Information about Tenerife
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Tenerife is the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands and the most populous island of Spain. It’s officially an overseas part of Spain and Santa Cruz de Tenerife is its capital. Like many other islands of the region, Tenerife too is famous for its idyllic beaches and is a world-wide top destination for summer holidays, especially popular for the luxurious summer resorts it owns.
Above all, Tenerife is known – and loved – for its one of a kind contrasts.
In Tenerife, you can get from the most touristic and crowded location in the world to the ultimate seclusion, in the middle of a tropical forest or at the top of Spain’s highest mountain – and all within just an hour of driving!
From modern towns with high-class tourist resorts and historic settlements with colonial architecture, to pristine landscapes, endless coastlines, monumental mountains and a volcano; a visit to Tenerife could never ever lack interest!
Airport
Tenerife is served by two main airports
- Tenerife North Airport, located 11 kilometres away from Santa Cruz
- Tenerife South Airport, located at the Granadilla de Abona district
Both of them can be reached by buses No. 343 and 111.
Getting around Tenerife
You can get around Tenerife using the island’s extensive bus network Titsa and the tramway (2 lines). Fares depend on the route and minimum taxi fare costs 2.15€.
Tenerife Guide
- Tenerife’s northeastern part is the first that was developed, despite the lack of beaches. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, is located there and boasts some of the most important sights and landmarks of the island.
Highlight of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the Museum of Nature and Man, a fabulous blend of natural history and archaeology. Collections include mummies, ceramics and items of the indigenous Guanches, documents and photographs related to nature, Mt. Teide and the Canary’s flora and fauna.
Before leaving Santa Cruz, you should definitely visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. Dating back to 1498, this is oldest church of the island and is a great example of the mudéjar Arabic style.
Santa Cruz’s only drawback, the fact that there are no beaches, is compensated for by Lago Martiánez, a resort complex with tropical lakes, large fountains, palm trees and volcanic rocks, designed by architect César Manrique.
- Next stop is Orotava, probably Tenerife’s most picturesque town, boasting beautiful colonial houses and traditional balconies. La Laguna shares the same atmosphere and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Keep wandering around the island’s northern part and you will discover the pyramids of Güímar, discovered in 1998 and great resembling those built by the Mayans and the Aztecs in Mexico.
Some theories, supported by researcher Thor Heyerdahl, state that the pyramids were created by pre-European residents of the islands that travelled the Atlantic and got in touch with the pre-Columbian nations of South America!
Whatever you do in Tenerife, do not miss the opportunity of an excursion to Mt. Teide. At 3,717 metres, it’s Spain’s highest mountain and a wonderful location to hike, picnic and enjoy the marvellous view!
Tenerife’s official language is Spanish.- FOOD
- DRINKS
- COFFE
- ARTS
- OUTDOORS
- SIGHTS
