Tenerife, the largest and most popular of Spain’s world-famous Canary Islands, attracts millions of tourists every year with its sparkling beaches, excellent diving, and vast array of water sports. However, there’s more to Tenerife than sand and sea; Tenerife also boasts a rich local culture, happening nightlife and world-class hotels and resorts. The island is also home to Spain’s largest volcano, El Teide (3728 metres), making Tenerife a prime spot for hikers seeking spectacular views.
Popular Tenerife destinations include Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the island’s bustling capital) and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Laguna, a pleasant old town dotted with historic churches. Sun worshipers will adore the southern destinations of Playa de las Americanas and Los Cristiano, where some of Tenerife’s most spectacular beaches are located.
There’s no shortage of hotels to stay in, although recent government regulations have put a cap on the building of low-cost hotels in order to preserve the island’s natural balance between nature and development. Flights to Tenerife’s two main airports are available from most major cities in Europe.