Tenerife Archives - Seek Your Trip

October 8, 2013 by author

Winter is Ideal for a Trip to Tenerife

As the evenings start to get dark earlier and the temperature starts to fall sharply it can be easy to feel a little depressed. After all, it is a long time until spring and summer came around to cheer us up again.

At times like this it is fantastic to have a trip to somewhere warm and sunny lined up. The winter can seem a lot more bearable and a lot shorter if you know that you are going to get a lovely dose of sunshine somewhere along the way. One of the most popular destinations for winter sun seekers is Tenerife, which is part of the Spanish Canary Islands. If you are at the stage of thinking about a holiday to Tenerife during the winter season then here are some of the reasons why it would be a great decision to make.

Sun, Sun, Sun

It is almost impossible to overestimate the feeling of wellbeing which washes over most of us when we leave a cold winter behind and feels rays of sun on our faces. One of the best things about Tenerife is that it enjoys incredibly mild winters. If you are travelling from the North of Europe to the Canary Islands then you will experience a magnificent feeling as you step off the plane and feel the sun beat down on you. The temperature here in December is often around 20 degrees centigrade, which is a very pleasant temperature for this time of year. The weather here is highly predictable and a quick look at some historic weather records for the islands will give you an excellent idea of what sort of weather awaits you.

Things to Do

If you have ever gone to a seaside holiday resort away from the peak summer season then you might have been left disappointed by the lack of things to do. Many of these resorts virtually close down in the winter season, with hotels, restaurants and shops closing down for a couple of months. The good news is that Tenerife’s popularity as a winter holiday destination means that it is busy and lively all year round. In fact, many sun lovers from colder countries own properties here and come to enjoy the winter months. This means that there are always plenty of people around to keep the holiday spirit in the air.

Good Value

Another big reason for travelling anywhere in the winter months is that the cost is usually lower than it would be in the peak summer period. While we have already seen that Tenerife is a fantastic winter destination it is still going to be better value for to go around this time of year than in July or August, for example. By looking online plenty of time before you plan to travel you should find a deal which lets you enjoy this classic holiday island for less money than you might think. Who knows, the saving you make might even allow you to stay longer than you had originally planned to stay.

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Photo by engerundio on Flickr

March 27, 2013 by Arlene

What do the Canary islands have to offer the family

Surfing, snorkeling, camelback riding and dramatic volcanic scenery are just some of the many appeals of the Canary Islands. With plenty of sun, diverse geography and endless activities, the Spanish archipelago is an ideal holiday spot for families.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean just off the northwest coast of Africa, the seven islands have long been a popular destination among Europeans and travelers. With the warm climate it can be tempting to just lounge out on the beach all day while catching sun and swimming in the crystal waters. Although it’s relaxing, there is so much more to see and do.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and most popular island among families. It offers breathtaking sights with and an array of activities for kids of all ages. With 67.14 kilometers of beaches, there is plenty of room to spread out. Family-oriented picks include the gold sand of Las Teristas beach or the black sand of La Arena beach. Tenerife is also home to the world’s third tallest volcano, El Teido, which has a peak of 3718 meters. To truly appreciate the scenery, walk along one of the mountain trails or hop on a boat to watch dolphins and whales.

While the inherit beauty and stunning geography of Tenerife makes for an adventurous holiday on its own, there are several other kid-friendly diversions. Monkey Park is a zoo where guests can interact with monkeys. For more animal encounters check out Loro Park where parrots, sea lions, penguins and sharks enthrall kids. The Siam water park is also a great choice with its thrilling rides and mini-aquati park for kids.

Lanzarote

This easternmost island has a great mix of natural beauty and attractions, making it easy for every family member to find something they enjoy. The Timanfaya volcano in Timanfaya National Park left behind numerous craters and solidified lava that created a moon-like appearance. Kids can explore the unique geography while riding a on a camel’s back.

While the dramatic volcanoes are exciting, so too are the warm waters and beaches. Families will enjoy surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, or the Submarine Safari for more in-depth view of the ocean. The island houses a water park, and the Guinate Tropical Park which has waterfalls, gardens and birdlife. What’s best is that awesome Lanzarote holidays for the family are relatively cheap.

Fuerteventura

This is the second largest island in the Canaries, and like other islands, it was created by volcanic eruptions. With its clear waters, over 150 beaches and gigantic sand dunes, the island truly is a fortune. The white sand beach of Solana el Matorral- El Sebadal, has everything you need to spend a relaxing day with the kids.

Families can enjoy some of the numerous activities such as hiking the Bosque de Laursilva or explore the lava fields in Parque Nacional de Las dunas. For a more intimate wildlife experience, take the kids to the zoo which has giraffes, parrots and a camel safari. The Baku Baku Water park also provides endless entertainment and fun for kids and kids at heart.

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Photo by enrique_mendez on Flickr

November 26, 2012 by Arlene

Tenerife – Tacky Or Cultural?

Tenerife, the most populated – and popular – of the Canary Islands has an almost perfect year round climate. With winter temperatures of 20-22 degrees and summer temperatures in the mid or high twenties, this climate has earned Tenerife the title “Island of Eternal Spring” and has helped make it a favourite tourist destination with over 5 million visitors each year.

Deserved Reputation?

Because of its great natural beauty and dependably fantastic climate, Tenerife has long been a popular holiday spot and has attracted its fair share of package holidays. These cheap and cheerful holidays have, however, in some circles, given Tenerife an undeserved reputation of being just a sunny, resort full of lager louts and hen parties. The truth about Tenerife is that it also boasts a number of attractions – natural and cultural – that can offer much to the discerning traveller.

World Heritage Site

There are many outstanding places of beauty and history on this sunny island but perhaps the most spectacular of them all is its famous national park – Parque National de las Canadas del Teides. This park, which has been designated as a National Park since 1954, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The Teide National Park features a volcanic crater which is 48kms in circumference. Out of this crater El Teide, the highest peak in all of Spain, rises 3,718 metres – 2,000 metres above sea level. This spectacular mountain, generally covered in snow in the winter, can be seen rising majestically above the sunny lowland beaches.

Mount Teide

The most visited place on the island, it is possible to even go to the summit of Mount Teide. However, most visitors content themselves with simply travelling part of the way, enjoying the contrast as they climb from the sunny, southern coast, up past villages which are reminiscent of Alpine village and then, even higher to the stark, lunar landscape of Mount Teide. The flora and fauna in the National Park are specific to the altitude and landscape and much studied by scientists from around the world.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Another Tenerife speciality is an event rather than a place. This is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Held in February each year, this carnival is considered second only to the Mardi Gras Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has applied to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The festival begins with a parade on the Friday before Ash Wednesday each year. Thousands of people in fancy dress party that night – and every night until Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, the people of Santa Cruz celebrate the ‘entierro de la sardina’ (the burial of the sardine) and this event officially ends the Carnival – though not the festivities which continue throughout Lent.

Getting To Tenerife

Budget flights to Tenerife are readily available from almost anywhere in Europe. Because it is such a universally popular holiday destination, both national carriers and all the budget airlines fly to this island. There are two international airports on the island of Tenerife, making it easily accesible from just about anywhere in the world. Of these, Tenerife South-Reina Sofia Airport – in the south of the island – is the most popular. Tenerife North Airport, is the other major airport. This airport, is close to the town of San Cristobal de la Laguna and just 11 kilometres from the capital Santa Cruz.

Overall, Tenerife with its wonderful climate, beautiful beaches and rich natural and cultural environment has much to offer every kind of a holiday maker. There is no doubt that it is popular and indeed there are many things on Tenerife that are even fun! Maybe Tenerife has hit on the correct balance between fun and culture? You’ll just have to visit so you can judge for yourself…

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Top photo: Playa de las Americas by Exeter Mogs, on Flickr