Tenerife offers the widest range of tourist attractions of any of the Canaries, with its spectacular volcanic scenery and distinctive black sands. There are plenty of watersports on offer and a vibrant nightlife. Los Cristianos is an old fishing village, with ferry trips to the secluded islands of La Gomera and El Hierro which both boast dramatic scenery. Nearby La Palma is the world’s steepest island, leading up to the massive crater which is part of its National Park.
Back on Tenerife, Playa de las Américas is a cheerful and relaxed resort, with good windsurfing to be had at nearby El Médano. Puerto de la Cruz offers buildings by architect César Manrique, and for children Loro Parque is a wonderful place to see parrots and dolphins. The Parque Nacional del Tiede is unmissable for walkers, with its landscape of lava streams and volcanic rocks. There is also good hiking on the Montes de Anaga, north of Santa Cruz, with lush green vegetation and interesting wildlife and foliage. In February and March, Tenerife plays host to one of Europe’s biggest carnivals. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the focal point of a huge street party with exuberant costumes and Latin American dance music giving the festival a Brazilian feel.
