Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Tenerife is probably one of the last European paradise isles. "Fascinating" is the word for this island. It offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, deserts, mountains, volcanos, sometimes snow, incredibly beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches.

Tenerife is one of the most exciting holiday destinations in the world. Over 10,000,000 people land on the island of Tenerife each year and return time after time for what is guaranteed to be a great holiday that is good value for money.

Found just off the North African coast, it is one of seven volcanic Islands that together comprise the Canary Islands. Out of all of them, Tenerife enjoys a bigger chunk of the tourism pie.

Volcanic in origin, Tenerife was created as a result of a number of eruptions. These eruptions happened about three and a half million years ago and there has been no such activity since, although there was a small earthquake in 2002 that measured 4 on the Richter scale.

Tenerife is split into two distinct geographical regions. In the northern territories it is very fertile and green with high humidity and rainfall whilst to the south it is much drier and sunnier.

The majority of holiday destinations are concentrated to the south of the island in the region of Costa Adeje. It is here that the popular and fast growing Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos resorts are situated. In the north, the town of Puerto de la Cruz is fast becoming a popular holiday resort also. Here however, a considerable amount of thought has gone into not losing the wonderful ambience of the town making it a perfect location for a peaceful and more relaxing break.

Before the Spanish invasion in the fifteenth century, the peoples of the island were the simple native peoples known as the Guanches. ‘Tenerife’ translates as 'white mountain' in the Guanches tongue.

Down in the richly developed south is the lively resort of Los Cristianos. A mile away from its hellish neighbour, Playa de las Americas, the bay of Los Cristianos provides a joyous and fun-filled escape for the whole family.

It's hardly believable that it was only a few short years ago when Los Cristianos was simply a charming fishing harbour. The Tenerife of today is unrecognisable from the quiet unassuming island of 40 years ago.

Although much has changed, we are lucky that much of the original charm of the town is still in evidence. As you stroll through the older parts of town you will notice the Canarian buildings provide an obvious contrast to the modern hotel developments. All this lives happily together with undoubtedly one of the liveliest holiday experiences you can get anywhere on this earth. There are two superb main beaches, Las Vistas and Playa de Los Cristianos which offer a host of water sports activities as well as accessibility and refreshments. Don’t forget the black sand naturist beach of Rincon for that all over sun tan.

Playas de Las Americas is where to go if you're on the lookout for a totally hectic holiday, packed with testosterone and white knuckle sports. It's almost impossible to comprehend that the Sahara Desert supplied all of that white sand on the beach and that this complete resort has sprung up to answer the call of a growing number of young holidaymakers. If you are looking for an easy going vacation, you could be better off at Los Cristianos or any of the resorts along the island's west coast.

The south of the island offers numerous things to do, which include the totally entertaining day of performing dolphins together with a host of water games on offer at Aqua Land.

How about scaling Tenerife’s extinct volcano, Mount Teide? Don’t panic, the volcano is definitely extinct and you can get to the top by using the cable car. Mt. Teide offers a great way to enjoy the island and beyond for the panoramic views of El Hierro, La Gomera and Gran Canaria are stunning.

Throughout the years the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has acted as a major port in the Atlantic, and it still serves that role today. Being the capital city as well as the biggest city on the island, life is more cosmopolitan here. The variety of clubs and bars here is excellent with an extensive choice of restaurants offering international cuisines. This is a city especially exciting during the month of February when it hosts to the huge world famous Tenerife Carnival.