TENERIFE
THEME PARKS
Octopus Aquapark (near Playa de las Americas)
The Octopus water theme park, situated near Playa Las Americas, is open all year round,
10am to 6pm daily. One of Tenerife's great attractions, it features superb selection of sun
bathing areas, slides, tubes, pools, diving boards , dolphins shows and a relaxing 'lazy
river'. Attractions include safe, supervised climbing and playing structures for children, and
high safety standards. Facilities include restaurants and changing rooms.
Loro Park (Puerto de la Cruz, North Tenerife)
This fabulous Puerto de la Cruz attraction is a Thailand styled tropical paradise. It has the
worlds largest parrot collection and unforgettable Dolphin Sea Lion & Parrot shows, as well
as the world's longest underwater ' walkway' tunnel (through a shark and fish filled
aquarium). Tiger Island, Gorilla Jungle and the Bat Cave are j just a few of the many
attractions here. Open daily. 08.30 - 17.00. Free 'road train' ride to and from Playa Martinez
(centre of Puerto de la Cruz) are every 20 ins.
Ecological Park (Las Aguilas Nr. Los Cristianos)
75,000 sq. metres of tropical gardens. Many natural attractions, exotic wildlife, crocodiles,
penguins, elephants and a variety of 'birds of prey' - which are used for exciting
'demonstrations set in open arenas. Open all year with free buses from Playa Las Americas.
Bananera - Jardines del Atlantico (at Busanada, Nr Los Cristianos)
Included amongst the abundance of tropical plants and trees, you will also see a model of
Tenerife explaining the water system of the island. Open daily they have a free bus from Los
Cristianos/Playa Las Americas
Bananera El Guanche
Visit their spectacular array of 400 species of cacti, thousands of tropical plants and trees.
Bars, souvenirs, video show every 20 mins.
Camel Park (Near Los Cristianos)
Enjoy a ride on the typical Canarian animal. Afterwards enjoy an Arab tea or meal. Open
daily from 10.00 - 19.00 on the road from Los Cristianos - Chayofa. Free bus from Los
Cristianos/Playa Las Americas
Cactus and Animal Park (Near Los Cristianos)
A botanical garden specialising in cacti and plant life from the arid regions. The animal park,
houses a variety of species from marmosets to terrapins. Next door is Amazonia, 7000 sq m
of tropical rain forest. Exotic birds fly freely and there is s a beautiful collection of
hummingbirds, a host of other game birds, parrots and reptiles. Open daily from 10.00 18.00. Free bus from Los Cristianos/Playa Las Americas
SIGHTSEEING
Botanical Gardens (Puerto . . Cruz)
Will impress even those who 'are not interested in flowers'. The gardens feature an
incredible collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants. Open daily 09.00 - 18.00.
Situated in La Paz.
Risco Bello Aquatic Gardens (Puerto Cruz)
Situated right in the heart of the Parque Taoro. A popular and beautiful tropical oasis with
lakes, grotto, waterfall, pottery garden, Japanese bridge, exotic flora and fauna. Open daily
10.00 - 18.30 (winter) and 10.00 - 20.30 (Summer)
Castle Museum Park (Los Realejos)
Discover the Canary Islands History and all about its flora, fauna, agriculture, volcanoes,
foods, ceramics and handicrafts. Everything you ever wanted to know about folklore. There
are also Camel rides, and a playground for children. Open daily 09.00 - 18.00. Free bus
every 30 mins. from Cafe Columbus.
Casa Iriarte (Los Realejos)
A beautifully preserved 18th Century building with the distinctive Canarian balconies so
ever-present in this town. Poet and author Tomas de Iriarte y Nieves-Ravelo was born in
this house in 1750. The lower part of the house has shops selling souvenirs and upstairs
there is a naval museum, with a collection of old posters and photographs.
Natural History Museum (Santa Cruz)
A new museum representing Tenerife's history, from Spanish conquest - present day.
Housed in a magnificent XVIth century building. Open Tues.- Sun. 10.00 - 17.00
Craft Markets
'Rasto' (Santa Cruz Flea Market). Sunday mornings 10.00 - 14.00. About everything
Garachico
Local Canarian craft market, most Sundays.
Masca
Road leads from Santiago del Teide, 6 km zigzag drive. Village until recently not accessible
by road. Wonderful views and an insight into how Canarian's lived for many years. Popular
with hikers who wish to make the 2 hour walk through the gully to the sea at the base of
majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Barranco del Infierno
Walkers ravine in Municipal of Adeje. The gorge boasts one of the few permanent streams in
the south of island. You do not have to be a keen hiker to transverse this gully. Walk takes
approx. 70 mins, each way. Bar/Restaurant at entrance to Barranco. Wear tough shoes.
Vilaflor - Old Canarian village
Situated at 4,921 feet is the highest village in Spain. Beautiful scenery. During winter
months take a jacket with you it may be cool.
Taganana Still one of the remotest villages in Tenerife. Famous for it's Rose wine and fresh
fish meals. It is a botanist's and walkers paradise.
Teide Volcano and the National Park
Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain standing at 12,200 feet. Formed around a million
years ago. Lunar landscape, volcanic ashes and rock formations. Incredible views and
landscapes. Cable car to upper peak. Cable car cannot be used by people with heart
condition's and other related medical conditions.
Night Club
Club
Veronicas, in Playa de las Americas, is the hottest night life location in Tenerife. The whole
complex is dedicated to night life. At various other venues in the South, you will find
everything from Spanish Dance Shows, Magic shows and Medieval nights to dedicated Jazz
programs. Veronicas comes to life from around 22.00 hrs every night. All music tastes
catered for as well as an excellent variety of young rock bands and live music. from 01.00
hrs till late.
Castillo San Miguel Medieval Night and Show
Exactly as you saw it in the movies!. Now live. Medieval tournaments, Parades-games-fights
and competitions on horseback between knights of that epoch. Enjoy an authentic medieval
show accompanied by a succulent dinner, wine and dance with the orchestra show band.
Also The Drifters Espectacular. Spend an unforgettable evening with all the family.
Flamenco Ballet The Pyramids International Ballet
Theatre Dance Show. A must when visiting Tenerife. This show is approx. 2 hours of Dance.
If you have ever wanted to or seen the Riverdance company, this group of dancers have
developed a show which is as good if not better with a Spanish flavour. Dinner can also be
arranged at one of the restaurants in this renowned 5 star hotel and conference centre.
ACTIVITIES
Inline Skating, Skateboarding
A popular sport with young residents of Tenerife. Ramps in Playa Las Americas (near
Stadium) and El Medano. Street skating and boarding all around.
Karting
(7 km from Los Cristianos) Karting Club Tenerife, 5 different models of Karts for an exciting
ride. 3 different circuits: Choppers - Competition & Formula. Bar Cafeteria - Billiards Scalextric - Viewing Terrace. Situated just off Motorway on road Guaza - Las Chafiras.
Hang gliding
Club run by experienced instructors.
Snorkel and Scuba
A full range of Scuba courses from beginner level to instructor level is available from several
clubs. If you always wanted to try it, go to the Scuba page. There a several very good
snorkelling coves around the coast, with interesting marine life, see beaches for a few
suggestions.
Ski
Para - Sailing As well as JetSki, WaterSki and Parascending, may other activities are
available on various beaches all around the island. The beaches page gives suggestions on
water sports locations in addition to information on sunbathing beaches.
Surfing
El Medano, has hosted the world windsurfing championship. A windsurfer's paradise with
almost constant wind. Rigs can be hired at El Medano and Las Americas, which also has a
windsurfing centre and daily lessons. Longboard and bodyboard surfers can hire surfing
boards in Las Americas. Body Boarders should check the beach pages, where I have listed
several good surfing sites.
Tours
Jeep Safari
are available both in Tenerife and La Gomera. 6 seat open top jeeps are used. You will visit
Mount Teide and forest's of Tenerife, so take a warm clothing.
Sea Trips
Jolly Roger - Meridian - Ons de Mars - Catamaran - Ketch's many sea trips are available to
see Whales and Dolphins, also for sightseeing off coast. Cruises are 2 hrs - 5 hrs and 6 hrs.
See tours for mores details.
Whale Safaris
Trips to visit Pilot Whales of Tenerife. Other species are seen during migration periods.
Crews experienced on where to locate Whales and Dolphins. Cruises range between 2 and 6
hours.
Submarine
Trip Yellow Submarine. Daily Trip takes approx. 45-50 minutes for underwater trip off
island. Several trips per day.
Markets
African Market
(Santa Cruz) The famous Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa is a dazzling bazaar of over 300
stalls selling fresh local produce. A short walk from bus station, look out for pink clock
tower, get there as early as possible for the best of the fruits and veg. On Sundays
surrounding the African Market you will find EL RASTRO FLEA MARKET look out for some
high quality leather, hardware and crafts at bargain prices.
Tenerife Pearl
(Armenime, south Tenerife) At Armenime in the south, Tenerife's Palace of Pearls, where
thousands of square feet are devoted to pearls and pearl jewellery. Open 7 days a week.
09.00 till late. Free entrance,
House of Wines
Casa del Viño, El Sauzal, Exit 21 Autopista del Norte. Housed in traditional country house in
north of Tenerife. Lovingly restored this is a museum and visitors centre. Sample excellent
quality wines of Tenerife. Authentic cuisine and impeccably run restaurant. Museum hours
Tues - Sat. 11.00 - 20.00 Sundays 11.00 - 18.00 - Restaurant hours Tues - Sat. 13.00 23.30 Bar hours 11.00 - 23.30
Botanical Gardens
(Puerto Cruz) -Will impress even those who 'are not interested in flowers'. The gardens
feature an incredible collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants. Open daily
09.00 - 18.00. Situated in La Paz.
Risco Bello Aquatic Gardens
(Puerto Cruz) - Situated right in the heart of the Parque Taoro. A popular and beautiful
tropical oasis with lakes, grotto, waterfall, pottery garden, Japanese bridge, exotic flora and
fauna. Open daily 10.00 - 18.30 (winter) and 10.00 - 20.30 (Summer)
Castle Museum Park (Los Realejos)
Discover the Canary Islands´ History and all about its flora, fauna, agriculture, volcanoes,
foods, ceramics and handicrafts. Everything you ever wanted to know about folklore. There
are also Camel rides, and a playground for children. Open daily 09.00 - 18.00. Free bus
every 30 mins. from Cafe Columbus.
Casa Iriarte (Los Realejos)
A beautifully preserved 18th Century building with the distinctive Canarian balconies so
ever-present in this town. Poet and author Tomas de Iriarte y Nieves-Ravelo was born in
this house in 1750. The lower part of the house has shops selling souvenirs and upstairs
there is a naval museum, with a collection of old posters and photographs.
Masca
Road leads from Santiago del Teide, 6 km zigzag drive. The village until recently was not
accessible by road. Wonderful views and an insight into how Canarian's lived for many
years. Popular with hikers who wish to make the 2 hour walk through the gully to the sea at
the base of majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Barranco del Infierno
Walkers ravine in Municipal of Adeje. The gorge boasts one of the few permanent streams in
the south of island. You do not have to be a keen hiker to transverse this gully. Walk takes
approx. 70 mins, each way. Bar/Restaurant at entrance to Barranco. Wear tough shoes.
Vilaflor
Old Canarian village. Situated at 4,921 feet it is the highest village in Spain. Beautiful
scenery. During winter months take a jacket with you it may be cool.
Taganana
Still one of the remotest villages in Tenerife. Famous for it's Rose wine and fresh fish meals.
It is a botanist's and walkers paradise.
Teide Volcano and the National Park
Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain standing at 12,200 feet. Formed around a million
years ago. Lunar landscape, volcanic ashes and rock formations. Incredible views and
landscapes. Cable car to upper peak. The cable car cannot be used by people with heart
conditions and other related medical conditions.