Tourist Information on Tenerife
Tourist information on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands
Location
Tenerife is the largest, best known and many say, the most beautiful of the Canary Islands.
An island of vivid contrasts it is dominated by Mount Teide, a snow capped extinct volcano which rises majestically above the craters and weird lunar landscapes of the Las Canadas National Park.
DID YOU KNOW ? Mount Teide is 3,718 metres (12,402 feet) high and is the highest point in Tenerife and also the highest mountain in Spain.
To the north the lush green sub tropical vegetation, banana plantations and exotic flowers of the Oratava valley and the sophisticated resort of Puerto de la Cruz with its famous seafront lido.
To the south a hotter drier and more barren land with dark sand beaches, the lively all action cosmopolitan resort of Playa de las Americas and it's more tranquil neighbour Los Cristianos.
The main attraction of the Canary Islands is their favoured climate providing warmth and sunshine throughout the year but Tenerife, the holiday island with a difference, has so much more to offer.
Climate
Most of Spain is hot and sunny in summer but there are differences in temperature during winter depending on the climatic region.
There are three regions: the north and north-west, the central region and the Mediterranean coast including the Balearic Islands.
The north and north-west is the wettest region cooler and wetter summers although there is still an ample mount of warm weather.
The central region has low rainfall although during winter there may sometimes be quite heavy snow the mountains. Summers are hot with spring and early summer being the wettest seasons.
The Mediterranean coast has milder winters with hot and sometimes humid summers.
Hotels
Normal hotels and "Hotel Residencias" (residential hotels with no restaurant) are officially graded by stars from one up to five. An extra-luxurious "5-star GL" category tops the range.
Lower quality accommodation called "Hosta” and "Hostal Residencia" (a hostal with no restaurant) is graded less rigorously from 1 star up to 3 star. Pensions (very basic guesthouse accommodation) are also separately graded with stars from one to three.
Holiday Villages (low-rise accommodation usually in spacious gardens) are also officially classified as "Ciudad de Vacaciones" and graded from 1 star to 3 star.
Motels have no gradings. Aparthotels and 'Residencia Apartamentos" (aparthotels without a restaurant) are graded on the same basis as hotels from 1 star to 5 star. Apartments are classified by 'keys` from 1 key up to 4 key.
Vaccinations
Complusory Vaccinations: None.
Recommended Vaccinations: None, however check you have an up to date tetanus & polio immunisations, long-term visitors should consider hepatitis A immunisation. Please note that recommendations do change from time to time and it is important to discuss your personal requirements with your doctor.
General Health
Summers in Spain can be exceedingly hot. Take precautions against the sun particularly in southern and coastal areas and use a sun screen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF).
The water in Spain is generally safe to drink.
Some acclimatisation time is required in mountain regions. Allow for this when planning the length of your stay.
The standard of health care is generally good. Visitors are advised to take out travel insurance before travelling to as all medical treatment, prescribed medicine and dental treatment will be charged for.
A reciprocal health agreement with the EU means that medical care from state scheme doctors is free for residents from the EU with a valid E111 form.
Chemists are called Farmacias.
Personal Safety
In Spain's larger cities street theft is not uncommon. Always secure your wallets and valuables in crowded places and keep bags and luggage with you at all times. If you are hiring a car, always lock the door and don't leave valuable objects on view inside.
Violent crime is rare.
Emergency Numbers
Police, Ambulance & Fire: 112.