Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has a light local weather but basks in solar all yr spherical. It’s historically well-liked with holidaymakers who need a fly and flop because of its seashores and placing volcanic surroundings.
However, Tenerife affords a number of distractions for the lively and is a perfect island to check out a brand new thrill-seeking exercise – whether or not within the air, within the water or on the bottom.
Cycling
Cycling Teide National Park
Cycling on mountainous Tenerife is all about climbing and you want to be match to deal with the altitude and gruelling slopes of the towering Mt Teide. The surroundings on the island varies from the luxurious, subtropical north with mountains and steep gorges, to the extra arid south with vast roads and advantageous sea views. The relentless ascent from sea stage up Mt Teide, the place you may experience from zero to 2100m (6889ft) in simply 35km (slightly below 22 miles) is for the fittest cyclists – together with skilled nationwide and worldwide groups who prepare right here in winter.
Tandem Paragliding
Tandem paragliding
Floating over Tenerife’s dramatic surroundings, strapped to knowledgeable paragliding pilot, provides you a beautiful perspective on the encompassing surroundings – in addition to an actual thrill. Flights usually final 20- half-hour and you may take off at about 40 totally different factors across the island.
No expertise is required and there’s no age restrict, although you do want to have the ability to run for a brief distance for launch and touchdown, relying on the situation. Flights depend on the fitting climate situations and security is all the time put first.
Scuba Diving
Wrecks, reefs, deep waters and variety of ocean life have made Tenerife a preferred island for scuba diving. Green turtles, rays, parrot fish, moray eels, sea horses and angel sharks are among the many marine species in Tenerife's waters. Diving centres across the island cater for all talents, together with absolute newbies. Ocean Friends (oceanfriendsdiving.com) supply a diving baptism all the time in a small group with a most of two per teacher. After studying a couple of basic abilities and hand alerts, novices are taken by dinghy to inshore waters for an introductory dive – at a most depth of 12 metres (39ft). The teacher is accountable for dealing with all of the tools so all you want to is breathe steadily by way of the regulator and keep in mind to swim along with your flippers – and never your arms!
Whale Watching
Whale watching c. Cetáceos fotografía Francis Pérez
Tenerife is without doubt one of the world's greatest spots for all-year whale-watching. The clear, heat waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are feeding grounds for each resident and migratory species.
Half-day catamaran journeys, with snacks and drinks on board, depart all yr spherical from Puerta Colón, Puerta de Los Cristianos or Puerto de los Gigantes. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins may be seen all yr spherical and there may be nothing to beat the thrill of encountering these sociable creatures, typically proper up near your boat.
Teide National Park
Rising above the clouds is majestic Mount Teide, which at 3715m (12,188ft) is the world's third largest volcanic construction and the best mountain in Spain. All round it are weird and engaging volcanic landscapes with bizarre rock formations and hardened lava flows. Reaching the summit of El Teide by foot just isn’t for the faint-hearted (see Hiking beneath) however a cable automobile can whisk you up in seven minutes to inside 200m (656ft) of the height. A visit to El Teide is justifiably the most well-liked attraction on the island and there are day and night excursions accessible from most resorts on Tenerife.
Alternatively, you may go independently by automobile. Take heat clothes regardless of the time of yr. In winter temperatures can drop beneath freezing and even in summer time it may be very chilly.
Hiking
Hiking within the Anaga Mountains
Hikers are spoilt for alternative with trails by way of majestic mountains, deep valleys and spectacular volcanic landscapes. The steep ascent to the height of the Mount Teide is a severe problem, taking 6-7 hours and requiring loads of stamina – in addition to a allow (www.reservasparquesnacionales.es).
Less difficult are the lunar-landscape walks across the volcano. There are over 20 waymarked trails within the Teide National Park. The favorite mountain area for climbing is the attractive Anaga Massif, with its steep-wooded slopes, ravines and advantageous sea views alongside the cliffs. Popular too is the Teno Massif with its dramatic inexperienced mountains and rocky landscapes.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
The coastal offshore shallows at El Médano within the southeast are the favorite hang-out of significant windsurfers and kitesurfers. Swept by the alisios, the sturdy prevailing commerce winds, the bay enjoys over 300 windy days a yr and repeatedly hosts worldwide windsurfing championships. It is a big sweep of seaside, with windsurfers and kitesurfers congregating on the western finish with the largest waves. You can rent gear, take classes or relax with the browsing crowd at one of many seaside cafés.
Spas and Wellness Centres
There is nothing extra gratifying after a day of adrenalin-fuelled pursuits than a soothing therapeutic massage or a dip in a whirlpool tub. Many of Tenerife's high-end motels supply smooth spas and health services that are usually open to the general public for a payment. One of probably the most inviting is the Oriental Spa Garden of the Hotel Botánico (see Hotel Review), set amid Asian-themed gardens and providing the newest strategies and coverings.
Siam Park
Siam Park – an important hit want households
An awesome hit with households, this Thai-themed water kingdom (ww.siampark.web) spreads over 14 ha (34 acres) and boasts state-of-the-art aquatic points of interest set inside unique gardens. Expect temples, dragons, and alligators alongside the best way and for an actual adrenalin rush head for the Tower of Power with a 28m (90ft) drop climaxing in an aquarium of sharks and rays.
Surfers can benefit from the wave palace with 3m (10ft)-high artifical waves, whereas sunbathers can loosen up on loungers on the artifical seaside, with white sands from Portugal.
Stargazing
Tenerife is a superb place to look at the celebs because of low mild air pollution, readability of night time skies and excessive altitude factors. Companies supply particular guided night time visits to view the wonderful sundown from El Teide, style Canarian delicacies and Tenerife wines, adopted by stargazing with guides by way of long- vary telescopes from excessive up on El Teide.
Where to Stay
Hotel Botanica & The Oriental Spa Garden – lush, tropical and opulent
The Hard Rock Hotel – family-friendly funky and enjoyable
Source: www.thetravelmagazine.web