Holiday Guide for Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, which are located in the Atlantic Ocean 93 miles (150km) off the North West coast of Africa.
Types of Holidays
Tenerife is four hours' flight time from the UK so is popular for those seeking a mini-break or a long relaxing holiday. Flights can be found for low prices and there is a variety of accommodation on offer for all types of stay, from a week in a self-catering apartment to three weeks in an all-inclusive resort.
Best Time to Go
The Canary Islands enjoy good weather all year round, so Tenerife is one of few places within a short distance from the UK that can be visited even in the winter.
It is also cheaper to visit in the winter, but there is less accommodation available and fewer of the main tourist attractions will be open.
Tenerife is best enjoyed in the summer months of May to October and this is a great time of year to enjoy everything the island has to offer. Late in both months are the Spring and Autumn Half terms so a great time to go . Book early though as Holiday companies for Tenerife often put their prices up .
Sights to See
The main attraction of Tenerife is the stunning natural beauty.
The Aguilas del Teide Ecological Park is a must-see. Here you can see birds of prey such as eagles and hawks, as well as visit the Botanical Gardens, Cactus forest and Amazon rainforest recreation.
The Loro Parque is also not to be missed. This vast park has a zoo containing a huge array of animals such as gorillas, sharks, tigers, and alligators, as well as a Thai village recreation and an orchid house.
Activities
Activities in Tenerife centre mainly around the sea. Water sports such as water skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing are available on most beaches and there are numerous schools that provide equipment and lessons for all levels of experience.
Scuba diving is also extremely popular as the water here is warm, and clear, and there is a large amount of fascinating marine life, as well as coral reefs and shipwrecks.
If you would prefer to stay above water, you can enjoy a sailing trip. You can hire your own yacht or catamaran or join an excursion, where you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. There are also can assist you with a bit of dolphin or whale spotting!
Fancy going underwater but staying dry? Well, there is even a submarine trip available from Los Galletas! Trips usually last around 45 minutes and this is a great way to see beneath the surface of the sea.
Golf lovers will be in their element with a number of courses around the island. Abama Golf Course in southwest Tenerife is part of the Abama Gran Hotel complex and so is ideal for a sporting holiday.
Amarilla Golf and Country Club offers an excellent 18 hole course with stunning views of the ocean, where you can tee off before relaxing in the large clubhouse.
Other courses include Costa Adeje, with stunning views of Mount Teide, and Las Americas which is close to the amenities of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas.
Walkers and hikers will be in their element on Tenerife. The island's unique habitats and microclimates make it a naturist's paradise. Many species of plant can only be found on the island and as the home of Spain's highest mountain, the volcano Teide is responsible for the island's impressively rocky landscape and dramatic scenery.
Beaches
The beaches of Tenerife are the main focal point of any holiday to the island, and there are plenty to choose from!
Most of the major resorts are centred around extensive beaches.Los Cristianos Beach serves the resort of the same name and is popular with families as the waters here are calm.
Las Americas Beach is protected by breakwaters so the water is also calm and excellent for water sports. There are also plenty of amenities nearby such as kiosks, cafes and restaurants.
Other popular beaches include Martinez and El Medano, popular with surfers, and Roque and Teresitas, with their facilities lining the sands.
If you're looking for something more secluded then head to El Bullullo, where it is often very quiet but it does basic amenities.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Tenerife is a major draw for many holiday makers, and many people choose to stay in resorts close to the best pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. These are centred around the main resorts such as Playa de las Americas.
Head to Avenida de Venezuela and Avenida de Colon for the best 'strips' of all night bars and clubs to dance the night away in!
And for something more peaceful, head to the seafront bars where you can sup a cocktail and hear a variety of live music and entertainment.
Accomodation
Accommodation is varied and widely available in Tenerife, so there is something to suit every type of holiday maker.
The Apartments Casablanca in Puerto de la Cruz offer excellent flexible accommodation located just a few minutes' walk from the beach. Each apartment has a fully fitted kitchen and there is an outdoor swimming pool on-site. It is also very close to local bars and restaurants.
The Paloma Beach Apartments are just 400m from the sea and offer self catering accommodation with an outdoor pool, bar and restaurant on-site. There are also two supermarkets in the vicinity of the hotel.
The Taburiente in Santa Cruz is a modern hotel right in the heart of the action. You can enjoy views across the town from the rooftop pool, or head to the beach or centre of town from the bus right by the hotel. There is also a lounge bar and two excellent restaurants on site serving traditional Spanish food.
The Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia in Adeje offers all inclusive accommodation set in landscaped gardens, just 100m from Fanabe Beach. Here you can indulge in ultimate relaxation with a hydromassage pool, Turkish baths and sauna. There are also two outdoor pools, and the Poseidon, Zeus and Portofino restaurants. Central Adeje is just ten minutes' drive away.