Tips for Travelling to Tenerife

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The Canary Islands are a popular travel destination, but have you ever considered going to Tenerife? This is a unique island destination that is great for people who want something a little different for their next trip.

Where is Tenerife?

Tenerife is the biggest island in the Canary Islands. This Canary Islands are a chain of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. They are located off the Southwest coast of Spain. If you were to pull up a map of the Canary Islands, then you would see that Tenerife is the largest one. It is located to the west of Gran Canaria, which is the capital island of the Canary Islands.

Tenerife is a destination that has near-universal appeal. It is a varied island, with something for everyone to enjoy. There are some incredible volcanic landscapes, and there are some great dining opportunities - with food and wine that is inspired by Barcelona. The boardwalks and resorts may remind you of Maui, and the sandy beaches are reminiscent of Costa Rica. You don't have to leave the island to enjoy new experiences, they are all right there.

Travelling to Tenerife

Tenerife has two airports - one located in the southern area of the island, and one to the north. This means that it is very easy to get to. In addition to being well served by aircraft, there are also boats that will take you to one of the two seaports. It is possible to fly to Tenerife from Madrid, and Madrid is an airport that is well-served by flights from the east coast of the USA. Indeed it is possible to get to Tenerife from the USA for less than $500 at the right time of year. Once you're on the island, you can travel by public transport, drive a hire car on well-maintained highways, or take a taxi. It is very easy to get around.

Exploring Tenerife

Mt Teide in Tenerife is the highest peak in the whole of Spain, and it divides the island into two halves - the north is full of culture, and the south is a bustling and more built up area. There are almost 250 miles worth of coastline, with 43 miles of beaches, including both black sand and white sand.

The lush north features Spanish colonial cities, including La Laguna, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is well worth visiting Garachico, the old colonial port. In addition, you should explore the lava pool formations, which are a unique geological phenomenon. The last volcanic eruption on the island was in the 1790s, and it formed these stunning pools, which you can get up close to, and even swim in. The terrain in the north is stunning and exotic - and yet the south is just an hour's drive away, for when you want to return to the sandy beaches and the coastal towns.

The Weather in Tenerife

Tenerife is known as the island of eternal spring, and the climate is quite balanced, all year round. The island is perfect for those who like a bit of adventure, offering ample opportunity to explore. You will have the chance to go hiking through the fern forests, or maybe try your hand at an extreme sport or activity such as paragliding. The island has four separate micro-climates, so you will never get bored - whatever you prefer to enjoy you will find your ideal climate somewhere here. That's a part of the reason that it is such a hugely popular holiday destination.

The weather in Tenerife is almost always very mild and you are nearly always guaranteed sunshine for the majority of the year.

Great Attractions in Tenerife

If you are looking for something to do, then you will be glad to know that there are some amazing national treasures. The Teide National Park is located 12,198 above sea level, and is a great site for those who love nature. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it offers some incredible opportunities for stargazing.
If you're more of an under-water person then it is well worth diving, because the crystal-clear waters offer some chances to spot a huge range of marine life, and it's a great place for whale watching too. On dry land, you'll find that there are some great dining options, with stunning vineyards, great traditional restaurants, and some stunning fine dining. You'll also find plenty to see and do for families. There's a great zoo, and the 10 mile long Cueva del Viento has to be seen to be believed. It's a 'cave of wind', and is famous for being the longest lava tube in the whole of Europe.

There are some excellent excursions in Tenerife that are very reasonably priced and will make your visit a memorable one.

Language and Culture

The official language of the island is Spanish, but English is widely spoken on the resorts and at the main tourist destinations so you should not have any issues getting around or communicating. The island can get quite busy around the time of some festivals. It is home to the second biggest Carnival in the world - with the biggest being the one that takes place in Rio de Janeiro. If you are planning on visiting during the carnival then you should aim to take part - get dressed up and really immerse yourself. If the idea of the full Carnival is too much to you, head to one of the villages during June to September to sample a mini carnival, known as a Romario.

Tenerife is unique in that it gives you the chance to experience a little bit of everything in one place. Why not find out more on Tenerife Forum to make your trip a memorable one to the island or get the very latest info on the Tenerife Facebook page.

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