TENERIFE HOLIDAYS

Where is Tenerife?

Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean which is part of Spain although it lies closer to the west-African coast. There are 13 Canary islands in total, although just 7 are inhabited and of those, the 4 closest to the mainland are best known to holidaymakers: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife - which is the biggest island. Tenerife's location is the reason for its beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes and sub-tropical climate, making it an attractive holiday spot all year round. And within easy reach of the UK, it's no wonder Tenerife is a top choice for visitors looking for short-haul sun & beach breaks.

How long is the flight to Tenerife?

You can fly to Tenerife in around 4 and a half hours from the UK. There are direct flights from most cities including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff and Bristol, with multiple departures every day. There are two airports on the island: Tenerife North (Norte) and Tenerife South (Sur) also known as Reina Sofía Airport. Majority of UK flights arrive at Tenerife South Airport, which is a short distance from major resorts like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje.

When is the best time to go to Tenerife?

Tenerife makes a great holiday destination at any time of the year. With guaranteed sunshine and warm weather throughout the summer months, even in winter the average temperature remains around 20°C, making Tenerife a great winter sun destination. September to October is an ideal time to visit the Canary Islands - the beaches are less crowded after peak season, while the sea is still warm enough to swim in and you'll enjoy average daily temperatures in the mid-20s. Looking to experience Tenerife at Christmas? Holidays in December offer a sunny escape from the cold weather at home and a choice of events, indoor and outdoor activities to keep all ages entertained. August is the hottest month in Tenerife and there's less chance of rain between April and September, making the school holidays a popular period for families. Whenever you plan your Tenerife holiday, you can look forward to a glorious sun & beach break.

Is Tenerife expensive?

It's possible to enjoy a cheap Tenerife holiday while still making the most of this beautiful island. For a start - days at the beach, exploring parks and gardens, swimming or hiking don't cost a thing! The choice of activities makes Tenerife one of the most affordable Canary Islands. Local buses are also cheap and reliable, meaning you can explore different parts of the island during your stay. When it comes to eating out, you'll find a wide range of restaurants to suit all budgets, including informal dining great for families and larger groups. Tenerife's resorts also have plenty of cheap and cheerful bars and entertainment, so you can enjoy the nightlife without breaking the bank. During the day, stock up on snacks and cold drinks at the supermercado where you'll find other essentials like sun cream and beach toys too. Choose local brands and fresh produce over imported goods for lower prices.

What language do they speak in Tenerife?

While English will be spoken in all touristic areas of Tenerife, Spanish is the official local language. This is the same on all of the Canary Islands; however the pronunciation of Canarian Spanish can differ slightly from what you'll hear in mainland Spain. In particular, when the letter “c” comes before a vowel - here it becomes an "s" sound. Meanwhile, an "s" at the end of the word is often ignored in casual conversation. So, in Tenerife "gracias" becomes grassia. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases to throw into conversation will be appreciated, even if you can expect most information to be available in English for holidaymakers.