Tenerife

A Summer in Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands is situated approximately 200 miles off the coast of North West Africa even though it is a part of Spain. It is an extremely popular tourist destination because of its year round sunshine and abundant attractions for young and old, active and not so active!

The island is almost split in two by the imposing Mount Teide. This dormant volcano dominates the centre of the island. The surrounding Mount Teide National Park is a world heritage site and no visit to Tenerife is complete without a trip to the area that was used as a backdrop for films like Planet of the Apes and Star Wars. The Island is one of contrasts with the North being mostly lush and green and typically wetter than the South which is dry and arid.

Tenerife really does have something for everyone! Families flock there for the moderate climate which is always a good thing with young children to think about. It rarely gets `too` hot and the warm waters around the island make swimming a thoroughly pleasant affair. Choose one of the quieter family-friendly resorts like Los Cristianos in the South of the Island or Puerto de la Cruz in the North.

Party animals head straight for Playa Las Americas in the South. Veronica`s Strip is renowned worldwide for its lively bars, restaurants and clubs. Dance till dawn to the music of your choice before a leisurely early morning stroll along the promenade as the sun rises.

If you love nature then Tenerife will not disappoint. Visit the underwater aquarium at The Loro Parque near Puerto de la Cruz to see over 300 different species in one place including penguins, sea-lions, dolphins, sharks, tigers, flamingos and alligators.

For a more active day out, visit the Siam Park near Playa de Las Americas. This park also houses a magnificent array of exotic wild life but also boasts a man-made beach complete with artificial waves. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix on the world`s second largest “kamikaze` chute whilst the less adventurous amongst you can watch the world go by on a sedate water ride.

Other attractions on the Island equally worth a visit are the Camel Park or the Banana plantation at Los Cristianos, Aqualand in Costa Adeje, or The Guimar Pyramids on the east coast. All of these attractions are accessible by local buses or organized coach trips. Needless to say hiring a car opens up the entire Island allowing you to explore as much or as little of it as you fancy. Drive to pretty coastal towns, peaceful mountainous villages or secluded coves away from the usual tourist hot-spots. There are numerous car hire companies operating on the Island so do your homework before you go to get the best deal!

When you go out to eat in Tenerife you will not be spoilt for choice. There is a great deal of competition which means a great deal of choice both in terms of what type of food is on offer as well as the prices on display! Choose from Chinese, Mexican, French, Spanish, Moroccan, Thai, Japanese or Indian to name but a few.

Tenerife is a shopaholic`s paradise with many goods carrying a duty free price tag. Check out the local markets for African and Spanish crafts making for excellent souvenirs. Trendy boutiques bursting with the latest fashion must-haves might well tempt you to blow that holiday budget!

Accommodation on the Island ranges from luxurious to basic and is entirely dependent on your budget.

Getting to Costa Adeje in Tenerife is hassle free and reasonable quick with a journey time from most UK airports of under four hours. The main airport – the Reina Sofia is situated in the South making the popular resorts of Playa de Las Americas. Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje easily accessible upon landing with transfer times of under an hour. Even if you opt for one of the quieter resorts at the far North of the Island, you can reach them in about an hour and a half which is easily manageable and doesn`t leave you too tired to enjoy the wonders of Tenerife.