If you like sun and sand, explore the dozens of beaches on Tenerife. Tenerife is the same latitude as the Sahara desert, and is warm enough for swimming and sun bathing year round. For nature lovers looking for a different beach experience, travel to Playa de las Galletas on the southern-most tip of Tenerife. This calm, black sand beach was formed from volcanic eruptions on Tenerife. Eat fresh fish at the local fishing village, and scuba dive in the Atlantic to view local sea life and hunt for sunken Atlantis.
For soft, yellow sand and crystal clear waters, travel to Fanabe in Southern Tenerife. Fanabe is an upscale area known for its pristine sand beach and staffed beach facilities offering services for children and for the handicapped.
When you visit Tenerife, you can't fail to notice the snow-capped Teide volcano soaring 12,200 feet from the ocean floor into the sky. The dominance of the Teide volcano over the skyline of Tenerife led the natives to believe that the volcano was a god watching over them. Today, The Teide volcano is the world's third largest volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of sixteen volcanoes worldwide closely watched by the scientific community due to its history of large, destructive eruptions. You can ascend the volcano by riding a cable car, then hiking by permit only, to the top of the volcano for panoramic views over the Canary Islands.
One of the best places to watch for whales in the world, Tenerife is home to the largest community of whales and dolphins in Europe with over 28 different species living off the coast of Tenerife. Choose from a dozen different boat tours recommended and staffed by the Atlantic Whale Association for their educational value and sensitivity to the whales' habitat and well-being.
