As we inch ever-closer to the colder months, you may be starting to think about getting yourself some winter sun. Spain’s Canary Islands are an ideal choice thanks to their year-round great climate, but then there is the matter of picking which one to visit. Well, in this article, we are going to be talking about one of the most popular – Tenerife.
With a cultural capital, historic sites, beautiful beaches and some stunning natural scenery, there are so many different reasons why the island may be ideal for you. Accommodation choices are varied depending on your preferences and budget so take a look at Tenerife villas on Interhome.co.uk. Here are just a few of the main activities you can enjoy on the island.
Climb Spain’s Highest Peak
In the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Teide National Park stands the eponymous volcano which looms 3,718m upwards. Most people choose to reach the summit via the convenient cable car. Be warned though, you will need to book at least a few weeks in advance if you want to get right to the summit as the number of visitors is limited to protect the volcano. There are plenty of other trails that you can take so you can fully appreciate Teide and the surrounding landscape.
Ride the Water Slides at Siam Park
A very different attraction but another one of Tenerife’s most famous is Siam Park. It is a must for thrill-seekers to try out the wide range of slides and rides in the Thai-themed park, and it is certainly considered one of the best of its kind in Europe. If you are travelling here with kids, there is a great children’s play area with plenty of games to try out.
Visit the Beaches
It pretty much goes without saying that you should take a trip to some of the island’s many beaches. There is a wide range of options including black volcanic, golden sandy and rocky beaches depending on what you are looking for. For people who love their water sports, El Medano on the south coast is the place you will want to head over to. Over by the capital of the island Santa Cruz, you have Playa de la Teresitas which is man made with sand imported all the way from the Sahara Desert.
Spot Some Whales and Dolphins
The chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment is a once in a lifetime experience for many people. There are plenty of tours which depart from various places on the south coast. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot some sharks and turtles as well. But whales and dolphins are what you came for and there are a number of different species which call the waters around the Canary Islands their home.
Enjoy the Carnevale in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is not only the capital of Tenerife, it is also the main city in the Canary Islands so it is well worth a visit whatever time of year you decide to go. But if you are able to coincide your trip with the annual Carnevale which takes place in the last week of February, this is certainly an experience that you won’t forget. The whole week is like one big party in the streets, and it is certainly one of the great outdoor events to see in the Canary Islands, and the whole of Europe!
Wander the Streets of San Cristobel de la Laguna
One of the most interesting and historic towns in Tenerife is San Cristobel de la Laguna. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it is easy to feel like you have stepped back in time when you are wandering these streets. A couple of the main sights include Laguna Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Concepcion. But it is also pleasant to sit in one of the local tavernas to enjoy some of the local cuisines.
Scuba Dive around the Tabaiba Shipwreck
Off the north coast of the island beneath the ocean, scuba divers can swim down to see the Tabaiba shipwreck for themselves. Though it’s not from a ‘real’ shipwreck (the boat was deliberately sunk back in 2006) plenty of marine life has gathered around including octopus, mackerel and barracudas. If you have not got your scuba diving license yet, there are schools offering these qualifications,
Hike Up to Masca Village
The ‘lost’ village of Masca feels a long way away from the resorts on the Costa Adeje, but people who want to get away from the crowds for a while will certainly want to go on this 3 to 5-hour hike. The rock behind the village has led some to liken it to a mini Macchu Picchu, and you will certainly want to stop for plenty of photo opportunities as you trek along the ravine in the direction of the village. When you want to head back, you can take a water taxi to Los Gigantes.
See the Wildlife at Loro Parque
Twinned with Siam Park, Loro Parque Zoo is another of the most-visited attractions in Tenerife. The parrots are what made this place famous to start off with, but now there is a diverse range of animals to see including whales, tigers and alligators. There is also an aquarium on site, as well as a Thai-style village and children’s play area.
Go Caving in Cueva del Viento
Once you’ve been up to the highest point of the island, you should also check out what is going on beneath your feet. These caves were created by lava from the eruption of the Pico Viejo volcano. A tour guide will navigate the labyrinth of underground tunnels where you will sometimes feel like you have stepped into another world.
These are just 10 reasons why Tenerife is such a special tourist destination, and since it is one you can visit all year round, it is always a good time to look at coming here.
Comments are closed.