Tenerife has been attracting tourists for centuries due in the main part to its stunning natural beauty and fantastic climate. Here you can find relaxing beaches, snow-capped volcanoes, water sports, tax-free shopping, all night parties, carnivals, rugged coastlines, great food and fascinating marine.
Beaches and Water Sports:
Tenerife is famous for its beaches. With sand from white to golden to black, from rugged isolated beaches to ones with all the amenities you can find it all. There are also a number a man made beaches around the larger resorts, which boast high cleanliness and all the facilities you may need.
Sunbathing
If its sun and relaxation you âre after then the beaches in the south and the west are best as the weather is generally hotter, drier and less windy. Fanabe in southern Tenerife is a lovely yellow sand beach with showers, sun beds, shades and a range of water sports. Torviscas is similar and nearby but boasts more restaurants and bars. Playa de las Americas is popular with the young crowd and can often be good for surfers.
The Black Sand in Tenerife is a unique natural phenomenon that not only adds to the beauty of the island but also serves a practical purpose. This volcanic sand, formed from the weathering and erosion of volcanic rocks, has the remarkable ability to absorb and retain heat. The dark color of the sand allows it to absorb sunlight more efficiently, making it noticeably warmer to the touch than traditional sand.
Due to its heat-absorbing properties, the Black Sand in Tenerife is a popular choice among beachgoers looking to warm up after a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The sand acts like a natural heating pad, providing a warm and cozy spot to relax and soak up the sun. Additionally, the warmth retained by the sand can also benefit marine life, creating a more hospitable environment for creatures living near the shore.
Surfing tenerife
.Tenerife's unique geographical location plays a significant role in the formation of these waves. The island is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, where the combination of strong trade winds, ocean currents, and underwater topography creates ideal surfing conditions.
One of the main factors that cause the waves in Tenerife is the presence of the Canary Islands' underwater volcanic formations. These volcanic structures create underwater ridges and channels that influence the direction and size of the waves as they approach the coast. The waves are further shaped by the island's coastline, which features a variety of bays, points, and reefs that produce different types of waves suitable for surfers of all skill levels.
Additionally, Tenerife benefits from a subtropical climate that provides consistent swells throughout the year. The island's position in the path of North Atlantic swells ensures that surfers can enjoy great waves regardless of the season
Top Surf Spots in Tenerife
Tenerife, a Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for its world-class surfing spots. Here are some of the top surf spots that attract surfers from around the globe:
1. Playa de las Americas
Located on the southwest coast of Tenerife, Playa de las Americas is a popular surfing destination known for its consistent waves suitable for surfers of all levels. The beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of surf schools and equipment rental shops.
2. El Medano
El Medano is a charming coastal town in Tenerife known for its strong winds and impressive waves, making it a favorite spot for experienced surfers. The beach is surrounded by cozy cafes and restaurants, perfect for relaxing after a day of surfing.
3. Punta Blanca
For those seeking a more secluded surfing experience, Punta Blanca is the ideal spot. Located on the northern coast of Tenerife, this remote beach offers powerful waves that challenge even the most seasoned surfers. The rugged landscape adds to the allure of this hidden gem.
4. El Socorro
El Socorro is a black sand beach on the northern coast of Tenerife, known for its consistent waves and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, this surf spot provides an exhilarating surfing experience amidst breathtaking scenery.
Whether you are a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking a new challenge, Tenerife has a surf spot for everyone. So grab your board and hit the waves in this surfers' paradise!
Another popular surf destination on Tenerife is Conquistador, located in the southern region.
Wind Surfing in Tenerife
Wind surfing, too is popular on the island with El Medano beach in the east offering great year round conditions. La Caletta in the south boats some great coves and beaches for snorkelling.
Water sports such as jet-skiing, parapenting and water-skiing are widely available on the more developed beaches, and there are a number of scuba diving outfits.
Nightlife:
There are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs across Tenerife. So whether itâs a cocktail at sunset, a seafront meal or dancing long into the night, thereâs a place to suit everyone.
Playa de Las Americas is the lively capital of Tenerife and is where the young crowd (mainly British) go to party all night. Here you can find karaoke, bars and nightclubs as well as foam parties and booze cruises. Nightclubs are generally open until 6am. The area is also packed with fast food joints
If youâre after something a bit quieter and a little more Canarian youâll be better off in one of the quieter resorts such as Puerto de la Cruz. Here you can dine on local food including traditional tapas and great sea-food, all washed down with local wine - the volcanic ground in parts of the island is great for growing grapes!
The Carnival in February is a great time to visit the island, when all the towns, especially anta Cruz are transformed into a sea of colours. The partying and parades last for over a week and some boast that they rival even Rioâs famous carnival.
Places of Interest:
Los Gigantes: These âGiantâ cliffs around the village of Los Gigantes plunge dramatically into the ocean on Tenerifeâs west coast. The cliffs are 800m high in parts and are famous for being the site from where local inhabitants hurled boulders in order to repel a British invasion in 1797. There is also a great black sand beach sheltered in the cove.
Mount Teide: This huge volcano is the highest point in Spain and its peaks are often snow covered. On a clear day you can see the mountain from anywhere on the island. The mountain is part of a stunning national park and a cable runs to the top, weather permitting
Santa Cruz: This is Tenerifeâs capital and is host to many cultural and historic sights, including the Church of Our Lady of Conception, the Museum of Natural History, the Church of San Francisco and the Palace of Carta. The city also boasts one of the worldâs busiest ports which often plays host to transatlantic yacht races. The tax free shopping in Santa Cruz is another major draw for visitors.
Loro Park: This wildlife centre is the biggest tourist attraction on the island. Itâs home to the most extensive collection of parrots in the world, as well as tigers, jaguars and gorillas. There is a huge aquarium, and the biggest dolphin habitat in Europe. There are daily parrot, sea lion and dolphin shows throughout the year.
Taganna: A beautiful and remote village, Taganna is set in beautiful surroundings. The village is renowned for its wine and sea food.
There are a number of other great places for the family in Tenerife. Aqualand in Costa Adeje includes all the rides and slides as well as a Dolphinarium. You can pick up a free bus from Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos to the Camel Park and take a one hour camel ride through the park. The Jungle Park near Los Cristianos boast a fine array of exotic birds as well as animals as tigers, caymans, monkeys and lions. The Botanical Gardens in Puerto de La Cruz are also worth a visit.
Excursions and Day Trips:
There are many boat trips around the island for tourists to go whale and dolphin spotting, and explore hidden coves.
A number of operators run Jeep Safaris and Quad Bike excursions on the island for a action packed exploration of inland Tenerife.
There are a variety of cruises and boat trips to neighbouring islands such as El Hierro and Lanzarote. La Gomera is the closest island to Tenerife and is a small but beautiful and mountainous island.