Tenerife is found in the Atlantic Ocean just off the West coast of Africa, in the middle of its neighbouring islands, and is the largest and most densely populated of the seven Canary Islands. This volcanic island offers a varied landscape surrounding the majestic Mount Teide that combines golden and charcoal sands with a lively nightlife. Its variety of attractions and activities is enough to keep holiday makers returning year after year.
Tourism began in this popular Spanish destination as early as the1890’s as its 12,000 feet volcano proved to be a huge draw, which remains the same today. Tenerife’s natural assets are often overshadowed by its custom-made resorts but can be found in the rugged beauty of the protected Anaga Mountains in the East or discovered through its interesting history in picturesque resorts such as La Orotava and the 17th century religious capital of La Laguna.
Year round sunshine is not the only enticement that Tenerife has to offer. Even though the West coast can boast some of the most consistent climates on the island, it also offers the imposing Los Gigantes, found in the municipality of Santiago del Teide. Standing as high as 800 metres out of the Atlantic ocean are the impressive once sacred sheer cliff faces. Boat trips are available for whale and dolphin watching, but they also allow you to take in the presence of these rock formations.
The North of the island is home to the capital city where you can soak up the atmosphere of the ‘Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’, one of the world’s largest carnivals, or stick around in Santa Cruz to visit the art scene, harbour and waterfront opera house or for some of the islands best shopping.
To the East of the island, you can find one of the oldest communities of Vegas del Valle in the region of Guimar. This area is known for its tropical plantations, fishing harbour, local wine and its rural, untouched feel.
The Southwest shores are the island’s most popular, offering the golden beaches of the Arona and Adeje coastlines, the diving and fishing in Cayo Salvaje and Paraiso Beach, the grand hotel complexes of Playa del Duque and the wide variety of watersports or the buzzing town square in Los Cristianos. Of course, if it’s nightlife you’re after then look no further than the unashamedly audacious Playa de las Americas, as this party town is lined with competing pubs and clubs that keep on going until the sun is back high in the sky.
In the North Central region, you find the Old Town and colonial architecture of Puerto de la Cruz. The smallest municipality but also one of the most popular as it houses Tenerife’s second biggest attraction of Loro Park with its zoo and aquarium. Puerto de la Cruz is one of the few remaining areas where locals still live, work and relax, with its numerous amenities and charming cobbled streets.
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