Isle of Tenerife

More About Tenerife

Sunny island Tenerife attracts all over the year!

Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands. 80 km long and up to 50 km wide. The surface area of the Island is 2.034,38 km². About 43% of the Canarian inhabitants live there, and among tourists Tenerife is the most popular of the Canaries.

Tenerife is like the other 6 canary islands a volcanic island, situated infront of coast of Morocco and the Western Sahara. 1300 kilometers distanced from the Spanish mainland.

The tourist infrastructure of the island of Tenerife is ideal for all types of vacationers, for those who like shopping centers, beaches, restaurants, museums, hiking trails, discos, bars, sports facilities or wellness facilities.

Tenerife, is one of the top holiday destinations in the world, and it's not hard to see why. From its spectacular beaches and coastlines to its majestic mountain ranges, Tenerife is a study in contrast and a magical place that really does have something for everyone.

So, if you are looking for golden beaches or black volcanic sands, a driving disco beat or traditional Spanish music, moonscapes or seascapes, bustling holiday resorts or charming colonial villages, banana plantations or modern shopping centres, then Tenerife holidays are for you.

Accommodation

Tenerife offers a huge supply of accommodation like for example exclusive hotels, rural houses, country and vacation houses and apartments.

Hotels

Accommodation in Tenerife ranges from rural houses with a family atmosphere to luxury 5 star hotels. No matter what brings you to the island, there is something for every taste and every budget. So, whether you are looking for half-board in a lively resort, a holiday apartment complex for some winter sun, full board in a child-friendly resort, or a romantic break in a luxurious, world class hotel, it is all available in fabulous Tenerife.

Sunsets in Tenerife

Sunsets over Tenerife can be pretty spectacular, as this shot taken from the mirador at La Paz, Puerto de la Cruz, clearly demonstrates.

Tenerife Sunset La Paz
Sunset from La Paz, Puerto de la Cruz

The scientific explanation for the vivid colours we see as the sun goes down revolves around the low angle scattering of light off fine particles of dust, soot, smoke and ash. One of the reasons sunsets over Tenerife can be so special is the island’s relative proximity to Africa and the Sahara Desert.
For most of us, their sheer beauty is intoxicating enough not to require further explanation.

Weather

Tenerife - one of the canary islands of the eternal spring. This name is due to the mild and pleasant climate all over the year. The climate is very mild and pleasant all over the year.

Lying off the coast of Africa, this Spanish island paradise has one of the best climates in the world. The weather is fabulous, with sunshine guaranteed nearly every day of the year. Thanks to the Gulf air current, the 'island of eternal spring' is blessed with average temperatures of a warm but not-too-hot 24°C in summer and a delightfully cool 15°C in winter. The hottest temperatures can be found along the southern coasts, while just an hour's ride away can bring you to snow-capped mountain peaks. So, if you fancy a bit of working on your tan in the morning and going for a brisk walk in the afternoon, then Tenerife has it all for you.

World Heritage Status

The Teide hits the world's top spots! World Heritage status for Teide National Park means that the tiny island has two favoured sites recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Since 1954 the national park "Parque Nacional de las Cañadas del Teide" exists. It covers a surface of approx. 136 km².

San Cristobal de La Laguna was already a part of UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in 1999 as "the first non-fortified Spanish colonial town; its layout provided the model for many colonial towns in the Americas."

Landscapes

The visitor finds the most varying landscapes on this island that you can immagine. You can admire wonderful landscapes of vulcanic origin and fertile, green areas abundantly covered with exotic plants. The colour palette of the isle is dominated by the black lava sand, some ocher coloured sand beaches and a deep green of the varied vegetation.

The attraction of Tenerife is its versatility. There are lively colonial towns, beautiful beaches at the atlantic ocean and romantic mountains which are crowned by the volcano Teide.

The south is the warmer and drier part of the island and tends to attract the most tourists. There are facilities here for everything from big-game fishing to windsurfing, not to mention caving, climbing, cycling, golfing, horse-riding, paragliding, scuba diving and walking. If all that gets too much, you could always pamper yourself at one of the many health and beauty centres or, perhaps, just slap on the suncream and laze on the beach.

The northern part of the island is much quieter and more traditional. Here, the moon-like landscape is speckled with vivid banana plantations, sleepy whitewashed villages, shuttered colonial buildings and local tapas bars, all just waiting for you to discover them.

Because of the differences between north and south sometimes Tenerife is called the "island with the two faces".

Roque CinchadoThe extinct volcano Mount Teide dominates Tenerife and is with 12,195ft (3.718 metres) the highest peak in Spain. Furthermore mount Teide is third-highest island volcano of the world. Considered dormant at the moment, Mount Teide last erupted less than a hundred years ago.

The Teide is responsible for the amazing volcanic sands and incredible landscapes that make a visit to Tenerife so astonishing. Along with miles of unbelievable beaches, there are also lush forests, deep ravines, rugged cliffs, exotic woodlands, interior deserts and, of course, glorious sunshine. Here you find much more information about the mountain: Teide.

Lunar Landscape Tenerife - Paisaje Lunar

Tenerife is a paradise of nature, spoiled by a various landscape like the Lunar Landscape "paesaje lunar" (see right photo) and a rich animal and plant world.

The mountains of Anaga and the range of Teno are geological the oldest area of the island of Tenerife. The Pico del Teide is with 3.718 meters of altitude the highest mountain of Spain.

Where can you see such a bizarre volcanic landscape full of craters, solidified magma rivers like on Tenerife?

Musgo en los pinos
Moss on the pines

Vegetation, Plants & Animals

Flora and fauna on Tenerife have to offer a huge diversity to the visitor. The vegetation over all in the north of the island is very interessting and influences on the charming abmience.

What grows on Tenerife?

In the variety of vegetation you find numerous species of plants, which are found only in the Canary Islands. The best known plant is surely also the Canary dracaena called Dragon tree. The oldest example of a Dragon tree can be found in Icod de los Vinos.

In the National Park of Mount Teide you find a spectacular flower, the Tajinaste, which you only find on the canary islands.

What lives on & besides Tenerife?

Dolphin ExcursionBetween the Canary Islands and the west coast of Africa is a habitate for cetaceans, the order of mammals to which dolphins and whales belong.
Furthermore they live in the area of the Macaronesia islands – the collective name for the five volcanic archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira and Salvages (Portuguese), the Canaries (Spanish) and Cape Verde (independent).

The whales can be watched during a boat trip between the two islands Tenerife and La Gomera. Dolphins attract many animal enthusiasts, and can be watched as well on special organized boat trips in their natural surroundings. One can watch dolphins and whales on the Ocean between the two islands Tenerife and La Gomera, neighbouring island.

 

Things To Do

A holiday to Tenerife has so much to offer that it is hard to know just where to begin. Black volcanic sands, breathtaking coastlines, brilliant sunshine, startling lunar landscapes, exotic fauna and flora, historic towns and modern resort facilities offer you everything you could want from your holiday, no matter what time of year.

Places you should visit are the botanic garden and the Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, Subtropic garden of Hotel Tigaiga or the small idyllic mountain village Masca situated in the romantic range of Teno.
 Another highlight of Tenerife are the historical centers of La Orotava and La Laguna.

An important attraction to visit in Tenerife are the Pyramides of Güímar.


Beaches

Beaches in & near Santa Cruz de Tenerife

»  Beaches Tenerife South

»  Beaches Tenerife North

»  Naturist Beaches in Tenerife-South

 

Shopping

Tenerife is the shopaholic's heaven, thanks to its tax-free shopping and department stores dripping with designer labels, perfumes and spirits. You can find everything here from inexpensive clothes to the latest in mobile phones and all at rock bottom prices. There are also a wide variety of traditional goods on offer. Particularly sought after is Tenerife's unique pottery, which is made by hand and decorated in bold, tribal designs.
Best shopping in Tenerife North is Puerto de la Cruz, f.e. with the Canary Center in La Paz.

 

Nightlife

The nightlife in tenerife is active and vibrant, with innumerable bars and restaurants and cuisines from all over the world.

Some parts of Tenerife can rival Ibiza when it comes to a throbbing nightlife. The south coast, in particular, comes alive when the sun goes down with bars, clubs, pubs and casinos. Neon-lit discos and buzzing night spots play everything from swing 60s sounds to the latest in pop, and the dancing doesn't stop until the sun comes up.

For those looking for something a bit quieter, there are also romantic harbourside restaurants and cosmopolitan pavement cafes serving everything from freshly caught fish in a spicy garlic sauce to Lebanese and Indian cuisines. Of course, there is always fish and chips for those looking for a little taste of home.

Flights

Many flights arrive and leave daily at the two airports of the island.A wide range of airlines fly from all over Britain into the two international airports on the island. Flight times are just over four hours and, since the time is the same in Tenerife as it is in Britain, there is no chance of jet lag. So, for an easily-reached, sun-drenched holiday at any time of the year, think Tenerife. Here you'll find more about flights

Events, Festivals & Fiestas

Many events take place in all locations on tenerife. On the one hand there are traditional, often religious fiestas and processions like the Easter processions, Fiesta de La Cruz & the Founding of Puerto de La Cruz on the same day, and the Carmen festival in Puerto de la Cruz. Furthermore the Romería de San Marcos in Tegueste is one of the most known traditional festivals of the year.

On the other hand, modern events are also held, such as the annual MUECA festival in Puerto de la Cruz and the spectular Fireworks & Pyrotechnic Festival in Los Realejos, which is held up usually in May.

The town of Los Abrigos also celebrates a huge colorful festival every year in September. For the occasion, the fishing boats are decorated with bright lights for the parade. The Fiesta is one of the most spectacular fireworks displays on the island.

 

Traditional Canarian Food

Here you find all the information about canarian food:

» Canarian Specialities
» Canarian Potatoes & Mojo Sauce
» Canary Wine
» Farmer's Market in La Orotava

 

Wind and Solar technology

Tenerife like other canary islands an innovative island. Tenerife powers ahead! Sunshine is never in short supply on the island. So the regional government is hoping that more and more per cent of the electricity used in the Canary Islands will be generated using wind and solar technology.

One of the largest solar energy plants in the world is in production at Granadilla de Abona in the south of the island, contributing enough energy to the island electricity grid to power 10,000 homes. The Granadilla plant has 200 solar panels. Each is about to produce 20 megawatts.

In addition, geothermal energy could also play a role in the Canary Islands, but that will take time to explore.

 

 

More tenerife information, blogs and travelogues:

» Travel to Tenerife

» Tenerife Sports

» Tenerife Travelogue

» Many ways to spend a holiday on Tenerife

» Tenerife for families

» Brits just love Tenerife