> Tenerife is the largest and most populated of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago lying off the northwest coast of the African continent. Around five million tourists visit Tenerife each year due to the island`s attractive combination of climate, culture and activity. The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located in the northeast of the island whereas most of the major beach resorts are situated in the southwest. The landscape of the island is fascinating and well worth taking the time to explore. In just one day you can travel from the lush, subtropical vegetation of the lowlands to the imposing volcanic mountains of the island`s centre. The black sand beaches make an unusually beautiful backdrop for a beach break and the towering cliff faces that flank the coastline serve as a stark reminder of the power nature.

The island is home to a number of interesting landmarks and visitors should try to spend some time travelling around the island to explore the diverse landscapes and sights on offer. The Teide National Park in the centre of the island is a popular excursion for visitors. Within the park boundaries, the mysterious red rock formations at Los Roques de Garcia have also become a popular attraction in their own right. To the east in the town of Guimar the Black Pyramids are a fascinating relic of past inhabitants and on the other side of the island, visitors can marvel at the striking `Cliffs of the Giants`.

The sunny climate in Tenerife makes it suitable for holidays at any time of the year. The temperatures are warm throughout the year, with winter averages of 20 to 22°C and summer temperatures around 26° to 28°C. The summer months of May to August tend to see the largest numbers of tourists and visitors during the winter months often report that the island feels a little more laidback. With no bad time to visit, you might like to time your holiday to coincide with one of the many cultural events that take place on the island each year. Those interested in exploring the culture of the places they visit will be delighted by a holiday in Tenerife as there are so many fascinating sights and unique events to discover.

One of the highlights of the island`s cultural calendar is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest carnivals in the world. The event is takes place in February and is celebrated throughout the island but the main events take place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife itself. Unlike many Spanish fiestas, the Carnival has little religious significance and is primarily just a massive party. You will see flamboyant costumes, extravagant dancing and lively music and even if you do not quite know what is going on you are sure to be swept up in the merriment.

Like much of mainland Spain, the period around Easter and Santa Semana is always a colourful affair marked by processions of exquisitely decorated religious floats. The event is celebrated throughout the island but one of the best places to experience it is La Laguna, in the north of the island. The month of May brings one of Tenerife`s most spectacular festivals, the Fiestas de la Cruz. Depending on which town you visit you can enjoy an assortment of costumes, fireworks, processions and music.

Tenerife is served by two airports. The busiest, Reina Sofia, is situated in the south of the island and Los Rodeos is in the north. Flight time from the UK is around four to five hours depending on departure airport and direct flights are available from several UK airports, including Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and London. Many budget flights are now available to connect visitors with Tenerife`s southern beaches so it is easy to find reasonably priced flights to Reina Sofia and enjoy cheap holidays in Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos.

Article submitted on 2010-05-18