The least expensive flights are those to South Tenerife, the airport in Santa Cruz. This is the main travel hub and a good place to enter and leave through, especially if the southern coast will be your main focus. Los Rodeos is the north airport, located 11 miles from Santa Cruz.

You’ll get the best bargains if you avoid the peak tourist season during the months of May through August. You’ll avoid the summer heat, too, in favor of the milder temperatures of the off season. Another way to save money is to book your flight and your hotel together and even include a rental car so everything is taken care of.

Some airlines that fly into Tenerife are First Choice, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Jet2 and GB Airways. If you can be flexible with your dates you’ll be able to pare down your expenses further and have even more funds for fun!

You might consider flying in from Madrid or Barcelona after spending a day and night there. The sights in both cities are fantastic and having a good night’s sleep under your belt will make your first day in Tenerife a wide-awake one to remember!

Roque Beach is one of the natural beaches on Tenerife. Its dark volcanic sands make a striking contrast to the blue of the ocean waters. This is a beautiful beach, although perhaps not what you picture when you think of sun and sand. It is safe for swimming, certainly, but there are currents and swells to watch out for. Roque is an ideal place to practice if you’re a novice surfer; the waves aren’t big enough for a challenge but perfect for honing your balancing skills. There are fish restaurants and open air cafes on the beach so you can spend the whole day!

Another black sand beach is Martianez Beach in Puerto de la Cruz, between the Martianez cliff and Costa de Martianez, a public complex. Some parts are open to the sea, making the currents a bit dicey but it’s good for practice surfing as well as swimming.

Although not technically a beach, Lago Martianez in Puerto de la Cruz is a wonderful example of coastal transformation. Created by Cesar Manrique, this beautiful pond is surrounded by four pools for adults and three for children. The artists included sculptures in the landscaping that add to the beauty of these man-made waters.

Another man-enhanced beach is the Playas de la Teresitas in Santa Cruz, which underwent enlargement in 1972 by adding 4 million sacks of golden sand from the Sahara. There is a breakwater to make the waters somewhat calm, palms for shade and beautiful sea grapes growing on the beach. You’ll find lots of amenities including cabanas, umbrellas and chairs and activities such as beach volley. This is understandably the most popular beach on the island.

Los Cristianos has two main beaches and lots of smaller ones close to the main hotels. Playa de los Cristianos, the main beach, has grey sand while Playa de las Vistas has yellow sand that has been taken from the seabed. There is an excellent selection of restaurants, bars and some activities. Los Cristianos is ideal for those traveling with children; its waters are safe and there are lots of playgrounds.

Playas de Troya serves as the main beach for the resort of Playa de las Americas. The most famous Tenerife beach, it is well sheltered, has shallow water, restaurants and lots of water sports. When the sea is rough the waves are great for surfing novices but those who want more of a challenge go over behind the Conquistador hotel. Just north of here is a small stony beach called La Caleta that’s ideal for snorkeling. Between these is a seldom-frequented cove with a sandy beach called Play de la Enramada, perfect for a quiet romantic picnic.

Of course, there are also beaches on Tenerife catering to those who prefer to swim and sunbathe au naturale. These are Playa de la Tejita in El Medano, Playa de los Patos in La Crotava and Playa de las Gaviotas in Santa Cruz.

Erosion modeled the current landscape, as you can probably guess from the soaring cliffs of the coast. Volcanic activity formed the valleys and gave the land the unusual shape of a fan. The land is full of endemic plant species, which are what is left of the Tertiary period over 50 million years ago. You’ll find balos, palm groves, laurel forest, spiny lettuce scrub, incense bushes and other vegetation. Below the pine forest line is a small pine forest on the mountainside that was planted by long-ago inhabitants.

Also part of this area is the Anaga Rural Park, created in 1954 as the jewel of the island. With its soaring cliffs, hidden beaches and the laurisilva forests (relics of prehistoric vegetation), it is home to about 1500 people in three hamlets. The residents of Los Carrizales, Las Portelas, El Palmar and Teno Alto tend their farms and generally live off the land in this 20,000 acre park.

This incredible park is also populated with threatened species of reptiles and sub-tropical rainforest birds. You’ll see a great variety of wildlife here, as there are nearly 2,000 species of animals and insects and reptiles. There are even 95 species that are found only in this park.

If you enjoy bird watching you’ll like Anaga! There are sea birds like Bulwer’s Petrel and the Madeira storm petrel; you’ll also see sparrow hawks and other birds of prey. There are dark tailed laurel pigeon, swifts and canaries. You may also be interested in the European free tailed bat which uses cracks in the cliffs and cavities in the ravines as their homes while Leisler’s bat lives in the hollows of trees and in buildings that are abandoned.

If you want to delve into the culture of the park you can find local artisan products such as wickerwork and items made from palm leaves. In some hamlets you can still see old kilns where they make roof tiles and pottery as well as outdoor ovens for baking bread. You can find archaeological remains scattered throughout the park plus a few caves that contain some truly beautiful cave paintings (be careful not to touch!).

If you decide to spend the night in Anaga Rural Park, you might like to check into the rural accommodations in some renovated houses. Or you can check into the Montes de Anaga Hostel in the El Bailadero area. The Anaga Hostel was built to blend into the area rather than stand out; it is a 3 storey building that can sleep 40 people and is equipped for disabled visitors. The hostel provides tours, classes, craft workshops and camps, too. The view alone is worth the 10 Euros they charge for a bed!

It is simple to get to the Pyramids, as the park has its own bus service with convenient pick up points. You can take the park’s bus, a Guimar city bus or drive your own car to the area. You’ll find it an accommodating place to visit; it is handicapped accessible, has restrooms, a cafeteria, a shop, information center and a playground for restless children.

The Black Pyramids were largely unknown outside Tenerife until a reporter published a newspaper article in the early 1990’s. The article caught the attention of the famous explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who traveled to Guimar to study them. Dr. Heyerdahl noticed that these pyramids are similar to ones in Mexico, Polynesia, Peru and other places. Thanks to him, professional archaeologists began to study the Pyramids and concluded that they were built by the Guanche, the original inhabitants of the island.

The Black Pyramids, like similar structures around the world, are aligned to the summer and winter solstices. This was discovered by the Canary Islands’ Astrophysical Institute. The Archaeology Department of La Laguna University also conducted several studies. Underneath Pyramid 1, a cave was discovered that contained remains that carbon dating indicate were placed there between 680-1020 A.D. Thanks largely to that discovery, the Pyramids were saved from being bulldozed by developers who planned to built a shipping facility there.

Before Dr. Heyerdahl began his investigations and attracted archaeologists to the site, many people thought that the Pyramids were merely rock “dumps”. They theorized that farmers clearing the land for cultivation used the area as a central site for the rocks they removed. However, one look at the obviously planned construction will quickly disprove this particular theory. And after the carbon dating of the remains under Pyramid 1, the theory that they only date back to the 19th century has also been disproven.

There is much more to the park than the Pyramids; there are some very interesting exhibits as well. One exhibit is a display of crafts built by early men that could navigate the ocean between islands and even further. There is also a replica of Ra II, the craft used by Thor Heyerdahl on one of his many ocean voyages.

The Easter Island exhibition features life-sized photographs of the mysterious statues that populated a Polynesian island. The exhibit has traveled extensively, allowing people to see the fascinating statues. It also includes drawings and details of how the statues were probably moved into position.

There are also temporary exhibits that change frequently for the entertainment and education of both visitors and residents. You can also enjoy a beautiful garden filled with native plants that are labeled with both their common and scientific names.

The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Cruz is a treasure trove of artwork as far back as the 16th century. There are ten permanent displays of paintings and sculptures to browse through as well as many pieces of Madrid’s Prado Museum’s collection. You can even see the personal collection of porcelain and furniture that belonged to the Marques of Villasegura plus coins and weapons donated by Arturo Lopez de Vergara.

While you are in Santa Cruz you should visit the Tenerife Island Center of Photography. Here you can see all types of photography from the ordinary depiction of everyday life to surreal takes on the beauty of nature. You’ll find the experience of seeing the island through the eyes of another both enlightening and astounding.

If you are planning to visit Candelaria you should stop by the Museum of Sacred Art that is housed in a Dominican convent built in the 1700’s. The chapel there has religious art and objects that communicate the history of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Candelaria, as well as the peoples’ dedication to her. Be sure to take time to appreciate the beautiful architecture as well!

There are also science museums to explore! The Museum of Science and the Cosmos in La Laguna will be a pleasant surprise to those who think science museums are a bit boring. The museum performs thousands of lab experiments every year and has an impressive planetarium show. You will probably look around at one point and be astounded at how long you’ve been there!

In Santa Cruz you’ll find the Museum of Nature and Man, an Artistic Historical Monument since 1983. You can see displays of flora and fauna, marvel at pre-Columbian art, look at archaeological artifacts and Guanche mummies and much more. If you prefer the natural sciences you’ll want to visit the Island Museum of Natural Sciences in Garachico. This museum, housed in a convent, is a special treat for those who love to see the fish, birds, insects and other wildlife of an area up close and personal.

Guimar is home to the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Agache, an impressive collection of the finds of past excavations that is small but well worth the visit. You will be able to see human remains, primitive as well as more modern tools and ceramics and utensils used by past inhabitants. Another stop should be the Archaeological Museum of Puerto de la Cruz in the town of the same name. Here you will see mummified remains of the Guanches, the first inhabitants of Tenerife. It also includes displays of plants, animals and ceramics; some of the ceramic items and shards date back thousands of years to the original Guanche civilization.

If you’ve come to Tenerife via the Reina Sofia airport, there are two beautiful modern courses nearby. Golf Del Sur overlooks the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The wide fairways are wind around traps of volcanic sand and difficult water hazards. Amarilla Golf next door was designed by Donald Steel, built with and around the natural environment. Some holes will cause you to face the stunning mountain range and other meander along the coast path. You’ll never tire of chipping over the incoming waves at the 5th hole!

Real Club de Golf Tenerife is in Tacaronte. It is the second oldest golf course in all of Spain and its territories, built in 1932. At an altitude of 1,968 feet, the lush green slopes stretch for nearly 19,000 feet. There is free parking and a very good restaurant as well as a snack bar. This course is very popular; its membership is so large that the only time for open sessions is during the weekday mornings! Still, it’s a great course that’s worth waiting for. This course is easy to get to, just north of Los Rodeos airport.

Close to Los Cristianos lies Golf Los Palos, a 9 hole course that is ideal for beginners but also fun for more skilled duffers. Families will enjoy it, too, with the children’s playground to entertain the young ones and an excellent restaurant in which to enjoy a reasonably priced lunch.

Campo De Golf Las Americas is situated between two bustling areas, the Las Americas resort and the expressway, but you’d never guess it as you walk the greens. It is full of gentle slopes and the streams and waterfalls will challenge you even as they sooth the senses. This club was the venue for the Spanish Ladies Open in recent years.

Golf Costa Adeje staged the Men’s Spanish Open in 2003. It has 27 holes ranging from the ocean to the mountain! It retains the terraces and low stone walls of the banana plantation on which it was built and has miles of driving range on 3 levels; the highest even has a lift for your golf cart. You’ll enjoy the spacious colonial clubhouse, too.

Abama Golf is perhaps the most famous course; it is a favorite of celebrities from all over the world. This resort has a five star hotel, tennis courts, a spa and several award winning restaurants. It is landscaped with over 20 lakes and lush trees, has a 20,450 foot golf course and beautiful waterfalls. Add to that the fact that it has its own beach and you’ll love playing this challenging course during your stay!

Sevriano Ballesteros’ design makes Buenavista Club de Golf course like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Ballesteros has used the natural slopes and terraces of the Teno mountain range to present a unique set of challenges to golfers. After your round be sure to have lunch at the cliff top restaurant and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic!

The bars and clubs in Tenerife don’t generally open their doors till around 1AM so you’ll have plenty of time for a nap, a walk or a show before you hit the party circuit. You may want to think about taking the Party Bus, advertised as “the ultimate bar crawl” that visits all the hottest spots and relieves you of the hassle of driving and navigating.

If you want to step out and enjoy some music and a couple of drinks rather then “party hearty” you will want to visit the Jazzissimo Piano Bar. There you can have a relaxing evening in an elegant and romantic atmosphere while you enjoy Jazz and Soul music. This is one place in Las Americas that you must see if you love music!

Vai Moana, close to the harbor in Las Galletas, is a bit livelier but still not full-out “party central”. Its interior is beautiful and there is something new every night. On the night you visit you might find Flamenco music and dancers, Jazz performers, Jazz Fusion or even Reggae.

Want something a bit more unusual? Head over to Castillo San Miguel where you’ll be treated to jousting knights, tournaments and games from the medieval era. You’ll eat an authentic period dinner (perhaps with your fingers, they weren’t big on utensils!) and can dance the night through with your favorite drinks.

If your evening out just isn’t complete without Karaoke, Tenerife has it. Lazy Daze is one place where you can sing to your heart’s content; they also feature theme nights such as Motown Gold, musical impersonators and comedians. If you’d like to enjoy an evening of drinks and ballroom dancing, head over to the Bitacora Hotel on Wednesday night!

Tenerife has everything when it comes to dining and nightlife. Whether you want haute cuisine or a quick bite, a night of partying till you drop or an evening of entertainment, you’ll find it on this enchanting island.

Santa Cruz is an adventure; shops are mostly in the streets instead of a central shopping area. You can browse the shops and people watch while relaxing in small shaded parks and squares or luncheon at one of the many cafes. You’ll find lots of cheap electronics from name brands such as cell phones, CD players, car stereos, cameras and an endless variety of watches and perfumes.

Santa Cruz is also home to the African Market (Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa), a bazaar with over 300 stalls selling fresh local produce. Get there early for the best choices. On Sundays here you’ll find the El Rastro Flea Market on the edge of the Market where you can get high quality hardware, crafts and leather at bargain prices.

El Corte Ingles is in the Avenida de Tres de Mayo in Santa Cruz. The indoor shops carry brands from internationally renowned companies that specialize in furs, shoes, perfumes, jewelry, music and other fine merchandise. There is also a historic center near the port with the widest variety of stores and shops on the island. Palm, Laurel and Dragon trees shade the streets and the peaceful parks and squares. All shops are closed on Sundays.

If you prefer the upscale experience go to Plaza del Duque shopping center in the area of Adeje. There are over 40 shops carrying exclusive designer merchandise both local and international. Nearly all the hotels here have their own shopping areas. You’ll find most of the shopping areas here are modern, bright and cheery.

Arona has beautiful shopping areas in the tourist resorts of Playa de los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. The shops are open every day of the year and have something for everyone. The décor is reminiscent of an older era; there are street lamps as added touches and beautiful fountains yet it is very modern and spotlessly clean.

La Laguna is more traditional, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is a variety of shops with traditional and modern goods, both designer and local. Here you will also find art galleries and bookshops, colorful older buildings, small shaded parks with places to sit and cafes and restaurants for snacks or a meal.

In north Tenerife you will find La Orotava, a lovely ocean-side preserved historical center with scores of shops. They sell everything but you’ll find a lot of Cararian crafts. Most shops are closed on Sat afternoon and all day Sunday. You’ll love the old world feel, bell towers, steeples, balconies, red/brown tiled roofs and swaying palm trees.

Puerto de la Cruz is another historic center with a large range of merchandise at competitive prices. You’ll enjoy the lively street atmosphere, open air cafes, restaurants, and colorful crowds. Because of the number of tourists most shops are open on Sundays.

The first thing you’ll see is Mt. Teide, Tenerife’s inactive volcano and the Pico Viejo right next to it. If you’re visiting in the spring, winter or autumn you will probably see snow on the mountain tops. Indeed, in winter you will sometimes find the roads closed due to snow and gale-force winds. But in the summer you will see a beautiful, arid landscape that is colorful and teeming with hidden life much like the deserts of the Southwest in the United States.

You can trek to the summit on foot or take one of the cable cars. On the way up you’ll see the observatory where Brian May wrote a song for his band Queen while working on his grad thesis in 1971.

You can stay at the National Paradore Hotel inside the park for a complete experience. Its cozy atmosphere and terraces with views of the mountains make it a great stopping place, especially if you take one of the night tours of the park. Those night tours are truly breathtaking; you will see the stars like you’ve never seen them before or will again. Standing on the edge of Tiede’s crater in the light of the moon is awe-inspiring.

Be sure to check out the visitors’ centers where you can learn about the history of the park, the life within and the environment.

The beauty of Tenerife is that you can choose your weather! If you like cooler climes, the north part of the island is ideal. It has more rain than the south and there is snow on the mountains during its winter season. The north is lush and green; sunny at one moment and the next you will see fog rolling in from the mountains only to disappear minutes or an hour later. This part of the island is ideal for the foodstuffs raised there including apples, lettuce, peaches and onions.

The southern part of Tenerife is warm, dry and sunny with the occasional wet day thrown in to make it interesting. Summer temperatures can be in the mid-80’s with pleasant nights in the 60’s but it does, at times, get in the 90’s.

Because of Mt. Teide, one of the island’s volcanoes, there are several micro climates on Tenerife. You can go from freezing on a snow-capped mountain to sunbathing and swimming all in the course of an hour’s drive. The mountains are covered in pine and laurel forests, the laurel trapping the clouds’ moisture and forming “cloud forests”.

Late autumn through March is the ideal time to visit for the most pleasant, temperate weather but any time of year is comfortable with the proper clothing. There are very few extremes in the populated areas and beaches of Tenerife.