As a tourist destination Tenerife is a well-trodden path, but how can you really make sure you get the best out of those precious summer holiday if you’re travelling there for the first time this year? Try these 10 tips for first time holidaymakers in Tenerife and make sure you have the holiday of a lifetime.
1. Pick Your Season
Because Tenerife has one of the smallest temperature variations in Europe, it’s the perfect place to visit all year round. Brave the summer season for lots of lively nightlife and a deep, summer tan, visit in winter for warm breezes and a slower pace of life, or travel to the country in February during carnival season to witness the colourful local culture first hand.
2. Party On
Like any holiday paradise, Tenerife has a well-established nightlife where you can party from dawn to dusk if you so wish. Head to the clubs of the south coast to dance the night away, or look out for the frequent fiestas which are always lively occasions with plenty of drinking and dancing in the street.
3. Climb a Mountain
3,718 metres above sea level Mount Teide, the third largest volcano in the world. It hasn’t erupted since 1909 so it’s safe to climb and there are fantastic views out over the entire Canarian archipelago from its summit. You can walk the volcano on foot, or take a cable car, which will drop you off 200 metres from the top.
4. Hit The Green
Tenerife is a haven for golf lovers as there are no less than seven championship gold courses on the island. If golf is your thing then you will feel right at home here on courses designed by the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Dave Thomas.
5. Under The Sea
The warm waters around the coast of Tenerife make for perfect diving conditions. The underwater volcanic basalt columns are a haven for all kinds of aquatic life, including barracuda, rays, octopus, parrotfish, and trumpet fish. Most resorts will over the opportunity to go diving or snorkeling. If you’d rather stay above the waterline, you can sign up for one of the many Catamaran cruises and go dolphin watching instead.
6. Walk
Tenerife is covered by a network of trails that were initially trodden by the island’s first inhabitants, the Guanche. From the volcanic landscapes, to the palm groves and ancient rainforests, there is so much to see on Tenerife and you can cover it all with these ancient trails.
7. Explore
Tenerife is within easy reach of other Canarian islands and it is almost a crime not to spend some time exploring the area. Take a boat to Gran Canaria, the most populous island in the Canaries, or visit the lovely peaceful island of La Palma that is a wildlife haven and has not succumbed to mass tourism.
8. Eat
Food in the Canary Islands combines traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin American influences and sampling the local cuisine is the best way to get to know the culture of Tenerife. Tapas is common throughout Tenerife and a few small plates with a cool beer is a delicious way to start an evening. Make sure you try ‘mojo sauce’ – the true taste of the Canary Islands - and don’t leave without sampling ‘churros’, the hot, fried Spanish donuts dipped in chocolate. The ‘Guachinches’ (local tavernas) are a great place to get to know local cuisine.
9. Go On Safari
Although Tenerife might not seem like the obvious place to head out on safari, this has become a popular pastime with tourists visiting the area. Jeep safaris pick up from most of the major tourist resorts and will take you on a drive through spectacular landscapes, including major Tenerife landmarks like Rocks of Garcia and Mount Teide, as well as drives that take in panoramic views of the coast.
10. Park It
As well as the many natural attractions of Tenerife, there are also some rather thrilling man made ones. Visit Las Aguilas Jungle Park, which has more than 500 animals, as well as suspension bridges to climb and waterfalls to splash in; or head to brand new waterpark Siam Park based on the ancient oriental kingdom of Thailand; finally, try Loro Parque and hang out in the botanical gardens or go to see the killer whale show.