Porsche 718 Cayman Driving Review in Tenerife

Tenerife is an island of dramatic contrasts. One moment you are cruising past sunlit beaches, and the next you are navigating a dense forest wrapped in mist. To truly understand what a sports car can do here, we spent a few days driving the Porsche 718 Cayman across the varied landscapes of the island. We wanted to see if the celebrated mid-engine balance translates into a genuinely enjoyable experience on these specific roads.

We started our journey early, aiming to beat the tourist buses and experience the tarmac at its best. Driving a sports car in the Canary Islands is about finding a rhythm, matching the capability of the machine to the rhythm of the volcanic terrain. Here is our honest account of how this particular coupe handles the unique driving conditions of Tenerife.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our route began on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road features long fast sweepers and generally smooth surfaces. The Cayman feels incredibly stable here. The suspension is firm but forgiving enough to absorb expansion joints without unsettling the chassis. You can settle into a comfortable cruise at 100-120 km/h, enjoying the mechanical hum of the flat-four engine behind your ears while taking in the coastal views.

Leaving the coastal warmth, we turned onto the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide. This is where the landscape shifts from arid scrubland to pine forests, and eventually to a lunar expanse of volcanic rock. Climbing to 2,100 metres brings a noticeable drop in temperature and thin air. While older naturally aspirated engines might gasp for breath at this altitude, the turbocharged setup in the Cayman pushes through with absolute confidence. The steering feedback on these sweeping uphill corners is exceptional, letting you place the front wheels exactly where you want them.

The real test of agility came on the TF-436 into Masca. This road is infamous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and sheer drops. Small cars have a distinct advantage here, and the compact footprint of the Cayman makes it an ideal companion. You never feel like the car is too wide for the lane, which is a common anxiety when driving larger vehicles on this route. The brakes are strong and predictable, a crucial factor when you are constantly scrubbing off speed before diving into a tight, blind corner.

Later in our trip, we explored the Anaga forest roads in the north. The climate here is entirely different. The roads are often damp, twisty, and frequently misty. In these low-grip conditions, the mid-engine layout provides excellent traction. You can feel the weight distribution working in your favour, keeping the rear planted even when the tarmac is slick with moisture from the laurel canopy above.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The Cayman shines brightest when the road gets complicated. The balance is simply superb. Because the engine sits right behind the seats, the car pivots around your hips. It turns in with a sharpness that front-engine cars struggle to match. On the twisting ascents of Mount Teide, it feels entirely in its element, rewarding smooth inputs with immense cornering grip.

However, it is important to be honest about its drawbacks. This is a low, stiff sports car. When you are navigating the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, or Playa de las Americas, you will feel every speed bump and pothole. The low front splitter requires care when entering steep hotel driveways. Furthermore, the cabin is quite noisy. The engine is always a vocal presence, and tyre roar on rougher sections of the motorway can become tiring on longer journeys. If you want a silent, plush cruiser, this is not the right vehicle for you.

Practical notes

Living with the Cayman on a daily basis in Tenerife requires a bit of planning. Parking in busy southern resorts can be a challenge. You will often find yourself squeezing into tight parking spaces or hunting for blue-line meters in Playa de las Americas. The doors are long, which means you need a decent amount of lateral space to get in and out comfortably.

Fuel consumption is reasonable if you keep a steady pace on the TF-1, but it drops significantly when you start pushing hard on the mountain passes. Fortunately, petrol stations are plentiful along the coasts, though you should always fill up before heading into the Teide National Park or the remote corners of Anaga.

Luggage space is surprisingly good for a two-seater. Because the engine is mounted in the middle, you get a deep storage space under the bonnet and a secondary boot at the rear. It easily accommodates two airline cabin bags and a couple of soft holdalls, which is more than enough for a weekend getaway. If you are interested in trying this exact model, you can check the availability of the automatic 2.0-litre two-seater for your trip. It suits couples or solo travellers who prioritize driving dynamics over absolute luxury.

Verdict

Driving the Porsche 718 Cayman in Tenerife is a highly rewarding experience. It is a car that demands your attention but repays it with brilliant handling and a deep sense of connection to the road. It thrives on the challenging hairpins of Masca and the sweeping curves of the TF-21, proving that a compact, well-balanced chassis is the ultimate tool for exploring this volcanic island.

While it requires a few compromises in terms of ride comfort and cabin noise, these are minor trade-offs for the sheer joy it delivers on a winding mountain road. For those who view driving as an event rather than just a way to get from the airport to the hotel, the Cayman remains one of the finest choices available. We walked away from our time with the car thoroughly impressed by how well it adapts to the unique and demanding roads of Tenerife.

Where to book the Porsche 718 Cayman in Tenerife

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