Tenerife overview
The largest of the Canary Islands is the triangular shaped Tenerife with its longest side being 80 km from east to west and its shortest side 45 km from north to south. The island’s coastline stretches 269 kilometres and is made up of spectacular cliffs and coves which are dotted along the golden sand (Santa Cruz) or black sand beaches. Tenerife is of volcanic origin and boasts the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide.
Tenerife enjoys a very European culture even though it is so close to Africa, but certain parts of the island are still very traditional. Religious festivals and fiestas hold pride of place in the heart of the Canarian people and are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Summer highlights include the immensely popular Romeira de San Roque (Garachico) in August. Islanders flock to the route taken by the procession along which the Saint is carried to where the fiesta begins.
Local fishermen join in the festivities by carrying the image of the Saint along the volcanic coastline and the offering of fruit to San Roque completes the picturesque spectacle.
Corpus Christi (La Orotava) involves the making of intricate coloured carpets of flower petals and volcanic sands which are laid in the streets for a procession to pass over. The Town Hall Square is decorated in the most impressive of floral carpets depicting biblical scenes.
During February every year, the internationally a claimed Carnival of Tenerife takes place. Second only to that of Rio de Janeiro and lasting for six days it is an extravaganza of exotic floats, rhythmical tropical music and fireworks in Puerto de la Cruz.
Flora and Fauna
With an extensive range of exciting plant life Tenerife is a delight for any plant enthusiast. With flowers such as bouganvillea, geraniums, estrelicia, and poinsettias as well as hibiscus, nasturtiums and honeysuckle, the air is heavily scented and blends perfectly with the pine and eucalyptus trees.
Walking
With such a diverse range of incredible terrain and scenery Tenerife is ideal for all standards from the casual walker to the experienced rambler. In the north, the fertile lush green valleys and the fragrances of the sub-tropical flowers scenting the air. In the south the island differs considerably, where you will find spectacular rock formations and lava deposits amongst huge cacti and breathtaking ravines due to the dry desert terrain. The panoramic views and walks from Mount Teide are not to be missed. A cable car climbs from the base of the mountain to 1400 metres from the summit enabling visitors to witness the spectacular views from the highest peak in Spain.
Map
Climate
With two very different climates Tenerife is suitable for almost everyone. From the north where the weather can be cooler and a little wet in the mountainous regions, to the south where the weather is sunny and warm all year round.
Did you know?
The export of locally grown bananas was the economic mainstay of Tenerife between 1870 and 1914 until the First World War and the British blockade robbed the island of its international markets. Although the banana no longer plays a pivotal role in the island’s economy it is still cultivated extensively for export.
Tenerife hotels
Abama Golf Resort & Spa
Set high on the cliff tops of Guia de Isora, and commanding panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean
Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort
Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort is located in Adeje on the warmer southern coast of Tenerife
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Hotel San Roque
In the north of Tenerife, Garachico is a charming village steeped in history and set in a delightful coastal environment
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Hotel Tigaiga
This traditional and friendly hotel is owned and managed by the Talg family who have made it synonymous with high standards of quality and service
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Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia
Your first impression of this attractively designed hotel may be one of spaciousness
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Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador
The Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador enjoys a wonderful location in an elevated position opposite the glorious sands of the Playa del Duque Beach offering unbeatable views of the Atlantic ocean.
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Jardin Tropical
Hotel Jardin Tropical is situated on the Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife
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Las Villas Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque
These new villas are sure to delight those who enjoy villa style accommodation with the additional benefits of the services of a leading resort hotel
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Mare Nostrum Hotel
Incorporating the former Cleopatra, Julio Cesar and Marco Antonio Palace hotels on the oceanfront
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Royal Garden Villas
Royal Garden Villas occupies one of the most prestigious locations in the south of Tenerife, very close to La Caleta, Adeje and Playa Fanabe.
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Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa
This brand new Sheraton hotel is a welcome addition to Tenerife’s sun blessed southern coastline
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Sir Anthony
Set in landscaped gardens and decorated in gentle pastel shades, the emphasis here is on relaxation in sophisticated and elegant surroundings
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Villa Cortes
Villa Cortes is ideally situated in a very attractive and popular area offering an almost limitless choice of shopping, bars and fine restaurants
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Vincci Hotel Buenavista
Vincci Hotel Beunavista is the latest addition to the Vincci Collection of Tenerife hotels.
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Vincci La Plantacion del Sur
All the guest rooms of the La Plantacion del Sur face the Atlantic Ocean and a exquisitely designed offering every comfort
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Vincci Tenerife Golf
Vincci Hotels has completed a dramatic refurbishment programme, and are proud to inaugurate the ‘new’ Vincci Tenerife Golf
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Arona Gran Hotel
Arona Gran is situated directly on the seafront and faces the old fishing port in the bay of Los Cristianos
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Botanico
As one of the most luxurious hotels in Tenerife Hotel Botanico, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World
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Colon Guanahani
Situated in the south of Tenerife in the resort area of Playa Fanabe, Colon Guanahani is a modern elegant property
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Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria
Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel spares no expense to deliver great levels of comfort and service
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Gran Melia Palacio de Isora
This new exceptionally luxurious hotel is set in one of the most beautiful locations on Tenerife
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Gran Tacande
Gran Tacande enjoys an excellent oceanfront setting and is in close proximity to a shopping mall with tempting designer labels
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H10 Gran Tinerfe
One of Playa de las Americas original hotels, Gran Tinerfe occupies a prominent position next to the ocean with direct beach access
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Hotel Jardines de Nivaria
Jardines de Nivaria is situated in the resort area of Playa Fanabe overlooking Puerto Colon marina
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Hotel Las Madrigueras
Hotel Las Madrigueras is an exquisite boutique hotel which enjoys a tranquil residential location
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Hotel Monopol
Just a few minutes walk from the old town of Puerto de la Cruz and situated in an open pedestrianised area close to the flower market
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Map
Climate
With two very different climates Tenerife is suitable for almost everyone. From the north where the weather can be cooler and a little wet in the mountainous regions, to the south where the weather is sunny and warm all year round.
Did you know?
The export of locally grown bananas was the economic mainstay of Tenerife between 1870 and 1914 until the First World War and the British blockade robbed the island of its international markets. Although the banana no longer plays a pivotal role in the island’s economy it is still cultivated extensively for export.
Tenerife sightseeing
Santa Cruz
Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz, boasts manybeautiful historic buildings with its hub around the Plaza de Espana, close to the busy harbour. There are two noteworthy churches, a lively bazaar and food market, a state of the art Opera House, and a couple of interesting museums: one housing the cannon which allegedly removed Admiral Nelson’s arm!
Puerto de la Cruz
The oldest resort in the Canary Islands boasts examples of fine colonial buildings and excellent botanical gardens. To the west of Puerto is the tropical Loro Parque: best known for its magnificent collection of parrots, it also houses a large aquarium, plus gorillas, dolphins, sea lions and a snow-clad penguinarium!
Mount Teide
Visit Las Canadas, a 16km-wide volcaniccrater with Mt Teide on its northern edge. A cable car ride takes you within 200 metres of the summit to enjoy breathtaking views from this volcanically active summit, which at 3,718m is Spain’s highest mountain.
Fiestas
The main fiesta of the winter period can befound in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is well known on the international carnival circuit for its Latin sounds and eye-catching floats. The glory of carnival in Tenerife is that the islanders cheerfully ignore Lent to continue partying for a whole week afterwards. Preparations begin many weeks in advance. The festival proper begins a week before Ash Wednesday with the election of the carnival queen, continuing with a cabalgata (horse parade) and a whole weekend of mad street partying and
revelry.
Shrove Tuesday is marked with a great parade and Ash Wednesday with the burial of the sardine, where a gigantic effigy of a fish is buried, representing the end of carnival madness, a farewell to the flesh and the death of the spirit of carnival. The following Sunday, the carnival finishes with the Carnival Procession and fireworks.
Each year the Canary Island Music Festival brightens up the European winter. Since 1985 many of the world's great artists and orchestras have taken the opportunity of soaking up some winter sun and the renowned Canary Island hospitality. Seven weeks of concerts take place in both Tenerife and Gran Canaria, so even if you just stick to one of the islands you can get to hear the whole range of quality music-making. In recent years the programme has featured performances from the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, The Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Quartet, among many others.
Map
Climate
With two very different climates Tenerife is suitable for almost everyone. From the north where the weather can be cooler and a little wet in the mountainous regions, to the south where the weather is sunny and warm all year round.
Did you know?
The export of locally grown bananas was the economic mainstay of Tenerife between 1870 and 1914 until the First World War and the British blockade robbed the island of its international markets. Although the banana no longer plays a pivotal role in the island’s economy it is still cultivated extensively for export.
Tenerife cuisine
With the emphasis on simplicity the traditional cuisine of Tenerife can best be described as hearty, wholesome and tasty. The main staple is gofio, a type of flour made from roasted wheat, barley and maize or chick peas, which is used extensively in Canarian cooking and often added to stews and soups.
For traditional fare a Menu Tipico signifies good quality home cooking with soups, broths and hearty meat and fish stews on the menu, such as Sanocho, a fish stew made from salted (not fresh) wreck-fish, stone bass and sea bream and Puchero Canario, a stew made with chicken, beef, chorizo and a variety of vegetables. A very popular side dish is Papas Arrugadas, wrinkly new potatoes sprinkled with sea salt and usually served with a spicy mojo sauce, either a red, hot, version made with a blend of chillies and peppers or a cooler version with coriander and parsley. With its beneficial climate and very fertile volcanic soil there is a plentiful supply of vegetables and exotic fruits such as papaya, melon, pear, peach, mango, avocado and pineapple as well as their largest export, bananas.
For dessert try bienmesabes, made with ground almonds and honey, or frangollo with gofio, milk and dried fruit. The island also offers a cosmopolitan range of restaurants where Italian, French, Oriental and South American cuisine can be sampled.
Map
Climate
With two very different climates Tenerife is suitable for almost everyone. From the north where the weather can be cooler and a little wet in the mountainous regions, to the south where the weather is sunny and warm all year round.
Did you know?
The export of locally grown bananas was the economic mainstay of Tenerife between 1870 and 1914 until the First World War and the British blockade robbed the island of its international markets. Although the banana no longer plays a pivotal role in the island’s economy it is still cultivated extensively for export.
Tenerife offers
Abama Golf Resort & Spa
Set high on the cliff tops of Guia de Isora, and commanding panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean
9 offers
Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort
Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort is located in Adeje on the warmer southern coast of Tenerife
11 offers
-
-
Arona Gran Hotel
Arona Gran is situated directly on the seafront and faces the old fishing port in the bay of Los Cristianos
2 offers
-
Botanico
As one of the most luxurious hotels in Tenerife Hotel Botanico, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World
8 offers
-
-
Colon Guanahani
Situated in the south of Tenerife in the resort area of Playa Fanabe, Colon Guanahani is a modern elegant property
7 offers
-
Gran Hotel Roca Nivaria
Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel spares no expense to deliver great levels of comfort and service
5 offers
-
-
Gran Melia Palacio de Isora
This new exceptionally luxurious hotel is set in one of the most beautiful locations on Tenerife
5 offers
-
Gran Tacande
Gran Tacande enjoys an excellent oceanfront setting and is in close proximity to a shopping mall with tempting designer labels
8 offers
-
-
H10 Gran Tinerfe
One of Playa de las Americas original hotels, Gran Tinerfe occupies a prominent position next to the ocean with direct beach access
2 offers
-
Hotel Jardines de Nivaria
Jardines de Nivaria is situated in the resort area of Playa Fanabe overlooking Puerto Colon marina
5 offers
-
-
Hotel Las Madrigueras
Hotel Las Madrigueras is an exquisite boutique hotel which enjoys a tranquil residential location
5 offers
-
Hotel Monopol
Just a few minutes walk from the old town of Puerto de la Cruz and situated in an open pedestrianised area close to the flower market
4 offers
-
-
Hotel San Roque
In the north of Tenerife, Garachico is a charming village steeped in history and set in a delightful coastal environment
3 offers
-
Hotel Tigaiga
This traditional and friendly hotel is owned and managed by the Talg family who have made it synonymous with high standards of quality and service
2 offers
-
-
Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia
Your first impression of this attractively designed hotel may be one of spaciousness
6 offers
-
Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador
The Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador enjoys a wonderful location in an elevated position opposite the glorious sands of the Playa del Duque Beach offering unbeatable views of the Atlantic ocean.
3 offers
-
-
Jardin Tropical
Hotel Jardin Tropical is situated on the Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife
8 offers
-
Las Villas Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque
These new villas are sure to delight those who enjoy villa style accommodation with the additional benefits of the services of a leading resort hotel
6 offers
-
-
Mare Nostrum Hotel
Incorporating the former Cleopatra, Julio Cesar and Marco Antonio Palace hotels on the oceanfront
1 offer
-
Royal Garden Villas
Royal Garden Villas occupies one of the most prestigious locations in the south of Tenerife, very close to La Caleta, Adeje and Playa Fanabe.
1 offer
-
-
Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa
This brand new Sheraton hotel is a welcome addition to Tenerife’s sun blessed southern coastline
4 offers
-
Villa Cortes
Villa Cortes is ideally situated in a very attractive and popular area offering an almost limitless choice of shopping, bars and fine restaurants
3 offers
-
-
Vincci Hotel Buenavista
Vincci Hotel Beunavista is the latest addition to the Vincci Collection of Tenerife hotels.
2 offers
-
Vincci La Plantacion del Sur
All the guest rooms of the La Plantacion del Sur face the Atlantic Ocean and a exquisitely designed offering every comfort
12 offers
-
-
Vincci Tenerife Golf
Vincci Hotels has completed a dramatic refurbishment programme, and are proud to inaugurate the ‘new’ Vincci Tenerife Golf
8 offers
-
-
Map
Climate
With two very different climates Tenerife is suitable for almost everyone. From the north where the weather can be cooler and a little wet in the mountainous regions, to the south where the weather is sunny and warm all year round.
Did you know?
The export of locally grown bananas was the economic mainstay of Tenerife between 1870 and 1914 until the First World War and the British blockade robbed the island of its international markets. Although the banana no longer plays a pivotal role in the island’s economy it is still cultivated extensively for export.