19 | February | 2014 | Hotels and destinations

For many of the foreign tourists who visit it each year (60.6 million in 2013 with a total expense of 59.082 million EUR), Spain is sun and beach. And they are right: the Spanish Peninsula and its islands are authentic havens by the sea of relaxation, being in some parts of its geography practically just that. This is the case of Pajara, in Fuerteventura, the town with more kilometres of coastline in Spain, where everything revolves around the sea, its beaches and the spectacular natural landscapes, almost uninhabited.

Pajara has 170 km of coastline, of which more than 70 are beaches are perfect for swimming, with fine sand, stretched and with shallow waters. Cofete Beach, one of the most famous, located on the large natural park of Jandia, is a true spectacle of beauty, although its current’s and tides make it one of the least recommended for bathing especially if traveling with children.

Sol Jandia Hotel

This southern municipality is one that has the most beach hotels in Fuerteventura, being especially notable those located in the resorts of Costa Calma, Jandia and Morro Jable. More specifically, the hotels in Jandia beach are the most desired because they offer a privileged location, just steps from everything, but with the peace of mind of being in a more natural areas of Fuerteventura beach.

Book a hotel in one of the southern beaches of Fuerteventura is a guarantee of sun and relaxation, but also gives you the opportunity to know the interesting culture of this area of the island, where the sea spirit of the people is mixed with the tourism boom that it has experienced in recent years.

Pajara retains its traditional charm, its traditional festivals and gastronomy, very much based on seafood: in some of the restaurants that one can find on the frontline promenade of Morro Jable, it is possible to taste delicious and amazing dishes, not only for its preparation but for the excellent quality of the raw materials with which they are prepared.

Towns like La Lajita, La Pared o Ajui are worth a visit, as they offer a clear image of what was and what is Fuerteventura today. It’s small streets, caves and natural sights, its people, its traditional taverns, the pleasant atmosphere of the evening when the sun goes down, the music …

Pajara is a place to get lost in its coast, but also it is a place to discover inland, and discover its true essence. An ideal place for family holidays, and an escapade to a beach destination.

This list of the top 5 places to eat in Tenerife reflect the preferences of a group of friends and acquaintances who have travelled in the past to the island, and intend to repeat the trip in the future. According to numerous surveys that try to collect the intentions or motivations of travellers, gastronomy would be in 3rd place in the decision making process.

This selection is for anyone planning a holiday to Tenerife, and is wondering what the best places to eat and drink are.

Restaurant Los Menceyes

1. Something to snack:

If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a good atmosphere, good food, and drinks at a good price, the most recommended place is La Casa de Oscar, situated on the street of Herradores. The name of the tavern is due to the fact that the house was the birthplace of the local surrealist artist Oscar Dominguez.

2. Traditional Canarian Food:

Some of the most famous dishes of the Canarian cuisine include papas arrugadas, gofio, queso palmero and majonero, chorizo Canario, pigs leg, fish and sea food. It is always a good idea to pair it with a good Canarian wine. One of the most recommended restaurants of the island is the restaurant Mocanes, in C/Castro 21.

3. Haute Cuisine:

Although not as recognized as the Basque or Catalan cuisine, the Canary Islands boast some prestigious chefs with a long standing history in international restaurants. The most prominent fine dining restaurant in Tenerife is the Los Menceyes restaurant, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This restaurant is part of gourmet hotel Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey, and leading this project we find the local chef Juan Carlos Clemente. For more information, visit their website, www.lacocinadelmencey.com

4. Author Cuisine:

The Bistro Victor Cruz is located in the Rambla de Santa Cruz, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Chef Victor Ruiz has a long history working in restaurants, both on the island and the Spanish mainland, and the cuisine draws on the influence of local and traditional products and a necessity to understand their traditional cuisine.

5. Restaurant with views

The Las Terrazas del Sauzal restaurant has one of the best views of all the Canary Islands. Breath taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains are a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or any celebration and has 10.000 meters of private gardens.