The beaches, history and natural beauty of the Canary Islands draws in visitors from all around the world. Most come to the largest island of Tenerife. Anyone who is visiting Tenerife will want to visit nine cities on the island.
1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island of Tenerife. It is also the most populated city in the islands. The city is on the northeastern edge of Tenerife. Visitors will immediately notice the expressionist architecture of the Tenerife Auditorium. Travelers can visit the Museum of Nature and Man for a perspective on the history of the Canary Islands. Nearby beaches include the Playa de las Teresitas and the Playa de Benijo. Mount Teide is also nearby. It is best to get around on buses since roads can be crowded and slow.
2. Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is a town on the western coast of Tenerife. It is primarily known as a resort town that caters to tourists. The main attraction is the Los Gigantes Cliffs that create a 1,600-foot high wall along the coast. Travelers can see the cliffs from the center of the main road or from other a few other vantage points inside hotels and a bars. Los Gigantes has a number of restaurants serving diverse cuisines from around the world. Getting around is best done on foot although taxis are available.
3. Las Americas
Las Americas is a distinct part of a larger metropolitan area in the south of Tenerife. This area was specifically constructed to house the hotels and other amenities that travelers need when visiting the island. Most people come to sunbathe or swim on the miles of beaches that are a short walk from the resorts. There is also a water park called Aqua Park that features rides and daily performance by dolphins.
4. La Laguna
La Laguna is a historic city located on a hill in the northern section of Tenerife. La Laguna is primarily a college town with a large number of students. Few amenities are available for tourists. The main attraction is the historic architecture including churches like the Cathedral of La Laguna and the Iglesia de la Concepcion. A number of streets in La Laguna have been declared World Heritage Sites.
5. Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is a large and friendly city on the northern coast of Tenerife. The city has a fast bus system and taxis available to get around the hilly streets. Visitors will want to visit the Loro Parque Zoo in the city. The zoo is very large and holds live shows every day for children and adults. Another attraction is the Botanical Gardens located on a hill in an affluent part of the city. Other places of interest are the Lago Martianez pool complex and the Archaeological Museum.
6. El Medano
El Medano is a small and relaxed town on the southern coast of Tenerife. The town is known for strong winds. One of the most popular things to do is to wind surf in the ocean from the largest beach on the island. Visitors can enjoy the scenery or sunbathe on the volcanic sands of Playa Grande. There is a long boardwalk along the beach lined with restaurants, cafes and shops. Festivals common in the town square during the summer.
7. Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is part of the southern metropolitan area that includes Los Americas and Los Cristianos. The area is small enough for visitors to walk comfortably from one end to the other. Most people come to the area to visit the nearby beaches like La Troya and Del Duque. Travelers will find a promenade, many resorts and a number of shops for tourists. The Siam Park water park is in Costa Adeje offering family entertainment.
8. Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is the final town making up the southern metropolitan area on Tenerife. The town is renowned for the shopping and dining available to visitors. There are high-end international restaurants throughout Los Cristianos as well as traditional tapas bars. A number of shopping complexes and individual retailers offer a variety of products to travelers. Los Cristianos also has two very active beaches with multiple amenities and facilities for water sports.
9. La Orotava
La Orotava is a city and municipality in the north that was founded by wealthy settlers. Many come to see the historic architecture including the balconies of the Casa de los Balcones and the courtyard in the Casa Mendez-Fonseca. Another place to visit is the ornate Municipal Palace. Travelers will want to visit the Mirador Humboldt restaurant for stunning views of the entire valley. A number of buses and inexpensive taxis are available throughout La Orotava.
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