The volcanic island of Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands and has been a magnet for sun-seekers for many years due to its sub-tropical climate. The Coast of Africa is a mere 160 miles away.
[more]
In the south of the island, Playa de las Americas is known as a holiday mecca for young people - a huge, sun sea and sand purpose-built palace that never sleeps. But today, the resort is working hard to attract families and couples.
By way of contrast, visit Teide National Park, home to Pico del Teide, one of the world’s biggest volcanoes. This is Spain's highest mountain topped by a vast volcanic crater. You can cheat and take the cable car to get to its 3,718-metre-high peak or do it the hard way walking up along the trails. Either way you will be rewarded by some stunning views.
Tenerife has wonderful beaches, but there is so much more to the island than the major tourist holiday resorts, including La Laguna - Tenerife's second most important city and former capital of the island until 1723. The city is full of interesting buildings including San Fernando University and the Bishop's Palace as well 17th and 18th century houses with brightly-coloured facades, elegant churches and an impressive cathedral. The city is surrounded by the luscious countryside of the Aguere Valley, just inland from Santa Cruz.
If you like dramatic mountain scenery you could visit Masca, a small picturesque village with a total population of around a hundred people. Or you could check out mysterious Piramides de Guimar, a group of six stepped pyramids on the East Coast of the island. No one knows for sure how or why they are there. It is also worth spending a day in the capital, Santa Cruz which has good shops, a spectacular new opera house on its waterfront and some great cafes and restaurants.
[less]
Download Tenerife resort guide(pdf)