The largest of Spain's Canary Islands, Tenerife is a wonderland of natural diversity. It is also a paradise famous for its spectacular beaches and magnificent landscape. Once called the 'Island of Hell', Tenerife is also known for El Teide, a volcano that sits on Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain. Tenerife is also a gem of an island and prides itself on two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the Mount Teide National Park.
Tenerife Accommodation
Like the island itself, Tenerife's hotels offer something to suit visitors from all walks of life. Those who want to have fun-filled days in the tourist areas can choose from two-star to five-star hotels. There are many apartments, pensions and aparthotels that meet every tourist's needs. Many hotels are located in the most scenic areas of the beach and guests wake up to a view of the ocean. There is also a wide range of accommodation in the rural areas that provide an entirely new experience, that of the Canarian way of life. There are rural houses, bungalows and majestic villas and hotels in the outskirts waiting to be discovered.
Farther afield
Young tourists indulge themselves in the clubs of Los Cristianos and sun themselves on yellow Saharan sand, imported to disguise the black volcanic beaches. Families enjoy resort-style activities at their own pace in the cooler climes of Puerto de la Cruz in the north. Just a two hours' drive from the eternal summer of the southern beach towns, you'll find the snow-capped Mount Teide, where a cable car carries awestruck visitors above the clouds to wonder at the colours of the volcanic slopes. On the slopes of this mountain, is the Mount Teide National Park, populated by a huge number of endemic and exclusive species. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is visited by almost four million tourists every year.
Santa Cruz, the capital city, lies north of the beach area and beckons with its rich historical and cultural highlights. Santa Cruz is also a haven for Canarian arts and its restaurants present great culinary masterpieces. Nightlife here is vibrant and the lovely beach of Playa de Las Teresitas offers fun in the sun.
On the north west coast of Tenerife is the town of La Oratava, the island's most aristocratic area. The streets in the old town showcase Renaissance mansions, and the beautiful gardens, churches, convents contrast with the vigour of the exclusive shops and elegant restaurants. San Cristobal de La Laguna is in the sprawling countryside of the Aguere Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of impressive monuments, palaces and 17th to 18th century houses.
Top Things to do on Tenerife
Go Whale Watching. A three-hour sailing on a catamaran brings visitors to the favourite swimming ground of whales and dolphins. Witness these loveable sea mammals in their natural habitat.
Learn a new water sport. Even the most sedentary tourist will not be able to resist Tenerife's amazing water sports like paragliding, scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing.
Go on a nature trip. Tenerife's Teide National Park is an amazing geological and biological attraction. Corona Forestal Nature Park and Granadilla Moonscape also have dazzling natural exhibits. Malpais de Guimara and Acantilados de los Gigantes offer excellent walking and hiking trails.
Go on a food trip. Tenerife is awash with restaurants offering Canarian cuisine and a great culinary adventure. Savour Papa Arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes); enjoy the regional fish recipes like Caldereta and Sanchocho Canario - salted fish with a dash of Mojo. Don't forget the tapas!
Go island hopping. Visit the three lesser known islands of Canary Island: La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro. Each of the islands has beautiful scenery and gives visitors a view of the traditional Canarian way of life.
Arts and Entertainment
Tenerife's rich history and culture is evident in the numerous carnivals and festivals celebrated the whole year round. The Tenerife islanders love to celebrate and the traditional Carnival is held every February or March with huge parades, colourful costumes and partying in the streets. The islanders celebrate numerous religious festivals such as the Easter festival, Corpus Christi festival, Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria (Festival of the Lady of Candelaria) Fiesta de San Andrés and of course, the traditional Noche Buena and Navidad. There is also the Reyes Magos and Epifania festival, the Fiesta de San Antonio Abad, Romeria de San Marcos, Romeria de la Virgen de Fatima, and many others. Religious festivals are lively, colourful and filled with the sounds of the Canarian beat. Music festivals are also an annual affair. In June, Europe's classical performers hold a concert in various locations in the island. La Laguna hosts a folklore music festival every September.
Parks and The Great Outdoors
A visit to Tenerife means enjoying the great outdoors because the island offers so many diverse outdoor activities for its visitors. Loro Park in Puerto de la Cruz is famous for its genuine jungle, its huge artificial penguin shelter and the largest dolphinarium in Europe. The incredible Siam Park is considered the best water park in Tenerife, and one of the best in Europe. Its most popular attraction is the 28 metre high slide called the Tower of Power. The park is also a haven for surfers because its El Palacio de las Olas is capable of producing impressively high waves for the surfers' pleasure. Another water theme park is Aqualand Costa Adeje, which also has a dolphinarium. Tenerife Zoo is located in Arona and houses a wide variety of vultures, falcons, eagles and other bird species. Primates are also a main attraction of the zoo, as are the lemurs and iguanas. Huge feline species like lions, tigers, jaguars and pumas live in the same complex shared by the flamingos, swans, ibises, reptiles, and penguins.
Sports
Tenerife has some of the best sports facilities for its visitors. It has two go-karting courses - one for professionals and another for children. Drivers of 14 years and above will enjoy the thrill and challenge offered by the cross-country trails and circuits, with some of the most spectacular views in Tenerife. The island also has a fleet of top-quality bicycles in all sizes for hire, ensuring maximum comfort and safety for families or individuals who want to bike around the island. No pedalling is required for a fun run in the rafting bike ride downhill from the volcano to the seaside. Motorbikes are also available for hire. Aldea Blanca has first class horses and offers personal service in a typical Spanish farm setting. Rancho Bonanza , like Aldea Blanca, offers lessons for all ages.