Tenerife – the “Island of Eternal Spring”
Posted by • August 11, 2011
An island that surprises with its diversity, its climate and its authenticity. Discover its colours, its sun and its volcanic nature. A place with an exclusive charm. Apart from having the best climate in Spain, Tenerife is a place where you can really relax and enjoy yourself. This island, crowned by Mount Teide, has picturesque villages, incredible landscapes and idyllic beaches. Here you will be able to enjoy fiestas where you will feel as though you are just one more reveller from Tenerife.
Tenerife is the biggest and highest island of the Canarian archipelago with the imposing El Teide that rises over 3,000 metres into the glorious blue skies. The lunar landscape of Mount Teide National Park is fascinating, reminiscent of the beginning of time and a must-see experience. As the plane comes in to land, chances are you will see this magnificent sight from the air, but there is nothing like getting up close to the world’s third largest volcano. Wherever you stay on the island, it is easy to visit Tenerife’s top attraction. Whether you are in the capital Santa Cruz, the beautiful old town of Puerto de la Cruz in the lush Orotava Valley or staying in a gorgeous resort on the sunny Costa Adeje in the south, it is well worth making the journey to the volcanic peak.
In these premium resorts you will find gorgeous beaches, tepid waters, an abundance of dining options, sporting activities, vibrant nightlife and much more.
When to visit Tenerife
The glorious weather in Tenerife makes it the perfect holiday destination 365 days of the year. The Canary Islands boasts a subtropical climate, which makes them an appealing holiday destination at any time.
In December and January you still can enjoy magnificent weather, days on the beach, a swim in the ocean and lovely blue skies. Compared to many other European destinations, Tenerife winters are extremely mild, one of the factors that makes it a very alluring destination for holidaymakers keen to escape the colder climates of home. Generally, November to March can be described as ‘high season’.
May, June and July are good months to travel, with the weather really getting hotter. A lovely cool sea breeze makes even very hot summer days refreshing. In August many people visit, particularly over the official summer holiday.
History
One of the best part of Tenerife’s history is that it reads absolutely nothing like that of the rest of Spain. Instead of the typical story of Romans, Moors and finally Christians, Tenerife’s earliest history is a combination of mysterious legends, ancient myths and indigenous Guanche people. Its “Spanish” history didn’t begin until the 15th century Spanish conquest, which led to the island’s colonization and overnight success as the meeting point of Europe, Africa and the Americas. Music, stories, traditions, superstitions… the imagination has always been a major facet of the unique Canarian culture. In fact, long before the Guanche, Spanish Conquest and post-Conquest history of Tenerife, a combination of seamlessly interwoven legends and facts compose the earliest chunk of this Atlantic tropical paradise.
The island is enveloped in a rich historical heritage: traditions, fiestas, country life, landscapes, our way of speaking, colours…
Beaches
With paradisaical weather and nearly 270 kilometers of coastline to its name, Tenerife is a beach-lovers paradise and has a beach for all tastes: soft white sand, volcanic black sand, massive stretches, secluded coves, with clothes, without clothes…the list is endless. An ocean of options.
Playa Jardín – Jardín beach is a combination of the natural beauty of the island and the creative genius of César Manrique, a dearly remembered Canarian artist who was famous for his work involving natural spaces around the island. It is on the coast of the tourist resort Puerto de la Cruz, very close to the famous Loro Parque. Jardín beach has the full range of facilities, as well as a horizontal breakwater that protects part of the swimming area. Its name symbolises the numerous gardens located along the edge of the beach.

El Socorro – El Socorro beach, in the Los Realejos district, is particularly well known by surfers as they often practise here or use the beach for competitions. There is quite a strong swell, which means you need to take care when swimming. El Socorro beach is a long, beautiful beach of volcanic sand with a range of facilities including car parks, bars, restaurants and sometimes, lifeguards.
Playa de Troya – This was the first beach at Costa Adeje. It has fine golden sand and calm seas and is located in a very central area. The sea is great for practising water sports. There is a lifeguard service, sun loungers and parasols for hire, parking, restaurants, bars, showers, changing rooms and a taxi rank and bus stop nearby.
La Arena – Located in the heart of the small tourist resort of Puerto Santiago, La Arena beach stands out for its excellent setting and extraordinary amount of light. The beach is 120 metres long with fine volcanic sand and a full range of facilities. There are a number of restaurants and shops, and the nearby hotels make for one of the most family-friendly beaches for locals and visitors alike.

El Médano – El Médano Beach is in the district of Granadilla de Abona, next to the small seaside resort of the same name. It is the longest beach on the island, a two-kilometre stretch of fine golden sand that ends at a volcanic cone called “Montaña Rojo” (Red Mountain). The surrounding area is a protected nature reserve due to its important ecological value.
Torviscas and Fañabé – On the coast of Costa Adeje, one of the main tourist resorts in Tenerife, the neighbouring beaches of Torviscas and Fañabé make up one long, sandy beach. The sea is mainly calm, apart from El Duque beach where it is a little rougher. These beaches offer a complete range of facilities and a great atmosphere of non-stop fun. They are joined by one long, popular promenade where many people relax and enjoy the beautiful sunshine at some of the best-known beaches in Tenerife.
Places to Visit in Tenerife
Don’t limit yourself to the beach- get out there and explore! From the mysterious pyramids of Güímar to dormant volcanoes, jaw-dropping cliffs and top-notch theme parks, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Tenerife.
The Güímar Pyramids – Take a break from the sun and the sea and discover Tenerife’s biggest mystery: the Güímar pyramids! Located in the small, eastern Tenerife coastal town of Güímar, these step pyramids have been stumping archaeologists, anthropologists and other researchers since their discovery in 1991. As for the Güímar pyramids themselves, six of the town’s alleged original nine remain. Thousands upon thousands of stones went into the construction of these step pyramids, meaning that they were built using several layers – or “steps” – of stone. While each of the six pyramids is of a different size, they share a similar rectangular ground plan.

Mount Teide Natural Park – Emblem of the Canary Islands and without a doubt Tenerife’s most spectacular natural feature, Mount Teide dominates practically the whole of Tenerife’s center and can be seen from virtually anywhere; its often snow-capped peak and even be seen from the beach! The Mount Teide National Park is essentially vast, unspoiled wilderness ranging from volcanic rock formations to fields of wildflowers and pine forests. Hundreds of species of trees, flowers, insects, birds and other creatures inhabit the area and easily make it one of the world’s most fascinating biological regions.
Los Gigantes Cliffs – From impossibly green banana plantations to golden beaches, dormant volcanoes and quiet black sand coves, Tenerife embodies the very essence of natural beauty. One of Tenerife’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders is easily Los Gigantes. Quite appropriately meaning “The Giants,” Los Gigantes cliffs are an absolute must-see located near the small port towns of Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago. Composing a chunk of Tenerife’s rugged northwestern coast, these cliffs are essentially a vertical wall shooting straight up out of the crystalline sea. In the highest parts of Los Gigantes the cliffs soar between a jaw-dropping 500 and 800 meters (roughly 1,640 to 2,625 feet)!

Theme & Water Parks – Sure, they may be touristy and probably even over-priced, but you have to admit they’re fun! From massive zoo theme parks to bumpy camel rides, plunging waterslides and exotic jungle adventures, Tenerife’s theme and water parks are a sure-fire way to have an absolute blast – Loro Parque, Aqualand, Parque Las Águilas – Jungle Park, Camel Park.
Activities in Tenerife
There are always two alternatives to choose from on Tenerife. You can do nothing but launch yourself with a paraglider from Izaña or the Forest in Los Realejos. You can do nothing but take a walk in a woodland which is a relic of the Tertiary Period. It is possible to do nothing and feel tiny contemplating the 900-metre height of the Cliffs at Los Gigantes. And you can choose not to do anything at all and simply spend the day lying on a sun-lounger in the refreshing sun of the Island. Or you could try the traditional cuisine, get to know the culture, observe whales, play golf… Whatever you choose: all or nothing.

In the sea – Visit Europe’s largest community of cetaceans in their natural state, enjoy the variety of underwater activities and all kinds of aquatic sports along the 400-kilometre coastline.
- Whale and dolphin watching – The south-west coast of Tenerife is a privileged place for watching whales in the wild as there are permanent pods of dolphins in the surrounding waters year round. Bearing in mind they live so close to the coast, Tenerife has become the top European destination in terms of the number of people that have seen whales in the wild.
- Diving centres – Instructors and courses, guides, equipment… on Tenerife you will find all the services to enjoy a dive in one of the most spectacular underwater environments.
- Yachting and water sports – Water skiing, boat hire, jet-skis, organisation of events for companies and groups… All the nautical activities within your reach on Tenerife.
Routes and excursions – Paths carved from the volcanic rock, unforgettable walks. You have 2,034 square kilometres to enjoy and lose yourselves on the routes and footpaths. You cannot leave the Island without getting to know its indispensable sights: cliffs, volcanoes or historical centres which are world heritage sites. Unique places and settings which will amaze you.
Health and Wellbeing – Relax, take care of yourself and spoil yourself a little. Fill up with sun, and take advantage of the volcanic nature of our sand and its benefits for your health. Get away from it all.
Leisure Parks – Entertainment for any age. Tenerife is the Island with the largest number of theme parks. Fun is guaranteed among the many and varied options for you to choose from.
Nightlife
Dancing, walking beneath the moon, going out to dinner, enjoying music or a casino, a few drinks and a show. Tenerife’s evenings are different. Relax by having a drink or dancing under the Tenerife sky: you can choose how to end another unforgettable day and begin a magical evening on Tenerife. Dance, local folklore, magic, acrobatics and many other shows are what you will find in the theatres and on the stages in the evenings on Tenerife.
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Tenerife – the “Island of Eternal Spring”
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