A guide to Tenerife – culture, carnival, sunshine, sandy beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes

With pristine beaches to make every sun worshipper’s jaw drop, luxurious resorts, fine dining and exhilarating nightlife, it’s easy to see how Tenerife, or the ‘Island of Eternal Sunshine’, has become one of the world’s most popular resort islands. Those with a sense of adventure or a thirst for culture will not be left disappointed. Not to be overlooked is the rich cultural history of the island. Alongside water sports, whale and dolphin watching and family fun, Tenerife is home to the second largest carnival on Earth, the third largest volcano, and beautiful old towns steeped in history – each region offering something new to draw you in.

Joe CawleyMy Destination local expert onTenerifeSanta Cruz

 

The island’s capital is a chic, cosmopolitan city bustling with activity. Whether it’s fine dining, authentic tapas or a salsa club, when it comes to eating and entertaining Santa Cruz has it all. Being the island’s capital it is also a great place to hit the shops or to take in some culture from a gallery, a garden or a museum. The Santa Cruz ‘Carnaval’, held annually in February and March, is home to the largest, loudest, most vibrant and most colorful of the island’s Carnaval celebrations and is thought to be the second biggest carnival in the world, smaller only to that in Rio de Janeiro. Attracting over 300,000 people from all over the globe - it’s a high energy explosion of music, dance, elaborate costumes and a lot of color! With the city’s Plaza de España elaborately decorated and brimming with an array of kiosks and stalls, lively performers and musicians – it’s impossible not to feel festive.

 

Where to stay

• Playa de las Americas

  Average hotel prices
  • 3 stars$80
  • 4 stars$196
  • 5 stars$323
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• Los Cristianos

  Average hotel prices
  • 3 stars$133
  • 4 stars$133
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• Costa Adeje

  Average hotel prices
  • 3 stars$104
  • 4 stars$199
  • 5 stars$440
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Puerto de la Cruz – The North

 

For those who want to visit the north of the Island, Puerta de la Cruz is the biggest resort, and is the original resort area in Tenerife. Built around what once was the Island’s main commercial harbour you’ll find both modern amenities and a rich history – there are still cannons guarding the harbor! After Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz is also known as one of the best places to visit during Carnaval.

 

Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje - The South

 

The three main resort areas of the south are built on old banana plantations and are surrounded by charismatic towns and villages. For those who want to enjoy the water sports, the dolphin and whale watching, the opportunity to swim with turtles, as well as the scuba diving and golf that the island is known for, these are fantastic places to visit.

 

La Laguna & Garachico

 

A UNESCO World Heritage site well worth a visit is La Laguna, the Island’s former capital. This University City is brimming with beautiful mansions, dating from as early as the 16th century, as well as traditional tapas bars, antique stores and bookshops. The town of Garachico is another very popular day trip destination. It was once the wealthiest town on the island but was buried under lava in a volcanic eruption in 1706. The town is full of colonial mansions, narrow streets and received the ‘tail end’ of the lava flow following the last eruption.

 

La Orotava

 

Traditionally La Orotava was home to the Island’s aristocrats and as such is home to some of Tenerife’s most beautiful architecture, in particular traditional and beautiful balconied houses. There is also a Gothic church, Casa Lercaro a beautiful town hall and picturesque Italian gardens. Be warned, the streets here can get steep so it’s advisable to wear comfortable footwear for walking.