Places to see in Tenerife |
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Your average sunseeker might not realise it, but Tenerife has so much more to offer than long, lazy days by the pool or on the beach. And given its relatively small size, it doesn’t take much of an effort to find something else to do other than sunbathe or swim. With a little help from us, your holiday snaps will look even more impressive. Most visitors will arrive at the airport and immediately hit resorts such as Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, without giving the rest of the island a second thought. Alternative destinations can, however, be equally satisfying, not the least of which is the capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Santa Cruz for short) with its metropolitan pleasures. Also worth checking out while you’re in the north of the island are San Cristóbal de la Laguna and El Sauzal. San Cristóbal de la Laguna, or La Laguna, as it’s more commonly known, was the original capital of Tenerife and its beautifully preserved centre has seen it designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. El Sauzal likewise boasts traditional Canarian architecture best enjoyed during a leisurely stroll through this pedestrian-friendly town. Further south you’ll find La Orotava, beautifully set in the verdant valley of the same name. A haven for culture vultures, the town holds a number of music festivals and the extravagant Corpus Christi celebrations. In the north of the island, the popular Loro Parque boasts an exotic collection of birds, mammals and marine life. Spectacular live shows featuring performing dolphins, orcas, sea lions and parrots are a daily highlight. The park also hosts the world’s largest indoor penguin exhibition and a modern aquarium with an impressive 18 metre shark tunnel. |
