Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and lies just 9 miles
from the coast of Africa. It is dominated by Mount Teide, the highest
mountain peak in Spain. The north of the island is green and lush
with tropical plants and banana plantations, whilst the south is
barren with volcanic rock and desert like scrub.
Tenerife has warm weather all year round and it has good quality
hotels. It is easy to see why Tenerife is so popular with holiday
makers of all ages. The name Canary Islands has nothing to do with
yellow songbirds but comes from the Latin name for dog!
So, which resort do you choose? Here is our resort guide for more
detailed information.
Set amongst a backdrop of desert mountains, it is a product of
the age of the package holidays and there was nothing here until
the first developments of the 1960's.
Nothing like this had hit the island since 1494, when the Spaniards
first conquered then enslaved the fierce natives.
Now the liveliest resort it is ideal for sun worshipers and pleasure
seekers. It has a pleasant promenade with some impressive modern
architecture but it is essentially unplanned and characterless.
Las Americas has many duty free shops selling cameras, watches
and jewellery at scarcely discount prices and it also has dozens
of expensive supermarkets.
Playa de Las Americas is great for families and most age groups,
but quiet thoughtful types should look elsewhere!
Los Cristianos lies on the south coast in a sheltered bay. It is
3km. to Playa de Las Americas and 15km. to the airport. There is
more of a Mediterranean laid back atmosphere here with plenty of
shops and bars around the harbour. This is the starting point for
boat trips to the island of La Gomera.
This is the oldest and most attractive of the major resorts with
plenty of old houses built in traditional Canarian style.
The town lies on a rocky coastline with three small beaches of
black sand.
The weather on this side of the mountain can be cloudier and a
little cooler that the resorts in the south, due to the influence
of the nearby mountains.
Not to be missed are the Botanical Gardens, with more than 4,000
exotic plants and the Lido Martinez, an area of 7 saltwater pools
surrounded by attractive gardens.
Takes its name from the majestic cliffs which rise from vertically
out of the water. It is quiet and remote but there is still plenty
to do. Why not try whale watching or shark fishing. Local bars and
good restaurants provide a low key relaxed night life.
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Mount Teide, the volcanic peak that dominates the island, is
12,402 feet high
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The Octopus Water Park, near Playa de Las Americas makes a
good day out.
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Tenerife has its own wine, but it is expensive
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Papas Arrugades are jacket potatoes cooked in salt water
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Mojo Picon is a hot and spicy sauce served with meat
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The currency used in The Canary Islands is the Euro
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Buses run regularly around each of the resorts.
Click here for a video guide to Tenerife
For more information check out this
Website or call us on 0870 1999 038 for further details
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