Description

One visiting Tenerife will just fall in love with the climate and the landscape of the island. Tenerife enjoys a perfect climate all through the year with occasional rain. The island is full of mountains, deserts, beaches and alien flora and fauna, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a cheerful town full of tourist’s interests. Its port, where once the first shots of the Spanish Civil War were fired, is today a muddle of ferries, jetfoils and freighters. The beaches at Tenerife present special swimming and sunbathing experience.

Shopping

The island presents assortment of shops dealing with various articles. As major part of the Island is tax free, travelers can buy tobacco, spirits and perfumes exempted from tax. In the city center many shops are clustered around Villalba Hervas, El Castillo, Doctor Allart, Bethencourt Alfonso. The shops here mainly deal with cheap electronic goods. There are many duty free shops at the Reina Sofia airport but the prices are much higher compared to other places.

Restaurants

Most of the restaurants here serve global cuisines. Chinese delicacies are most savored on the island and Chinese restaurants are in great demand throughout the island. The traditional island food is gofio often a substitute for bread. Local dishes like papas arrugadas, una racion and una porcion should be tasted. Recommended restaurants include The King and I, a must for Thai cuisine lovers, Monte Christo, Restaurante Cabanas. The most appreciated fish is an island species, "la vieja", which has fine white meat like the Sama and the cherne. The sardine and the chicharro are among the most popular fresh water fish. The king of the meat is undoubtedly pork, one of the most requested dished being pickled pork. The "papas arrugadas" with green or red garlic sauce stand out above the rest as a side dish. The small and buttery potatoes that the island produces have an extraordinary flavor and by themselves make a delicious dish.

Night Life

Tenerife presents active nightlife to its visitors. The best nightclubs are located in the south of the island. There are ample numbers of disco and music bars, just a pebble’s throw away, in Tenerife. In many bars and restaurants live shows are held by nationally and internationally famed disco jockeys.

Activities

Trips can be held from Tenerife to nearby islands either in boats or by renting crafts. Snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, golf are the other activities that can be carried out while holidaying in Tenerife. Day trips can be held to La gomera and nearby places. One can also watch Lucha Canaria, a match played between 2 teams of 12 each.

Communications

The international access code for Spain is +34. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. Pay phones are blue or green and coins or phone cards can be used. Phone cards are available at post offices, tobacco shops, and newsagents. GSM is operated through 900/1800 and covers the entire country by three telecom operators. Internet is accessible at internet cafes in most towns and resorts.

Contacts

Spanish Tourist Office, Madrid: +34 91 366 5477 or www.spain.info
Spanish Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 452 0100
Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 8989
Spanish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 747 2252
Spanish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3555
Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 344 3875/6/7
Spanish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 283 9900
Spanish Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 5804
United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2240
British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 700 8200
Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 423 3250
Australian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 353 6690
South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780
Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093
New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226
Emergencies: 112/061

Currency

EUR

Attractions

There are many places of interest to be visited in Tenerife. The most popular beaches are located in the south and around Playa de las Americas and Los Christnos. Jardín Beach, Martiánez Beach and Roque Beach with its sand which is dark and abundant during low tide periods; suitable for practicing surf. Loro Parque is a world famous zoo and is popularly known as the parrot zoo, and is worth a visit. Tenerife has ample number of museums and art galleries, which takes one through the history and heritage of the island. Tenerife has magnificent flora and fauna that enthralls one and all visiting the island. Other places of attraction include octopus Aqua Park, Camel Park, cactus and Animal Park etc.

Language

Spanish

Language Description

The official language is Spanish, but English is widely understood in main tourist areas. Galician, Catalan, and Basque are spoken in the some areas.

Tipping

It is customary to tip 5-10% for most services rendered. 15% tip at restaurants is the norm, although bills are inclusive of service charges. 10-15% of the bill amount is paid as tips to drivers of metered taxis.