Tenerife - The Nightlife Capital Of The Canary Islands

Tremendous Tenerife. One of the world's most popular holiday destinations . Over ten million guests land on the island of Tenerife each year and return time and time again for what promises to be a memorable vacation that doesn't cost a King's ransom.

Perched just off the North African coast, it is one of seven volcanic Islands that together comprise the Canary Islands. Tenerife is the leading island for tourist numbers and income from those tourists.

Volcanic in origin, Tenerife was created as a result of a number of eruptions. These eruptions happened about three and a half million years ago and there has been no such activity since, although there was a small earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale in the year 2002.

Tenerife is split into two distinct geographical regions. In the northern territories it is very fertile and green with high humidity and rainfall whilst to the south it is much drier and sunnier.

Most of the holiday destinations are concentrated to the south of the island in the region of Costa Adeje. This is where the popular and fast growing Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas resorts are situated. In the north, the town of Puerto de la Cruz is fast becoming a popular holiday resort also. Here however, a considerable amount of effort has gone into keeping the wonderful ambience of the town making it a perfect location for a relaxing and peaceful break.

Originally, up until the invasion of the Spaniards in the fifteenth century, the peoples of the island were the simple native peoples known as the Guanches. ‘Tenerife' translates as 'white mountain' in the Guanches tongue.

Down in the heavily developed south is the lively resort of Los Cristianos. A mile away from its hellish neighbour, Playa de las Americas, the holiday scene in the bay of Los Cristianos is preferred by those who enjoy a fun filled family escape.

It's hardly believable that it wasn't so long ago when Los Cristianos was simply a delightful fishing harbour. Things have changed enormously over the last forty years since the tourism boom hit the unassuming island of Tenerife.

Although a lot has changed, we are lucky that a great deal of the original charm of the town is still in evidence. As you stroll through the older parts of town you will notice the traditional buildings provide an obvious contrast to the modern hotel developments. All this co-exists with unquestioningly one of the liveliest holiday resorts you can experience anywhere in the world. There are two great bathing beaches, Playa de Los Cristianos and Las Vistas which offer a host of water sports activities as well as accessibility and refreshments. Don't forget the black sand naturist beach of Rincon for that all over sun tan.

Playas de Las Americas is where to head for if you're looking for a lively holiday, packed with testosterone and white knuckle sports. Hard to believe that all the white sand you see before you was imported from the Sahara Desert and that this complete resort has evolved to satisfy the needs of a growing number of young holidaymakers. If you are looking for an easy going holiday, you could be happier at Los Cristianos or any of the resorts along the island's west coast.

The south of the island offers numerous things to do, which include the totally entertaining day of water games and dolphin shows on offer at Aqua Land.

Why not consider climbing Tenerife's extinct volcano, Mount Teide? Don't fret, the volcano is definitely extinct and you can reach its summit with the help of a cable car. Mt. Teide offers the best way to make the most of the island and beyond for the panoramic views of La Gomera, El Hierro and Gran Canaria are stunning.

Throughout the years the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has served as a major port in the Atlantic, and it still serves that role today. Being the capital city as well as the largest city on the island, life is more civilised here. The nightlife here is excellent with an extensive choice of restaurants offering international cuisines. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is especially exciting during the month of February when it plays host to the huge world famous Tenerife Carnival.