SPAIN: Tenerife
All the warmth of Africa with that unmistakable Spanish spirit. That's Tenerife in a nutshell. But crack it open and you'll discover exactly why it's one of the world's top holiday spots. Dubbed the 'island of eternal spring', its enviable sunshine record leaves most other places in the shade. And it's a land with two very different faces. The south coast is where you'll find neon-lit dance spots and buzzing bars swaying 'til sun up. The north, meanwhile, is the flipside to the coin. It's a land of vivid banana plantations speckled with sleepy whitewashed houses and tapas joints with an eye firmly on tradition. Then, of course, there are the beaches to think about. Sun-worshippers come to pay homage to Tenerife's tanning strips. Whether you like a lively sandy hub with plenty to do, or a peaceful spot with only the sea for company, you'll find both ends of the spectrum here and everything in between. That's the beauty of Tenerife. It's a fascinating land of contradictions. Spend a little time choosing the right piece of the puzzle for you and you'll have the holiday you've been hankering after. With a great tan thrown in for good measure.
Beaches
When it comes to Spain's sandy shores, Tenerife's pretty hard to beat. Whether it's bustling beaches with plenty of watersports, or peaceful retreats where you can relax with a good book, there's something for everyone. Playa de las Americas has three dark sandy beaches, and three man-made ones, all with crystal clear seas that are perfect for watersports. Purpose-built in the 1960's, it's packed with bars, restaurants and clubs. In contrast, Los Gigantes is a fairly secluded spot. Halfway up the west coast, a sheer rock face soars 600 metres from the beach to the sky. Los Gigantes means 'the giants', and if you see a tiny sightseeing boat at the base of these mammoth cliffs, it's easy to guess how they came by the name! Here you'll find black sand and clear waters, perfect for paddling and snorkelling. Up on the lush northern coast, Puerto de la Cruz is a beach resort that's high on charm. This is where the first holidaymakers came, along with today's tourists who still head for the three beaches along the rocky coastline. For sand-free sunbathing, head to the lovely Lido Martianez, where saltwater lagoons are surrounded by terraces and dotted with lava rock islands.
Eating out
If there's one thing that Tenerife's got plenty of, it's good quality restaurants. Whether you're looking for something international, traditional, or a taste of home, you're sure to find it here. The amount of restaurants offering international cuisine means it can be harder to find some of the real Spanish eateries. But if you're keen to track down where the locals eat, keep your eyes peeled for some of the 'Guachinches'. These little places are dotted along the roads of Tacoronte, Acentejo and surrounding la Laguna. On the simple menus you'll find fresh caught seafood dishes like, sama. This popular meal is baked fish on a bed of salt, with a small jacket potato and mojo, a spicy garlic sauce. Other tasty treats include chunky casseroles, thick soups and meaty pork dishes. If you prefer something a tad more global, you're in good hands. A huge amount of restaurants offer international cuisine, like Indian, Chinese and Lebanese. Of course, a large portion of the island caters for those who like nothing more than the good ol' taste of Blighty. So expect to be able to pick up fish and chips, along with other fast food favourites, around the island.
- La Playa Chica, El Medano With a great setting and even better food, this place truly deserves its top notch reputation. So pull up a chair and browse the menu that's packed with traditional treats. Try their tapas – it's hugely popular for a reason…
- Las Faroles, Puerto de la Cruz If plates of paella aren't hitting the spot, Las Faroles' enormous grills will. This place has the largest barbecue on the island and a menu that dares to venture from burgers and sausages. Their specials, like rabbit in mushrooms and gravy, are famous throughout the island.
- Otelo II, Costa Adeje In the notoriously tough restaurant business it's hard to stay open for 20 weeks, never mind 20 years. But that's how long this place has been in business. Forget arty food with portions so small you're raiding the fridge an hour later – this is simple, hearty food made with the freshest ingredients. Who could ask for more?
- Las Brasas, Puerto Santiago Seafood lovers, stop right there. You've officially died and gone to heaven. This place is heaving with tasty underwater treats and they'll cook them however you like. Grilled, barbecued, baked – you want it, you got it. Leave battered cod in Blighty and try something new.
- Los Roques, Santa Cruz If you've got more in common with lobster than burgers, point your Manolos in the direction of Los Roques. Their a la carte menu throws up the culinary equivalent of uncut diamonds. Steak and king prawns. Scollops stuffed with foie gras. Lamb with a dark cherry chutney. Grab a taste of the high life and show your credit card what it was born to do.
Nightlife
When it comes to lively nights abroad, Ibiza tends to hog the limelight. But Tenerife has got enough bars and clubs to give the party isle a run for its money. The hedonistic Playa de las Americas is packed full of 24 hour party people dancing to the hottest DJs spinning the latest sounds. The list of superstars who've manned the decks read like a who's who of clubland. From the good times of Danny Rampling to the fierce thump of Carl Cox, it's not just Ibiza that draws the big names. Just as popular but not as wild, Puerto de la Cruz also has its own fair share of pubs, clubs and restaurants. For something a bit different, don your tuxedo and indulge your James Bond fantasies at Casino Taoro, one of Europe's most luxurious casinos. In contrast to the party atmosphere, Los Cristianos is an altogether calmer affair. It's out with all night foam parties and in with cosmopolitan pavement cafes and harbourside restaurants.
- Tramps, Playa de las Americas Billed as the 'King of Clubs', this place truly deserves its regal reputation. With three arenas, a slick decor and a list of superstar DJs, there's no wonder it's packed night after night.
- Lineker's Bar, Playa de las Americas By day, you can catch up with all the sporting action on the big screen. By night, this place turns into a throbbing party venue, bursting at the seams with up-for-it clubbers. In case you're wondering - yes, it's owned by Gary Lineker's brother.
- Bikini-G's, Playa de las Americas This pink-themed palace may look like Jordan's idea of heaven, but don't let that put you off. If you're looking for all-out fun, their Baywatch beach parties are pretty hard to beat.
- Vai Moana, Las Galletas This heavenly haven overlooks the sparkling harbour and attracts a large crowd of 'the beautiful people'. You'll find no fishbowls or two-for-ones here – it's cocktails and champagne all the way. Throw in a top notch restaurant and you've got the perfect venue for a stylish night on the tiles.
- The Chill Out Bar, Los Cristianos Sometimes you want to escape the shot-downing crowd and actually have a conversation without shouting. That doesn't mean you're getting old – you just need a change of scene. So thank God for the Chill Out Bar. Their mixture of comfy sofas, table service and smooth jazz are the perfect antidote to bars that have 'hangover' written all over them.
Shopping
Everyone loves a bargain, so Tenerife is a shopaholic's dream come true. Unlike the eye-watering prices of the UK, this place has tax-free shopping, so you can afford to go wild in the aisles and pick up perfumes and spirits at rock-bottom prices. The areas around Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz are chock full of department stores and shops, offering everything from cheap clothes to mobile phones at huge discounts. For something a tad more traditional, go for the smaller village shops where you can pick up some of the local crafts. Look out for some of Tenerife's unusual pottery, which is made without a potter's wheel and decorated with bold, tribal designs. Of course it's not only shops where you can pick up souvenirs. You're bound to stumble across a craft fair, so take the time to browse the selection of wickerwork baskets and knick-knacks.
