The Canary Islands: Tenerife

The overwhelming popularity of Tenerife among European travelers is due to a number of factors. Geographically, it is situated roughly at the center of the archipelago, facilitating ferry travel to each of the surrounding islands. Though it is the largest in total area - around 100 km long and 40 km across at its widest point (62 x 24 miles) - touring the whole of Tenerife, at least by way of the well-maintained autovías along its perimeter, can be managed in a matter of hours. This, mated to an efficient public bus system, countless low-cost car rental agencies and innumerable resort complexes and eateries (particularly in the two largest cities) bring that goal of a "carefree" vacation a little closer to reality. It has taken two very different kinds of phenomena - the one a product of nature, the other a celebration of mankind - to forge Tenerife's reputation. Where the thick forests and the oddly intriguing red and grey natural curves, striated pillars and crevasses of the Parque Nacional de Cañadas del Teide evoke a spirit of reverence, the famed, overly joyous Carnaval festivities in February promote a tireless spirit of revelry on the island. Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano at the center of the national park that covers most of the central, western area of the island, is Spain's highest peak and part of what is undeniably one of the country's loveliest landscapes. Every detail is here for the traveler - where to stay, where to eat, entertainment, activities of all kinds, from hiking to canoeing, concerts to festivals. An extensive section on what you need to know when traveling to Spain in general, plus a language and Spanish vocabulary chapter is included. "A great new resource." -- Travel + Leisure. "The perfect companion for planning." -- Rutgers Magazine. "These useful travel guides are highly recommended..." -- Library Journal