Tenerife is one of the seven Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean to the south of mainland Spain and west of Africa. The island is a popular holiday hotspot, with millions of European and international visitors flocking to this sunny retreat every year for fun in the sun. Take a look at six of Tenerife’s top attractions to get an idea of what you could do during your time there.
Mount Teide National Park is top of the list for many visitors to Tenerife, primarily to see El Teide, the highest volcanic peak in Spain and third largest in the world. From the car park at El Teide you can catch a cable lift which will take you to 3.550 metres and afford you views of Tenerife that are unmatched anywhere else.
Another natural attraction to be found on the island of Tenerife is the cliffs of Los Gigantes, situated on the islands northwest coast. Los Gigantes translates into English as “The Giants” and the name is fitting for the impressive mountains which soar skywards between 500 and 800 metres. One of the best ways to get up close and personal with Los Gigantes is to climb aboard a boat and view them from the sea. You can also take a walk along the top of the cliffs and follow the path which leads you to the base where there is a beach and a pleasant bay to take a dip in.
Water lovers will be delighted with the selection of aqua parks on offer in Tenerife with Siam Park in Costa Adeje the best known. This Thai themed park has rides and slides for all the family as well as a sizeable wave pool and plenty of areas to rest and relax, making it the perfect destination for a fun day out.
Another park that deserves to be on your “to-see” list is Guímar Pyramids Ethnographic Park. Located near the town of Guímar on the eastern coast of Tenerife, the pyramids are somewhat of a mystery. There may not be an explanation for how the pyramids were created but they certainly make an interesting stop on any tourist’s itinerary. The town of Guímar is worth a look as boasts it architecture dating back to the 15th century and plenty of beaches to take a break on.
No holiday would be complete without a spot of shopping. Santa Cruz and Los Cristianos are the top Tenerife destinations to investigate if you fancy hitting the shops and you can choose between department stores with the latest fashions or more independent shops that stock unique treasures.
Last but not least remember that one of the best times to experience Tenerife nightlife is under one of the many carnivals and fiestas that the island hosts. The largest carnival will coincide with Shrove Tuesday and visitors will be able to see the island explodes with colour, music and dance. If you plan to visit the island during carnival time, make sure you pack your camera as the parades are known for their eccentricities and vibrancy.
Where to stay
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama a timeless island retreat of natural beauty and endless possibilities, is a luxurious resort located in Guía de Isora and part of the luxury hotel group. Set in an unspoilt region on the sunny west coast of Tenerife, this cliff top resort commands panoramic views over the mountains, vegetation and across to the Atlantic Ocean towards the lush island of La Gomera. The unique Moorish architecture situated amidst banana plantations and lush subtropical gardens creates a unique and visually stunning resort.
The 459 bedrooms and suites of The Ritz-Carlton, Abama are arranged between the Citadel and Villas, and feature private terraces, all of which have glorious views over the gardens, golf course or ocean. The majority of the rooms are located in the Citadel, which combines ethnic and Moorish architecture with asymmetrical structures and earth coloured walls. The Villa rooms and suites are situated in a more private and secluded area of the resort nearer to the coast within a collection of two storey buildings and have access to shared pools. The rooms’ interior design makes use of local materials such as Canary Island pine and each has a spacious fitted oak wardrobe with coat and shoe racks and state of the art audio-visual equipment. Every room has luxury marble bathrooms, each with large tubs, a separate shower stall and brand-name bath products and enjoy the stunning Atlantic or golf course views from the private terrace.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama has 11 restaurants serving a mix of local and international cuisine, including Argentinian and Italian, with something to suit everyone. Two of them, M.B. and Kabuki hold an incredible three Michelin stars between them, proving the resort’s reputation for gastronomic excellence and making it the only resort in Spain with such an offering. M.B is the signature restaurant of the renowned Basque Chef Martín Berasategui, whilst Kabuki serves a fusion of Japanese and Western influenced food. There are plenty of activities for sports enthusiasts like the complimentary state of the art gym or the several snorkerling opportunities in the private beach. Moreover the guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Abama have access to the golf course and tennis academy, located nearby, beautifully landscaped with palm trees and lakes and spectacular sea views. Those who wish simply to relax can choose from a wide selection of pools or the beach club in the secluded sandy cove. The Ritz-Carlton Spa of 2.500 sqm combines natural beauty treatments and personalised programmes to achieve complete mind and body relaxation.
