Tenerife
is the Canary Island of contrasts. There is lush
sub tropical vegetation, flora and fauna in the
north, with an arid desert type terrain in the
south and the spectacular National Park which surrounds
the extinct volcano, El Teide, at the centre of
the island. The main resorts are located in both
the north and south of the island, an increasing
number of clients are staying in the smaller villages
away from the most popular areas.
On the south coast there are a selection of resorts.
LOS CRISTIANOS, originally a small fishing port has
far outgrown its origins. It now sports a harbour full
of yachts, a sandy beach and an excellent choice of
bars & restaurants. A short distance to the west
is its larger brasher neighbour PLAYA DE LAS
AMERICAS.
This is the largest and best known resort in the south
with palm lined avenues a long seafront promenade,
beaches and a varied nightlife. The hotels provide
an oasis of calm with their landscaped grounds and
swimming pools. Further along the coast you come to
COSTA ADEJE, where every effort has been made by the
local authorities to create an area of quality hotels
with plenty of facilities. The atmospheric fishing
village of La Caleta adds old world charm to the Costa
Adeje and provides a choice of fine fish restaurants.
At the southwest corner of the island, PUERTO
SANTIAGO has become well known, overlooking the scenically famous
Los Gigantes cliffs. There are a few fishing boats
still using the port flanked by the old fisherman's
huts, bars and restaurants in the old town , a new
yacht marina and the Playa Arena - a fine beach of
black sand.
In the hills a few kilometres behind Los Cristianos
is the town of GRANDILLA with its authentic atmosphere
of a bustling market town. There are fishing villages
along the coast at Los Abrigos and El Medano that have
a good choice of restaurants.
Tenerife has something for everyone, fine hotels, reliable
year round weather, spectacular countryside and clean
seas. No wonder the island remains the most popular
of the Canary Islands for British visitors.
In
complete contrast to the South Coast the
North of the island is very fertile full
of colourful plants, graceful palm trees
and green valleys, enjoying a sub tropical
climate - a mixture of sunshine and rain.
The north is the main agricultural area
on the island, there are pretty historic
towns, and every area is capped by spectacular
views of Mount Teide in the background,
whose peak is covered by snow for most
of the year.
PUERTO DE LA CRUZ is the original holiday
resort on the island, a very attractive old
Canarian town that has a wealth of historical
buildings with lots of character many of
these buildings are in the western part of
the town and the older parts of the centre
of the town much of it pedestrianised. in
the centre can be found several good restaurants
some in converted 'old classic colonial family
homes'.There is also a good selection of
bars, shops and the spectacular Martinez
Lido with it's sea waters pool and artificial
lake, and the world renowned Botanical Park.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE is the capital city
of Tenerife, a bustling port city with wide
avenues interspersed with squares. There
are parks, museums, a stunning 19th century
theatre,( interior) The Teatro Guimera, some
interesting churches, including the Inglesia
de la Conception, some very good restaurants,
marvellous shopping, and including the new
Auditorio de Tenerife which houses opera
and concerts. The city is quite easy for
walking with the areas of interest spreading
out from the Plaza de Espana in the central
grid.
GARACHICO is another town of great interest
in the north, smaller than Puerto, although
offering good sightseeing in it's old squares
and streets, where now many old houses are
being beautifully restored and converted
into hotels.
LA OROTAVA, the town one of the prettiest
on the island is only 8 kms inland from Puerto
de la Cruz, it gives it's name to the surrounding
valley, it is a very graceful old town with
some lovely old houses, some very palatial
indeed, including the Casa Fonseca, one of
the 'twelve' ' Doces', marvel at the aged
worked teak balconies and the stunning patio
interior. Become a day only member of the
Liceo de Taora a patrician mansion now a
club, it's well worth the modest fee to have
a drink on the patio and enjoy the ambience,
then view the stunning interior. There really
is too much to mention in this surprising
town, 3 museums at least two stunning churches,
marvellous gardens, so do look up the tourist
office before you start your tour, or buy
a good guide book. Remember that the old
quarter is uphill from the newer part of
town.
"
The north of Tenerife is far less commercialised
than the south, the scenery is spectacular
and an ideal for a non-beach holiday."
