The first great advantage is the weather. The Canary islands are known as the islands of eternal spring, all islands are warm and sunny all year round and enjoy an average day temperature between 16 and 20ºC in winter, 20 to 30ºC in summer.
The easy accessibility is another big advantage – All European airports offer relatively cheap flights to the islands.
As for our Tenerife, there is a long list of extra pluses, not least of which is Tenerife’s impressive contrasts in its nature, be it the green areas and banana plantations in the north, or the always sunny and dry south.
Over the years Tenerife has slowly changed. Cheap and cheerful is still available everywhere, but the most popular resorts have a more upmarket feel, and an emphasis has been added on quality.
By the swish hotels that have sprung up in places such as Fanabe and Costa Adeje you can already notice the change. Aiming to appeal to tourists who want better standards to match their affluent lifestyles, the hotels are the last word in quality, comfort and style.
The environment is also experiencing a continuing makeover, like the Paseo Litoral promenade. Over 10 kilometres long, this beach walk goes from Los Cristianos, through Playa de las Americas and onto the edge of the fishing village of La Caleta. It’s a lovely walk, made special by the lovely views across the Atlantic. You can also take in views of people on the wonderful and different beaches, from the large stretch of Las Vistas, the lovely little beach with green area opposite the Mediterranean hotels, the black sand beach of Torviscas and the pebble beach at La Caleta. You can observe the of people boarding the whale and dolphin cruises in the port, watch the ferries set sail to the nearest island of La Gomera.
On the shore side of the walk there’s an endless array of restaurants, coffee bars, apartments, hotels and shops, part of the fun of strolling by, particularly when the surrounding flower show is so special.
Tenerife has never been short of leisure facilities for families. Now they are bigger and better and the offer is always getting broader. Loro Parque, originally a parrot paradise, has expanded into an animal and wildlife extravaganza. And Siam Park, billed as the biggest themed aquatic park in Europe, opens hopefully this summer still. There are some smaller parks like Aguilas del Teide, also well worth a visit, as is the sometimes forgotten Lago de Martíanez in Puerto de la Cruz, a wonderful combination of seawater pools and gardens, designed by the famous César Manrique.
No self-respecting quality tourist destination could be without top draw golf courses. They are a huge magnet for many visitors and Tenerife now has nine.
All of these attractions are additional bonuses to the “real” Tenerife, places that have never needed to adapt or change with the times – the sleepy mountain villages, tranquil hiking trails, and the alluring cafe culture in so many picturesque towns.
In the north the beautiful resort of Puerto de la Cruz has always been a particular favourite of mine.
Tenerife’s glory, however, is Mount Teide. At 12,188ft it’s the highest mountain in Spain, and is part of Teide National Park, recently awarded World Heritage status.
Don’t try climbing to the peak on foot unless you are fit and agile. Best advice is to ride a cable car for the final 1,000ft to the summit and – on a clear day – take in the breathtaking views to the other islands in the Canaries.
We stayed at the impeccable Arona Gran Hotel, overlooking the busy harbour in Los Cristianos. Almost every room was booked and two thirds of the guests had stayed there before.
