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Dramatic volcanic scenery and black sandy beaches vie for your attention on an island that is just drenched in sunshine all year round. Tenerife may be closer to Africa than Spain but this is most definitely Spanish with relaxed, unhurried days where things hot up as the sun goes down.
Tenerife is also known as the sub-tropical Canary Island, Tenerife boasts plenty of lush vegetation and sophistication and a slightly cooler climate in the north around Puerto de la Cruz, while it's wild and hot down south at Playa de las Americas a favourite for both families and younger tourists alike.
There are plenty of activities available for the more active visitor: parascending, jet skiing, para-gliding, go karting, tennis, golf and the complete range of watersports. The Anaga mountains at the northern tip of the island offer some excellent walking.
Food: Try the paprika potatoes papas arragadas, enjoy the fresh seafood or a bowl of pataje vegetable soup.
Nightlife: The place to go is Playa de las Americas on the Veronica Strip with non-stop music, clubs, bars and casinos. Check out The Arena and Linekers Bar. Puerto de la Cruz hosts a more sophisticated crowd.
Shopping: The Canary Islands are duty free so you'll find plenty of bargains. Santa Cruz itself is cheaper than the resorts especially for spirits and tobacco. Look out for good deals on leather, jewellery, cigars and perfume.
Days out: Ride 12,000ft up a volcano in a cable car on Mt. Tiede, Spain's highest mountain; relax at The Lido Martianez; go on a Jeep safari from Puerto de la Cruz; tigers, dolphins and exotic parrots at Loro Parque; take a trip to one of the smaller Canary islands: La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro.
Visit also the Black Pyramids, that has become a “must” among the places of interest for both tourists and residents of the islands.
Events: According to many people the carnivals are one of the most well-known features of Tenerife and the best after those of Rio de Janeiro.One of the world's largest carnivals dominates Santa Cruz in February, the week before Shrove Tuesday. A second carnival begins in Puerto de la Cruz the Saturday after Shrove Tuesday.
In November, a wine tasting festival can be enjoyed, celebrating San Andrés in Icod, La Orotava, as well as Puerto de la Cruz. Cultural events to keep in mind include the Music Festival of the Canary Islands in June; Opera Season throughout October, November and December, as well as the Sabandeño Festival in September. Tourist information telephone number (UK): +44 (020) 7499 0901. |
Los Cristianos
(25 minutes from Reina Sofia airport). Featuring a pedestrianised old port and the island's best beaches, Los Cristianos is also near the party resort of Playa de las Americas. Lively, but not too loud, with something for everyone.
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Puerto de la Cruz
(75 minutes from Reina Sofia airport). A quiet, sophisticated resort in the lusher, breezier north of the island, where the famous Lido is situated and some notable botanic gardens. The old-town atmosphere suits couples and families best.
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Tenerife airport transfers at fantastic rates. Book your transfers from Tenerife airport to your holiday resort with Europe's leading airport transfer companies. ResortHoppa offers efficient low cost airport transfer solutions for the holiday maker who chooses to travel independently. ResortHoppa will take you by taxi, minibus, or coach and on many routes have airport to resort shuttle transfers that run 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. So whatever transfer type you require you can always be sure that ResortHoppa will have a transfer tailored just for you.
Tenerife (TFS) Reina Sofia airport is the main gateway to this isle as well as having another at the north of the island near Santa Cruz. ResortHoppa transfers take you anywhere on the island from Santa Cruz in the north, down to Los Cristianos in the south. Other resorts on the island Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes, Puerto de Santiago, Playa de la Arena and Loro Parque to name but a few.
ResortHoppa will take you by private taxi, minibus, or coach transfer from your airport to your chosen resort. |
