Tenerife has been called the ‘paradise island’ because of its year round sunshine and stunning beaches. Year after year tourists flock to the island to enjoy the friendly hospitality of the locals, the variety of good food and the sub-tropical climate.

Just off the coast of Africa, the island has a varied interior offset by glorious resorts bubbling happily around the coast. Tenerife has the highest peak in Spain – Mount Teide. A short drive up this volcano will take you from dry scrubland through alpine forests, cactus fields and into the lunar landscape at the top. Drive to the north of the island and discover the lush green vegetation of the rainy part of the island. This continent in miniature is a lovely place to both relax and explore, in the warm sunshine of your villa holiday.

Six reasons to visit Tenerife

Year round sunshine

Wide sandy beaches and pretty hidden coves

Family friendly resorts with good facilities

Varied and scenic landscape

Fine food and colourful fiestas

Lively nightlife

Go… to the beach

Take time to explore the magnificent coastline of Tenerife. Sheltered coves and plunging cliffs, wide sweeping bays with fine white sand, popular beaches with water sports, to secluded inlets for private interludes – there is something on the island for everyone to enjoy on their villa holiday in the sun. The south is home to wide stretches of man-made white sand, offering every beach holiday activity – water sports, changing facilities, sun beds and parasols. Set amid breezy palm trees, these resorts have exceptional facilities and a host of restaurants, bars and shops. Many of the beaches in this area have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.

Go… exploring

Tenerife is the perfect island to discover your love of the sea. Aquariums, exotic sea life centres, boat trips along the coast, excursions to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat – these are just some of the things on offer. The family may enjoy a day at one of the many water parks or take part in the variety of water sports on offer. Inland is the majestic Monte Teide, the island’s dormant volcano, a beautiful national park and the leafy rainforests of the north, with their spectacular views and exotic wildlife.

Go… shopping

Tenerife enjoys duty free status, so shopping on the island is not only fun, but it will also save you money! Corté Ingles department store in Santa Cruz is one of the most popular shopping centres on the island, but there are several others. In the south, local market sell pretty embroidery, local ceramics, volcanic sculptures and other traditional handicrafts. There are larger shopping centres in the big resorts such as Playa de las Americas which sell international brands and designer goods. Perfume and spirits are popular purchases because of their value for money.

Go…out after sunset

Depending where you are on the island, nightlife can be very lively, or quite sedate. Around Playa de las Americas there are a host of bars, restaurants, discos and nightclubs offering the opportunity to party into the early hours. On the south of the island, Spanish dancing, live tribute bands and traditional shows are also popular. Los Cristianos is much quieter, with tranquil, sophisticated evening entertainment revolving around evening dining. Canarians traditionally eat late, so these place stay open well into the night, so a leisurely meal can fill an entire evening.

Take time to go…

Take a climb to the top of Monte Teide, the island’s dormant volcano. Enjoy the epic views from the summit.

Take a boat trip along the coast. Enjoy the feel of sun on your face as you relax on the deck – maybe you’ll spot a dolphin or two…

Take the family to an aqua park for a day of fun in the water – there are two at the south of the island.

Join in a Canarian fiesta. They take place throughout the summer and are a riot of music, dancing, fireworks and colourful costumes – a tradition not to be missed.

Maybe the family would enjoy a day at the island’s animal sanctuary. Take a look at polar bears, sharks and watch the colourful parrots.

Take a day trip and discover the mysteries of the Black Pyramids of Tenerife. The origin of these interesting structures is argued over by experts.

Take a boat out on the glorious ocean – watch the dolphins play and try to spot whales, or simply sit on the deck and soak up the sun. The Canary Island Cruising School operates out of Adeje.

Getting there

Most low cost airlines fly into Tenerife’s southern airport Reina Sofia. Search our flight database for the easiest way to book, or call us to arrange all your travel needs.

Most people hire a car for their villa holiday and leading car rental companies have branches at the airport. We recommend you book a car in advance, and we can easily do this for you online.

If you don’t want to hire a car, we can arrange transfers for you to your villa, or metered taxis are readily available at the airport.

Climate

Language

Tenerife is part of the Canary Islands, so Spanish is spoken. Most locals have excellent English but any attempt to speak the national language is much appreciated.

Currency

Euro.

Time Difference

Tenerife is the same time as the UK all year round.

Holidays and Festivals

The whole of February erupts into colourful life for a Carnival which rivals that of Rio de Janeiro. There are other local festivals throughout the year, and the following are public holidays on Tenerife:

January 1 - New Year’s Day
February 2 - Tenerife’s Patron
March/April - Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 1 - Labour Day
May 3 - Day of the Cross
May 30 - Canary Islands’ Day
May/June - Corpus Christi
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin
October 12 - National Day
November 1 - All Saints Day
December 6 - Constitution Day
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 25 - Christmas Day