Only four hours from Gatwick and with a year-round great climate of 23 degrees, what’s’ not to love about Tenerife? As the count-down to spring and summer holidays begins, here are our favourite things about the classy Canary. BY JUDITH BAKER
Ten reasons to love Tenerife:
1 Only four hours from Gatwick with flights from British Airways and budget airlines including Monarch and easyjet.
2 It’s not just about the beaches! There are some great golf courses, mountain biking and hiking trails… .. Adventurers can try their hand at kite surfing, scuba diving or stand up paddle boarding.
3 Having said that, the beaches are amazing… The South of the island is filled with sun-drenched beaches, such as the golden sands of Guimar, Adeje, Las Vistas and Las Galletas. There is also a fabulous stretch of beach near the capital, Santa Cruz, called Las Teresitas.
4 The North is a nature lover’s paradise and has stunning black sand beaches which are said to be beneficial for circulation and skin. Seek out the secluded El Bollullo and Los Patos.
5 Mount Teide is Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 metres above sea level and home to many species of fauna and flora. The Teide National park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a visit to just beneath the volcanic cone by cable car to see the sunset is a must.
6 Tenerife has some of amazing food and drink, to sample it at its best do a gastronomy tour which includes a visit to Bodegas Monje a picturesque family-owned winery on 17 hectares of land in El Sauzal, which produces 14 different wines and the restaurant at La Granja Verde farm.
7 Party on! Carnival time happens around Mardi Gras at the beginning of Lent (the largest celebration is held in Santa Cruz) but there are festivals year round as towns and villages come alive with numerous celebrations, festivals and “romerías” (lively pilgrimages held in honour of the Virgin Mary or a local Patron Saint), many which stem from religious roots.
8 Take to the sea! Spot whales, dolphins and other marine life on a comfortable catamaran sea safari. 21 of the world’s 79 species of dolphins and whales inhabit the waters here.
9 Water world! Kids love Siam Park, a Thai-themed water park offering exhilarating rides in exotic surroundings. Adults also like to splash around in the Volcano or surf 3 metre-high artificial waves.
10 History and culture – the medieval town of La Laguna is a charming must-visit with great examples of Canarian architecture, art galleries, good shopping in the designer boutiques and some of the island’s oldest shops. The vibrant university town also hosts a wonderfully preserved historical quarter, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
For further information check www.webtenerife.co.uk
British Airways flies to Tenerife from Gatwick www.ba.com
