Holiday Guides - Tenerife

A Guide to Tenerife by Global Holidays

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and lies just 9 miles from the coast of Africa. It is dominated by Mount Teide, the highest mountain peak in Spain. The north of the island is green and lush with tropical plants and banana plantations, whilst the south is barren with volcanic rock and desert like scrub.

Tenerife has warm weather all year round and it has good quality hotels. It is easy to see why Tenerife is so popular with holidaymakers of all ages. The name Canary Islands has nothing to do with yellow songbirds but comes from the Latin name for dog!

So, which resort do you choose? Here is our resort guide for more detailed information.

Playa de Las Americas

Set amongst a backdrop of desert mountains, it is a product of the age of the package holidays and there was nothing here until the first developments of the 1960's.

Nothing like this had hit the island since 1494, when the Spaniards first conquered then enslaved the fierce natives.

Now the liveliest resort it is ideal for sun worshipers and pleasure seekers. It has a pleasant promenade with some impressive modern architecture but it is essentially unplanned and characterless.

Las Americas has many duty free shops selling cameras, watches and jewellery at scarcely discount prices and it also has dozens of expensive supermarkets.

Playa de Las Americas is great for families and most age groups, but quiet thoughtful types should look elsewhere!

Los Cristianos lies on the south coast in a sheltered bay. It is 3km. to Playa de Las Americas and 15km. to the airport. There is more of a Mediterranean laid back atmosphere here with plenty of shops and bars around the harbour. This is the starting point for boat trips to the island of La Gomera. Playa de Las Americas has some of the finest 4 and 5 star hotels in Spain, and if you play golf there are some excellent golf courses as well.

Puerto de la Cruz

This is the oldest and most attractive of the major resorts with plenty of old houses built in traditional Canarian style.

The town lies on a rocky coastline with three small beaches of black sand.

The weather on this side of the mountain can be cloudier and a little cooler that the resorts in the south, due to the influence of the nearby mountains.

Not to be missed are the Botanical Gardens, with more than 4,000 exotic plants and the Lido Martinez, an area of 7 saltwater pools surrounded by attractive gardens.

Los Gigantes

Takes its name from the majestic cliffs, which rise from vertically out of the water. It is quiet and remote but there is still plenty to do. Why not try whale watching or shark fishing. Local bars and good restaurants provide a low-key relaxed nightlife.

Factfile

• Mount Teide, the volcanic peak that dominates the island, is 12,402 feet high

• The Octopus Water Park, near Playa de Las Americas makes a good day out.

• Tenerife has its own wine, but it is expensive

• Papas Arrugades are jacket potatoes cooked in salt water

• Mojo Picon is a hot and spicy sauce served with meat

• The currency used in The Canary Islands is the Euro

• Buses run regularly around each of the resort

Call Global Holidays on 0870 125 2960 for all the latest last minute holiday offers to Tenerife. We can offer a fantastic range of discount holidays to Tenerife. Because we deal with over 300 tour operators we can offer amazing choice and low prices on holidays to Tenerife.