Tenerife, home to the most authentic Canarian folklore

By Luke Durden in Tenerife

When we think about the Canary Islands it’s normal to think about all the things that are known around the world – this is what happens (at least it happens to nearly all of us). We think about the delicious Canarian banana, the accent they speak, all the volcanoes (with the magnificent Teide rising above them all) and the world-known flavours that come from there, such as papas arrugás and the mojo picón.

The Canary Islands are much more than that. We’re talking about an archipelago filled with contrasts and a natural wealth unique to our country, and a culture firmly based on traditions and folklore not everyone is familiar with, and that holds special weight on Tenerife.

Timple canario

Timple canario

To the rhythm of delightful Canarian music

Travelling to Tenerife, soaking up the essence of this wonderful destination, you will discover cultural aspects such as its delightful music. It’s music that invites you to dance and makes you feel right at home. The best known sounds? Without a doubt, the traditional isas and fólias, two melodies that you can listen to at performances played by traditional bands in the halls and theatres of the islands, or in the squares of the more authentic villages.

Dancing, dancing and dancing

The traditional dances are another highlight of the traditional culture on the island of Tenerife. The best known? The so-called Dance of the Magi, a mixed dance featuring dancers dressed up as farm workers, characterised by its joy and its 100% Canarian, authentic touch. One of those experiences that are so often overlooked.

The magic of Canarian instruments

This is what makes music and Canarian dance a world-class cultural event: its traditional musical instruments. Instruments such as the timple or the tambourine, always present in all bands and hand-made by real experts in the field.

Hotels on the island of Tenerife

Tenerife is a fantastic destination filled with energy and as such it has managed to grab one of the top spots in Spain when it comes to high-level accommodation on offer. There are exceptional hotels offering unbeatable value for money. This Canarian island is home to unique establishments filled to the brim with services and tailor-made luxuries for customers who are looking for something more than just rest and disconnection.

Although there are many hotel chains that have opted for this formula, this month we’re focusing on three hotels forming part of the Mallorcan brand IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resort that have turned exquisiteness into a true quality seal. They are the hotels IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel El Mirador, IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey and IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Salomé.

Destination: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

By Luke Durden in Tenerife

Are you looking for tranquility, fun and unique places? If so, your destination is, the capital of this beautiful Canary Island; a place where the sun, the sea, the nature in its purest form, tastes and leisure join harmoniously. In short, the perfect holidays we all dream of.

Tenerife is not a very big city and can be visited from end to end with your partner, family or friends. Its capital, Santa Cruz, is one of those places that is well worth visiting and discovering. This island has over 150 kilometers where you can find beautiful beaches (such as Las Teresitas) and stunning volcanic mountains which are always the object of amazing snapshots. Where can you spend those visiting hours and what are the places that any visitor should not miss?

Las Terasitas beach, Tenerife

Las Terasitas beach, Tenerife

Must visit places

Regarding the large shore of Santa Cruz, it is remarkable the magic of its deep blue coastline that fades in the horizon. All this coast is perfect to take pictures and to freeze the moments as those offered -without going any further- the Yacht Club of the capital.

You can take part of that magic engraved in your mind when visiting such beautiful places as César Manrique Maritime Park or Santa Cruz Maritime Park. It is an impressive architectural masterpiece made as an ode to nature that is just a few meters away from the sea (because of that, it is so imposing and always recommended to visit).

Time for gourmet cuisine

Although on holiday we tend to make a lot of plans which last all day, the truth is that there is nothing like taking a break to enjoy first class gourmet cuisine inspired by local products and intense flavors.

One of those essential restaurants you can not miss on a trip to Tenerife is Los Menceyes. It is a place for lunch or dinner, where you can delight unique dishes prepared by chefs from IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey Hotel.

This hotel, as well as being one of the most remarkable culinary center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a benchmark of quality in terms of cooking courses in Tenerife thanks to its supply of Aula de Cocina del Mencey (be sure to inform yourself if you are a food lover).

Tenerife: your perfect family holiday destination

By Luke Durden in Tenerife

One of the biggest island of Canary Islands. It’s one of the most popular and internationally famous. Tenerife, and its capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife are entertaining destinations for all the family. But, if you prefer relaxing holidays, in which you explore the destination, looking for the best landscapes, sunbathing and having a quiet stay, you should also travel to Tenerife.

Tenerife is the perfect destination whatever the reason of your travel is, whether you are travelling with your family, couple or friends. If you are planning a family holiday to Tenerife, here’s a list of some recommendations for a memorable holiday.

Sun and sea, all these and much more in Tenerife

Las Terasitas Beach, Tenerife

Las Terasitas Beach, Tenerife (picture: eldiario.es)

Beaches are the main tourist attractions in Tenerife. If you are travelling with your family, you should visit its sandy beaches, as Tenerife’s coast is one of the most beautiful coasts in Spain, only comparable with Catalonia Coast or Majorca. Its natural beauty is unique.

Here’s a list of some of the best beaches in Tenerife:

  •      Las Teresitas beach
  •      Benijo’s beach
  •      Las Gaviotas’ beach
  •      Antequera’s beautiful beach
  •      Almaciga’s beach

If you are not looking for sand and sea places, but places to explore with the family…

Visit El Teide with your family

In the National Park El Teide in Tenerife, we can find the highest mountain in Spain, Teide’s volcano.

This natural area is a huge space for mountain lovers who come from all over the world to enjoy its amazing landscapes.

In this park, you can be accompanied by professional guides that will guide you through the best routes, so all the family enjoy the trip through the volcanic landscapes.

If you want to climb El Teide, there are two possibilities: you can walk or take a teleferic. The second one is much more comfortable and is not really expensive, and the first one is extremely physically demanding, but your family will enjoy a night at the park looking at the stars, as they are seen on the top of the hill as nowhere else.

You must book in advance if you are planning to visit the park with your family and stay overnight at the park.

Family accommodation in Tenerife

There are all kinds of hotels in Tenerife, but if you need a hotel specially designed for family holidays, you should choose Ole Tropical Tenerife, in Costa Adeje. It’s an All-Inclusive family hotel in Playa de las Americas that belongs to Ole Hotels. Book, pay and go. Everything else is guaranteed: comfort, 4-star services, gastronomy, entertainment, impressive pools surrounded by gardens, games, children’s monitors…

4-star hotel in Tenerife

4-star hotel in Tenerife

Apart from its delicious gastronomy offer, its fabulous activities and events programme make your family stay a great experience. Don’t wait any longer to enjoy this experience in Tenerife.

Discover the charm of the fishing village Puerto de la Cruz

By Luke Durden in Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz is an old fishing village that has become through the years one of the most important tourist enclaves of the Tenerife island. Its wonderful weather, the open nature of its residents, it numerous places of interest, and its wide offer of services make this city an ideal destination all the year long.

It is placed on the north coast of the Tenerife island, at the foot of Teide, in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province. Its fishing harbour was one of the main drivers of the local economy and dynamism, nowadays it is a place frequented by bathers and fishing enthusiasts.

Photo by Mundofotos.net

Photo by Mundofotos.net

Visiting this city is a pleasant experience at any time of the year. In summer months, its beaches become one of the main place of interest in Puerto de la Cruz: Jardín beach, Martinez beach and San Telmo beach are the most known ones.   Another very attractive tourist complex is Costa Martinez, an architectural creation that integrated a lake with 5 natural islands where you can find a good variety of establishments, such as several restaurants and casino.

But Puerto de la Cruz is much more than sun and beach. Its numerous emblematic places worth a visit. Among them, stands out the San Felipe Castle, one of the most important fortifications from where the city was defended against the pirates.

El Peñón del Fraile is an iconic symbol of the city visited every year by crowds of tourists wanting to take photos of it. Plaza del Charco is another key point of the city where it is usual to see tourists and residents walking around, drinking something in its terraces or shopping.   The high quality cuisine of Puerto de la Cruz is one of its most outstanding characteristics. There is restaurants for all tastes and pockets, where you can enjoy the  regional, national and international cuisine.

Photo by Sobrecanarias.com

Photo by Sobrecanarias.com

Puerto de la Cruz has also a wide range of hotels, among which stands out the Elegance Hotels chain. This firm possesses three hotels specially designed for families: Elegance Miramar Hotel, Elegance Palmeras Playa Hotel, and Elegance Dania Park Hotel.