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[heleny]

This beautiful island is the largest of the seven Canary Islands and can be found off the north west coast of Africa. Tenerife boasts the highest point in Spain known as Mount Teide. This volcano is a hugely popular tourist destination that draws visitors back year after year. Tenerife offers everything from stunning beaches and historical buildings to quaint fishing quays, volcanoes and the perfect climate.


Getting there
Being an island, there are only two ways to get to Tenerife. Most people prefer to fly into one of the two airports, as this is the quickest and most convenient option. Tenerife has two airports: Los Rodeos International Airport in the north and the more modern Reina Sofia International Airport in the south, both offering frequent flights to destinations worldwide, particularly in the summer months. It is also possible to reach the island via boat from Cadiz, Spain; however, this is a lengthy and costly way of reaching Tenerife’s shores. Flights are available from most major airports throughout the UK including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and all London airports. Flight times from the UK are approximately 4 hours long.


Climate
The weather in Tenerife changes considerably depending on your location. The warmest climate can be found on the south and west sides of the island. Interestingly, Tenerife features the lowest temperature difference between summer and winter for anywhere in the world, with the minimum and maximum annual average air temperatures in Tenerife registering at about 15C in winter and 24C in summer – making it a great place to visit all year round.


Culture
With the wonderful climate, there are many festivals and celebrations in the Canary Islands, with each city having its own patron saint, which has led the locals to joke that every day is a festival day on the islands. The annual Mardi Gras festival in Santa Cruz takes place in February and is the second largest Mardi Gras festival in the world and is a must see for anyone visiting at this time.


Eating out
When it comes to eating out in Tenerife, you are spoilt for choice. Tenerife restaurants offer a rich and diverse array of food which cater for all tastes and budgets. Those looking for international flavours will not be disappointed, with everything from upmarket French restaurants to Indian takeaways, fast-food outlets and Greek tavernas on offer. The huge influx of internationally diverse visitors has also ensured the development of many chic and trendy cafés and bars, with some resorts boasting lively nightclubs.


Sightseeing
Tenerife is a naturally beautiful island and while there are several popular manmade attractions, the island’s natural sites by far surpass any of the resort’s modern day appeals. The Anaga mountain range offers stunning scenery, while geological formations such as Barranco del Infierno, the deepest ravine in the Canaries, and the lunar landscapes found near Vilaflor are unique to the island. Visit Las Cañadas del Teide national park for even more stunning landscapes including volcanic cones and craters (and Spain’s highest mountain), or make a trip to Esperanza Forest where you can enjoy walks among vast stretches of pine.

Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes means “the Giants” in English. Acclaimed as one of the most stunning locations of natural beauty in the Canary Islands, Los Gigantes features a beautiful Marina, which is the focal point of the town, while the sky scraping cliffs dominate the Los Gigantes horizon.

Botanical Gardens
In Puerto Cruz, the Botanical Gardens will impress even those who are not interested in flowers. The gardens feature an incredible collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants.

Santa Cruz
La Laguna Santa Cruz is the capitol of Tenerife and is a vibrant city with a mixture of historical and modern architecture. Here you will find pedestrian shopping areas, museums, pretty gardens and many other cultural events. Monuments and other important buildings line the streets and it is a fascinating contrast to the surrounding landscapes.

Playa de la Arena
Playa de la Arena has one of the finest beaches on the island. Playa, with an array of bars and restaurants.


Excursions

Day trip to Mount Teide
The Canary Islands’ most visited tourist attraction; the mountain is well worth a visit. Mount Teide is 3718 meters high and is the highest mountain in Spain. It is also the world's third largest volcano and is still active, although the last eruption occurred in 1909. Access to the summit is either by foot (for which a permit is required) or by cable car that will carry you almost to the summit. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking and in one direction you can see Gran Canaria and in the other La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

*Aqualand Costa Adeje
This family water offers superb dolphin shows and is a great place to spend a whole day with the family.

*Jungle Park
75,000 square metres of jungle and over 500 animals together creates this dazzling eco system in the south of Tenerife.

*2 Parks Ticket:
Aqualand Costa Adeje Waterpark + Jungle Park:
Adults (from 13 years old): €29.00
Children 4 to 12 years old: €19.00

[GerryW80]

I have never had a chance to visit Tenerife but have been heraing about the place quite too much recently, and now your post has gotten me more interested in visiting the place:)