Tenerife

The Island of Eternal Spring

The island of Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands at 2,053 square kilometres - and it has the shape characteristic of a triangle. It is called the island of eternal spring because of its wonderful climate . The influence of the Sahara and the Ocean currents and winds give the island and all year round comfortable environment of mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures are about 20ºC in Winter (December) and 30ºC in mid summer (July). The island is full of dramatic contrasts and boasts of a great variety of scenery. The South of the island is hot, dry and arid whilst the North is green and lush. A mountain chain runs through its centre and on both of its slopes there are large, fertile valleys .In the heart of the chain there is a gigantic, volcanic crater, called Las Cañadas del Teide, which is about 29 km across and has officially been declared a National Park.

It lies over 2,000 m above sea level. Within the crater stands El Pico del Teide, a 3,718 m high mountain, which is the highest point in Spain and gives the island its unique and commanding silhouette. Although snow-covered in the winter it is still possible to bask and sunbathe a short distance away on the beaches to the South.

The Northern areas are worth visiting and is where you will have to visit to experience the history culture and scenery and see the fine old colonial towns. Spanish occupation of the islands goes back the 15th Century and the island was already peopled by a native race called the 'Guanches'

The area to the South has a number of resorts that take advantage of the eternal summer, fine beaches and magnificent volcanic scenery. These include Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas and Los Gigantes. These abound with restaurants that cater for all manner of cosmopolitan culinary tastes and offer a variety of opportunities for entertainment. There are a variety of attractions including a animal and bird parks, Whale and Dolphin Centres, Aqua Parks as well as botanical gardens, parks, museums and interesting churches

The Island has an extremely varied plant life, large, wooded mountains, extensive areas where banana, tomato, potato and other agricultural products are grown. Its coast is rocky and lined by cliffs in some places, while in others there are beaches with soft, clean sand, which are sometimes black and sometimes golden.

Palm Mar enjoys the benefits of being a quiet area, remote and yet within a short drive of the vibrant areas of Los Cristianos and Las Americas. There are some nice restaurants and a supermarket. It is only 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to Las Americas and a car is useful although their are public transport and tax1 links and a new taxi boat service will be opening up offering easy access to these areas.

For more information about the Geology and Natural History of the Island, click on the 'History' button below or to the left

For more pictures go to the picture gallery.