Tenerife is the heart of the Canary Islands: it is the most populated and plays host to an extensive amount of tourism. Holidays to Tenerife are amazingly popular with travellers from the UK, Europe and beyond.
As such, it has a very vibrant atmosphere. Unsurprisingly the island has a lot going for it, not just the beaches and night time activity. As the most populated island of Spain, it offers a great alternative to those used to visiting the Spanish mainland and staying in hotels in Benidorm.
Of course, all holiday destinations have plenty of attractions to tantalise visitors and popular choices such as holidays to Malta or Tenerife offer more than their fair share. We take a look at some of the best attractions this Spanish island of has to offer.
Parks
Tenerife boasts a number of parks that are suitable for exploring with the family. Siam Park is a renowned water park and should provide a full day’s entertainment, especially in the summer when everyone wants to cool off. Loro Parque, which is Spanish for ‘Parrot Park’, is a major animal park big enough to rival Sea World in its shows and displays. Not just a marine park (the orca and sea lion performances are well worth watching); you’ll find a stunning array of animals. Obviously, parrots feature heavily, but there is enough to please anyone who appreciates wildlife and animals.
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Carnival, as its name suggests, takes place in Tenerife’s capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Whilst held annually in February, the carnival is more than enough to attract tourists and visitors out of holiday season every year. This traditionally starts a week before Ash Wednesday and lasts for the full 7 days. During this week the town becomes alive with colour, culture and activity.
A genuine party atmosphere takes over, often with Latin music undertoning the entire event. The festival is open to all and many take the opportunity to do so.
Even when it is over, the carnival still continues. ‘Piñata’ takes place the weekend after the festival officially closes, with lots of music taking place and often ending in a firework display. Many of the island’s visitors often consider the Piñata an attraction in its own right. For those who like to party, or simply want to sample the vibrant rich Latin culture, the Carnival and piñata is more than enough for anyone.
Volcano Teide
Tenerife also hosts the Teide, one of the most popular national parks in the world. Whilst the scenery is enough to draw the crowds, the crown jewel of the park is Teide itself, an active volcano that dominates the landscape. The park is protected, but open, and features an onsite hotel.
Climbing to the top of the volcano is possible, although a free permit is required first; only so many people are allowed per day. Whether you climb the mountain or not the natural beauty of the park is certainly enough to warrant a visit.
As you can see, Tenerife is rich in natural and cultural charm; a message that doesn’t always get conveyed until you experience it. There is much more to Tenerife than sandy beaches, and those looking to envelop themselves in a rich and diverse culture will be rewarded.
