Island of Eternal Springtime
The island of Tenerife is situated in the Atlantic
ocean about 200 miles off the West African coast at just over 2000 square kilometres
it is the largest of the seven main Canary Islands.. Although small in size
it has as many different climatic zones as a continent.
The Towns
... Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital, and Puerto de la
Cruz, the center of international tourism.
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The Beaches |
Overview
Playa de las Américas is a series of contiguous beaches in the towns of Arona
and Adeje on the south shore of Tenerife Island. Tenerife is the largest island
in the Canary Island archipelago, which is part of Spain. The beach there is
protected by an ariticial reef and features an attractive yellow-grey sand and
shallow water.
Getting There
Nearest major international airport: Reina Sofía International. Most tourists
arrive on flights from Madrid (2 hours).
Timing
Tenerife's tradewinds and proximity to the equator make the weather there remarkably
stable — visitors are attracted to the island year-round.
Temperatures range from 68F (20C) to 77F (25C), and the water temperatures range from 66F (19C) to 72F (22C). The island receives about 29 days of rain each year, although the South is far more arid than the North. The beaches are busiest at Christmas and Easter, when northern Europeans flock to the sun, and during August when the Mediterranean countries are on holiday. May and November are the slowest months.
Lodging
The hotels start at the waterfront, and neither selection nor availability pose
a problem. Las Américas has hotels, apartment complexes, and rental homes to
suit virtually any taste or budget, and still the construction continues.
Travel Tips
The southern shore is the most developed area in the Canaries, but also offers
the most attractions and the best dining and nightlife. The emphasis is on fun
and enjoyment so don't expect "peace and quiet." Tenerife is a duty-free
island, and you can find all types of products for less than the duty-free sections
of airports in their countries of origin. Liquor, perfume, cosmetics, and cigarettes
are least expensive in the large supermarkets. Cameras, watches and specialty
crafts from Africa and elsewhere are readily available at low prices, especially
if you haggle.
Although the local drinking water is safe, its mineral content is very high and bottled water is suggested.
Remember that the sun's rays are far stronger at these southern latitudes than in North America or Europe. You can identify those who have neglected their sunscreen by their scarlet hue and pained expressions.
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