Tenerife is the biggest and best-known of the Canary Islands, and has a host of attractions in addition to the timeless appeal of its year-round fabulous weather. For a start, there's around 350km of breathtaking coastline; there are lovely beaches and tropical-forests, together with stunning lava landscapes of lunar starkness - and the dominant 3718m Pico del Teide, Spain's tallest mountain peak.
Like many other areas of the island, Mount Teide provides fabulous walking territory for those who enjoy the outdoors. If you're more inclined towards relaxation, then there are designer shops a-plenty, delicious traditional Canarian cuisine - and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a true, traditional Canarian experience.Simply head away from the southwestern resorts and you'll find gems such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital, which is delightfully authentic, though during Carnaval, it's packed with people who know that this is a festival second only to that in Rio de Janeiro! Year-round, however, there's plenty of nightlife on offer, though with two World Heritage Sites, one National Park and 42 natural protected spaces, you may be tempted to remain in the great outdoors!
Take a Whale watching trip - at least 21 species of whale can be seen here, and the south-west coast is Europe's largest breeding ground of bottlenose dolphins.
Explore the norther capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife; there are excellent shopping and leisure facilities.
Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos still hold great appeal for beaches and tourist attractions.
Laguna - a fascinating folklore centre; visit the historic cathedral as well.
Mount Teide - a staggeringly beautiful mountain that dominates the geography of the island - take in the strange ash landscape of its upper slopes.
Stargazing - Tenerife is one of the top places in the world to stargaze, thanks to its latitude, clear air and lack of light pollution. Visit the observatory on the summit of Mount Teide for a really close look at the stars.
The Cueva del Viento volcanic tunnel, located in the northern town of Icod de los Vinos - an indication of the island's fascinating geological history.
The magicial Ritz-Carlton Abama Tenerife and the equally impressive Bahia del Duque Tenerife offer immaculate luxury surroundings with resort villas as well as ocean view hotel rooms