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With 700,000 inhabitants and covering 2,300 square kilometres, Tenerife is the biggest of the Canary Islands and home to the highest mountain peak in Spain. The dormant volcano, Mount Teide, stands at 3,700 metres high and divides the island in two. To the north there are banana plantations, palm trees, vineyards and a tropical climate. To the south it's dry, desert-like and home to Tenerife's most popular holiday resorts, Golf Del Sur, Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos.
With the island's two very different characters, you are never short of places to explore. Whether it's lying on the sandy beaches, relaxing under the sun, or discovering its volcanic landscape, Tenerife, often dubbed "two miniature continents", is an excellent choice for a varied and interesting holiday.
Most flights arrive at Reina Sofia airport in the south of the island, but some operators now offer flights to Los Rodeos Airport in the north. Flight times are around four and a half hours from the UK.
Botanical Gardens (Puerto Cruz) -Will impress even those who 'are not interested in flowers'. The gardens feature an incredible collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants. Open daily 09.00 - 18.00. Situated in La Paz.
Risco Bello Aquatic Gardens (Puerto Cruz) - Situated right in the heart of the Parque Taoro. A popular and beautiful tropical oasis with lakes, grotto, waterfall, pottery garden, Japanese bridge, exotic flora and fauna. Open daily 10.00 - 18.30 (winter) and 10.00 - 20.30 (Summer)
Castle Museum Park (Los Realejos)
Discover the Canary Islandsī History and all about its flora, fauna, agriculture, volcanoes, foods, ceramics and handicrafts. Everything you ever wanted to know about folklore. There are also Camel rides, and a playground for children. Open daily 09.00 - 18.00. Free bus every 30 mins. from Cafe Columbus.
Casa Iriarte (Los Realejos) - A beautifully preserved 18th Century building with the distinctive Canarian balconies so ever-present in this town. Poet and author Tomas de Iriarte y Nieves-Ravelo was born in this house in 1750. The lower part of the house has shops selling souvenirs and upstairs there is a naval museum, with a collection of old posters and photographs.
Natural History Museum (Santa Cruz) - A new museum representing Tenerife's history, from Spanish conquest to present day. Housed in a magnificent XVIth century building. Open Tues.- Sun. 10.00 - 17.00
'Rasto' (Santa Cruz Flea Market). Sunday mornings 10.00 - 14.00.
Barranco del Infierno. Walkers ravine in Municipal of Adeje. The gorge boasts one of the few permanent streams in the south of island. You do not have to be a keen hiker to transverse this gully. Walk takes approx. 70 mins, each way. Bar/Restaurant at entrance to Barranco. Wear tough shoes.
Vilaflor - Old Canarian village. Situated at 4,921 feet it is the highest village in Spain. Beautiful scenery. During winter months take a jacket with you it may be cool.
Taganana - Still one of the remotest villages in Tenerife. Famous for it's Rose wine and fresh fish meals. It is a botanist's and walkers paradise.
Teide Volcano and the National Park, Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain standing at 12,200 feet. Formed around a million years ago. Lunar landscape, volcanic ashes and rock formations. Incredible views and landscapes. Cable car to upper peak. The cable car cannot be used by people with heart conditions and other related medical conditions.
Masca Road leads from Santiago del Teide, 6 km zigzag drive. The village until recently was not accessible by road. Wonderful views and an insight into how Canarian's lived for many years. Popular with hikers who wish to make the 2 hour walk through the gully to the sea at the base of majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes.