Email-car-hire
The 100% internet car hire company offering cut throat prices as well as giving you great service. They have cut the red tape from the expensive old fashioned ways of doing things and instead provide a quick and efficient booking system connected to the major car rental companies in Spain.

Auto Reisen
Well praised and claim to be the best car hire company in the Canary islands. More than 20 years operating in the airports of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. Book online without credit card. Tax and insurance included in the quoted car rental price. Offices in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

Via Expréss
Offering an Airport transfer services to anyone arriving at the Tenerife South airport to any destination in Tenerife for a fixed price, when on the website click arrival voucher and departure voucher to make a booking also TITSA offer an alternative service, see below.

LOCAL BUS SERVICE
Titsa
The local Tenerife bus company, for frequent bus users a Bono-Bus "TITSA CARD" is available and worth considering, offering a discount on travel. Information on there Airport route (line 488) is on there site and prices can also be seen here

Tenerife Airport Taxis have a rank just outside the main arrival/departure terminals, just next to the Airport bus stop. For a guide to prices visit here

One of the best ways to get around Tenerife is to take a taxi, they can be ordered using the numbers below (remember if phoning from a non-Spanish mobile to add 0034 to the front).

Playa de las Americas (Adeje-Arona) 922 711468 /922 795414

 
SIAM PARK - ** NEW **
Walk through the magnificent gateway into a world of thrilling water rides, spectacular scenery, and the greatest adventure of your life! Take a break this year and dive into Europe’s greatest water kingdom! Siam Park Tenerife is as dynamic as it is thrilling, exotic as it is adventurous, set in lush surroundings and a complement to the ancient kingdom of Thailand.
Prepare to be amazed at the sight before you. A warm welcome will greet you from the sea-lions who have made a very special trip from Loro Parque to ensure that all their guests have an amazing time at their new home.
Among the many attractions there is a beautiful floating market over a pool of Koi Carp, the biggest lazy river in the world and an adrenalin pumping Tower of Power with a very sharp drop through a tank of alligators.
Executive cabañas offer luxury and privacy with fabulous views over the wave pool for surfers. A wonderful selection of themed restaurants and cafes will cater for every taste imaginable. This exciting and amazing water kingdom will appeal to families of every generation.

Commercial Hours
Shops are open Monday to Saturday between 09.00hrs and 13.00hrs. They open again after a long 'Siesta' from 16.00 hrs or a little later for another 3 or 4 hours (although most stay closed in the afternoon/evening on Saturdays). The big supermarkets and department stores will do a 9am to 9pm stretch 6 days a week. Many Governmental offices will open only in the mornings. Apart from the major tourist resorts, shops are closed on Sundays. Museums have very varied opening times and churches are totally unpredictable.

Chemists
Outside normal hours, a Farmacia de Guardia is on duty in each region of the island, and a list should be displayed prominently in all chemists windows or telephone 922 28 24 24 for your nearest duty chemist. Chemist shops in Tenerife normally stock the range of items that you would expect to find in the U.K. they also frequently sell - over the counter – several drugs including antibiotics that in Britain would only be available on prescription.
 

Phoning the UK
Dial 00 44 followed by the number you require omitting the first 0. To phone Tenerife from the U.K. dial 00 34 922 followed by the number you require. To call the BT operator direct dial 900 99 00 44.

Banks
Are open weekdays between 09.00hrs and 14.00hrs, however between June 1 and October 31 they close 1 hour earlier on Saturdays. You will always require your passport to change money and banks will always charge a commission fee. Most hotels, travel agents and Exchange offices 'Cambio' will also change your money but at a lower rate than the bank.

Cash machines are widely available throughout the Island.

Voltage
If you have brought any electrical appliances with you from the UK they will work here but you will have to change the plug, or buy an adapter. (Voltage here is 220, 240 in the UK. The plugs have two round pins as found in the European continent.
 

Hospitals
Las Americas: 922 75 00 22.
Clinica San Eugenio: 922 79 10 00.
International MEDSERVICE: 922 79 05 63

Police
Civil Guard
Las Americas:  
Tel: 922 79 14 14
 

Emergency
For all emergency services dial 061

Post Office
Playa de Las Americas
Pueblo Canario
Mon-Fri 09.00 - 14.00
Sat 09.00 - 13.00

Tenerife, largest of the Canary Islands, is situated 200 miles off the west coast of North Africa at about 28 degrees latitude and 16.5 degrees longitude. Triangular in shape, the island would fit into a rectangle about 90km wide by 80km high and has a road measured perimeter of about 358km. Mount Teide, the extinct volcano which dominates the centre of the island stands at 12,200 feet, the highest point in Spain. Its peak can be seen from all of the other Canary Islands. The island is full of natural contrasts, the south being totally different, both visually and climatically, to the north.

There are vast areas of stunning natural scenery and a tour of Mount Teide quickly reveals why this particular area was chosen as the backdrop to scenes in famous films such as Star Wars, Planet of the Apes and the Ten Commandments. Volcanic cones are distributed randomly over the whole islands surface and contribute to the amazing landscape.

Climate
The climate in the Canary Islands is the reason that they are often called "the islands of eternal spring". Although situated only a short distance away from the hot, arid climate of the West African mainland, they experience pleasant temperatures all year long.

The reasons for this unusually balanced climate are the north east trade winds and the cool sea breezes that come in from the north. In the hot summer months the temperatures are lowered by these refreshing breezes. The "Vientos Alisios" (Trade winds) are the determining factors in the fantastic spring climates that we enjoy so much. The changing of the seasons is never really noticed in the Canary Islands, especially during the daytime. But during the winter months you do feel the difference in the evenings when the temperature cools considerably.

On average the south of the island is slightly warmer and sunnier than the north, but where the south is very dry and quite barren, the landscape in the north is very green and fertile. One word of warning, if your planning to visit Mount Teide during the winter months then make sure you bring a wind and rainproof jacket. Even though it might be boiling hot on the beach, it still snows above 3000 meters. The hottest time of the year always tends to be between May and September, this is when you will hear the locals saying "I don't remember it being this hot last year".

The Main Resort of Playa de las Americas
Ideal for the youngish crowd and those who enjoy the nightlife and a lively holiday. That's not to say that it's not a 'family' resort - there are lots of families with kids who enjoy this area. It tends to get 'noisy' as the night wears on, unless you select quieter residential locations. There are lots of top quality discos and nightclubs to keep you entertained until the small hours. If you are not a night owl, don't worry. Excellent beaches and daytime activities are also a hit with holidaymakers. Enjoy boat rides or other water sports. Or just laze in the sun or do some duty free shopping. There's ample choice to spoil you.

Market Guide
Los Cristianos - Sundays 9am-2pm next to Hotel Gran Arona on sea front.
Playa de las Americas - Thurs & Sat 9am-2pm Torviscas next to Playa Fanabe.
San Juan - Sundays & Wednesday 10am-1pm

Food and Drink
The Canary kitchen has without doubt been influenced by a wide variety of cultures and countries over the years. The main reason for this is that the islands have always been on the main shipping route to the Americas. Many sailors and explorers from a host of countries have had an effect on the development of the traditional Canary cuisine. Sailors from Portugal, Spain, Britain, Germany and Holland frequently stopped at these islands whilst travelling and inevitably many, forced by circumstance, settled indefinitely on the islands. In general we can say that by taking a little something from each culture and adding it to the traditional Canary cuisine we have created there exquisite canary dishes we enjoy today. We have produced a small guide to the main dishes and wines of the Canary Islands.

The Fish
The first things you will notice about the Canary Islands fresh fish are the fabulous flavours and the tender meat. Canary Islands Tuna is very popular and found in a variety of dishes. The Tuna is caught between the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera in the autumn months when the Tuna migrate south in search of the warmer waters. The Main fish that are eaten in the Canary Islands are: Abade, Bocanegra, Sama, Sargo, Salema, Cherne and Vieja. Some fish are served boiled whilst others are cooked with onions or salt. Octopus and Squid are also very popular and will be found on most restaurant menus along with a large selection of shellfish dishes such as: Lobster, King Prawns etc.

The Potatoes
The soil found in the Canary Islands is so fertile that it produces more than twenty varieties of potato. The most popular of these are the Papas Arrugadas, Papas Negras or Papas Bonitas. The potatoes usually come served wrinkled, by that we mean that they are boiled in salty water until the water evaporates and leaves the wrinkled potatoes cooked and covered in a fine layer of salt. They can be eaten with or without their skins but we recommend that you try as many different types as possible because they all have very individual textures and flavours.

The Sauces
'Mojos Canarios' (Canary Dips) are very prominent in Canary cuisine and are used to supplement both fish and meat dishes. It's important to understand that not all sauces are referred to as 'Mojos'. For example, Mayonnaise is a dip but is not called a 'Mojo' and neither are Ketchup or Mustard. The main 'Mojos' are: - Mojo Picon: Red colour and very hot (ingredients: peppers, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, cumin and salt). - Mojo de Cilantro: Green and smooth (ingredients: coriander, garlic, cumin, salt, olive oil and vinegar). - Mojo Verde: With parsley, a very smooth flavour (ingredients: parsley, garlic, cumin, salt, olive oil and vinegar). - Mojo de Ajo: Creamy (ingredients: garlic, olive oil, meat broth and a dash of lemon). - Mojo de Azafran: For fish (ingredients: saffron, garlic, oregano, tomato, pepper and olive oil). - Mojo de Queso: A little different (ingredients: semi-cured cheese, tomato, garlic, cumin, peppers, olive oil and vinegar). - Mojo de Almendras: For special occasions (ingredients: ground almonds, salt, garlic, pepper, green pepper and croutons). These are the basic 'Mojos' but you might also find variations of these depending on what towns or villages you are staying in.

The Gofio
Very popular in the Canary Islands, is basically a cereal that is finely ground and then toasted. There are many types of Gofio: wheat, a mixture of wheat and barley, wheat and maize etc. Gofio can be served with milk as a breakfast meal or alternatively it can be mixed with canary soup and eaten as a main meal or starter. The original settlers in the Canary Islands, The Guanches, used Gofio as a major part of their diet.

The Wines
It is essential to choose a fine wine to accompany your meal. the Canary Islands have a large variety of excellent wines, each with its own individual taste and fragrance. It would be easy to write pages about the wine in the Canary Islands but to simplify things we are going to recommend a few of the most popular: Vina Norte, Vina Sol, San Valentin, Cueva del Viento, El Lomo, Brumas de Ayosa and Vina Zanata.

The Beaches
As of June 2001, a grand total of twenty-five beaches and six marinas in the Canary Islands have been awarded the prestigious European blue flag, given to resort beaches in recognition of cleanliness, water quality and high standard facilities. In Tenerife the blue flag is now proudly flying over the beaches of Las Americas and Fanabe (Adeje, 1 mile from the apartment), Las Vistas (Arona), El Socorro (Los Realejos), Playa Jardin (Puerto de la Cruz), Las Teresitas (Santa Cruz) and La Arena (Santiago del Teide), while two pleasure boat ports have also been given the blue flag seal of approval: Puerto Colon (1 mile from accommodation) and the Real Club Nautico de Santa Cruz.

The Blue Flag is awarded by the FEE (European Federation of Ecological Education) to all beaches which achieve a high level of cleanliness and offer certain services. These beaches usually have showers, restaurants, changing rooms etc.

Sports Activities
The superb all year climate makes Tenerife a favourite year-round venue for amateur and professional sporting types. There's a whole range of sports, from diving to sailing, fishing to windsurfing, available on the island.

Water-skiing
There are many locations offering water-skiing, jet-ski and also some parascending facilities. On Tenerife, the place to go for this is Playa de las Americas.

Deep sea fishing
Barracuda, tuna, shark and sailfish are just some of the specimens that fishermen can find when practising deep sea fishing. The major part of the resorts organises fully equipped fishing trips and the principal charter marina at Tenerife is located at Los Cristianos or Puerto Colon in Playa de las Americas.

Diving
This is an irresistible activity if one attends to the diving possibilities that Tenerife's clear waters offer. Of course it can't be compared to the scenery divers find in exotic diving destinations, but be aware of some encounters with rays, groupers, barracudas, turtles, tropical fishes and occasionally some sharks. On Tenerife you can dive and swim with some dolphins or even feed the rays.

Sailing
If you have sailing in your blood look for the sports marinas (puerto deportivo), local sailing clubs and federations. You can rent yachts or catamarans for day excursions or longer trips.

Windsurfing
This is, almost for sure, one of the most popular sports practised off almost any reasonable beach. Doesn't matter where you are, you always seem to have enough breeze to head out with your board and sail.

Cycling
If you are trying to get away from the crowds and head for the hills, try the mountain bikes, available for rent in almost all resorts in Tenerife.

Hiking
Away from the coast there are plenty surprising countryside landscapes to explore. If you are one of those who doesn't simply want to lounge around the beaches or hang out in bars, look for the 21 marked trails through the Parque Nacional de las Canadas del Teide, or other areas as the Anaga mountain area in the north-east and around the Valle de la Orotava.

Golf Courses
Enthusiastic golfers in Tenerife have a choice of several very different golf courses from which to play. There are courses suitable for beginners and courses to test the professionals.

Amarilla Golf & Country Club
18 Holes / Par 72 / Handicap 28m-36w
Motorway exit 24 'Las Galletas'
Golf del Sur 27 Holes / Par 71 / Handicap 28m-36w Motorway exit 24 'Los Abrigos'

Golf Center Costa Adeje 27 Holes / Par 71 Finca Los Olivos - Follow C-822 towards 'Guia De Isora' and you will see the signs for the golf course on your left hand side.

Golf Center Los Palos 9 Holes / Par 27 Follow signs for 'Guaza' 7

Las Americas 18 Holes / Par 72 In between 'Los Cristianos' and 'Playa de las Americas'

Carting
In Tenerife you have two places where you can go carting, the carting Canarias and the carting Club Las Americas. Tracks are different in speed, size and facilities and all have carts that range from child-sized to adult-sized.

Tennis
This sport is played to a very high standard at club level. Most of the larger hotels have tennis courts that are hired out to the public. The Hotel de Las Palmeras is a place where tuition and floodlit courts are available.

Canarian Wrestling (Lucha Canaria)
This is a spectator sport practised throughout the islands and is a popular tourist attraction. The basic objective of this sport is to throw the opponent to the ground, in teams usually composed of 12 wrestlers. Besides offering very attractive sports, Tenerife also counts with a very large sports infrastructure and, as a tourist you also can choose from an extensive array of sports activities.

Places to visit/leisure attractions

Teide National Park
Declared a national park in 1954, the Parque Nacional de las Canadas del Teide includes an enormous volcanic crater 48 km in circumference, out of which rises Mount Teide (pronounced the same as Lady) at a staggering 3.718 metres, making it the highest mountain in the whole of Spain. The park itself lies at around 2000 metres above sea level and in winter snow falls, gale winds blow and the roads are sometimes closed off. During the summer months this arid landscape which gives the impression of having walked into a cowboy movie, can reach temperatures above 40C. Access to the now extinct volcano is either by foot or by cable car which will carry you almost to the very summit. From the peak, on a clear day, you are in heaven and have breathtaking views of Gran canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. This is the Canary Islands most visited tourist attraction and must not be missed.

AquaPark
This aquatic park situated not far from the apartment (5 minutes by car) is the focal point for sunseekers and water babes. The park boasts a Dolphin show, Dolphin lake, children's area and the most amazing assortment of water rides and slides, pools, sunbed areas and restaurants, shops and snackbars. A free shuttle bus service leaves both Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas every day.

Loro Parque Official Website
Regardless of your age you will be fascinated by the Loro Parque. Originally a Parrot Park, it has now grown into Tenerife's second biggest attraction after mount Teide. The Loro parque is home to the worlds most important Parrot collection with over 300 species, an amazing Sea-Lion show, Dolphin Show, Parrot Show, Aquarium with Shark tunnel, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Tigers, Jaguars, Flamingos, Alligators, Tortoises, Orchid House, Gambian Market, a 'NaturaVision' Cinema and the worlds largest Penguinarium with a reproduction Antarctic climate within which 12 tons of snow falls a day.

Annual Events

Carnival (Feb-Mar)
Celebrated in all the towns and cities of the island, with the biggest and most attractive carnival to be found in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. The celebrations in Santa Cruz are the most important and the biggest due to their ability to attract people from all the islands.

The different local town halls, through their entertainments committees, organise many activities connected with carnival. The essence of carnival is found in the street. The Plaza de Espana in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is decorated and here you will find numerous small shops, stalls and kiosks selling 'churros' (fritters eaten with hot chocolate) as well as bandstands with musical groups to give a festive atmosphere to the area. AQfter the election of the Carnival Queen and the Childrens Carnival Queen, Carnival commences with the opening procession. The following week is full of contests of street musicians, fancy dress costumes and a procession of vintage cars. The most important event takes place on Carnival Tuesday with the 'coso' (procession which takes place in the afternoon). The burial of the sardine is another ritual which takes place in some of the towns of the island. The celebrations in Los Realejos and La Orotava are particularly important. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife a slow moving procession of people carry the enormous sardine. Mourners, men dressed as pregnant women and widows roam through the streets whilst crying and wailing. Carnival finishes on the Saturday and Sunday following Carnival Tuesday with musical groups, an open-air dance, parades and exhibitions.