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What to see, where to visit. A guide to Tenerife

 

Playa de las Americas

Playa de las Americas
 
Bright, brash and exciting, this town is a pleasure seeker's paradise and a sun worshipper's idea of heaven.
Purpose built, Playa de las Americas has become Tenerife's most popular resort and boasts an array of first class facilities with a selection of beautiful, clean, sandy beaches.

Everyone is catered for and the beach area offers a wealth of leisure activities including surfing, jet-skiing, hang-gliding, paracending, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and so many more the list is endless.

There is no shortage of places to eat either; with varied cuisines to suit every taste and conspicuously high standards Las Americas is a gourmet's delight.
After dark the resort really comes into its own as the multitude of bars, nightclubs and discos seduce you with their own brand of partying - Tenerife style. There are countless venues offering live entertainment and cabaret, or choose from one of the sports bars and enjoy the latest sporting fixture on the big screen television.
This really is one town where you cannot get bored so put on your party head and dance the night away in this sensational sun-drenched holiday heaven.

Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos
 
Without doubt one of the most popular resorts in the Canary Islands, Los Cristianos is situated just 15 km west of the southern airport Reina Sofia.
With the wonderful harbour as its focal point, the town has managed to retain some of the architecture and character of its original incarnation as a sleepy fishing village whist evolving into one of the largest tourist areas on the Island.

The golden sand beaches are gorgeous and there are plenty of excursions running from the harbour area, such as fishing trips, pleasure cruises, glass bottomed boats, diving excursions and ferries to La Gomera, el Hierro and Gran Canaria.

For those of you seeking entertainment after a sun-soaked day on the beach or round the pool then Los Cristianos should certainly have something to your liking. With a vast array of pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars the town's boisterous nightlife caters for a mature, family clientele.
Los Cristianos is also ideally situated for exploring the island with its close proximity to the motorway. Also the Aqua Park, Tenerife Zoo and the new Siam Park Water Kingdom are all in very easy reach of the town and are wonderful days out for the whole family. Los Cristianos is a town you will never want to leave.

Los Gigantes Tenerife

Los Gigantes Tenerife
 
Without doubt one of the most popular resorts in the Canary Islands, Los Cristianos is situated just 15 km west of the southern airport Reina Sofia.
With the wonderful harbour as its focal point, the town has managed to retain some of the architecture and character of its original incarnation as a sleepy fishing village whist evolving into one of the largest tourist areas on the Island.

The golden sand beaches are gorgeous and there are plenty of excursions running from the harbour area, such as fishing trips, pleasure cruises, glass bottomed boats, diving excursions and ferries to La Gomera, el Hierro and Gran Canaria.

For those of you seeking entertainment after a sun-soaked day on the beach or round the pool then Los Cristianos should certainly have something to your liking. With a vast array of pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars the town's boisterous nightlife caters for a mature, family clientele.

Los Cristianos is also ideally situated for exploring the island with its close proximity to the motorway. Also the Aqua Park, Tenerife Zoo and the new Siam Park Water Kingdom are all in very easy reach of the town and are wonderful days out for the whole family. Los Cristianos is a town you will never want to leave.

Las Galletas Tenerife

Las Galletas Tenerife
 

Located on the south coast of Tenerife, Las Galletas is a quintessential Canarian village where sun-drenched, narrow streets wind down to a picturesque harbour and small fishing boats bob on the turquoise water. Those looking for a taste of authentic Canarian culture will delight in Las Galletas' café-strewn boulevards, pretty squares, and attractive beach front promenade.

One of the focal points of Las Galletas is the beach with its combination of rocks and the black volcanic sand that is indigenous to Tenerife. By day the beach is popular with those wishing to take advantage of the fabulous climate and the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are hammocks and umbrellas available to hire so that you can relax while the kids play, and open-air showers so you can rinse away the sand and saltwater before heading to one of the local cafes or bars.

During the summer months the ocean's swell creates great waves that draw the local surfing fraternity, while the clarity of the azure water makes for some of the best diving conditions anywhere on the island.

At night the beach, and indeed the whole village comes to life. Families come out to enjoy the warm evenings with a stroll along the beachfront and an ice-cream en-route. Delicious smells fill the air as the host of quality restaurants cook up a range of international menus including traditional Canarian cuisine.
The area is particularly well-known for its excellent sea-food restaurants, visitors from all over the island come to sample the freshly caught fish and shellfish plucked from the ocean right on the doorstep. The open-fronted bars dotted along the promenade and village streets provide popular meeting places for locals and visitors alike.

Just a short distance from Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas, Las Galletas is a magical little place that is well worth a visit during your stay in Tenerife.

Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife
 
The longest established and most complete resort in the Canary Islands has to be Puerto de la Cruz. Located on Tenerife's north coast, this historical town was the birthplace of tourism in the Canaries and still offers some of the best visitor attractions on the island.
In contrast with the modern resorts of the south, El Puerto has had a great tradition as a place opf relaxation since the end of the last century when the spa, which today is the Hotel Casino Tauro, was built.

The accommodation offered in Puerto de la Cruz is also different from most of the other places in the islands since hotels predominate over apartments.
The lushness of the gardens and the agreeable atmosphere are very special features of this city, which has lively places to stroll around.
In the evening the streets near the Plaza del Charco and the promenade are pleasant places of enjoyment where one can eat at any of the many open air restaurants, all this in a pleasant climate and with the ever present sea.

The city houses a number of buildings of great historical and artistic value such as the church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña, la Ermita de San Telmo, el castillo de San Felipe, la casa de la Aduana and the old quay where small fishing boats are still moored. The Old Town itself still retains the cobbled streets and colonial architecture of an age gone by where the local people still go about their daily lives, working, eating and drinking in much the same way as they have for centuries.

Its old world charm lives side by side with a wide range of quality hotels and apartment complexes that ensure a perfect place to stay for all tastes and budgets.
For those of you with adventure in mind Puerto de la Cruz is ideally situated for excursions into the Teide National Park and the surrounding areas of La Ortatava and La Laguna.

Santa Cruz Tenerife

Santa Cruz Tenerife
 

Santa Cruz, Tenerife's vibrant capital city, is one of the island's best kept secrets. Offering a cosmopolitan blend of culture, heritage, sun-soaked beaches, stunning architecture and buzzing nightlife, Santa Cruz rivals many of the better known European city hotspots. The city is large enough to offer an endless variety of things to do yet compact enough to explore on foot within a day.

Easily accessible by car or bus from Los Cristianos or Playa de Las Americas, Santa Cruz is an ideal excursion for those looking to discover what Tenerife has to offer, because it really does have it all. Museums, parks, plazas, beaches, art, world-class dining, the hippest of nightspots, and tax-free shopping means that even the most discerning traveller will find something to enjoy.

Santa Cruz is a wonderful mix of old and new, it is diverse and energetic, it celebrates its historical roots and has its sights set firmly on the future. All of this is evident in what is on offer in the city. Glorious architecture spans many centuries and styles including, Baroque, Renaissance, Victorian and traditional Canarian as well as some modern masterpieces.

You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city by heading to one of the plazas, for sun-worshippers there are numerous beaches in and around the city, while nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful parks including Garcia Sanabria Park with over 70,000 square meters of wooded paths, rose gardens and open-air sculpture exhibits.

Santa Cruz also provides a dizzying array of festivals, museums, and venues for those wishing to inject a bit of culture into their holiday. Visit one of the city's many art galleries or learn more about the island's history at the Museum of Nature and Man. Visit the city's most historic theatre, the Teatro Guimera then feast your eyes on the dazzling Auditorio de Tenerife, home to the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

If shopping is what you are after then Santa Cruz will certainly deliver. You will find streets lined with independent, designer, and high street stores as well as the Spanish answer to Selfridges - El Corte Ingles. However, whether you have come to shop or not, the Mercado de Nuestro Senora de Africa should not be missed. This market, which consists of galleries of vendors selling all manner of produce, is a landmark in Santa Cruz and has been declared an Artistic Historical Monument. Offering a real contrast to any other resort on Tenerife, Santa Cruz will undoubtedly add an extra dimension to your holiday on the island

Mount Teide Tenerife

Mount Teide Tenerife
 
At a height of 3,718 metres, the summit of El Teide is the highest point of not just the Canary Islands, but also the whole of the Iberian Peninsula.
Declared a National Park on the 22nd January 1954, its 130 square kilometres extend through the municipalities of Santiago de Teide, Icod de los Vinos, La Orotava and Guia de Isora. In 1998 it received 3,500,000 visitors, outnumbering any other National Park in Spain.
The ascent through the foothills takes in an abundant variety of flora and fauna and offers spectacular views over the lower lying parts of the island. At the height of about 2,000 metres the vegetation starts to give way to the characteristic lava landscape of Las Cañadas and then to the central plateau from which the impressive mass of El Teide's peak towers upwards.

Other mountains of considerable height including El Cabezon, Guajara, El Roque de Grietas and Montaña Colorada surround this whole area.
By far the most comfortable way to climb the volcano is by the cable car, which will take you to within 200 metres of the summit. From this point it is possible (with a permit) to venture to the very mouth of El Teide and inhale the sulphuric fumes that prove that there is still volcanic activity deep within this ancient but dormant volcano. The peak was formed by eruptions in the late 18th century, which also moulded the surviving lunar landscape.

Masca

Masca
 
Situated in an imposing gorge on the north west of the island, the village of Masca is generally considered to be Tenerife's prettiest village.
The old stone houses look out over lush vegetation and improbably steep ravine walls towards the shimmering Atlantic Ocean.
This remote outpost was only connected to the rest of the island when a road was built in 1991 and it is hard to imagine why the area was settled in the first place.
However, the fertile soil of the valley did at one time support a population of over six hundred denizens. Today the population hovers at a little over one hundred souls who stay on to service the constant stream of tourists to this beautiful corner of the island.

Vilaflor Tenerife

Vilaflor Tenerife
 
Set high above the glittering coast of southern Tenerife, Vilaflor (Spanish for "Village of Flowers") is a stunning former spa town which has the accolade of being Tenerife's highest village. The alpine qualities of the town, the dense pine forests, pure air, and crystal clear springs for example, offer a breathtaking example of the diversity of Tenerife's landscape.

The dramatic mountain setting offers a wonderful contrast to the beach resorts for those looking to experience all that the island has to offer. En route to Teide National Park, Vilaflor has some pretty impressive high peaks of its own in the form of Las Lajas at 2165m, Quajara 2715m, and Los Retamares 2534m.
This landscape means that the town is ideal for enthusiasts of energetic, outdoor pursuits. The fantastic scenery, clear air, and superb views make it a fantastic spot for hiking and mountain biking while there are also rock climbing and paragliding opportunities for those who like their sport a bit more extreme.
If you prefer to keep your feet well and truly on the ground however, Vilaflor still has plenty to offer its visitors. Take a tranquil wander around the village which consists of charming old brick houses and wonderful little artisan craft shops. Vilaflor is home to some of the island's best known craftsman and a visit to the Center de Artesania will give you an opportunity to see some popular local crafts, including embroidery, ceramics, and pottery being made.

The area is also well-known for its production of wine and cheese. Take time to soak up the timeless atmosphere in the seventeenth-century Iglesia de San Pedro church which dominates the main plaza and houses some interesting jewels and religious figures. Whatever you choose to do here, this delightful town, less than hours drive from Los Cristianos, is well worth a visit for those looking to explore Tenerife's hidden gems.

Carnivals

Vilaflor Tenerife
 

According to many people the carnivals are one of the most well-known features of Tenerife and the best after those of Rio de Janeiro. All the islanders gather together at these annual festivities in a mass outburst of collective gaiety. The main celebrations take place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the areas near the port where people dance to the sound of the best Salsa groups. Few are the inhabitants of Tenerife who do not prepare their fancy dress to show off during theses happy days.

During the twenty seven days of the carnivals, many important festivities are held such as the election of the Queen, competitions of street bands, processions and above all the impressive cavalcade which blends "Caribean" and "European" into a garland of colour and spectacle.

Whoever visits Tenerife during the month of February should not miss the vibrant and bustling celebrations and if possible join the crowd in fancy dress.

MAIN FESTIVALS

Carnivals:
Celebrated during February, carnivals are the most important celebrations in all the districts of Tenerife particularly in the capital Santa Cruz.
More information about carnivals

Corpus Christi:
(June) Carpets of flowers and volcanic earth in La Orotava and La Laguna.

Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria:
(14/15 of August) Festival of patron saint of the island in Candelaria.

San Andrés:
(29/30 of November) New wine tasting festival in Icod, La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz.

CULTURAL EVENTS

Music Festival of the Canary Islands:
(June) One of the most prestigious European classical music festivals with the best performers and orchestras taking part.

Opera Season:
(October, November and December) Organised by the Tenerife association of Friends of the Opera (+34 922272535).

Sabandeño Festival:

(September) Folklore Music Festival with Canary and Foreign groups in La Laguna during the festivities of Christ.

Origins of the island

Origins of the island
 

As the rest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is also a son of Pluton. While the volcanic development of the eastern islands started more than 20 Million years ago, the oldest mountain ranges of Tenerife arose from the Atlantic much later (about 8 to 12 Million years ago).

At least 3 Million years ago it was believed that there were 3 islands with the Anaga, Teno and Valle San Lorenzo mountain ranges. In a tremendous volcanic process the old central volcano and the great mountain range (Cumbre Dorsal) melted together into what we know today as Tenerife.

Presumably the top of the volcano did not explode but collapsed in it's own crater and is now one of the greatest collapsed craters of the world (Las Cañadas). This oval crater is at it's longest distance about 17Km long.

500.000 years ago the last stage of volcanic activity in Tenerife took place. The 'Pico Viejo' (old peak) erupted first and some time later the higher 'Pico del Teide'. This last one has on it's top a sulphur coat surrounding it. The last volcano eruption in Tenerife happened near the village of Santiago del Teide in 1909.

Mysterious Guanches

The natives of Tenerife where known as the bravest and most feared from the canary inhabitants. They were cavern men and they balsamated their deceased people in caves and prayed for their peaceful rest.

From the rests of mummies we can affirm the northwest african origin. Likewise from some vestiges from spoken and written language which made the conquest of the spaniards over the Guanches much more difficult. A few years ago a stone was found. It has the symbols 'Z(a)N(a)T(a)' engraved on it, which suposedly has some sort of a connection to the same name with a bereber origin. No definitive explication has been given until yet.
Likewise there are only theories and speculations of the way the Guanches even arrived the first time to the islands. European reports affirm that the natives did not have any knowledge about seecraft. It is also very peculiar that there were not even connections between the very near island of La Gomera and Tenerife. Another mistery is why the Guanches did not make any evolution in time despite the many visits from the Fenician, Punician and Romans.

 
 
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