finally opens up, the roof is down, the sun is shining, and the engine is singing its mechanical song, it is nothing short of magical. It transforms a simple scenic drive into a monumental, lifelong memory. Just avoid the Masca hairpins, stick to the wider mountain routes, and you will have the drive of your life.

Where to book the Ferrari F8 Spider in Tenerife

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