Tenerife

The range of accommodation in Tenerife has shot through the roof in recent years, with hotels now offering everything from butler service to infinity pools. For pampering courtesy of hydromassage loungers, Balinese spa beds and an enticing lagoon pool try the adults-only Red Level at Gran Meliá Tenerife (Avenida Los Océanos) in Alcalá. Meanwhile the chic mid-range Hotel Taburiente (24A Calle Doctor Jose Naveiras) offers a slightly more lively atmosphere with a location in the heart of Santa Cruz. Those wishing to explore the great outdoors and embark on a few hikes should try the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide (Las Cañadas), an idyllic budget retreat found in Las Fuentes, which is part of the Teide National Park.

The shopping scene in Tenerife seems almost to have been scythed in two, with one half catering for visitors to the island thanks to a plethora of souvenir shops and modern malls, and the other throwing up colourful street markets and independent boutiques that are frequented by locals. Both worlds are combined by the traditional stripe-roofed stalls of the market at Costa Adeje and Los Abrigos’ atmospheric Night Market. Bustling Santa Cruz flea market Rastro (Calle José Manuel Guimerá) sells everything from cut-price CDs to handmade jewellery, while main shopping street Calle Castillo is populated by designer boutiques, well-known chains and electronic shops. For guidebooks or a decent holiday read, check out La Isla Bookshop (Calle de Robayna 2).

Tenerife lays claim to a diverse blend of culinary options, ranging from Canarian tavernas to fine dining restaurants and British-influenced spots. Head to Costa Adeje and sample the exquisite offerings at Las Aguas in the Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort (Avenida de Bruselas), or El Faro (Avenida de las Americas, Parque Santiago V) in Playa de Las Americas is a great choice for a meal accompanied by delicious cocktails and a party atmosphere. For classic French cuisine, try La Cupala in the Hotel Jardines de Nivaria (Calle París) in Playa de Fañabé, or for good old British grub seek out the takeaway menu at Scampis Tenerife Fish and Chips (Paseo Tarajal, Compostela Beach) in Los Cristianos.

Festival de Música de Canarias

January-February

One of Europe’s biggest classical music festivals, this event attracts top musicians and renowned orchestras from around the world. Santa Cruz’s Auditorio de Tenerife concert hall plays host to the concerts that are prone to selling out fast.

Santa Cruz Carnival

February

The month of February sees carnivals and processions light up the streets all around Tenerife, but capital Santa Cruz lays on the biggest thanks to a 10 day programme of street entertainment and events.

Día de la Cruz

3 May

Tenerife doffs its cap to the island’s traditional roots with the ‘Day of the Cross’, when locals dress up in Canarian costumes and descend upon the Plaza de España in Santa Cruz to brighten crosses with colourful and imaginative floral displays.

Heineken Jazz Festival

June-July

Each year this jazz festival runs for around three weeks and dominates the northern part of Tenerife with a succession of events, concerts and workshops. The Plaza del Auditorio plays host to the biggest bands as they entertain the crowds with jazz, folk and world music.

Tenerife Wine Festival

November

Locally known as the ‘Festival of San Andres’, this annual wine festival is based around the towns of Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava. Live music and talks accompany the wine tastings to make this event one of autumn’s biggest treats.