Tenerife offers adrenaline junkies many activities from climbing to hiking, diving to mountain biking to horseback riding, and with the island’s year-round warm climate it is a great place to try out these activities. Some of the adventure highlights include:

Climbing - The type of volcanic rock on the island, the excellent year round climate and the large number of climbing areas for all levels makes Tenerife a popular destination for climbers. There are almost a thousand different sites all over the island, the best known being Barranco de Arico and the spectacular Cañada del Capricho in the heart of the Teide National Park, that has almost a hundred routes around the highest mountain in Spain. Other areas good for practicing are the Mesa de Tejina with easy routes, Valle Tabares, protected routes near the capital of the island and Martiánez, a cliff situated in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz.

Hiking - Tenerife has a great number of trails and footpaths in a variety of environments, settings and climates, all with different levels of difficulty. Hiking gives visitors a deeper understanding of the island, discovering its beauty and the unique way of life of its people including the aboriginal population, the "guanches," who made the first trails through the dense forest of Laurisilva and the grazing areas near Mount Teide.

Rappelling - There are excellent opportunities for rappelling due to the extensive range of ravines, including the spectacular Barranco de Carrizal, in the Teno Massif, with water and numerous short descents. One of the longest routes on the island is the Barranco del Río, a tough course that starts at an altitude of more than 6,500 feet and comprises a succession of abseils through beautiful scenery and an abundance of water. In contrast, the Barranco de Badajoz, in the district of Güímar, is dry, very narrow with some fantastic abseiling.

Cave Exploration - The volcanic structures and formations are without doubt Tenerife's most splendid natural resources. Exploring and discovering these geological marvels gives visitors a unique chance to get to know these structures from the inside and to understand the powerful processes that formed them. Tenerife's rich underground heritage is made up of over a hundred volcanic tubes, crevices and other underground formations. There are many caving sites, the most significant being the famous "Cueva del Viento" (Wind Cave) in the district of Icod, in the north of the island. With around 10.5 miles of galleries it makes up one of the most extensive volcanic complexes in the world.

Horseback riding - In Tenerife the horse trails cross mountain prairies, ancient trails, volcanic beaches and meander through leafy forests. It is a different and enjoyable way of getting to know the island and its countryside and many companies offer the chance to ride freely, with a guide, or in small, organized groups and even the opportunity to take a ride that lasts several days.

Mountain biking – There are a varied network of forest tracks that cover the mountains of Tenerife making the island an ideal destination for a bike trip. The Corona Forestal, which surrounds the Teide National Park and the hills around La Esperanza are some of the best areas to cycle and offer trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Cycling is an option in Mount Teide’s protected areas, although the use is limited to roads and paths specially designed for vehicles. More demanding routes can be found in the north of the island or the area around the Teide National Park.

Paragliding - Tenerife has more than 40 different launch sites and is increasingly attracting paragliders to its shores with the great variety of flying areas located near one another and the exceptional climate that allows flying almost every day of the year. This sport is very popular on the island and there are many clubs that offer courses, guidance (essential to get to know the wind patterns for safe flying) and the chance of flying tandem (a good way to get started).

Scuba diving- Tenerife is a paradise for diving enthusiasts with its great climate, mainly calm waters, temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit and a variety of great diving sites, all with a rich marine life, sunken ships and volcanic tubes. There is a network of diving centers around the island catering for beginners to advanced divers, plus a decompression chamber in the Hospital Universitario de Canarias on the island. The most popular dive sites are off the Southeast Coast from centers such as Radazul, Las Eras or Las Galletas where divers can find slopes, walls and spectacular chasms.

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054

 

Tee off in Tenerife, fast establishing itself as a world-class golfing destination, and be amazed by the range of courses on offer. And with average temperature of 73-degrees, visitors can play golf all year round.

The island boasts nine superb golf courses, all very different and with their own character and flanked by Tenerife’s breathtaking mountain and coastal views. Golfers can also enjoy spectacular views of Mount Teide, which can be seen from some of the courses.

The 18-hole Buenavista Golf is a true golfers’ delight. This impressive course enjoys close proximity to the coastline but watch out for the waterfall and lake which require great precision but lend a fresh feel to this unusual course in North Tenerife. Also located in the north of the island is the Real Club de Golf de Tenerife – Spain’s second oldest golf course.

Several courses congregate in the south of the island where visitors will be perfecting their swing to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

Literally next to the ocean, the 18-hole Amarilla Golf & Country Club, designed by Donald Steel, is one of the island’s most spectacular courses if not a little challenging when golfers have to drive the ball right over the waves to the next green on the fifth hole.

There’s also Golf del Sur – a 27-hole course which played host to the first Tenerife Ladies Open in 2002. This year’s Open took place in June at Costa Adeje golf course and attracted some 120 professional players. The next Ladies Open will run at the same golf course from the 15th to the 21st of June. Also popular places to play a round in Tenerife South are Golf Las Americas and Abama Golf courses affording stunning views of La Gomera and lush tropical gardens.

The high standard of the island’s courses, plus the overall facilities, have enabled Tenerife to host major international professional tournaments. Since hosting its first major international tournament in 1989, the island has gone on to stage a total of twelve competitions on the PGA European Tour and the Ladies European Tour.

Renowned names in the world of golf have won tournaments on Tenerife like José María Olazábal, David Gilford and Mark James, three Ryder Cup players; and Raquel Carriedo and Elisabeth Esterl, both Solheim Cup players.

Other top players that have teed off at Tenerife’s golf courses include: Sergio García, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, José María Cañizares, Manolo Piñero, Pepín Rivero, Antonio Garrido, Santi Luna, Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance, Bernhard Gallacher, Paul McGinley, Vijah Singh and Ian Woosnam.

Golf is an important market to Tenerife. During 2007, an estimated 52,410 golfers played a round on the island, almost 30 percent of whom were from the UK.

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054

As if boasting of year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, a rich and varied landscape, UNESCO World Heritage sights, stylish bars and clubs, plus great food and wine weren’t enough, the island of Tenerife also offers many luxurious, five-star hotels and resorts.

These hotels are some of the best the world has to offer featuring impeccable service, state-of-the-art facilities, contemporary design and architecture and many include world-class spas and golf courses. The following are some of the top luxury properties on the island:

SOUTHERN TENERIFE
5-star Hotel Resort Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora
This hotel, which opened in July 2008, sits on the shoreline of Guía de Isora on the southern side of Tenerife and offers a variety of luxury rooms and villas with spectacular sea views. Gran Melia hotels and resorts offer a unique Red Level, a boutique hotel concept within the larger hotel. It provides a very personal and red carpet experience, exclusively designed for adults. These premium accommodations feature a dedicated concierge desk and a staff of personal butlers. There is also the Red Level lounge, a private pool, preferential reservations for dining venues and the Spa, upgraded bath amenities, fresh cut flowers and in-room aromatherapy. www.granmeliapalaciodeisora.com

5-star Gran Hotel Bahía Del Duque Resort
This well-known luxury resort opened 40 new villas in 2008, each decorated by internationally acclaimed interior designer Pascual Ortega. Each Villa features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, skylights, a kitchenette and its own private swimming pool. The Gran Hotel Bahía Del Duque Resort SPA features ESPA products and the very latest in luxury and treatments. The buildings in this resort have been designed to recreate the feeling of a typical Canarian village and are set within 15.5 beachfront acres complete with gardens, terraces and private walkways leading down to the stunning beach. www.bahia-duque.com/index.php/hotel_en

5-star La Plantacion del Sur
This hotel is set in an old banana plantation dating from the early nineteenth century with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand. There are 165 rooms furnished with a combination of traditional and Indonesian accents. There are also small terraced houses each with their own Jacuzzi in the sun terrace or garden. The hotels facilities include 5 freshwater swimming pools, 3 restaurants, 3 bars and a mini club. There is also a 2,500 square metre spa with 16 massage cubicles and an extensive programme of beauty treatments. www.laplantaciondelsur.com

5-star Hotel Royal Garden Villas & Spa
Offers 28 luxury villas located on a cliff overlooking the Costa Adeje Golf grounds, with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and La Gomera Island. Each villa has a vast private terrace with swimming pool and spacious rooms with furniture obtained from antique dealers and craftsmen from all over the world. The “Estanque Dorado” SPA is decorated with wood, stones and exotic Asian sculptures. Within these magic surroundings lies an indoor thermal circuit with Jacuzzi, waterfall and water beds, as well as Turkish bath, power showers, ice fountain and beauty treatment rooms, so that both your body and mind enjoys pure health and luxury.

5-star Abama Gran Hotel and Resort
This luxury resort, in Guia de Isora on the slopes of Mount Teide, consists of a five star hotel, spa and wellness centre, golf course, luxury villas, beach club and gourmet restaurants. The complex covers 400 acres that run down towards the beach and over 25,000 tropical palms and trees line the 18-hole par 72 course with 9 additional holes. The course was designed by golfing legend Dave Thomas, responsible for designing over 60 golf courses around the world including Seve Club in Tokyo and Stanley Hall in the UK. It is windy, highly technical, with lakes, marble-liked sand bunkers and huge greens. The lowest point is 246 feet above sea level and its highest point, the fifth hole, is 1033 feet. Dave Thomas worked closely with the architect, Melvin Villarroel (also responsible for the Sheraton La Caleta) creating a course harmonious with golf and nature, which will delight players of levels. www.abamahotelresort.com

NORTHERN TENERIFE
5-star Hotel Botánico
This hotel is situated in one of the most exclusive residential districts of Puerto de la Cruz and is surrounded by 25,000 square metres of lush subtropical gardens. It is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and offers 252 rooms and suites all with spectacular views of the Orotava Valley and sea. Its exclusive spa “Oriental Spa Garden” has been nominated as one of the best ten spas in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller. www.hotelbotanico.com

5-star Hotel San Roque In the heart of the charming town of Garachico this hotel is an exquisite blend of traditional Canarian architecture and real Bauhaus design, created by such experts as Le Corbusier, and is set within a restored 18th century mansion. The hotel rooms are situated around a traditional courtyard and the walls throughout the hotel are adorned with original paintings by many well-known Spanish and Canarian artists. www.hotelssanroque.com

5-star Sheraton Mencey Hotel This vintage hotel is a landmark building in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. Situated in a quiet residential area, the elegant Sheraton Mencey Hotel is a fine example of the town’s unusual sense of ‘style’ and offers a unique ambience of old and new combined. Its guests have included kings, politicians, artists and writers from around the world, attracted by its colonial architecture and design. www.sheraton.com/mencey

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054

Tenerife boasts the perfect climate, calming powers of the Puerto de la Cruz waters and healing minerals from the dormant volcano, Mount Tiede, so it is little wonder that Tenerife offers an array of the world’s best spas for the perfect respite.

Indulgent highlights include:

• YHI Spa at the Hotel Resort Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora recently opened in 2008 on the southern side of Tenerife. This 2,000-square metre oasis recharges the mind and body with hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and reflexology, treatments; facials, massages, wraps and a full-service nail and hair salon. Guests can also get pampered in the Water Ritual Centre or relax in the eco-spa Meditation Zen Garden with yoga, Tai-Chi and guided meditation classes. www.granmeliapalaciodeisora.com
• The Hotel Spa Villalba is another of Tenerife’s newest spas located in the picturesque town of Vilaflor near Los Christianos, also in south Tenerife. The 22-room hotel spa offers a variety of treatments including therapeutic massages, body and spa treatments (anti-stress, dead-sea mud, anti-cellulite-slimming seaweeds) and facial treatments. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, solarium, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna, beauty salon, and massage and aerobics rooms. www.reveronhotels.com
• The Mare Nostrum Resort, in the south of Tenerife, is a five-star seafront hotel complex with four pools, a huge thalassotherapy spa and every treatment you can think of. Mount Teide provides volcanic mud for the specialty mud treatments and guests can even enjoy a room with their own plunge pool looking over the sea. www.expogrupo.com
• La Plantacion del Sur hotel to the south of the island is set in an old banana plantation dating from the early 14th century. Enjoy thermal circuits, like the "Canarian Circuit" in a volcanic cave set up or treatments with mineral properties followed by a banana facemask at the Nammu Spa. www.laplantaciondelsur.com
• For botanical pampering in style - The Oriental Spa Garden, part of the Hotel Botanico in Puerto de la Cruz, holds a beautiful Oriental Spa which comprises 30 therapeutic rooms integrated into the hotel’s lush tropical gardens. It offers the latest in beauty, relaxation and health treatments. These include chocolate wraps, aqua mediation, laconium detox, underwater massage, a Finnish sauna, an Ice Igloo, and Fango or Seaweed wraps. Guests at the spa can continue a refreshing experience at the Al Fresco restaurant offering a low- calorie ‘spa cuisine’ based on delicious gourmet dishes. Special dishes for those with dietary requirements are carefully designed by expert chefs and nutritionists to reach everybody’s needs. www.hotelbotanico.com
• Europe’s largest spa - The largest Spa, leisure and sports complex in Europe can be found at the Aqua Club in Costa Adeje in south Tenerife. Spread over 8000 square metres, it offers a huge variety of therapies, including. Thalassotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Natural Methodology as well as Thermal Baths and several different pools. There is an aqua gym plus a state of the art gymnasium. www.aquaclub.com
• Great for Thalassotherapy – The Sheraton La Caleta Resort Spa Eutonos offers a wide range of services and facilities including a fitness centre, Thalasso vitality pool and a variety of treatment therapies. www.sheratonlacaleta.com

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054

Located between three continents (Europe, Africa and America) in the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife has always been a meeting place of cultures. For meeting, conference and incentive planners it’s a truly exotic location with a wonderful year round climate, modern conference centers, stellar restaurants and entertainment venues and the highest quality hotels and accommodations in Europe.

Diego Fernandez, Director of the Tenerife Convention Bureau says: "Through the strategic development of the island’s facilities over the last five years, Tenerife is poised to be a world-class meetings destination based on three strong pillars: a group of the best hotels in Europe, meeting facilities that are second to none, and an unrivalled range of things to do and experience all year round.”

What does Tenerife offer the meetings, conference and incentive market?

10 key business tourism facts about Tenerife:

• More 5* hotels than many of Europe’s most travelled destinations
• Year round spring like climate - average temperature of 71 degrees Farenheit- which makes it possible to offer excellent options for programs and excursions year-round
• 10-15 minutes transfer time from two international airports to many 5* hotels
• 5 state-of-the-art convention facilities offering capacity of up to 4,000
• More championship golf courses than Marbella
• Direct flight from the US – Miami International Airport
• Low season rates in May, June, September and October
• 48% of the island of protected as national or natural park
• Unique meeting locations with local character including prehistoric pyramids, 17th century mansions, wine cellars and historical museums
• Tax in Tenerife is just 5%

 

Outstanding nature and limitless activities

Tenerife’s geographical location and moderate climate have created a wide variety of different micro-climates and landscapes. The northern coast, favoured by the trade winds, has luxuriant forests of Canarian pine and native flora, while the south has semi-desert like scenery and beaches of fine, white sand.

Tenerife is home to the gigantic, dormant volcano, Mount Teide – the highest peak in Spain, and in 2008 was declared a National Heritage Site. The peak stands 12,195 feet above a landscape of lava desert, pine and eucalyptus forests, golden beaches, and secluded coves of black sand. Mount Tiede also casts the world’s largest sea shadow.

In this idyllic atmosphere you can choose from a wide range of activities including: golf, sailing, whale watching, scuba diving, jeep safaris, horse riding, walking, wine tours and free climbing. Many team building activities can be organized a well as Outdoor training for companies and businesses year round.

The Tenerife Convention Bureau offers a range of services to assist meeting, convention and incentive planners organizing events on the island. With 90 associate companies they can provide information and brochures on hotels, conference facilities and activities, and will work with planners to ensure that each event is a total success.

State-Of-The-Art Convention Centers

Over the past few years, Tenerife has developed a network of conference centres which make the island a point of reference in architectural terms as well as its capacity to receive conferences, meetings and conventions of all sizes.

Tenerife Auditorium

A futuristic landmark created by the famous Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. Located on the sea front in the Los Llanos area in the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a sculpture of curved contours and serves as a 21st Century landmark for architecture in Tenerife.

This striking venue stages a number of music and dance festivals and is home to the well-known Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. The auditorium has a main hall for up to 1,658 delegates, the Chamber Music Hall seats 428 people and 10 meeting rooms of different sizes and shapes are available for meetings. Close by is the spectacular Lido (Parque Marítimo) with saltwater swimming pools.

Tenerife South Convention Centre – Magma Arte & Congresos

This important avant-garde conference complex opened in December 2005 and wwas designed to cater for any kind of event. Offering state-of-the-art audiovisual and communications equipment, the main convention hall seats up to 2,500 delegates plus there is the 1,100-seat auditorium. It is located in the heart of Costa Adeje in the south of the island close to the beach. For more information visit www.magmacongress.com

International Trade Fairs & Congress Centre

Situated in Santa Cruz close to the sea opposite the emblematic Tenerife Auditorium and the Palm Park, it has a multifunctional vanguard design and can stage concerts, congresses, exhibitions, banquets and also large outdoor events. There are two halls: the main hall covers 12,000 square metres while the other is 3,800 square metres. There is also a room for 334 delegates plus a variety of smaller venues on site. Catering service is also available.

Arona Pyramid Convention Centre

On the sea front in Playa de Las Americas, Arona, at the luxurious Mare Nostrum Resort, this ultra modern centre seats up to 2,034 delegates. Built in the shape of a pyramid, it is one of Europe’s largest private venues. There are 28 fully equipped conference rooms and the main theatre has large stage with a screen that opens up to reveal stunning views of a Roman pool complex under a stary sky. The Mirrored Salon can accommodate 20 tradeshow booths, host car launches and presentations or gala dinners for 1200 delegates.

Puerto de La Cruz Congress Centre

Set in the heart of traditional resort Puerto de la Cruz in 22 acres of sub tropical gardens, the center seats up to 1000 delegates. Offering superb sea and mountain views, some 1,700 guests can be catered for in the main conference hall Atlántida, which has moveable panels to create different working areas. The spacious congress center is adjacent to the famous Casino Taoro, a listed historic building, which offers a range of services including a restaurant. Located close to the town centre and the sea, there is a host of amenities and a wide choice in accommodation.

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054

Tenerife cuisine successfully combines traditional Canarian recipes, local produce and a contemporary flair. Overall, the local cuisine is known for its simplicity, quality and fresh ingredients.

Visitors can enjoy a varied selection of restaurants in which to sample the island's delicious specialities that include sweet black pudding, meat casseroles, sardines, fried chorizo, octopus, fresh fish and shellfish and a regional specialty, ‘papas antiguas’ served with mojo. ‘Papas antiguas’ or ‘ancient potatoes’ are a gourmet delicacy unique to Tenerife; small potatoes cooked in their skins and served with a spicy green coriander or a red chilli pepper mojo. There is a vast selection of small exquisite potatoes in Tenerife reaching a total of 80 varieties. Originally from the Andes in Latin America, miniature potatoes also known as ‘papas negras’ (black potatoes) or ‘papas bonitas’ (pretty potatoes), arrived in Tenerife in the 16th Century. The island now boasts the largest number of potato fields producing ancient varieties in Europe. Some varieties are quite rare and are often sold at $4 or $5 per pound.

Canarian stew is a very popular dish and can either be purely vegetarian made with fresh garden vegetables - potatoes, maize, onions, tomatoes and peppers or with added meats or fresh fish. It is often accompanied by gofio, a cereal paste made from toasted wheat, barley or maize flour.

The island’s cuisine boasts fresh fish dishes using; ‘vieja’ or sea bream, an exquisite fish that is boiled and served simply with mojo, as well as tuna and local salted fish including ‘jareas’ and ‘tollos’. For meat eaters rabbit in a tasty sauce is a very popular meat, as are beef and pork.

Canarian tomatoes play an important part in Tenerife’s cuisine and economy. Distinctive for their very red color, round shape and sweet flavor, the tomatoes represent a large part of the agricultural export business, which provides many jobs for the region.

Traditional deserts include ‘huevos mole’, an egg-based mousse, ‘frangollo’, a rich creamy dessert consisting mainly of maize flour and eggs; ‘truchas’, pancakes filled with sweet potato or pumpkin or any of the delicious dishes made with fresh locally-grown bananas.

Palm Honey and prickly pear jam or banana jam in small jars can be found in various local shops and bars. Palm honey has a syrupy texture and is made from boiled and then cooled sap, collected from palm leaves around night time.

Wine has always been part of Tenerife’s culture; there are 106 vineyards operating on the island and there are now five designations of origin that control the production of over 100 wineries on the island. Wine enthusiasts can follow wine trails and visit many wine cellars that open their doors to the public.

Herbal grappa, also produced in Tenerife, is served on its own or with coffee. The mixture of coffee, a few drops of grappa, condensed milk and cinnamon create the popular ‘barraquito’, a sweet drink usually served in a small glass.

Other typical foods include:

Cheese - Tenerife produces many high quality cheeses. The most commonly eaten is called ‘fresco’ (fresh), which is eaten when it’s just a few days old. It has a light, pleasant taste, slightly salty with an aroma of fresh milk. There are also ‘fresh’ cheeses, which are smoked with special woods, almond shells, etc. which gives them a unique character and a longer shelf life. The most popular recipes visitors will find on menus are ‘queso asado’ (fried cheese) or ‘queso a la plancha’ (grilled cheese), which is usually accompanied by a red or green mojo sauce. Arico goat’s cheese, covered in ‘pimenton’ (paprika) and ‘gofio’ (crushed cereals) was voted the best cheese in the world at the World Cheese Awards held in Dublin, October 2008.

Chestnuts - In the past the chestnut was an extremely important subsistence crop for the people of Tenerife. Today chestnuts survive almost everywhere on the island and are still used to accompany many traditional dishes. Once autumn arrives, it is easy to come across chestnut sellers and their stands filling the streets with the sweet smell of roasted chestnuts. However, it is during the celebration of San Andres that chestnuts play an important role. On the 29th of November the wine cellars in Tenerife open their doors for tasting of the new wine. The wine is always accompanied with chestnuts boiled in water, salt and green anise and served with a good sauce, salted fish and local sweet potato.

Gofio - Gofio is a toasted, ground cereal and is the only food that originates from the islands' aboriginal inhabitants that is still eaten with great relish today. Gofio is dissolved in milk as a breakfast or mixed with different ingredients (oil, water, and fresh fruit, such as bananas, or dried fruit and honey) to be eaten with other meals. It is used to accompany some vegetable soups (watercress, for example) and to cover pork scratchings which gives them a special taste. It is also an essential part of dishes such as ‘puchero canario’ (Canarian stew) or fish casserole.

Soups - Soups and stews are some of the most popular dishes for the people of Tenerife. Although there are many different recipes for these soups, almost as many as there are districts on the island, the majority include vegetables, potatoes, pulses and even pork fat.

Some restaurants offering typical cuisine include:

Restaurante Casa Comida - La Hierbita, Santa Cruz

Located in a traditional Tenerifian house, which is over a hundred years old, this restaurant offers traditional, homemade cuisine from popular recipes featuring local produce. Specialities include: Canarian Stew ‘puchero canario’ and a rich cheese from La Gomera ‘almogrote gomero’, grilled fish accompanied with ‘papas arrugadas’ served with ‘mojo picon’.

Restaurante Casa del Vino - La Baranda El Sauzal

This restaurant is found in the Museum of Vines and Wines in El Sauzal which started out in the 17th century as a farm. It specialises in traditional cuisine and serves dishes made with fresh local produce from the markets mixing flavour, aroma and texture. The wine list is made up exclusively of wines from the five wine denominations of Tenerife.

Restaurante Casa Tafuriaste - La Orotava

Casa Tafuriaste is situated in the Orotava Valley and enjoys magnificent views of Mount Teide and Puerto de la Cruz. It occupies a 17th century agriculture storeroom of an old Canarian hacienda.

Restaurante El Coto de Antonio - Santa Cruz

El Coto de Antonio can be found in the centre of Santa Cruz; its specialities include a salad of black potatoes with roast peppers and cod, and goat in almond sauce.

Restaurante Sabor Canario - La Orotava

Situated in one of the oldest buildings in the historical and monumental town of La Orotava, this restaurant is spread over two floors with two interior patios. In addition to traditional delicious food visitors can also buy the best crafts in their shops: ceramics, embroidery and Canarian needle work.

Restaurante La Cazuela - Santa Cruz

La Cazuela offers traditional dishes of both Tenerife and the Basque region and has a small terrace overlooking the historical area of Santa Cruz.

Restaurante Casa Régulo - Puerto de la Cruz

Situated in the centre of the historical part of Puerto de la Cruz, Casa Régulo offers delightful menu that includes some of the best international dishes including stuffed spicy peppers with cod, grilled steak with mixed herbs and swordfish kebab with king prawns.

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054

From art galleries to historical buildings, museums to UNESCO World Heritage sites, visitors experience the island’s history and culture at the turn of every corner. Tenerife has much to offer its visitors in terms of traditional and contemporary Canarian culture, which is found throughout the island from its sophisticated capital, Santa Cruz, to the unspoiled towns of Garachico and San Cristóbal De La Laguna.

The following are some of the highlights that shouldn’t be missed:

Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The charming capital of the island is one of its best kept secrets and is a sophisticated and lively town. The historic quarter is located in the area of the city closest to the sea next to its important commercial port. Here, among the pedestrian streets lined with shops, restaurants and other establishments are various buildings, which show the historical origins of the city. One example is the church ‘Iglesia de la Concepcion’ first built in 1500, and rebuilt in 1653. The church was the centre of the original town of Santa Cruz, which until 1859 was just the port for the nearby town of La Laguna. Nowadays, close to the church is the street called ‘La Noria’. It has a great nightlife with its traditional houses converted into bars and ‘tascas’. The church Iglesia de San Francisco, squares such as the Plaza Príncipe de Asturias and the Plaza de La Candelaria or the municipal market Nuestra Señora de África are just some of the essential stops on your route round this area where the old and the new intermingle.

A connection between the monumental old quarter and the contemporary side of the city is Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (Tenerife Arts Space). Known to the locals by its acronym, TEA, the arts space opened its doors in October 2008 and is primarily used as a cultural meeting point where exhibitions, photography and works of art are displayed. The geometrical construction was designed by Swiss architects, Herzog and Meuron (who have worked on projects such as the Tate Modern in London) along with Spanish architect, Virgilio Gutierrez.

The main museums in Santa Cruz are Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) that contains fourteen exhibition rooms, with works dating from the 16th to the 20th century and the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Man and Nature) that gives an insight into the natural resources of the Canary Islands and the pre-Hispanic ‘guanches’ that once lived on the islands.

In addition to the historical treasures are several avant-garde and contemporary constructions that have converted Santa Cruz into a modern and stylish city break. One example is the Auditorio de Tenerife (Tenerife Auditorium); an Opera House built in 2003 and designed by the world-known architect, Santiago Calatrava. The shining sculpture, just by the sea, features a colossal overhanging wing and is entirely covered in trencadis, a mosaic of tiny ceramic fragments. www.auditoriodetenerife.com

Just a little more than five miles from Santa Cruz is San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a wonderfully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site that once was the capital of Tenerife. It is a great location to see fine examples of Canarian architecture and to savor local cuisine and varied wines. There are also many art galleries to enjoy, as well as good shopping in the designer boutiques and traditional shops, some of the oldest on the island. The Teatro Leal (Leal Theater), built in 1915 was refurbished and opened in October 2008, after being closed for a sum of 18 years. With over 600 seats, the renewed theater has been carefully decorated with murals and oil paintings of beautiful landscapes, nymphs and ancient Greek scenes. A significantly large, hand-picked piano is one of the one of the most important acquisitions in the theatre. The interior also features velvet hand-made seating as well as an elegant Parisian style café.

Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and Los Realejos form a small cultural triangle in the north where visitors can see the best examples of Canarian-style balconies and patios.

Puerto de la Cruz - the historic quarter of the district of Puerto de la Cruz combines a long history with a nautical flavor, as up to the 18th century it was the port of the town of La Orotava.

It is now a lively tourist resort and has been since the 19thcentury, when it was one of the pioneering tourist resorts in Spain and Europe. From the central Plaza del Charco, the pedestrian streets lead passers-by to buildings of great historical value, such as the Chapel of San Telmo, the Casa Miranda, the old Hotel Marquesa, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia and the Casa de la Aduana. Next to the harbor is the equally charming fishing neighborhood of La Ranilla. A little further away are the Botanical Gardens founded in the 17th century to acclimatize plant species brought from South America, Africa and Asia.

La Orotava – Less than six miles from Puerto De La Cruz, the town of La Orotava retains a perfectly defined historic centre that is packed with many interesting buildings, including the Ermita del Calvario hermitage, the church of San Agustín, Constitución Square, the street Carrera del Escultor Estévez, the church of Santo Domingo and the former convent of San Benito Abad.

Los Realejos – has a great farming culture and many traditions remain, being the most festive municipality in Spain, with over 70 different festivals. Locals and visitors often head to the volcanic sand coves and beaches such as La Fajana - great for a quiet dip in the sea - and El Socorro beach is perfect for surfers. Surrounding protected areas are frequented for walking or paragliding. The first Christian church in Tenerife is located in the historical quarter of the town, where many works of art from the 15th and 16th century are still present.

Garachico - the idyllic and sleepy town and port of Garachico was founded in 1496 and has plenty of evidence left of its brilliant past with stately homes, convents and churches that are all architecturally important in their own right. Garachico, declared a site of cultural interest in the Historic Group category, has the following buildings of great interest dotted around beautiful cobbled streets: the Ermita de San Roque, the former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the El Lamero hacienda, the houses of the Marquis of Quinta Roja, Casa de Piedra stately home, the Antigua Puerta de Tierra park, the Matriz de Santa Ana church and the castle of San Miguel.

Candelaria – located on the east of the island, just south of Santa Cruz, is Candelaria, a developing town on the coast. The Basilica de la ‘Virgen de Candelaria’ is the most important construction where locals head to every summer to celebrate the most important religious festivities in the area. A contrast of green mountains and dark sand beaches best describe this town known for its delicious seafood.

Adeje – the main town of the Costa Adeje district, where the resorts of Playa de Fañabe and Playa del Duque are located, has preserved its historic quarter well and visitors will find traces of its long history throughout. The town was the residence of the last of the great Guanche kings of Tenerife, and after the Spanish conquest, was influenced by the colonial style of architecture that can be seen in its stately homes and Catholic churches. Among the many religious buildings, the most outstanding are the church of Santa Ursula and the Convent de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, as well as the church of San Pablo, which contains an interesting museum of religious art, with pieces dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Important historical civil buildings include the ‘Casa Fuerte’, next to which is an old 16th century fort, from where the path that leads to the nature area ‘Barranco del Infierno’ (Hell Ravine), one of the most popular excursions on the Island.

Arona - the historic quarter of the southern district of Arona spreads out around the church of San Antonio Abad, dating back from the end of the 18th century, though the original chapel is from the century before. Inside the church the most venerated statue is the one of Cristo de la Salud, a work from the well-known Canarian school.

The old aristocratic houses in the typical local architectural style and the cobbled streets still have their old-world charm.

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054

Tenerife is fast becoming a ‘hot’ destination for the hip and trendy traveler who seeks to stay in boutique hotels, dine out at chic restaurants and sip cocktails at stylish bars. Visitors can discover a different side of this popular Canary Island where traditional Canarian culture, local food and wine, and cutting edge architecture and design prove a strong attraction for those seeking a more upmarket and stylish vacation experience.

Suggestions for the trendy traveler on cool places to sleep, dine, drink and play:

Sleeping – Tenerife has plenty of five star luxury resort hotels, but the number of boutique style hotels is booming, including these hotels that each offer their own unique ambiance:

Hotel San Roque is a contemporary hotel built in an 18th century aristocratic house in the unspoilt town of Garachico with fantastic views of Mount Teide. The hotel has 20 rooms, 8 duplexes, 2 junior suites and 2 suites all with designer furniture and contemporary art on the walls. www.hotelsanroque.com

Hotel Taburiente is an old hotel built in 1966 that has been completely refurbished and updated with a stylish and contemporary finish, located in Tenerife’s chic capital, Santa Cruz. The hotel features a fantastic laid back lounge bar that is worth having a drink in even if not staying here. www.hoteltaburiente.com

Hotel Quinta Roja is an old ancestral mansion dating from the 16th century in the historic town of Garachico. The architecture is typical Canarian Baroque and it is a charming mix of modern facilities with authentic historical features. www.quintaroja.com

Hotel Royal Gardens Villas– this five star boutique style property offers 28 villas with private pools and opened its doors in 2006 in the south of Tenerife, on the Costa Adeje. Each villa offers exquisite design and modern elegance, and the location on a cliff side over looking the sea is superb. www.royalgardenvillas.com

Dining - Head for the more Canarian towns, such as Puerto del la Cruz or the fashionable capital, Santa Cruz to enjoy traditional tapas and typical local dishes including fresh fish with mojo, island stews and the Canarian speciality of ‘papas arrugadas’.

In Puerto de La Cruz the Régulo (C/Pérez Zamora,16) is set within a beautiful Canarian mansion house situated in the heart of the historical old town and offers some of the finest cuisine and wines in the city.

For something more rustic the Lucas Maes (Barranco La Arena, 53 La Orotava) is a restaurant in an old-colonial style house with fabulous views from the terraces and gardens of El Rincon and Puerto de la Cruz. Diners can enjoy specialities such as Tuna tartare wrapped in cucumber, mustard seeds and pork rind.

For award-winning Canarian cuisine one of the best restaurants on the island is El Jable (Bentejui,9, San Isidro) inland in the town of Granadilla (south Tenerife), which offers dishes produced from local produce including baked smoke goat’s cheese on a bed of coriander mojo sauce and the islands freshest fish.

Drinking –The island’s capital, Santa Cruz provides a traditional, vibrant and definitely Spanish nightlife. The Noria District is the newest and coolest part of town to head for the hippest bars. It is also popular among families, as there is a friendly and welcoming environment.

Tenerife’s southern Costa Adeje, which is where its largest resort of Playa De La Americas lies, has recently seen a re-vamp of its nightlife and there are many upmarket, cool bars and clubs opening. One of these is the lavishly decorated and ultra chic El Faro club. It’s billed as one of Tenerife’s ‘best kept secrets’ and is a great place to start the evening and watch the sun go down on the Zen terrace. Later in the evening the club hosts world class DJ’s, live bands, comedy and magic shows.

Though the south of Tenerife has long been known for its bevy of bars, pubs and nightclubs, trendy travellers will also want to migrate north towards Puerto de la Cruz, which is quickly earning a reputation of having a sophisticated nightlife, especially along the Avenida Cruz.

Casinos – If you’re a gambler, Tenerife has got you covered with a selection of three casinos on the island - Casino de Taoro at Puerto de la Cruz, Casino Santa Cruz in Hotel Mencey in Santa Cruz and the Playa de las Americas Casino in the Gran Tinerfe Hotel. Each features a full range of table games, slot machines and high-roller areas.

For more information visit the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s website at www.webtenerife.com or contact:

Heather Krasnow hkrasnow@starmark.com 954-874-9057
Mari deArmas mdearmas@starmark.com 954-874-9054