Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

The biggest and perhaps the best known of the Spanish Canary Islands, Tenerife has a resident population of approximately 850,000 and is a very popular, all year round holiday destination. Tenerife is divided into two distinct areas by a large mountain range, the area to the north is lush and green with a rugged coastline, the area to the south is arid and sparsely vegetated with plenty of fine sandy beaches and most of the island’s popular resorts. In the centre is the highest mountain in Spain – the Pico del Teide (3,717 metres). Two areas of great beauty on the island of Tenerife are the Orotava Valley and the Las Canadas National Park which are both worth a look if you are visiting the island. Some of Tenerife´s best known resorts lie on the west coast and include Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, Playa de las Americas, Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz, most of these within the municipalities of Arona and Adeje. The vast majority of visitors are attracted by the superb all year round climate, with Tenerife weather being particularly pleasant during the winter months (the best time to visit), the north of the island can experience a significantly different climate and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island, in the north-east is often wetter and cooler. Tenerife Map.