Best Places to Eat in Tenerife

Tenerife is one of Europe’s most popular holiday resorts. Every year, people flock to Tenerife for beautiful scenery, fantastic resorts and of course, the sun, sea and sand. But Tenerife also provides a wealth of great cuisine – if you know where to find it!  If you’ve been lucky enough to have had a few  Tenerife holidays you’ll know that the local produce is great quality, and traditional specialities are a real treat. Here are few places to check out and expand your knowledge and appreciation of the best of Canarian cuisine!

Cuisines of the World

Although part of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is similar to Spain in its love of Tapas. Most bars you may frequent will serve up Tapas on the counter – perfect to tide you over before a later meal in the evening. If you venture to the south of the island, you will find cuisines from places far beyond Europe including Lebanese, South American, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese.  Enjoy the Italian cuisine served at Biano Italian restaurant and bar, located in Playa de Las Americas.

Traditional Tastes

For traditional Tenerife tastes, head to Costa Adeje’s La Torre del Mirador Restaurant. Over looking the sea, the restaurant has a variety of rooms, suitable for small parties, or you can dine on the large terrace, overlooking the sea. Set in manor house style building, it’s an elegant spot in the evening, with candles and lanterns sparkling by the water.

For something a little different, get off the tourist track and into Tenerife’s beautiful surrounding landscape – home to some little-known but worthy eateries. Cantabrian Cuisine is best sampled at Resturant Casa Cantabria, located in the Chafoya area in the hills above Los Cristianos. Specialising in dishes from the Cantabrian region of Spain, you can experience real relaxed Tapas or a full-blown gourmet meal.

Also in Chayofa is the La Estancia Restaurant, serving excellent French-Mediterrenean cuisine.

Dishes To Look Out For

Canarian dishes are high in protein and carbohydrate and salt is freely used, so remember to taste the food before you season it yourself.  Keep an eye out for Puchero canario which  is a hearty stew made from pumpkin, cabbage, sweet potatoes, pork and beef. Not one for vegetarians! Usually, the broth is drained and eaten as a soup, followed by a main course of the tender meat and vegetables.

Sea bass, swordfish, octopus are found in Canarian waters, drawn by the warm seas. You’ll also find parrot fish, alfonsino and the ferocious looking moray. Limpets are a local delicacy often served with mojo – a potent sauce, which has chili, tomatoe and coriander.  Pejines, are very popular too – these are small fish, dried in the sun and then grilled, great as a tapa dish, with a glass of ice sangria.

Canarian bananas are delicious – tiny, sweet and creamy, with a intense vanilla perfume, they are  unlike anything available in the UK.  Wherever you venture on your Tenerife holiday, make sure you push the boat out and make the most of this amazing Island’s culinary qualities!

Volcanoes And Fine Wine In The Canaries

The island of Lanzarote, is 37 miles and 12 miles wide. Not huge, but big enough to have a fantastic holiday in gorgeously warm weather. If you feel in need of a quick break, check out airlines tickets – the prices are very tempting at the moment! It’s a sunny place, with a mild climate and little rainfall, so it ideal for a break, any time of the year. During the 18^th and 19^th Centuries, the island experienced a number of volcanic eruptions, which is evident in the rugged, orange and grey lunar landscape. The landscape has changed very little in 200 years since the eruptions took place so it looks quite rugged but the plant life is varied and rich. There’s lots of contrasting scenery between the bright blue sea, the barren rocks and the luscious tropical plants.

Holiday Pastimes

Lanzarote is the fourth biggest of the Canary Islands and has several magnificent white sand beaches, found at Papagayo and Playa Blanca. The restrictions on development has meant that the island has not undergone a massive amount of building work, so there are no huge hotels to block out the sunset. Of course, there are hotel resorts along much of the coast, but its easy to find a quite spot.

It’s a great base for an uncomplicated holiday – the sort of place where you can take a couple of books, and your art kit and head for the beach. The water is clean and the beaches are safe, just remember that like any holiday destination, you should make sure you keep your valuables out of sight. Lanzarote is only about 80 miles off of the coast of Africa, so even on overcast days, it’s all too easy to get sunburnt, so ensure you have plenty of sunscreen available. Car hire is an inexpensive way to see the whole island and there are some interesting sights along the way – such as the longest Volcanic Tunnel in the World. It’s over 7 km long! Some of the volcanoes are still active and you can take a tour to see these in action.

English is widely spoken but it is advisable to learn some Spanish if you head off into the villages – it will also be appreciated. There are some very fine local vineyards, where you can sample the light, refreshing local wine with a selection of tapas. A tip – smoking is now banned in many public places, so if you smoke, its advisable to see if any local people are smoking before you light up!

You can enjoy an Island cruise on a yacht, and watch the coastline slip by, or if you enjoy boating, spend the morning at the main Marina – and sample some of the freshly cooked fish at one of the many seaside restuarants.

Up and Coming Events

You can witness one of the world most gruelling athletic competitions on Saturday, 21^st May, when the Peurto Del Carmen Triathlon kicks off – also known as the Iron Man test, competitors swim, cycle and run huge distances for the chance to come home first across the line.  The Fiesta in Montana Blanca takes place on Tuesday 14^th May, and Canary Islands Day is an annual celebration marking the day that the Canaries were granted autonomous status in 1983. This year, the celebrations are set for May 30^th.

Lanzarote has a number of good information kiosks, found in Arrecife and Purerto Del Carmen and you can pick up information leaflets and the local news from the Airport on your arrival. Flights to Lanzarote leave from the majority of UK airports with Easy Jet so check out what’s on offer. When you land, its so easy to get around and its a great place for a sun filled, relaxing holiday. There are some fantastically cheap flights available now, so take advantage of the bargains before the summer holidays begin!

What Makes Tenerife The Most Popular Canary Island

Tenerife is an island that has drawn large number of tourists for decades. As the largest of the seven Canary Islands, situated just off the coast of North Africa, Tenerife contains all that’s best about the area in one convenient package.

Lunar Landscapes In Tenerife

Dramatic volcanic landscapes, Sahara gold and black sandy beaches, water sports, camel rides and resorts packed with activities and entertainment. With all this, its no wonder people continue to book cheap holidays to Tenerife time and time again.

Currently around five million tourists visit Tenerife each year, making it the most popular of the Canary Islands. It is serviced by two airports, and has also become the home of a large contingent of British ex-pats residing out there.

It’s unsurprising that Tenerife is so popular. Many consider it one of the most exciting and scenically striking islands in Europe. The standout landmark is Mount Teide, the island’s volcano, which at the height of 3718 above sea level is the highest peak in Spain and is the third largest volcano in the world.

Going on holiday to Tenerife is the ideal introduction for those going on a holiday abroad for the first time. The island is blessed with year round warmth and sunshine, making it a popular destination during all months of the year. And, despite it being much closer to the equator, it does not get too hot due to the cooling trade winds, along with the natural protection that Mount Teide provides.

Tenerife also appeals to people of all ages, with families, couples and groups of friends enjoying everything that the island has to offer. On the southern coast, the major resorts of Los Cristianos and Playa De Las Americas attract those looking for fantastic beaches and activities such as water sports and dolphin watching. The resorts are also well-known for their nightlife, and therefore appeal to visitors who enjoy slow, relaxing days mixed with long, loud nights.

The north of the island is quieter, with stunning scenery. Puerto De La Cruz has striking black sandy beaches by a river valley backdrop. Those who enjoy their history should pay a visit to La Laguna, close to the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which has many buildings reflecting the island’s Renaissance past.

Tenerife is in a stunning setting and has glorious weather all year round, so it’s very easy to see why Tenerife continues to be a draw for those looking to get away for a week or two.

Book A Week In The Sun This Easter

Easter is one of the most popular times for a holiday. With the children out of school for an extended period of time and with the potential to use bank holidays to your advantage, make the most of the time, by booking an early holiday treat. Canary Islands holidays are some of the most popular at any time of the year, but with the promise of sun and warm temperatures during Easter their popularity soars. It’s therefore important that you book your holiday for Easter in plenty of time.

Choosing Your Destination

When deciding on the Canary Islands as your Easter destination you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are some top rate resorts which cater for the entire family, and whether you opt for Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise in Lanzarote; Los Cristianos in Tenerife; Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria or one of the many beach resorts in Fuerteventura you won’t be disappointed. The Canary Islands are truly geared up to provide holidaymakers with everything they desire for the perfect holiday – Easter sun here can’t be bettered.

Beach Heaven

When going abroad from the UK at Easter, it’s safe to say that beaches are usually at the top of any list of priorities for the perfect holiday. If you decide to make the trip to Fuerteventura,  you’ll be pleased to know that the island is home to over 150 different beaches! Whether you spend your time in the sun at Correlejo, Sotavento, El Cotillo, Cofete or Jandia,  real beach lovers will never want to leave. Beach holidays in the Canary Islands are by no means limited to Fuerteventura, with the other islands home to famous beaches like Playa de las Canteras in Gran Canaria and those around Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife. Whether black,  natural golden or Saharan sand is your thing, you can be sure that a visit to any beach in the Canaries will leave a lasting impression.

Natural attractions

Canary Islands holidays have a natural volcanic landscape and there are numerous natural places of interest to visit. The most famous are Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain located on Tenerife, or the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. Try and tear yourself away from the beaches to visit these breathtaking sites when you take a Canary Island Holiday break!

Visitor Guide to Lanzarote

Part of the Canary Island chain Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday hot spots in Spain.  Boasting weird and eerie volcanic terrain, breathtaking beaches and a clement climate that makes it possible to enjoy a break here all year round.

Lanzarote can be found just off the coast of West Africa, on the same line of latitude as the Bahamas. And as a result has a semi tropical climate that makes it an ideal destination even in winter.  Like the other six islands in the chain it has been owned by Spain ever since the 1400´s.  So it is a very familiar for anyone who has enjoyed an Iberian holiday before.

Most visitors to the island arrive on flights to Lanzarote from the UK.  As more British visitors spend their holidays here than any other nationality.  With around 900,000 UK tourists expected to pass through Arrecife airport during the course of 2010.

There are three main holiday resorts which are all located in the south, whilst the north has been left largely untouched by tourist development.  And as a result has become a growing focus for rural tourism on the island.

Around half of all visitors stay in hotels, the other half in self catering accommodation.  With the island offering thousands of tourist beds all year round.  As here, thanks to the climate the holiday season never stops.

Hotels in Playa Blanca are especially popular, as this resort has been developed more recently than the others.  So facilities and amenities here are all still virtually brand new.  Prices are reasonable here too with room rates starting at about €60 per night.  Although there are some more upmarket establishments for those seeking a little more luxury.  Such as the Gran Melia Volcan located next to the Rubicon Marina.

Exploring the islands many attractions is relatively easy.  Lanzarote is a small island and the roads are all well signposted.  Car hire in Lanzarote is also very affordable, as is petrol.  The Timanfaya Volcano Park is the most popular sight, along with the works of the local artist César Manrique.  Who designed breathtaking visitor attractions such as the Jameos del Agua – an old lava tunnel and now a concert venue.

Lanzarote is also home to wealth of pretty, traditional towns and villages.  Such as Teguise, where some of the buildings date as far back as the 1450´s.

The Island of Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the ideal choice if you’re on the lookout for a holiday that involves the holy trinity of sun, sea and sand.

125 kilometres west of the coast of Africa, the island of Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands. Its close proximity to the equator ensures that the island gets hot weather all year and thanks to the island’s volcanic origins, there’s no shortage of sandy beaches and dramatic landscapes. From the lively nightlife of Puerto del Carmen and Arrecife to the spectacular Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote has it all.

Arrecife

The island’s main city of Arrecife, home to half the island’s inhabitants, has a wealth of shops and a bustling nightlife too. Approximately 45 minutes from the airport, Playa Blanca is the newest and fastest growing resort on the island. The town has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, and, of course, beaches! You can even hop over to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura using the regular ferries that leave from the harbour. Costa Teguise is one of Lanzarote’s oldest and most established resorts with plenty of things to do including golf, windsurfing or just lazing on the beach. If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, then Puerto Calero, with its splendid marina, is definitely for you.

Whichever part of Lanzarote tickles your fancy, don’t forget to make sure you take out holiday insurance before you leave.