Tenerife

Tenerife, one of the most popular Canary Islands, is a destination that caters to all. While it draws in more than six million tourists annually with its lively southern resorts, it also offers a different side. Beyond the tourist hubs, you’ll discover a land of unparalleled magnificence and variety, with pristine sandy shores, dramatic landscapes, secluded mountainous hamlets, cultured harbour towns, and enchanting historic villages.

This island is home to the world’s second-largest carnival, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Revellers flock to the island between February and March (depending on when the carnival falls) to join in with the celebration of Spring. The party lasts 15 days and promises joy, music, and vibrant costumes. All the while, the mountainous El Teide stands watch over Tenerife. Plan a day trip to hike the world’s third-largest volcano.

Tenerife offers a rich variety of traditional Spanish cuisine and dishes heavily influenced by the sea. Fish lovers are well catered for and will be in awe over the day’s fresh catch and seafood. Other influences on Tenerife’s menu are from Africa and Latin America. For instance, the famous dish’ Papas Arrugadas’ is a must-try. These are small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in salt water and served with a spicy sauce called ‘Mojo ‘.

Don’t worry if you aren’t a seafood fan. Most restaurants offer a full range of international dishes to cater to the masses of tourists. Bananas are grown in plantations in the wetter north of the island, which you can visit to sample banana-based delicacies and cocktails. A popular local tipple is Ron Miel, a honey-based rum often served after a meal.

Tenerife boasts a warm year-round climate with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. The temperature typically ranges from 22C to 26C in Winter and 26C to 28C in Summer. There is a high level of sunshine all around, but there tends to be more rain to the north of the island.

The warm Mediterranean climate entices Brits to these sunny shores. With a flight time of less than five hours from the UK, Tenerife is a fantastic short getaway destination for some winter sun. However, don’t be fooled into thinking the ocean will be as warm as the air.

Many Canarians are very health conscious, and some visitors travel to the islands for therapeutic benefits. The warm and dry climate may benefit those who suffer from arthritis, rheumatism, and asthma.

Local hospitals are up-to-date and well-equipped, with many English-speaking doctors and dentists. Drinking bottled water is advised. Due to the high levels of sunshine, sunburn is a significant health risk, so take the necessary precautions and also try to avoid dehydration.