The traveller´s page: Tenerife

Do you know ...

...which Canary Island offers the greatest contrasts?

Yes, we're on Tenerife's web site, but... why?

The spectacular differences you'll find are due to the climatic extremes between the northern half - lush and humid; and the south - dry and sunny. Tenerife's landscape is sharp and steep; on the same day you could have a swim at the beach then go up Mt. Teide, at 3,718 m., for a snow ball fight... unique, right?

Mt. Teide is Spain's highest peak and the most symbolic of the charms Tenerife has to offer. But there are many more. You can visit craters, lava formations, cliffs, black and white-sand beaches, creeks and natural swimming pools. It is the biggest of the seven isles.

...Volcanoes everywhere!

The Chinyero volcano had its last eruption only 90 years ago! But don't worry, Tenerife is a safe place to enjoy a special holiday anytime of the year.

Which are the most interesting places on the Island?

Gosh! Three days (or 200 web pages) would be needed to tell you about the places not to be missed!

Well... I can't hang around that long...

Okay! I'll try to summarise for you, but remember it's just a little bit of what you can discover in Tenerife.

Got it!

Is Mt. Teide as spectacular as it looks in pictures?

Yes! It's incredible how this mountain stretches from the sea up through the clouds. You have the chance to go up to the top, the first section by cable car, then walking the last few metres. And the sight is breathtaking. It's one of the few spots on earth where the sea can be seen from the top of such a high mountain. Mt. Teide is the heart of 'Las Cañadas Natural Park, a huge protected area 17 km. across, of huge lava forms, steep cliffs, vertical walls and volcanic rocks.

I've heard about a big manmade lake constructed beside the sea.

Puerto de la Cruz, where the lake is set, is the most important tourist spot of the Island, and has the most accommodations. Since it lacks a beach, this saltwater lake was built. Do you fancy a swim?

There are lots of beaches in Tenerife. The most popular are along the south shore: 'Los Cristianos' and 'Las Américas' with grey sand and surrounded by hotels and apartments. Going up along the east coast is 'El Médano', a long bay beach preferred by windsurfers because of its strong winds; and more to the north, the 'Teresitas' beach with white sand imported from The Sahara.

The Orotava Valley serves as an example of the north's fertility extending to the limits of 'Las Cañadas' Park on the west shore of the Island. It's completely covered with banana plantations and orchards.

I've heard about a unique tree native to Tenerife.

Yes, it's called the Dragos and survives thanks to the particular climate found on the island. They can reach as high as 20 metres and as much in width at the base of the truck. You can see the oldest ones in the world here.

How old?

Not less than 600 to 800 years old. It's in 'Icod de los Vinos'. Also here you can visit 'La Cueva del Viento' (the 'Wind Cave'), the largest volcanic cavity in the world.

Well... that's all right! I loved the virtual trip.

You haven't seen it all! If you really want to know Tenerife, you have to come here to discover its many wonders...