A dry, sunny southern section and a green north – Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, lies about 250 km away from the coast of Marocco and about 1300 km removed from the south coast of Spain.
Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest mountein, “El Teide”, at 3.719 meters above sea level. This, like all of the Canary Islands, was formed by volcanic activity, and is in effect still active.
The last eruption on the island took place in 1909 between the Teide massif and mount Teno. Tenerife is very diverse and has been a real magnet for tourists for many years.
Nature & Outdoor
One absolute must for vacationers is a visit to (or, even better, a climb up!) Spain’s highest peak, the Teide. It’s located in the heart of the island landscape and reaches 3.718 m. Of volcanic origin, it is so high that even in this mild climate it’s covered in snow every winter.
Teno Mountain in the northwest leads visitors into deep ravines and steep cliffs with absolutely legendary views.
During your stay on Tenerife, make a point of visiting one of the island’s exciting theme parks. Siam Park, in the south, is a paradise for water lovers. Relish a day full of fun and adventure. In the summer of 2015, Siam Park was again named the world’s best water/amusement park!
Cities & Nightlife
The island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is worth a visit any time of year. Alongside cultural sites, such as the island’s oldest church, the "Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción", this lively city is also the site of bustling promenades where visitors can stop in at a café, enjoy a delicious taste of the island, or shop to their heart’s content!
Carnival, in Puerto de La Cruz, is one of the biggest festivals on Tenerife. It’s also the second largest in the world, a colourful occasion that makes February like no other time on the island.
Looking to dance the night away? We recommend the nightlife in Playa de las Américas or La Laguna, an university town in the north.
Culture & Sports
Culture buffs are bound to find something to suit their tastes on Tenerife. Recommended is the historical museum in San Cristóbal de la Laguna.
For gourmets, the museum of wine, "Casa del Vino" in El Sauzal, is absolutely worth a trip.
Tenerife is also a destination that’ll quicken the pulse of water-sports enthusiasts. The surfing spots are on the northern side, off the beaches of El Socorro and Martianez. Then there are numerous bays for great diving and snorkelling. If you’re seeking an unforgettable day on a boat, you’ll have an array of choices - try the harbour of Colón in Playa de las Americas.
The Teno range is home to one of the most well-known hikes, winding through the Masca gorge down to the ocean. The trail leads through jumbled rock formations and a unique assortment of plantlife. The descent traverses 650 meters; the hike is of medium difficulty and lasts 3.5 hours.