Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain with an area of just over two thousand square km. It has a very moderate climate and is often referred to as “Isla de la Eterna Primavera. In English this means “Island of Eternal Spring.” It is a great place to visit for families, couples, and single people and it offers a wide variety of activities for everyone. Transportation is available throughout the island to see everything you want to see.
- Carnival of Santa Cruz: This is the most important of all of the festivals celebrated on Tenerife and is held every year in February. It is the second biggest Carnival in the world. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil holds the largest each year. There is a large parade, costumes, music, food and the party lasts for days.
- Eco Tourism: There is an abundance of things to do for nature lovers. Whale and dolphin watching tours are available. Hike through Anaga Rural Park on the north eastern end of the island. It is home to 120 species of native animals and some of them are extremely rare. Acantilados de los Gigantes are sheer cliffs on the water that have a height of 6oom in places. It is a popular area for divers and fishing. On the southeast end of the island you can go to Badlands of Gumar, a nature reserve that includes an active volcano with a lava flow to the sea. These are just a few of the natural places to visit on the island.
- Food: Tenerife produces cheeses that have won international awards. Most are made from goats milk. Make sure you try Mojos (different sauces served cold made with various ingredients), Canarian Wrinkly Potatoes, Gofio (locally grown grains that are roasted and then ground), locally made honey, and the pork tacos. There is an abundance of fresh seafood available daily. There is also a large selection of international cuisine restaurants available.
- Wine: There are five main areas on the island where grapes are grown and wine is produced. Wine has been produced here since the 16th century and was even mentioned in Shakespeare’s work. The five main areas are Valle de Güímar, Abona, Tacoronte-Acentejo,Ycoden-Daute-Isora, and Valle de La Orotava .
- Beaches: There are thirty two different beaches to explore or just relax on and water sports are available as well.
- Nightlife: You can catch a show, gamble at a casino, dance at one of the many discotheques grab a drink at a pub, or just go for a stroll in the moonlight.
- Fishing: There are many charter companies available that will allow you to try your hand at catching big game like barracudas, sharks, and marlin.
Photo by Pedro Szekely