Where can you sleep?
The island of Tenerife is suited to anyone's budget: from luxurious hotels and villas, to family houses and apartments, all of this without forgetting about the campings and youth hostels that you will also find here for those who would prefer to enjoy sharing the best moments or being close to nature.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island, you will find a very busy atmosphere with shopping streets and plenty of cultural and nightlife options, whereas in inland towns and villages like San Andrés or Puerto de Cruz you will find an ideal place to enjoy of some peace and quiet.
What to do in the area?
The island of Tenerife is home to many places catalogued as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the first of them is the National Park of El Teide, a true natural spectacle with breathtaking views, the second one is the historical center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna which is a unique example of a colonial city, without any city walls around it.
Another element of international reputation are also its beaches, particularly the ones in the south of the isle, such as Granadilla de Abona or Costa Adeje, without forgetting about Playa de las Teresitas, in the capital. If apart from enjoying of a more relaxing day you would like to try out water sports like windsurf or kitesurf, the beach of El Médano is your place to go. But before you leave the sea behind, you can also have a look at its bottom: in the southwest coast you can spot up to 26 different cetacean species such as killer whales, dolphins and even blue whales. And you can also have some fun family time in Siam Park, the biggest water park in Europe.
What typical foods are recommended?
Just like its landscapes, the gastronomy of Tenerife also stands out for having many contrasts as a consequence of its proximity to the sea, and the fish that dominate most of its recipes, especially groupers, 'salmas' and 'chernes' with, of course, some delicious 'papas arrugadas' and 'mojo' on the side, which you can make spicy or not. 'Gofio' and cheese tapas are also very popular, without forgetting about the local 'chorizo canario', and 'morcilla'. For dessert, the 'leche asada' and 'bienmesabe' are the favourite ones amongst the most exquisite palates. The wine-making tradition here is a whole institution on its own here, with a total of 5 PDO status wines (Abona, Valle de La Orotava, Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de Güímar and Ycoden-Daute-Isora), and the same goes for the local rum, usually drank with honey.
Where are the festivities?
The carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered one of the most popular ones in the world, only topped by the one in Río de Janeiro. During an entire week, thousands of people go out on the streets and fill them with joy and fun dancing to the sound of the 'murgas' and the 'comparsas'.
It is clear that here in Tenerife people know how to have fun, but here you will also find more traditional customs and festivities. Several 'romerías' are held along the the island, with the one of San Marcos, in Tegueste, and San Isidro Labrador in Los Realejos, as the most popular ones.
Las Fiestas de la Virgen Candelaria, the patron saint of the island, is not one but two different festivities held always on February 2, and August 14.
