Weather Lowdown
The beautiful spring weather continues in May in the small purpose-built resort of Playa Paraiso on the west coast of Tenerife. The sunshine hours are longer, the temperatures warmer and the sea water is invitingly warm and, as the summer crowds have yet to arrive, you could have it almost to yourself.
The average temperature this month reaches 20ºC (66ºF) perfectly warm enough for lying on the beach and soaking up the sun. Highs at this time of year can even reach 23ºC (73ºF) making it more than tempting to take a dip in the crystal waters of the Atlantic which this month will remain at a cooling 20ºC (68ºF).
The daily average temperature continues to rise throughout the month with spikes of hot days likely any time after the first week of the month. Although the temperatures are rising the average low temperatures remain at 16ºC (61ºF) as they did the previous month, which will make for pleasantly mild evenings.
As the resort begins to head into the warmer, drier summer season this month the average rainfall drops off dramatically from 22mm in April to a minimal 3mm this month which are likely to fall over just two days. The result is that this month there is only a 3% chance of experiencing a rainy day and only a 3% chance of a cloudy one but it is still worth keeping an eye on the live weather report for any updates. There is still likely to be wind with a 47% chance of a windy day but these are likely to be dry and warm because they tend to blow off the African continent.
The number of hours in which you can enjoy all this glorious sunshine is 11 this month, almost at its summer peak of 12 sunshine hours.
Where to Stay
Sports enthusiasts looking to take advantage of the spring-like temperatures in May should look along the coast to the recently refurbished Fañabe Costa Sur at Costa Adeje with its year-round outdoor pool, floodlit tennis courts, basketball court and mini golf course. For those looking for a little more relaxation there is also a wellness centre here including massages, a sauna, hammam and hot tub. The roof terrace offers two more swimming pools and there is even a separate area for naturists.
Just a short walk away are the Flamingo Suites on La Pinta Beach, a pretty complex of holiday apartments with balconies and kitchens set around a heated swimming pool and attractive terrace. There is also a spa on the premises offering a range of beauty treatments.
Just along the coast at the popular Playa de las Américas, a 5-minute walk from Puerto Colon Beach and very close to the Siam Park waterpark, is the budget Garden City with basic but comfortable apartments to rent in an attractive complex with two swimming pools and a poolside bar.
Things to Do
The rocky shoreline at Playa Paraiso combined with the lovely warm May temperatures makes it ideal time and place for snorkelling with many beautiful creatures from turtles to dolphins calling the local waters home. Either buy your own mask and snorkel or go out with one of the local companies like Tenerife Snorkelling and Kayaking which will take you to more remote areas to explore away from the crowds.
Even the most hardened golfer will be blown away by the beauty of the 18-hole championship golf course at Golf Costa Adeje. With stunning views out across the Atlantic in one direction and the island's mountainous interior in the other direction it really is an ideal location with the course sympathetically blended into the natural landscape of an old banana plantation. If 18-holes feels like too much there is also a challenging 9 hole course here with similarly breath-taking views as well as a driving range so you can get in a little practice.
Hit the Beach
For those people for whom only white sand will do, at Playa de Las Teresitas in San Andrés they've shipped it in from the Sahara to create one of Tenerife's most picture perfect beaches. You'll have to travel to the very northeast tip of the island but the white sand and palm trees make it well worth the journey. Average sea temperatures this month reach 20ºC but if that's not warm enough to tempt you in for a swim then you could always enjoy a cold beer or a cocktail at one of the bars on the promenade and just enjoy the view.
Another favourite beach just along the coast from Playa Paraiso is the Playa Fañabe, a wide stretch of golden sand connecting the resorts of Playa Fañabe and Torviscas. The calm waters and yellow sand here make it very popular with swimmers and sunbathers alike. There are sun loungers and good facilities with two resorts to choose from for shops and refreshments.
Eating & Drinking Out
If you are venturing to the bustling, fun-filled Playa de las Américas then make sure you stop off at Le Bistrôt d'Alain for some elegant French cuisine. Hidden away from the hordes down a side street you can experience authentic French dishes from frogs' legs to steak au poivre.
For authentic Spanish food at reasonable prices in Playa Paraiso La Pinza is a great place to go. The food, from sumptuous paella to sizzling steaks, is all made from the freshest ingredients and the staff are very warm and welcoming. There is also a bar here so if you're not hungry, consider dropping in for a drink.
Stop off for a cold beer or a glass of wine at Apicoco, a lovely bar which is open on both sides so you can decide whether to sit outside in the sun or the shade depending on the temperature and the time of day. Particularly lovely at this time of year.
