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| Tenerife Location |
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Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands that make up the Canary Islands and occupies a central position between the islands of Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma. The island is only just over 300 miles from the African continent and more than 1000 miles south of the Iberian peninsula. Tenerife has an area of almost 2000 square miles. Tenerife like the rest of the Canary Islands, is of volcanic origin. The last of the three eruptions in which the island was created about 3.5 million years ago. The last earthquake in Tenerife, from about 4 on the Richter scale, was in 2002. Tenerife boasts the highest point in Spain, The mountain called Teide (3717 m). Tenerife itself is noticeably different in a very dry southern part and a very wet and green north part of the Island. The Tenerife, Teide ,National Park is on the list of World Cultural Heritage sites. There is the possibility of obtaining a special permit in the offices of the Tenerife national parks to enable guests to climb to the summit.
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| Tenerife History |
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Tenerife consisted at the time of his conquest of nine different "Menceyatos", (the small kingdom) The natives were named the Guanches. Although History tells the Spanish troops under the Adelantado ( "military governor") Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, in the first battle of Acentejo in 1494 delivered a devastating defeat on the Guanches, because of the superior technology. They also had problems because the Spanish "imported" diseases they were not immune to -. As to the other islands of the Canaries, a large proportion of the population of Tenerife succumbed to diseases while immigrants from different parts of Europe to the Spanish Empire (Portugal, Flanders, Italy, Germany) came to the island of Tenerife and settled. After 1520, the original pine forests in Tenerife where cleared to make room for the cultivation of sugar cane. In the following centuries, the economy shifted in Tenerife the cultivation of other products of other goods such as wine and cochineal (for dyes) and bananas. In the 17th and 18th century Tenerife was subjected to many different attacks by the fleets of England (including by Admiral Nelson), in the battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Later less hostile visitors came in the following centuries to Tenerife. The naturalist Alexander von Humboldt 1799 ascended the summit of Mount Teide and was fascinated by the beauty of the island. The tourists began in the 1890s to come to Tenerife in large numbers to visit, especially the northern cities of Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Through fear of his political influence General Francisco Franco, before his ascent to power in March 1936 by the republican government was sent to Tenerife. However, Franco received orders to continue in Gran Canaria in the military coup cooperate, ultimately to the Spanish civil war resulted. The Canary Islands in July 1936 fell under the power of the nationalists and large segments of the population were for fear of opponents of the new government victims of mass executions. In the 1950s, because of the misery of the post-war period, thousands of inhabitants of Tenerife to emigrate to Cuba and other parts of Latin America. Many of them and there relatives will be found there today.
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| Flora and Fauna on Tenerife |
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The island of Tenerife, is made up of an unusually large ecological diversity. This is due primarily to their special ecological conditions under which many micro-climates prevail. This favors the growth of a variety of plants, where almost 1 500 different plant live in perfect harmony with nature. On Tenerife, there are about 150 unique species of plant, and thus the largest collection of endemic flowers through out Europe. We should remember that Tenerife is one of the world's most important natural regions. Nearly half of the island is in a protected regions of the 48 division, primarily the Teide National Park, half a century ago was built. This place, with its many attractions, is considered the best National Park in Spain since 2007 and is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain is home to various wild animals, with more than 6020 species of invertebrates and 110 species of vertebrates, the lush Pine forest is a site to behold and well worth a visit. Tenerife has something for everyone, beaches, forests, mountains, deserts and hotels of all descriptions. |
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| Los Cristianos |
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Los Cristianos is situated 15 km's west of the southern airport (Reina Sofía).This is without a doubt one of the most popular resorts on the Canary Islands. The artificial beaches are very nice and it has a wonderful harbour that offers fishing trips, pleasure cruises, glass bottom boats, diving excursions and ferries to La Gomera.
Los Cristianos tends to attract a slightly older holidaymaker in comparison to Playa de las Américas and has managed to keep a little of its original architecture and atmosphere as a quaint fishing village. But you will need to look hard!
What you will easily find is year round sunshine and a vast array of Pubs, clubs, shops, restaurants (English and German too) and boisterous nightlife.
The nearby AquaPark Octopus is a must for any family. Believe us, your kids could spend their whole holiday there.
Tenerife Zoo and the Eagles Park are also within easy reach of Los Cristianos.
The popular resort of Los Cristianos lies in a sheltered bay in the south-west corner of the island of Tenerife, merging into the more glitzy purpose-built resort of Playa de las Americas. Los Cristianos has burgeoned into a modern package-tour resort from its origins as a sleepy Canarian fishing village, but has managed to retain some of its traditional feel, despite the plethora of modern hotels, shopping centres and apartment blocks. The focal point of the resort is its working harbour, fronted by a square surrounded with restaurants, and sandy beaches encircling a crescent-shaped bay backed by a long, wide promenade that stretches to neighbouring Playa de las Americas. The old town centre stretches from the port up to the main shopping street in a grid-like pattern of pedestrianised streets, still inhabited by many local people. The resort's best beach is man-made, the Playa de las Vistas, covered in sand imported from the Sahara. Being just a few minutes away by cheap taxi from las Americas resort allows holidaymakers in Los Cristianos to enjoy a more sedate stay, while still able to access the bright lights and entertainment facilities of the more boisterous neighbour, especially when it comes to nightlife.
Shopping: One of the joys of holidaying in Tenerife is indulging in duty-free (or low-duty) shopping, and Los Cristianos and surrounds boasts a multitude of shops where it is easy to spend liberally on perfumes, tobacco, electrical goods, cameras and designer clothing. Handcrafts and cultured pearls are also popular buys for souvenir hunters, but these are best sought in reputable stores rather than from seafront hawkers. Local supermarkets stock familiar British brands, particularly those in the large San Eugene Centre. A tourist street market is held in Los Cristianos every Sunday near the Hotel Arona Gran, where most merchandise is cheap and cheerful tat, but there is fun to be had in haggling
Restaurants: Los Cristianos cannot be beaten for the quality and variety of eating establishments available throughout the day and night, from the ubiquitous English breakfast through midday fast-food snacks, to dinner from China, India, Mexico or anywhere else one cares to mention.
Nightlife: Los Cristianos is very well supplied with fun pubs, some discos and a few nightclubs, but the nightlife here is nowhere near as wild and exciting as it is next door in Playa de las Americas. Taxis are plentiful and available round the clock, however, so there is no problem popping off to join in the unadulterated partying in nearby lively spots like Veronicas and The Patch, which are usually jumping and pumping until 6am or so. Those who prefer a more sedate evening will be happy to sit back and unwind at a waterfront bar in Los Cristianos, watching the world go by and perhaps enjoying some restrained live music.
Activities: 'Never a dull moment' could be a phrase coined to suit the southern resort area of Tenerife island, where entertaining attractions and activities abound. The beaches of Los Cristianos are bristling with watersports opportunities, from jet skiing and windsurfing to scuba diving and banana boat rides. The busy little port is the embarkation point for ferry and hydrofoil trips to the nearby islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, as well as boat trips for dolphin and whale viewing. In the immediate vicinity of the resort there are waterparks, an 18-hole golf course and facilities for go-karting, bowling, bungee-jumping, horse and camel riding. Several excursions are on offer, like trips to the capital, Santa Cruz, the Mount Teide National Park or the Tenerife zoo.
Boat Trips from Tenerife: There are a huge number of companies offering boat trips to tourists and these vary from a 'booze cruise' on a cruiser offering lunch, drinks and watersports to a trip around the island on a sailing boat or catamaran. One of the main attractions is the chance to see whales and dolphins in the wild. Visitors on most trips spot whales; dolphins are not so much of a certainty but are generally seen - often very close to the boat. Trips go from either Puerto Colon in Playa de las Americas, or from the port at Los Cristianos and most operators offer a free bus service from the larger hotels in the main resorts.
Big Game Fishing around Tenerife: The Canary Islands are one of the best spots in the world for big game fishing and there are a number of companies who offer fishing trips in Tenerife. While blue marlin are the most highly prized trophy fish there are plenty of other species including white marlin, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and mako and hammerhead sharks. Regular catches of blue marlin range from 331 to 496 pounds (150 to 225kg).
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| Las Americas |
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Overview: Playa de las Americas is Tenerife's largest tourist playground, a purpose-built hedonistic haven for holidaymakers of all ages and stages who come here for fun in the sun from all over the world. The resort is situated in the south of the island near the Reina Sofia Airport. It has grown vastly during its 30 years of existence and now covers three different zones: the original Playa de las Americas, San Eugenio and Toviscas. There are three natural beaches in the resort area and three man-made ones, all covered with dark volcanic sand and extremely crowded during the summer season. The beaches are linked by a long promenade, which winds along the busy waterfront, backed by dozens of high-rise hotels and holiday apartment blocks. A mini train runs around the resort stopping at scheduled points every hour, and there are plenty of free buses to assist visitors in getting around, making the most of the entertainment venues, shops and sports facilities that abound. Don't expect to soak up any Canarian culture while holidaying at Playa de las Americas, but for those who enjoy the hullaballoo of a packaged, carefree summer vacation, the resort will exceed expectations.
Shopping: There is a vast array of shops in Playa de las Americas and visitors can indulge in duty-free delights in the numerous electrical stores and clothing shops. Shoppers should be aware that salesmen can be quite aggressive - bargain hard and remember that the shop next door probably sells the same stuff. The supermarkets offers most of the well-known brands, many imported to cater for the British tourists. Those in the mood for some haggling should go to the Torviscas Market (Thursday and Saturday from 10am); there are great bargains to be had and it's great for presents, but shoppers should get there early as it can get very crowded. A trip to Santa Cruz (one hour by bus) is worthwhile for those looking for designer clothes.
Restaurants: There are restaurants catering for every taste in Playa de las Americas - along the seafront are dozens of fast food stalls and restaurants advertising English breakfasts and Sky TV, but international dishes of all varieties are also offered including Indian, Chinese, some great pasta restaurants and, of course, excellent tapas and local Canary Islands cuisine. Many of the better restaurants are located in the Torviscas areas and in the neighbouring resort of Los Cristianos. There are also some nice restaurants overlooking the marina in Puerto Colon.
Nightlife: With more nightclubs than some British cities, Las Americas is a honey pot for those looking for more of a nocturnal holiday. The area known as The Patch is the best place to start the evening; there is a fine choice of nightspots and most have a happy hour or two. The most popular are Rags and Linekers - all dance bars which play a good mix of Pop, R&B, Dance and 80s party music. Many of the bars have good live music, often with impersonators. Later on the Veronicas complex and the Starco Commercial Centre are the places to head to, or avoid. The streets are packed with revellers until the early hours, particularly during the busy summer months. Bobby's and Busby's are good options for those into RnB and Garage, as is Tramps - the largest club on the island. There are also two casinos at the resort.
Activities: Las Americas has entertainment for all ages including tennis courts, amusement arcades, bowling, water parks and go-carting, and all sorts of watersports can be arranged from the beaches, from jet skiing and windsurfing to scuba diving and banana rides. Bungee jumping can be done at the Sky Park and visitors can swim with dolphins at the Aqua Park. There is an 18-hole golf course on the way to Los Cristianos and horse and camel riding can be arranged nearby. Boat trips leave regularly and bottlenose dolphins and whales are often seen. Other popular excursions include a trip to the capital, Santa Cruz, and to the Mount Teide National Park.
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| Attractions |
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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...
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Pirámides de Güímar
On the east coast of Tenerife, south of Santa Cruz, stand six mysterious step pyramids of which archaeologists have yet to discern the origin. The pyramids were initially thought to be just remains of agricultural stone terraces, or random piles of stone cleared from...
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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...
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