|
Tenerife is the largest (2034sq km) and highest (3718m) of the Canary Islands, Mount Teide is Spain’s highest mountain, the island has an estimated population of 655,656.
The view from Teide's peak on one of the frequent crystal clear days is amazing; the varied colours of the many different types of volcanic rock are seen so clearly from here. At different times of the year a variety of plants such as the bushy clumps of Teide daisy flower on the higher slopes
Tenerife has as much diversity of climate and landscape as a much larger country and is often referred to as a mini-continent. The northern coast of Tenerife is bordered by steep cliffs, but the southern part of the island slopes down to one of the few regions of level coastal plain in the volcanic islands of the archipelago. Accordingly, Tenerife is a paradise for tourists and makes an idyllic holiday destination. The south of the Island, particularly Playa de las Americas, is world famous for its nightlife scene.
According to some scientists the name Tenerife means “snow capped mountain” in Guanche language although no-one has ever decided wether they had a complete language. Tenerife is sometimes referred as the “island of two faces”, an island with a 'north-south' divide. The resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos have all but merged to form one big buzzing playground for the younger tourists, bulging with bright lights and bars. Puerto de la Cruz is, quieter and cooler being more popular with the older crowd.
Tenerife has a great variety of micro-climates in a very small geographic area and provides interest for many different types of tourist, not just those looking for beaches but also others that enjoy hiking, climbing, paragliding, cycling, photography or any other outdoor pursuit that benefits from the wonderful climate and diversity of topography and landscape available to visitors.
|
