A good sized town in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province of Tenerife, Icod de los Vinos is also the capital of a municipality of the same name, it is in the northern area of Tenerife and has a population of 24,179. Not especially noteworthy as a tourist destination, it is however famous for its Dragon Tree, said to be over 1,000 years old, and whether this is true or not it is a fine example, and makes the town worth a look if you are passing nearby. The municipality which also takes in an area of coastline, comprises mostly fertile agricultural land, which has made the town prosperous through its orchards, banana plantations, and particularly its vineyards, for winemaking is the towns main enterprise. The town of Icod de los Vinos is 57 km drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
October 26, 2010
Los Realejos Tenerife
Located on the northern coast of Tenerife, to the west of Puerto de la Cruz, the town of Los Realejos is in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province of the island. Divided into two areas, Los Realejos comprises Realejo Alto and Realejo Bajo, meaning roughly the high town and the low town. Historically the town is significant as the place where the ultimate surrender of Tenerife took place, as the indigenous Guanches gave way to the superior forces of the Spanish invaders. Today it has a population of 37,559, and also gives its name to a municipality, Realejo de Arriba, which runs from the Orotava Valley to Teide, it includes some areas of coast with some popular beaches. Los Realejos is approximately 42 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
October 25, 2010
Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife
The biggest and most popular tourist resort on the north coast of Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz has a population of just under 32,000, and a history going back to the 17th century, when it was founded as Puerto de la Orotava, a port serving the town of La Orotava, and for a time significant for the export of wines produced in the area. The decline of the port due both to a drop in wine production and to the severe weather conditions experienced along this stretch of Tenerife’s coast, meant much of its activity was moved to santa Cruz de Tenerife. Renamed Puerto de la Cruz in 1831, the town began to attract tourists by the end of the 19th century, and towards the end of the 20th century, saw something of a tourist boom, as thousands visited Tenerife, to enjoy some winter sunshine and escape the dreary weather of their native countries. Having the disadvantage of rough seas and less than perfect beaches, Puerto de la Cruz, saw the construction of man made beaches, lidos and seawater pools to enable holidaymakers to get the most from their visit.
October 22, 2010
Bajamar Tenerife
Located in the north-east of Tenerife, the former fishing village of Bajamar is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, though it has of course attracted visitors since the early days of Tenerife’s tourist boom. Lying close to the stunning Anaga Mountains, Bajamar offers the opportunity for walking and cycling, as well as the traditional beach style holiday. Swimming is a little different in Bajamar, to other popular resorts, as it mostly takes place in seawater pools, due to the fact that the sea is very rough here, and not really recommended for even the strongest of swimmers. For something a little different you can take a look at the 17th century chapel of San Juan Batista, or head a little north to the Punta del Hidalgo, which offers spectacular views of the coastline. Bajamar is about 27 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island.
September 21, 2010
Fuerteventura Canary Islands
The second largest of the Spanish Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is located to the south-west of Lanzarote, off the coast of north-west Africa, it has an are of 1,660 square kilometres and a resident population of around 74,983, over one third of whom live in the capital Puerto del Rosario. Fuerteventura has some of the best beaches in the entire Canary Islands group and has areas of sand dunes similar to those found around Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. Not quite as well known as a holiday destination, Fuerteventura still attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year, they arrive to enjoy the sunny weather and most are looking for a beach style holiday but without the crowds of Lanzarote, Tenerife or Gran Canaria. Not yet developed to the extent of neighbouring islands, Fuerteventura only has a few resorts of any note, the main one being Corralejo, while others exist at Jandia and Caleta de Fuste. The island can be easily reached by air (the airport is near to Puerto del Rosario) or by ferry from Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
May 11, 2010
La Caleta Tenerife
The former fishing village of Caleta has in recent years become a popular holiday destination. Situated in the south of the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, La Caleta is in the area known as the Costa Adeje. Though there has been quite a bit of development in the town the harbour area and seafront are mostly unspoilt, one of the most pleasant things to do is eat a fine fish dish in one of the excellent seafood restaurants. Caleta weather is perfect for holidays all year round and is especially pleasant during the winter months.
March 11, 2010
Los Gigantes Tenerife
The well known Tenerife resort of Los Gigantes is situated in the west of the island near to the town of Puerto de Santiago. Getting its name from the huge steep cliffs beside which the resort stands, Los Gigantes has its own small black sand beach, some decent hotels and the usual holiday facilities expected of a package tour destination, the weather is a little cooler than the southern resorts. The coastline around Los Gigantes is quite spectacular with cliffs rising to around 800m in places, being at the southern end of the Teno mountains. Los Gigantes is an ideal spot for a more laid back peaceful holiday, being somewhat less crowded than the better known resorts of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas to the south, there is however still a good choice of bars and restaurants and plenty of entertainment on offer, especially in some of the bigger hotels, the biggest attraction is the weather and it is a popular spot for a winter holiday. Los Gigantes can be reached from the TF-47 highway, it is approximately ninety kilometres from the nearest airport at Reina Sofia.
February 12, 2010
Golf del Sur and Amarilla Golf Tenerife
Located in southern Tenerife, in the district of San Miguel de Abona are two superb golf complexes known as Golf del Sur and the Amarilla Golf and Country Club. Running along the southern coastline the Amarilla Golf Resort has a superb 18 hole course enjoying panoramic views of the coastline, the San Miguel marina and the spectacular Pico del Teide volcano. Right beside Amarilla Golf you will find the 27 hole Golf del Sur with emerald fairways dotted with palms, cacti and tropical flora and bunkers made from black volcanic sand. The Amarilla Golf Resort also has a pitch and putt course for those less able golfers and for practise purposes. In Golf del Sur you will find the San Blas centre which boasts a great range of facilities including shops, bars and restaurants, a supermarket, chemist, bank and hairdressers. These two Tenerife golf courses enable visitors to enjoy a round of golf all year round, with the pleasant Tenerife weather providing ideal playing conditions even during the winter months. The south and south-west coast of Tenerife has some of the best known resorts on the island including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Las Galletas, Costa del Silencio and Chayofa, all are within easy reach of these golf complexes and also handy for Tenerife south airport. Tenerife Map.
November 16, 2009
Playa de las Americas Tenerife
A built for tourism resort in the south of Tenerife, Playa de las Americas is one of the major holiday destinations in the Spanish Canary Islands. Especially popular for winter breaks, Playa de las Americas caters for family holidays and is particularly attractive to the younger set, having a great selection of pubs, bars and clubs. Noisier and more crowded than nearby Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas may not suit everyone, and if you’re looking for something typically Spanish, head elsewhere, because in this resort you’re more likely to find an English pub! The night-time is when it all happens in Playa de las Americas, with more bars and clubs than you can wave a stick at, the best places to head are the Starco Centre and Veronica’s Strip. When you wake up with a hangover in the morning, you will probably want to head for the beach, and Playa de las Americas beach will not disappoint, being composed of fine golden sand imported from Africa. With kids in tow, you will likely want to visit the water park, a free bus is generally available to take you there. The fabulous weather in Playa de las Americas is, of course, one of the biggest draws for holidaymakers, and is pretty reliable all year round, expect pleasant sunny days right through the year, the best time to visit is during the English winter time, when the temperature is not too hot. Playa de las Americas is located just of the TF-1 motorway, to the west of Tenerife South airport.
October 6, 2009
Tenerife Canary Islands
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.
September 5, 2009
El Hierro and La Gomera
The two smallest of the main Canary Islands are El Hierro and La Gomera, both largely unspoilt by tourism especially El Hierro which has very little accommodation available. La Gomera does attract a number of tourists from nearby Tenerife, most just visit for the day, other to explore the amazing Garonjay National Park which features one of the oldest natural forests in the world. El Hierro is the smallest of the islands at only 278 km2, it has hardly any beaches, and as such does not attract ‘package’ tourists, its coastline is steep and rocky apart from areas of coast close to the capital Valverde. La Gomera is slightly larger at 378 km2 a large portion of which is covered by the Parque Nacional de Garonjay, an area of mist shrouded forests, mountains and deep ravines. Visitors to La Gomera arrive at its port in the capital San Sebastion de la Gomera.
August 19, 2009
Tenerife Hotels – Bahia Principe Resort
Located at the southern end of Playa Paraiso (“Paradise Beach”) the popular Bahia Principe Tenerife Resort stands on a cliff overlooking the bay and enjoying spectacular views over the sea to the island of La Gomera. Situated on Tenerife’s renowned south-west coast close to the huge resort of Playa de las Americas the Principe Tenerife attracts thousands of visitors each year. The resort covers some 8,000 square metres and includes a number of swimming pools, gym, shopping and leisure centre, barbers and beauty salon, restaurants, snack bar, tennis court, squash court, Jacuzzi and much, much more. The Bahia Principe Tenerife has 220 well appointed luxury rooms with private bathroom and balcony. The region experiences a wonderful climate and Playa Paraiso weather is perfect for holidays throughout the year, being especially pleasant during the winter months.