Travel guide – tenerife
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Overview
If there is any spot on the globe that enjoys a perfect climate, Tenerife in the Canary Islands is it. There is markedly little variation in the average temperatures between summer and winter, which hover between 15ºC and 24ºC, and there is only very occasional rain. Throw this in to the mix - of verdant forests in the northern part of the island as well as mountains, deserts, volcanoes, exotic plant and animal life, and spectacular beaches (with black volcanic sand) - and you have a holiday paradise.
Tenerife offers the unique experience of swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful beach while just a few miles away snow sparkles on the crest of Mount Teide. The island’s central mountain stands at 12,200 feet, the highest in Spain, and a cable-car ride to the summit offers unrivalled views of the lunar-like landscape of the volcanic slopes.
The island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is an upbeat town geared for tourism. Its port, where once the first shots of the Spanish Civil War were fired, is today a morass of ferries, jetfoils and freighters.
Over the last 30 years Playa de las Americas has developed from a handful of hotels around a man-made beach to one of Europe’s largest and liveliest package holiday resorts. The sprawling resort is situated on the south west coast of Tenerife and is packed with high-rise hotels, apartment blocks and tourists in search of sun, sand and sangria. There are several good beaches nearby, lots of attractions and activities, a vast choice of bars and restaurants and the some of the best nightlife in the Canary Islands. Those looking for a quieter resort can stay in Los Cristianos, just a 25 minute walk away, or a short taxi or bus ride.
Things to do and see in or around Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos
Teide National Park
The Parque Nacional de las Canadas del Teide was declared a protected area in 1954 and has become recognised as offering one of the most spectacular landscapes of the world, including an enormous volcanic crater with a circumference of 30 miles (48km), out of which rises the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide. In contrast to the coastal regions of Tenerife, winter in the park, which lies at about 6,562ft (2,000m) above sea level, brings snowfall and gale force winds, while in summer temperatures can soar to above 40ºC. A cable car carries visitors to the summit, but many prefer to hike the route to experience the flora and fauna, including rare specimens like the violet of the Teide, the Tajinastes, as well as the many varieties of lizards and birds.
Pirmides de Gmar
On the east coast of Tenerife, south of Santa Cruz, stand six mysterious step pyramids which archaeologists have yet to discern the origin of. The pyramids were initially thought to be just remains of agricultural stone terraces, or random piles of stone cleared from fields by early Spanish settlers. However Thor Heyerdahl, the Norwegian anthropologist who lived in Guimar on Tenerife until his death in 2002, thought differently. His research indicated that the pyramids were constructed on similar principles to those in Mexico, Peru and ancient Mesopotamia. The pyramids are now enclosed in an Ethnographic Park; the site includes a museum, life-size replica of Heyerdahl's reed ship Kontiki, a cafeteria and souvenir shop.
Daily 9.30am to 6pm
Masca
For scenery a visit to the northwest tip of the island of Tenerife, around the picturesque village of Masca, is hard to beat. The village is set in the Teno Mountains, clinging to the slopes of a deep green ravine beside a narrow road full of alarming hairpin bends. Until recently Masca was off the beaten track and not accessible by road. The zigzag drive from Santiago del Teide has now opened up the village and its magical setting, reputed to have once been a pirate’s hideaway. Hikers have popularised a two-hour walk from the village through a gully to the sea at the base of the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Climate
Tenerife has a wonderful climate; the average temperature is comfortable all year round, rarely dropping below 63°F (17°C) and more often above 82°F (28°C) during the day. The cooling breeze ensures that there is little humidity. During winter the evenings can get relatively cold. Rainfall in the summer months is almost non-existent, but showers are likely between October and April.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
The basics
Getting Around
There are plenty of metered taxis available in all resorts and a good, cheap bus service operates around the resorts and between all the main towns on the island; there is nowhere on the island that takes much longer than an hour to get to by bus. Local car rental companies have offices in all the main resorts, and are good value and popular with those wanting to explore the north of the island.
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