Tenerife has long been, and will remain, a popular destination for Brits. With year round sunshine (a concept previously considered a myth by our rain-drenched nation), fantastic scenery and a reputation for a great night out, we arrived in droves on to the black sandy shores.
The largest Canary Island offers the best of both worlds; the south of the island is home to the renowned nightlife of Tenerife as well as some of its best known beaches. In contrast, the north is loved for its culture and picturesque wonders; the black-sand beaches being one of them and are synonymous with the Canary Islands. The white sand is typically imported from the Sahara Desert.
Southern Tenerife has, for a long time, been favoured by tourists; because of this the south benefits from an increased urban scene which offers comfortable apartments, numerous cafes and restaurants as well as multiple avenues for your night time endeavours. The south also lays claim to the more consistent and hotter climate; it proudly boasts year-round beach weather which, combined with its nightlife, is often why this part of the island is most popular with stag and hen weekends.
On top of this you can also find decent food, catering for those who like to try other cultures’ cuisine as well as people who like their food a little more familiar and closer to home.
Without a doubt Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas are the most popular areas for a great night out, however it is the latter which offers the craziest venues. With round the clock clubbing for those who are after it and an extensive party scene it is often this area which rises to the top of everyone’s to do list.
Playa de las Americas has three main areas; The Patch, Veronicas and Starco. The Patch is a large commercial area which has a whole host of entertainment from cafes, bars and restaurants to cabaret and karaoke venues. Veronicas and Starco are practically on top of each other and are home to some, but not all, of the best bars and clubs on the island.
Nightlife here is loved by all as it is an exciting, exotic scene. Particularly popular with the Brits are the prices; the drinks are generally cheaper than that of the UK, and as a nation we love a bargain.
This vibrant party town is home to many white-sand beaches, but if you need a bit of tranquillity after a particularly strenuous night out then a small venture to Playa Bobo las Cuevitas may well be in order for you. Alternatively, if its adventure you seek then Playa de Guincho has the best set up for water sports.
The south of Tenerife may be better known, but this island has far more on offer for the inquisitive traveller who is willing to discover it. In the north, unearthing the cultural surroundings is encouraged by the weather, which is more varied compared to the south and consequently palatable for those impartial to a bit of exploring.
The capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located toward the northeast tip of the island and is surprisingly devoid of tourists. For the culture vultures, a trip around this part of the island is unmissable; it is here you can find the truest cuisine and culture of Tenerife.
Just north of the capital is La Laguna, a town which gives a brilliant view of the country’s historical past; attractive buildings from the renaissance and colonial periods can be found here. If it’s the famous black beaches you seek then the best examples can be found around Puerto de la Cruz.
Puerto de la Cruz is the second most popular destination on the island and has a reputation for being a bit more relaxing than its tourist rival, Playa de las Americas. It is picturesque with a mountainous backdrop and a dreamy old town. Although the southern climate tends to lend itself to beach days, the north will not be outdone.
Lago Martianez, a series of seawater pools designed specifically for bathing, and the numerous sandy beaches speckling the northern coast present the perfect opportunity to kick back, relax and enjoy a lazy afternoon.
