About Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the seven Canary Islands, is situated west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. Although a region of Spain, the Canaries are to a large extent self-governing even having their own parliament.

Tenerife is not just about beaches and sunbathing! It offers a staggering diversity of climate and landscape across an area of just 2000 square kilometres. From fertile valleys, high desert areas, lava fields, tropical gardens and forests, to spectacular cliffs, great beaches, charming fishing villages and wonderful flora – was there ever such contrast packed into a comparatively small area?

In terms of climate, the north and west is more humid and cloudier, with vineyards and lush areas of vegetation, whereas the south is sunnier and more arid, with a rockier landscape.

The dividing point between these two distinct climatic zones is the highest point in all of Spain! At over 12,000 ft Mount Teide is Europe’s highest extinct volcano and dominates the island. To the Guanches, the original natives of the Canary Islands the name 'Tenerife' meant 'White mountain', referring to Mount Teide, when it is snow-capped. In fact to see it this way is an incredible sight when contrasted with some of its greener lush surroundings.

It is the islands volcanic past that gives many of its beaches their fine black sand – yet today an ever increasing number are turning golden due to vast quantities of sand being brought to the island from the Sahara.

The island is just 60 miles from end to end with a road network than gives good accessibility to all areas.

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