Tenerife is a classic among classics, for the young, the old, families with children, young couples or party animals, and that is of course for a reason.
This largest of the Canary Islands, 2.036 square km with a population of 700.000, is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, close to the coast of Africa. Its location provides it with extraordinary weather conditions: Tenerife is a land of external spring, with average temperatures of 20 degrees in winter and 25 in the summer, to which the volcanic origin contributes some degrees more, especially in the south of the island.
For this reason the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife may be in the north of the island, the sun lovers head for the beaches in the south of the island.
To all the others, this beautifull island offers an endless variety of ecosystems, microclimates and scenery. Golden beaches, volcanic areas, ravines and nature reserves, and of course El Teide, the impressive volcano that is on the list of UNESCO as world heritage site, and that last erupted in 1918. In fact the whole island is a result of an eruption of El Teide.
Tenerife inspires adventure and all sorts of sports: magnificent golf courses but also trekking, sailing, surfing, horse-riding, paragliding, and any other sport you can think of, both in the sea and on land.
At the very same time its modern facilities enable you to enjoy the “winter” with theatre, photography or performances of the renowned Tenerife Symphone Orchestra, as well as excellent health clubs and beauty parlours to treat oneself.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy is excellent. Tenerife has succeeded in retaining its most traditional recipes, while remaining open to new dishes, which explains why you may often find the most typical restaurants next to modern ones, offering McDonalds as well as the most contemporary cuisine. Delicious fish and seafood, tasty cheeses, excellent wines, honey and the traditional cereal gofio, all play a part in guaranteeing the richness of their dishes.
Art & Culture
For centuries Tenerife has been a refuge chosen by good number of artists. The island keeps itself at just the right distance to inspire creation: it offers the solitude required for making works of art and at the same time it lives immersed in contemporary cultural life.
Travellers who love getting into the creative arteries of the places they visit will come away from Tenerife with the feeling of not having managed to capture all the cultural pulse that powers it, such is the range of what is on offer. In the centre of the capital Palma alone, there are some ten large cultural centres, public and private. This is only an appetizer, because there remains hardly a town or village that has not made culture and art a seal of distinction in recent years. The proliferation of spaces dedicated to creative activity will astonish any who head for the island expecting to find an enormous solarium quite removed from constant cultural innovation.
Any attention to artistic innovation is usually accompanied by a deep concern to preserve the relics of a tumultuous past. Tenerife, because of its strategic location in a sea of culture and commerce, has had so agitated a history that it cannot but delight those seeking echoes of other times.
Useful Information
Driving
The speed limits on the motorways are 120 km/h and driving is on the right hand side.
The speed limits on main roads is 100 km/h, on minor roads it is of 90 km/h and 60 km/h in urban roads.
Seat Belts: Must be worn at all times at the front and rear of the car.
Drink Driving: Random breath test exist anytime of the day and there are many especially at night.
Taxis
Taxis can be hired from ranks, on the streets, or you can call them up for them to pick you up from your hotel / villa. The taxi driver will always have a pricelist with him, so if you are not sure of the amount, please ask to see that list. Taxis aren't expensive within the city but becomes quite expensive on long distances.
Personal Safety
La Policia Nacional (national police) keep law in order in the urban areas. If you need to get to a police station, ask directions to “comisaria”, otherwise, you can call Police Assistance by dialing “1091” from any phone boxes, this call is free of charge.
Language
As part of Spain the official language is Spanish. However, especially in the main tourist areas, you will find it easy to go about in English or German.
Time Zone
Tenerife is on GMT is one hour behind Spain.
Electricity
Electricity is 220V
Currency
The currency the EURO. |
