The last month of winter is as mild as its predecessor, January, maintaining an average temperature of 17°C (63°F). Humidity is still comfortably low at 71%, making the lower average temperature of 14°C during the nights seem like a breeze, not cold but not hot either. The high average is expected to keep steady at 19°C during the warmer days of the month, offering a balanced tropical climate that just keeps people coming back to Playa de la Arena even in winter.
The days are slightly longer, with up to 9 hours of sunshine, and a consistent 80% chance of sunny days on average throughout the month. With a 3% chance of rain and 5% chance of cloudy days expected, we really don't know how to put this any better way than: You're in for a treat! Rainfall volume is not expected to exceed 18mm, spread over the course of 6 days at the most, so ultimately what you may be faced with is an occasional shower during the first two weeks of February. We recommend packing some SPF lotion, as the sun is out for most of the time and prolonged exposure without any protection might affect the skin.
There are 60% chances of windy days to occur, on average, in Playa de la Arena. Most of these will be north and north-eastern influences from the Atlantic Ocean and the North African shoreline, and thus a combination of cool, warm and dry, translating into pleasant days and comfortable nights, adorned with a smooth ocean breeze. Wind speeds are not expected to exceed 13mph on average, particularly around the beaches, to once again confirm that Tenerife is a little chunk of paradise. On top of it all, the ocean temperature is a mild 18°C (64°F), with tropical currents typical to the island throughout the year. While it may not be perfect for long deep water swimming or diving without a neoprene suit, the water is still good enough for some splashing around or a dip of the toes.
The lovely Aparthotel Los Dragos Del Sur offers beautiful apartments with a pool view for £63 per night. This delightful resort features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, from its location high up above the black sands of Playa de la Arena. The outdoor swimming pool is a pleasure to try, and you'll find yourself within a 5-minute drive from the bustling harbour of Los Gigantes. There are also a fitness centre and restaurant available on-site, along with a poolside snack bar. The apartments feature air conditioning, private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen and a lounge area with a flat screen TV. On top of that, all the units come fitted with a private terrace overlooking the ocean or the pool.
Ona El Marques is another great option if you're looking to spend a wicked Valentine's Day in Playa de la Arena, on this sunny coast of Tenerife. They offer splendid apartments for £123 per night for couples, featuring air conditioning, lounge area, flat screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen to maximize comfort during your stay. The hotel sports a lovely outdoor swimming pool, along with a fine dining restaurant, a cocktail bar, a common lounge area and a fun games room.
Hotel Rural Conde Tio Medina is an excellent alternative if you're into spending a romantic weekend in the charming countryside of a Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean. They offer one bedroom houses for £28 per night, featuring a lovely rustic bedroom, lounge area, fully equipped kitchen and flat screen TV, along with a private bathroom and superb views of the surrounding banana farm. The complex is also home to a mini-market and a shared barbecue area, and it's situated just 1.2 miles from the beautiful Alcala.
There are plenty of beaches to visit and enjoy even in February when it comes to Tenerife. Most of them have natural black sand, the result of volcanic activities since the birth of the island, but some are also man-made, with white and golden sand collected offshore and brought back to create beautiful stretches for people to enjoy. But ultimately, you cannot go wrong with either. On Valentine's Day, you can even jump on a ferry or boat and run off to the neighbouring island of La Gomera, a tiny spot of dry land with fine beaches framed by rocky cliffs and banana groves. La Calera is one of the best ones to visit, with a shallow and deep blue shore, in the heart of Valle Gran Rey. Sit back, open a bottle of wine and enjoy a romantic escapade with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and Tenerife you can even spot Mount Teide if you look closely.
A great place to enjoy the Spanish spirit and finger food is Los Corales, a delightful little place which specializes in tapas and wines, and complements its great food with breath-taking views of the ocean. The menu variety is absolutely impressive, the taste is excellent no matter which dish you go for, and most importantly, the house wine is so crisp and fruity that it's perfect for washing down a delicious Los Corales lunch. You can even have a seat on their little balcony and enjoy the panoramic views.
You'll find many English or American-owned restaurants in Tenerife and CK's Bistro is one of them. It can be found in Los Gigantes' Harbour and its known not only for the excellent service and friendly staff, but also for its yummy freshly cooked dishes and exceptional Sunday roast. The tuna steak doesn't fall short either, and the side orders are simply to die for. All in all, CK's offers great value for money, and the atmosphere is so casual and relaxed, that you are bound to go back there for a repeat dinner.
Domu Mia is a hidden gem of Puerto de Santiago, one of the few restaurants to be open on Sunday night. Fairly unpretentious and simplistic in its choice of Italian cuisine, this venue surely impresses with the quality of its food, the careful selection of ingredients and flavours, and a very affordable house wine to pair with any selection you make. For good hearty Italian food in a nice and comfy setting, this is the perfect place!
Well since the weather is just so great throughout the entire month, you'll find plenty to do around Playa de la Arena and its marvellous surroundings. For example, you can take the 4x4 Camel Safari Tour which takes you away from the stunning black beaches of Puerto de Santiago all the way into the charming countryside, and up to Vilaflor, the highest village on Tenerife. This little settlement still thrives on agriculture, so you'll be able to fully take in and understand the tranquillity and absolute serenity of life in the island's rural heart. You'll definitely enjoy the whitewashed structures and the medieval church around which these houses were built. At the end of this wonderful voyage, you'll also visit a unique nature park, where you can ride on the backs of camels and learn more about these fascinating creatures brought over from the Saharan regions.
February 2nd celebrates Fiesta de la Candelaria, which dates back to 1594, when Guanche goat herders found a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a child in one hand and a green candle in the other, and it's a public holiday celebrated all over the island so expect some religious processions and open markets bustling with food and drinks. The statue is said to have been found on a beach in Guimar, and is currently held by the Basilica, built in 1959 in Candelaria.
Most importantly, February is the month of the famous Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, spreading over almost two weeks of intense dancing, partying, drinking, eating and all sorts of equally delightful debauchery. There is, of course, the competition of carnival costumes and dance which explodes into colourful parades throughout the city, followed by crazy fun street parties filled with live music and great atmosphere. The theme in 2016 is The 1980s, so expect plenty of creativity from this year's competitors! The biggest day is definitely the Grand Finale, scheduled to take place on February 13th.
