If you thought holidays in Tenerife were all about big nights out and long lazy days under the sun, think again. This popular spot is like an island of two halves – green and naturally spectacular in the north, while the south is bright, bubbly and beach-centric. Naturally, this makes a great place for a holiday and it means you can even mix things up a little, perhaps taking day trips to different regions or building your own holiday of two halves.
To help you get to grips with this popular yet incredibly under-discovered island, here’s our take on the two very different faces of Tenerife.
The South
It’s big, bright and bustling. In Tenerife’s southern region you’ll hear familiar names like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, which offer all the fun of the fair both day and night. If you’re up for big parties and non-stop cocktail bars, this is the place to be, and Playa de las Americas also has a beach of gorgeous golden sands – a rarity in this part of the world (psst, the sand was shipped in from the Sahara!)
If you fancy keeping the action neatly at arm’s length, give Costa Adeje a whirl. It’s a relative newbie on the holiday resort scene and it’s quite an upmarket spot, so expect plenty of swanky hotels and lovely pavement cafes. Plus, the huge water park of Siam Park is nearby – it’s one of the biggest in Europe and it’s getting plenty of rave reviews. Pop along with the kids for an easy day’s entertainment, but be warned – the fun is addictive, so expect to be splashing around and embarrassing the little ones before the day is out.
The southern region is the most popular for sun-seekers, so you’ll find plenty of competitive deals on holidays and flights to this corner of the world. Take a peek at the great all-in offers from Monarch and see what tickles your fancy; from fuss-free all inclusive to self-catering apartments and lovely villas, we’ve got the lot.
??Playa de las Americas
The North
If all that lively action is a little too much, a break in Tenerife’s northern region is like a breath of fresh air. Here you’ll find the island’s charismatic capital, Santa Cruz, home of sizzling paella and some of the best tapas you’ve ever tasted. You’ll also find the popular resort of Puerto de la Cruz. It might be a growing place but it hasn’t lost any of its charm. In fact it was popular way back in the late 1800s, when genteel ladies came to use the natural spas. Today, it’s an attractive town with promenades, leafy squares and a sense of Canarian tradition, which extends from it tasty menus to the eye-catching architecture.
??Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Away from the towns of northern Tenerife, take to the roads and explore the myriad of tiny hillside villages and rocky pathways that extend all over the beautiful northern region. Expect dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, lush mountainous landscapes and crashing surf. It’s soul-stirring stuff.
You can find out more about this distinctly two-sided island through the official tourist board. In the meantime, head over to Monarch.co.uk and kick-start your search for an unforgettable stay in this truly diverse and fascinating corner of the world. Prepare to leave all your preconceptions behind – on a holiday in Tenerife, you might just surprise yourself…
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post
Photo Credits: Flickr Creative Commons Photo Credits: Playa de las Americas by G.e.o.r.g.e, Santa Cruz by Antonio Gonz??lez Tajuelo
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