THE CANARY ISLANDS - TENERIFE
I love Tenerife and there is again something for everyone. The resorts on the south of island are all within easy reach of the airport and so there is the added advantage of a short transfer. There is so much to do on the island and a hire car is a great way to get out and about. Mount Teide is the volcano which is often snow topped. You can take a cable car to the top. Tenerife is also popular with golfers and there are some fantastic golf courses.
PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS
The centre of Playa de las Americas has many bars and night club and a fantastic party atmosphere by night. There are great beaches and many restaurants as well. Nearby the resort of Costa Adeje and Playa Fanabe are more suited to families and couples. There is a high standard of accommodation varying from self-catering to 5-star luxury. The Hotel Bahia Del Duque must be one of the best hotels in the Canary Islands and is renowned for exceptional service and a touch of luxury. There are many top-end designer shops in the Plaza Del Duque shopping centre.
Costa Adeje has lots of fabulous restaurants all at very reasonable prices. There is everything from traditional Canarian restaurants to Chinese buffets. This must be my favourite area and I have just recently spent a fabulous week here. The amazing water park Siam Park is nearby and is a short ride on the free bus. The park is suitable for all ages but get there early if you want a sun bed particularly in high season. The Siam Mall is nearby and after a day in the water park you can take a short stroll over to the Mall where you will find stores like Zara and Mango and as they are Spanish retailer goods are a fraction of the price in the UK. There are some lovely restaurants here as well to enjoy an evening meal.
If staying in Costa Adeje Playa Fanabe, Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos you must go along to the Safari Centre either in the daytime for a wander around the shops or in the evening to enjoy one of the many and varied restaurants. You can also enjoy the dancing illuminated fountains across from the Mare Nostrum and Hard Rock Café. There are lots of duty free and electronics shops along here. Great bargains in perfumes and cosmetics to be had. Just be sure when buying electronics that you have a manufacturers’ warranty/guarantee.
LOS CRISTIANOS
If you enjoy walking you can walk to Los Cristianos from the Safari Centre end of Las Americas along the geranium walk. There is a lovely little harbour here and this is where you can catch a ferry to neighbouring island of La Gomera. There are no flights directly into La Gomera so if you are planning to spend your holiday there you would fly into Tenerife and then get the ferry. It’s the perfect destination for total relaxation and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Los Cristianos has now merged with Playa de las Americas. It has a lovely little beach surrounded with bars and restaurants. A very short transfer from the airport. Suitable for families and couples.
PUERTO DEL LA CRUZ
This is the resort in the North of the Island and has its own microclimate. You will notice as you drive further north that the vegetation is more lush and green. It does tend to be cooler and in winter can get some rain. There are many amazing restaurants in Puerto De La Cruz. This is where you will also find the Hotel Botanico, perfect for a relaxing spa holiday and one of the best hotels on the island.