Villas in Tenerife, Spain

From sheltered shorelines and plunging cliffs, to white crescent coves and windsurfers’ paradise, Tenerife’s coastline is rich in variety and well worth exploring.

The most popular beaches are located in the south. Here, you’ll find long, family-friendly man-made stretches of fine sand with all the amenities you could wish for. Many have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness, and offer watersports, changing facilities and sun loungers. The main resorts have palm trees for shade and many shops, bars and restaurants for refreshment.

Several shopping centres can be found on the island, including the popular Corté Ingles department store in Santa Cruz.

In the south, you’ll find a plethora of souvenir stores and local markets selling handcrafted goods such as pottery, embroidery and volcanic sculptures. Larger shopping complexes can be found in Playa de las Americas, Playa Del Duque and San Eugenio, selling international brands and the latest fashions. As a duty free area, you can also pick up items like spirits and perfumes at much cheaper prices.

With no shortage of entertaining daytime activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Tenerife. Marine life is in abundance, from aquariums and exotic sea life centres to popular boat excursions that take you to see dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat. Aqua parks can also be found in the main resorts, including Siam Park, designed in the style of the ancient kingdom of Thailand. Which is located close to the popular resorts of Los Christanos, Las Americas and Fanabe.

Explore the exotic wildlife and rainforests of the north, visit a national park or take a trip to Mount Teide, the island’s dormant volcano.

Nightlife can be lively, with many bars, discos and flamenco displays spread around the resort of Playa de las Americas. Spanish dancing, magic shows and live tribute singers are also popular in the south of the island.

The quieter resorts of Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz offer more tranquil, sophisticated entertainment and evening dining. As Canarians traditionally eat later, leisurely meals can often fill an entire evening. You’ll also find plenty of places to sit and nibble on tapas until the small hours.

• Take a trip to the top of the tallest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, for the most spectacular views.

• Go whale and dolphin spotting on a boat trip to their favourite haunts in the ocean.

• Party through the night, especially at Fiesta time or in the party capital Playa de las Americas.

• Cool off in an aqua park – you’ll find them in the larger, main resorts.

• Take the family to the island’s exotic animal sanctuary housing parrots, sharks, penguins and polar bears.

  Visit La Gomera, Tenerife’s sister island. Here, you’ll find good diving, walking and an abundance of marine life to explore.

  Visit the horseshoe marina at Puerto Colon - the perfect destination for an evening stroll, or a lazy lunch at the yacht club.