One of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations, Tenerife offers the perfect place to escape and enjoy the sun. However, there is much more to this charming island than most visitors realise.
Tenerife enjoys a very colourful history. Its capital – Santa Cruz – is the location where Admiral Horatio Nelson famously lost his arm in battle. Each year a re-enactment is held in the city – complete with cannons, gunfire and soldiers dressed in full military attire.
As well as a vibrant history, the island boasts many fables and myths. One of the most intriguing tales is the Legend of Atlantis. It claims that Tenerife remains one of the last visible points of the lost city of Atlantis – the rest of which is buried deep below the sea.
One of Tenerife’s most popular attractions, the Dragon Tree in Icod de los Vinos is believed to be the oldest of its kind in the world at the grand age of 650. The bizarrely titled tree was named so because of the liquid secreted when the bark is cut was said to be the dried blood of dragons.
East of Icod de los Vinos is Vilaflor – the highest village in Spain. This picturesque hamlet resides 1,400m above sea level and offers sensational vistas across Tenerife.
Towering above Vilaflor and dominating over the island is the spectacular Mount Teide – the highest peak in Spain at 3,718m above sea level. The volcano and its surroundings comprise the Teide National Park – one of the most visited National Parks in the world.
In Tenerife you will find a variety of attractions and theme parks, including Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz. This zoo houses the world’s largest collection of parrots and does its best to conserve as many species of animals as possible so they avoid extinction.
Towards the south of the island lies Siam Park – a fantastic family water park. This aquatic wonderland boasts Europe’s tallest water slide – The Tower of Power. This thrilling slide features an almost vertical 28m drop which is sure to leave your pulse racing.
The annual carnival held in the capital of the island attracts over 1million tourists to Tenerife every year. Considered to be the second most popular carnival in the world, it features flamboyant outfits, all-night parties in the street and spectacular parades.
It’s not just tourists who are attracted to this beautiful island – film producers are also drawn in by Tenerife’s dramatic scenery. The island has featured in many famous films – such as Clash of the Titans, Star Wars: Episode 3 and Planet of the Apes.
The island has also attracted some special visitors over the years. In July 2005, Former President Bill Clinton visited the Auditorio de Tenerife. This was the first visit by a former US President to the Canary Islands.
So now you know – there is more to Tenerife than meets the eye. Maybe next time you visit the island you will discover even more.
Hello,
I have been on my holiday or I used to live in the bigger part of Europe – Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain – Costa del Sol, Sweden and United Kingdom.
But Tenerife is the place where I wish to establish my home
Hi Bozhidar, it sounds like you are more qualified than most to judge having done such a large amount of traveling! We love Tenerife too and can highly recommend living here. Thanks very much for your comment
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