Tenerife Holiday Bargains

Tenerife – Easier To Get To Than Ever

2011-02-15T16:06:00.002Z

It’s common enough to hear about new flights being laid on from time to time, as well as existing flights being changed or pulled for some reason. A couple of years ago there was bad news for Tenerife lovers who flew out of Manchester Airport as the Ryanair firm withdrew its flights from that location.

But it seems like 2011 will be a better year for those people near to Manchester who know exactly what Tenerife has to offer. You see, Ryanair appears to have changed its mind and it is now going to start laying on flights to Tenerife once again.

This is great news for people who love Tenerife, as they can expect the flights to begin again this summer. Just in time for the holiday season rush, Ryanair will no doubt do well out of reinstating the flights.

When you find out more about Tenerife it is easy to see why it is so desirable. With countless delightful places to go and relax for a week or two, this particular Canary Island is always popular with lots of different people. From Puerto de la Cruz in the north to San Miguel in the south – not to mention Mount Teide somewhere in the middle – you have no shortage of great venues to visit.

Tenerife has a history as well, one which can be seen wherever you go on the island. This is an island created from a volcano and Mount Teide itself is the centre of the island in more than one way. You can do what a lot of other people do and go to Tenerife purely to stretch out on the nearest beach and enjoy some guaranteed sunshine. But there is a lot more you can enjoy too, with water sports, walking, cycling and much more besides there for you to do if you are in the mood for some more activity.

If you live anywhere near Manchester it’s good to know it will be easier to reach Tenerife this summer. But don’t delay in booking your trip from anywhere else either – not if you can help it.

Puerto de la Cruz – What’s There to See?

2011-01-17T16:07:00.002Z

Tenerife has many nice places you would want to visit, and one of them is liable to be Puerto de la Cruz. It can be found on the north western coast of the island, and as such it is extremely fortunate as far as the good weather is concerned. Of course many places in Tenerife have excellent weather, but Puerto de la Cruz is one of those spots that are particularly fortunate.

But is it all about the weather or is there more to Puerto de la Cruz than that?

Fortunately there is more – a lot more – and it all points to the reality that Puerto de la Cruz is one of the main venues on Tenerife for people to settle in for a week or two away from home. This is not just another beach destination. It has plenty more to share with you and it is quite delightful in nature as well. Sophisticated is a word you will hear a lot when people are trying to describe the location, and when you see it for yourself you will discover why.

The town is really very pretty no matter which angle or viewpoint you choose to view it from. It looks great at night too, with the lights making this popular Tenerife resort sparkle and it delights its visitors all the more. The beach is obviously a big hit with visitors, as it enables you to relax and stretch out. You can do this while watching the hustle and bustle of the town behind you and the gentle lapping of the sea in front of you. Wherever you look you will be bound to find pleasing sights to appreciate.

When the beach is not quite enough, you will also get the benefit of the myriad of attractions that are nearby. One of the most famous is Loro Parque, which is well known for its parrots among other things. Don’t miss the value for money day out you can spend at Lago Martianez as well, with its pools and stunning lake. You can never run out of things to do or marvel at in Puerto de la Cruz.

The Popularity of Tenerife

2010-12-16T18:13:00.002Z

It shouldn’t come as a major surprise to learn that Tenerife is a hugely popular place many people choose to visit on holiday. But according to recent reports it is even more popular now than it has been in the recent past.

At one point it was the case that Malaga was the hot spot for many people going abroad. This used to be the flight destination that the majority of people were looking for, according to Skyscanner. But this is no longer the case and now it has been surpassed by Tenerife.

When you consider what Tenerife has to offer to people – regardless of when they visit – it is not difficult to see why this should be the case. For example the weather is always very good here, and although the summer months are traditionally the warmest you can still enjoy a refreshing winter break here as well.

In addition to this you have some notable sights to see while you are visiting Tenerife. Mount Teide is right in the middle of the island, in the midst of the national park. Elsewhere the island also has some sensational beach based destinations that are worth seeing. Santa Cruz le Tenerife is one such location, along with San Miguel and Santiago del Teide.

In truth you have a lot to see and do on this relatively small island, and that is certainly a big attraction for many people. It can offer you the delights of the beaches but also the totally different landscapes of the national park and Mount Teide itself. Whatever you want to get out of your holiday in Tenerife, you won’t be disappointed when the time comes to finally go home. A refreshing, relaxing, invigorating and inspiring holiday is there to be had in Tenerife.

It will be interesting to see whether Tenerife remains as popular tomorrow as it is today. The signs are certainly very good, given that it has become the most searched for flight destination. This alone should prove to you that a holiday spent in Tenerife is a good way to unwind and distress.

Considering a Winter Break in Tenerife?

2010-11-17T14:58:00.002Z

If the shorter days and colder weather is starting to get to you, you might be considering leaving it all behind for a week or so before Christmas finally arrives. If you do, Tenerife is a great spot to think about visiting.

In fact it is one of the more popular destinations for many people looking to get away from the cold. Tenerife is a nice place to visit all year round, particularly as even during the winter the weather is very nice. It’s not as warm as you would expect it to be during the summer months but it is still good enough to allow you to relax on the beach and unwind.

Another feature of Tenerife in winter is that you also have the chance to see some snow. Can you imagine climbing a mountain that has snow on the top, and yet still being able to go for a swim in the sea just a short way away from it? You can do it in Tenerife, because Mount Teide does get snow during the winter. It certainly gives you something to look forward to in a winter holiday destination that has lots of diverse activities to try out.

This example might seem like an extreme one in terms of the weather. But in fact Tenerife is rather an unusual island in that different areas do offer different kinds of weather in this way. This means it is worth exploring the different areas of the island before you book your last minute winter break in Tenerife, so you can figure out which one is going to be best for your needs.

If it is sun you want and little else, you are better off venturing south of the island to get your wish. You can still explore other areas but you will get the best of the winter weather here, whereas you might get some different weather entirely if you stay north of the island.

As you can see though, Tenerife offers a nice variety of possibilities even during the cooler months of the year. Why go anywhere else for a winter break?

Good Reasons To Visit Buenavista Del Norte

2010-10-18T12:03:00.002Z

Tenerife is a popular holiday destination for lots of different reasons. But of course everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a great holiday.

For example some people will head out to the liveliest resort in Tenerife – somewhere with bars and clubs to enjoy. Others will pick beaches to relax on every single day they are there.

And still more will choose Buenavista del Norte, purely because of the amazing golf course it has available.

There are other reasons to visit the area on the north western point of the island, but let’s take a look at the golf course first. The course has been open for several years and when you hear that the famed golfer Severiano Ballesteros designed it, you’ll know you are in for a treat.

This is an eighteen hole course that not only treats you to some amazing golf, it also has some stunning scenery to appreciate on the way round as well. The ocean is right there next to you and you can see the mountains close by too.

But is this all that Buenavista del Norte has to offer?

Not a bit of it – you will also find it an ideal area to visit if you love walking and hiking. The beach of Playa de los Barqueros may be rocky but it is still worth exploring if you are wearing decent shoes. Added to this there is the ample countryside to explore, with gorgeous views to appreciate that are far from the more built up tourist areas in Tenerife.

This is really a more natural and down to earth part of Tenerife – a more realistic and real part, if you like. It may not suit everyone to base a holiday here as you may literally run out of things to do. But a week’s worth of rest and relaxation is ideal in Buenavista del Norte, particularly if your idea of relaxing is to wield a golf club and try to stay under par at the local golf course.

You may not manage it, but you’ll certainly have some fun trying.

Walking Holidays In Tenerife – Are They Ideal For You?

2010-09-17T11:14:00.000Z

Tenerife brings to mind sensational beach holidays, and this shouldn’t really surprise you. It can certainly offer this kind of break if you want it, but not everyone loves beach based holidays. Some people love them for a couple of days before wanting something else to do.

So perhaps a walking holiday would be a better option if you are the kind of person who loves an active break? Tenerife is always a popular spot for walkers from all over the world to try, and this is largely because of its position as one of the most popular Canary Islands. It is also volcanic in nature and this gives it some unique landscapes to explore and walk through.

The most important consideration to bear in mind if you want to think about a walking holiday in Tenerife is whether you want to go it alone or book a trip with a guide. Self guided tours can be booked online but you can just organise your accommodation and plan a route yourself. This is particularly good if you have some knowledge of the island already and you have a firm idea of where you want to go.

Alternatively you can book a dedicated walking holiday if you wish. This is the best option if you are new to Tenerife because it will enable you to see all the best bits without having to plan a route yourself. Guided tours also often include a certain amount of transportation between places, and this makes life a lot easier when you actually come to take your holiday.

Of course if you are not a dedicated walker or rambler you can still enjoy shorter walks in Tenerife. A day away from the beach to walk to the local town or explore the delights of Mount Teide can be a good place to start. Just remember not to do more than you are able to; for example heading up Mount Teide itself to begin with probably isn’t ideal for beginners.

If you plan ahead and pack the right walking shoes though, you are bound to have a superb time.

Looking For The Best Resort In Tenerife

2010-08-18T17:00:00.001Z

Let’s face it, Tenerife isn’t exactly tiny. And in the space it has to share with you there are lots of potential resorts you could stay in. The problem is in picking the right one for you.

Obviously you want to make the right decision before you board the plane and you are on your way there. All is not lost if you do arrive and you aren’t happy with your choice, but it is certainly a lot easier if you get it right from the moment you make your booking.

As such it pays to explore the island in a virtual sense before you book anything. Get a map of the island online and take a look at the various place names. You will probably recognise some of the main venues Playa de las Americas, but is this really going to be the right spot for you to stay in? Explore some of the other names and locations as well – you might just stumble on something absolutely perfect for you.

Another good method to use is to look up information on all the most popular resorts, as well as Googling the resorts and locations you haven’t heard of before. This will give you more details about each place and the various landmarks and venues immediately next to it as well. For instance if you want to try something completely different like camping near to Mount Teide – Tenerife’s slumbering volcano – you won’t be looking for a main resort. You’ll need to find pertinent information to ensure you can make this particular dream come true instead.

In truth Tenerife is about a lot more than just big name resorts. It has plenty more to offer as well – you just have to be willing to get out there and find it. The trick to doing so is to find it and partially discover it online first. You wouldn’t want to find out too much about it because you don’t want to spoil the surprise. But if you know enough to know you’ve found the ideal spot for you on Tenerife, you can go ahead and book your perfect holiday.

Pop Into A Rock Pool

2010-07-20T13:42:00.002Z

So which part of Tenerife will you be heading to this summer? Some areas are better known than others and there are some absolute must see locations that are firmly on the map as well.

One such example is Garachico, which is home to lots of delightful rock pools. Tourists from all over come to see them. But even though these rock pools are worth seeing and taking a dip in, we should also delve into the reasons why they are there in the first place.

The answer to the puzzle lies in a volcanic eruption that took place some three hundred years ago. It was this eruption that led to the landscape you will see today when you visit Garachico. You shouldn’t expect to be able to visit a beach here, because the seafront has been created by what was left over from the volcanic eruption when it took place.

You might think that Garachico would have been ruined by the eruption – and indeed the one that took place several decades before it as well. But while this may have been true at the time, it is not true now. Those who are in control of the town have tried to shape the landscape they have been left with. As such you can see true volcanic remnants that you can actually bathe in. Would you ever imagine that you could recline in a rock pool and even go swimming in one?

Clearly we are not just talking about a small rock pool here. Instead we are talking about major pools that should be quite enjoyable to use – particularly if you don’t like the usual pull of the sea. You can swim quite happily here, even though it might feel a bit strange to do so, when you remember how they were formed.

This is indeed the main attraction that Garachico has to offer. It might seem strange to think that the event which ruined the town in years gone by is now celebrated as a way of bringing tourists to the area. But this is how time has gone by in this part of Tenerife – and it is definitely worth a visit.

Is Los Cristianos The Resort For You?

2010-06-18T13:45:00.001Z

If you want to stay in a popular resort in Tenerife, this one will certainly fit the bill. But just because somewhere is popular, it doesn’t mean it will be perfect for your needs. So before you choose this as the base for your holiday in Tenerife, let’s see what it has in store for you.

Let’s be honest, tourism is a big part of Los Cristianos. But it also has a history that you will be interested to know about, if that is your thing. Instead of looking at an area that has been purpose built for tourists, you will find many buildings here that greatly predate the tourism era. This gives the town an extra depth that you don’t always get elsewhere.

Make no mistake though - Los Cristianos can get very busy during the height of the holiday season. People come from all over Europe to reach the resort and enjoy a week or two of summer sun and fun here. There is some nightlife here so if you are visiting with young children make sure you aren’t staying anywhere near one of the louder venues.

As far as young children are concerned there is every reason to look forward to visiting Los Cristianos each year. There are lots of activities to get involved with on the beach, with Playa de los Cristianos beach being the main draw here. There are lots of water sports to try out and the kids will also love the area that has been set out and dedicated to them for playing in. It is this kind of attention to detail – plus the ideal addition of showers – that makes this beach so very popular with families from all over Europe.

Of course you might want to spend the odd day out away from the beach every now and then as well. In this case you will be pleased to know that Tenerife Zoo is not too far away, and there is a water park fairly nearby as well. As you can see, you would be hard pushed to find a better base for your holiday.

Biking In Tenerife

2010-05-20T10:22:00.000Z

There are plenty of different ways to see Tenerife when you arrive. You could hire a moped, drive a car or simply see where you can get to using your own two feet. Apart from that, there is another popular method some people opt for – and that’s to get on a mountain bike.

Bike hire is easy enough to arrange on Tenerife because biking is so popular. There are two ways you can go about this though; you can either book a place on a bike tour or you can head out on your own to explore the island.

There are pros and cons to both of these options so it will largely depend on what kind of holiday you want to go for. Some people love going on guided tours because they don’t have to worry about where to go and when. There is also the possibility that if you book a guided bike tour you could end up seeing more of Tenerife than you would otherwise. There are always hidden areas and places to see that you could miss out on.

However there are advantages to heading out on your own as well. Tenerife has some wonderful areas to start exploring, such as Teide and Masca for example. These are always popular with bikers and if you head out on your own you will have all the time you need to see what you want to see. You won’t have to stick to someone else’s timetable.

If you do go out on your own you should definitely take a map with you and plenty of food and drink as well. You will of course come across cafes and bars along the way, so you can easily stop and find somewhere to have lunch and so on. Even if you do go on your own you should have some idea of where you are going to go and how long it will take you.

Whichever way you go though, there is no doubt that Tenerife was built for bikers. Why not join the crowd and see how great Tenerife looks from the saddle?

Experience Masca For Yourself

2010-04-20T08:37:00.002Z

Every country and location we ever visit has particular spots and attractions that stick in our minds for some reason. If you ever visit Tenerife you will find that Masca fits that description perfectly. Indeed, the word ‘perfect’ could be used to describe this place very well indeed.

Everyone who comes here seems to have a camera about their person. When you see the area for yourself you will see why. Masca has its home on a hillside, which is one of the reasons why you get some superb opportunities to take some memorable photos here.

When you hear people talking about Masca, they could be referring either to the village or the bay. More probably they are talking about the former, although if you are up for a long walk you can see the latter as well. Expect to hike for some three hours to access the bay if you are up to the journey. Many people are so taken by the village however they do not want to leave it!

It was not until the 1970s that people who didn’t actually live in the village knew it was there. There was no road until that time, and obviously after a while word got around that this beautiful location was there. No wonder tourists now descend on the village – which is something of a shame in a way, but it does give the rest of us a chance to see near perfection when it comes to Tenerife.

Some say the village was a hideout for pirates in times gone by. But whatever the truth of the matter is, there are plenty of tales, stories, myths and legends which surround this delightful place. Whether you believe them or not is up to you, but they certainly lend even more beauty to this location.

One thing is certain though – you will get some amazing pictures of Masca and its surroundings once you are there. This is a stunning part of Tenerife and no tourist should leave for home without having seen this slice of incredible beauty. You’ll be glad you made the trip.

Grab Your Walking Boots For A Climb Up Mount Teide

2010-03-19T12:54:00.000Z

The idea of climbing up a volcano may not appeal to you. It might even sound a bit of a daft idea. But Mount Teide in Tenerife might persuade you to do just that – particularly since the last eruption was a little over a century ago.

If you still doubt the idea of climbing this mountain you should consider that Tenerife wouldn’t be there at all if it wasn’t for a volcano – or more specifically three of them. They all erupted and created Tenerife many thousands of years ago, and Mount Teide was gradually formed as a result.

The volcano is currently in a dormant state, which means it is not expected to erupt anytime soon. Historically there would be some activity before such an event occurred anyway, so you can see there is no need to worry about whether you will be in the vicinity if anything were to happen.

The area around Mount Teide is actually a national park, so you can gain easy access to it and explore all that it has to offer. Many people point out that the landscape here can appear very strange. We mean strange in a good way however. The effect of the lava that has come from the volcanoes over the previous thousands of years has led to a stunning swathe of scenery that has to be believed. While it can look barren in places there is plenty of vegetation and even animals living there, which all point to a landscape worth seeing and experiencing.

There is a cable car you can take which allows you a better view over an old crater on Mount Teide, so if you have a head for heights make sure you take it. It is no wonder that the area has been used for filming in the past – it has so much presence that it really stands out on film. You’ll know this to be true if you have ever seen One Million Years B.C. So why not head there yourself and get up close and personal with a real volcano?

Fancy A Spot Of Bob Diving?

2010-02-17T08:24:00.003Z

As far as holiday activities go this one sounds rather bizarre if you go by just the name. But as you will see there is a lot here to enjoy, since you will get a whole new experience to try.

So what can you expect if you say yes to the idea of bob diving? Well as the name would suggest there is a degree of scuba diving involved. Although it isn’t anything like normal diving and that is why a lot of people who wouldn’t dive do enjoy doing this.

Your bob is a type of scooter that operates underwater, and that makes it nice and easy to use. You do have to be confident enough in the water to dip your head underneath it to go into your bob. But once you are in there you will be dry and safe and able to see out. As you might imagine there is an air supply included within the bob because your head will be in a bubble once you are properly seated in it. This means you do need to be of a certain height to use it. Provided you are about five feet four inches or over you should be fine.

This is an incredible experience though because you can go down several metres on your scooter and see all the different kind of fish and other delights that are below the waves. If you don’t like the idea of scuba diving but you would like to see more than what you would see if you tried snorkelling then bob diving in Tenerife is the best way to do it.

And of course since the waters around Tenerife are so beautifully clear you can enjoy seeing much more than you might imagine. The scooters have a buoy that always floats on the surface of the water as well so once you are seated and going to explore, you will always be within reach of the boat above.

So why not try it and make your Tenerife holiday even more delightful than it would be otherwise?

Getting Wet In Tenerife

2010-01-19T13:08:00.003Z

Time and time again you will hear people who have been on holiday to Tenerife singing the praises of the Aqualand Water Park. It is located in Costa Adeje and as you will soon discover there is a lot more here than just water rides as well.

But let’s at least start with those, since that is what draws many people to the park each year. For starters you can try the Kamikaze – if you have the nerve for it. It’s a water chute, it’s steep and it will probably frighten the life out of you as well! Keep your arms crossed over you and your legs crossed at the ankles and get ready for the fastest descent back down to the ground you have ever experienced.

If you love fast water rides but you find that particular one a bit much to cope with, try out the Rapids instead. These provide huge slopes to slosh your way down in an inflatable tyre, and there are pools in which you can stop for a breather before tackling the next bit of the journey down.

And when you find it all too exhausting for words, you can head on down the Lazy River instead. Grab a figure of eight tyre and paddle your way down a river that stretches out for five hundred metres. What better way could there be to recharge your batteries for another run at the Kamikaze or the Rapids?

There is a huge area devoted to making sure the younger kids have just as much fun as well. They might love the Lazy River but they will also love the Mini Park which has mini slides and a castle to get to grips with. A shallow pool area is big enough for lots of kids to enjoy, and it offers the perfect place for them to tire themselves out too!

And you can also see the dolphins in a separate area of the park if you wish. You’ll need to pay more to see the dolphin show, but it’s well worth the extra money.

Take A Stroll Around Loro Parque

2009-11-20T08:42:00.002Z

There is just one word that comes even close to describing the delights of Loro Parque. That word is ‘colourful’.

When you translate what Loro Parque actually means you will probably realise why that word is so right. Loro means parrot, so what you will be visiting here is a park full of parrots. There are other delights to see here too but what most people remember is the huge number of stunning parrots that are on display.

There are lots of different species on show, from pure white ones to those that have feathers in all the primary colours. It’s no wonder that children are captivated by the parrot show and love every minute of it.

But what else can you expect to see here? Well from the depths of the aquarium to Planet Penguin (that’s where the penguins live, swim and get up to mischief), you’ll want to explore every inch of Loro Parque. The name might suggest a plethora of parrots but you’ll find far more than that here.

You can walk through the Shark Tunnel, see an almost pure white Snow Tiger and enjoy seeing a whole family of chimpanzees. One thing is for sure – no matter what kind of animals you like to see you’ll find something you love right here in Loro Parque in Tenerife.

And don’t miss Naturavision either. You’ll be transported away to some of the best places on the whole planet to witness stunning sights of nature, from the forests to the seas. The park leaves no stone unturned to bring you the best of the natural world, both in reality and in this sensational show that will have you glued to your seat.

As you can probably guess this is a full day out experience and a very reasonably priced one as well. Expect it to be busy if you visit during the summer season though, as Loro Parque is one place that virtually all the tourists head to.

So regardless of how much you love the beach, make sure you make time for the parrots – and everything else that comes with them too.

Tenerife sees luxury hotel launches

2009-04-06T12:46:00.003Z

As the largest of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife is the natural choice for blue-chips looking to organise events on the archipelago. Alcon recently brought 70 UK delegates to the island for five days of karting, a beach Olympics contest, surfing, quad-biking and catamaran outings. Axa, Audi, Lenovo, Cisco, McDonald's and Henkel are among other recent corporate visitors.

"For large conferences, Tenerife has lots going for it - great hotels with decent meeting space, plenty of outdoor activities, good weather and it's just four or five hours from the UK," says Banks Sadler senior project manager Saxon Heffernan.

Tenerife's ever-expanding array of unique C&I venues are helping it to stand out from its neighbours. The abstract Magma Art & Congress Centre now sits alongside the new Siam Park water kingdom, whose attractions include an amphitheatre for an audience of 1,500.
Other new options include the five-star, 331-room Hotel San Blas Reserva Ambiental, which opened in December with capacity for 600 delegates, and the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, which opened last summer with reception space for up to 1,000.
"Tenerife has changed from mass holiday tourism to a well balanced business destination," says Ovation account manager Thomas Stecher.

For more information click here

Restaurants In Tenerife

2009-02-27T11:12:00.006Z

Restaurants in Tenerife offer a very varied choice of cuisine to the tourist and resident alike. You will literally be spoiled for choice. Tenerife restaurants vary in quality and price, and there is something for every taste and budget.

Varied styles of cuisine available

The island plays host to many restaurants of varying types of cuisine. Think of a style of cooking and you can bet there will be a restaurant which does it. You will find a greater variety of styles of cuisine in the major tourist areas, and more traditional Spanish and Canarian styles if you venture out of town.

A very popular way of eating in both Spain and Tenerife, is Tapas. This type of food is becoming popular in the UK and Europe and involves eating small potions of different dishes. It is not uncommon to eat seven or eight plates of Tapas in one sitting. This is a social way of eating also, as several plates at a time will be placed on the table for a group of people to share. It is a very good way of "tasting a little of everything". This is arguably the cheapest way to eat in Tenerife and is a way of life for the local Canarian residents.

Tenerife is an island, and as such there are a number of fishing villages dotted around the coast. This has given rise to a great number of restaurants which specialise and shellfish. You will very often find that the seafood you eat in Tenerife is so fresh, it was caught the same day. You will pay more for fresh seafood and shellfish, but this is the same the world over.

If you fancy something more international, you will find it in Tenerife. The island boasts a plethora of restaurants which specialise in Chinese, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Taiwanese and English cuisines. Fast food is also available in the tourist areas, so if you are missing your burgers or pizzas, it's covered.

Where will you find the most restaurants and choice?

You will find the greatest concentration of restaurants in the south in the tourist areas. These can be summarised as Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas, Playa Fanabe, Adeje, Playa Del Duque, La Caleta (a major fish centre) and Los Gigantes.

Eating out of town

There are many restaurants in Tenerife outside of the major tourist areas, and these are mostly frequented by residents. The majority of restaurants out of town are cheaper, but there are some specialist restaurants which will cost as much as eating in town. If you fancy a change from the tourist areas and want to eat like the locals, a trip out of town is worth while. It is better to go on recommendation rather than dropping on the first restaurant you see. Beware though, not all of the staff at these restaurants will speak English. Also bare in mind you have to get there.

For more information click here

Modern Tenerife

2009-02-27T09:48:00.003Z

To the British, Tenerife Holidays mean one thing: "tacky costa culture and year-round sunshine". But the largest of the Canary Islands has so much more to offer, says Philip Smith in the Guardian.

It is quite possible to enjoy Tenerife's good weather, low prices, beautiful beaches and spectacular mountains while avoiding all resorts.

The ideal base is the "exciting" capital, Santa Cruz, which has been "transformed" in recent years by a series of grand architectural projects. Following hot on the heels of Santiago Calatrava's "breathtaking" waterfront auditorium is a new art gallery by Herzog & de Meuron, like a "sci-fi set" hewn from the island's black volcanic rock.

In the evenings, superb local food and vivacious nightlife are to be found in the old colonial neighbourhood of La Noria.

For more information click here

Tenerife - Quality courses

2009-01-20T09:21:00.003Z

Tenerife is rapidly becoming one of the must-visit destinations for golfers.

Spain and Portugal have long held an edge because of their easy flight access, but while Tenerife takes a little longer to get there, it's worth the effort because of the growing number of quality courses and the fact Tenerife boasts an even all-year round temperature.

There are also many fine hotels to choose from but being based at the Mare Nostrum Resort, located on the Playa del Camison in the south of Tenerife, was perfect for the 10 courses on the island and within easy reach of the ferry for a trip to Gomera to play the wonderful Tecina lay-out.

There are five hotels, all five-star, on the Mare Nostrum Resort with more than 1,000bedrooms, loads of pools, bars and restaurants inside the resort and there's more out there on the main street.

Pick of the courses is almost certainly the new Dave Thomas-designed Abama course, but there's really not much to choose between the likes of Abama, Seve Ballesteros's Buenavista lay-out, Adeje, Amarilla and Golf del Sur and all of the courses have their individual attractions and it is certainly worth taking the ferry trip to Gomera to play Tecina.

Tecina is unusual in that every hole is just about downhill! You're bussed up to the first hole and wind your way down to the 18th and clubhouse which makes the course fairly reasonable to walk although there are buggies available.

Designed by Donald Steel, it has incredible views, particularly on the second, fourth, 10th and 18th. The most difficult holes are probably the fifth and the 16th, but the 10th is also a cracker.

There is the astounding array of trees and plants - palms, mangoes, bananas, avocados, geraniums and bougainvillea and the clubhouse has a snack bar and pro shop.

Nearby is the Hotel Jardin Tecina and the work has started on the construction of luxury apartments.

Abama is winding and challenging, with several lakes and is typical Dave Thomas rolling greens. With a par of 72 and 6,237 metres in length, it has 10 par fours, four par threes and four par fives and magnificent views of Mount Teide volcano. Another nine holes are also being built.

The golf course is part of a luxury complex with a five-star hotel, conference centre and tennis club.

Adeje also has amazing views of the sea, the island of Gomera, Las Americas beach and the Adeje Mountains. It staged this year's European Ladies Tenerife Open and is a fair test of golf - take a buggy as there are some hills to negotiate.

A feature of the course is the stone walls, the legacy of the agricultural history of the site, which have been restored and come into play more than you would probably like.

Buenavista is on the North East corner of the island and is surrounded by the Teno mountain range. The 18 hole, par 72, has a length of 6,150 metre and on the outward nine, the most demanding holes are the par fours while on the inward route, the greatest precision is required by the par threes and above all at the 15th and 17th, as they are next to the sea.

On five holes, the greens are close to the rocky coastline and the waves break spectacularly framing the greens.

Within easy reach of Mare Nostrum is Las Americas, a fairly flat course which is ideal for holiday golf - that's not to imply it's easy because it is not but it is pleasant to walk with wide fairways through lakes, waterfalls, and trees and measures 6,039 metres, so it's not long and it also has a terrific clubhouse with very friendly staff.

Amarilla is located on the foreshore, with impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a spectacular fifth hole where you have to drive the ball over the sea.

Golf del Sur, the 27 hole complex, has been around for a while but it still surprises you with its wide fairways, flanked by palms and giant cacti and its black volcanic sand bunkers.

The Tenerife Open was held there for several years and has also hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament. It has a tremendous clubhouse and is well worth a visit.

The island's oldest course Real Club de Golf de Tenerife has been there since 1932 and is very British in its feel and it's rolling terrain means you have to be fairly fit to walk it.

Los Palos is a nine hole course and is also worth a visit. It has water obstacles and lush vegetation, but is not punishing and is ideal for beginners, families, players wishing to improve their short play or those who need a quick game.

For more information click here

Tenerife Is A Hot Investment

2008-12-02T11:15:00.002Z

Those keen on investing in property on the Canary islands will be encouraged to hear that Tenerife offers one of the warmest destinations for an autumn break.

Responding to a query about the best temperatures on offer, Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green said the island offers a higher average than the Tunisian capital Tunis.

He said that daytime temperatures are on average one degree hotter (21 degrees celcius against 20 degrees celcius) in November, while the sea temperature is 22 degrees celcius in Tenerife, making it three degrees higher than Tunis.

Mr Green added that the biggest difference is night-time temperatures, where Tunis is just 11 degrees celcius but Tenerife enjoys an average of 16 degrees celcius.

This will definitely appeal to those looking for a year-round property investment, especially anyone who is looking to rent it out to tourists during the winter season.

According to PropertyShowrooms.com Tenerife is not the only one of the Canary Islands to be recommended as a winter break destination.

Both Tenerife and Fuerteventura were boosted last week by the news that Ryanair has launched new flights to both islands from the UK. Monarch also announced last month that it has added new winter flights from the UK to Tenerife and also Lanzarote, another island in the archipelago.

The local authorities have invested a lot of money to improve the Canary islands over the last few years, adding upmarket resorts and marinas, as well as a huge investment into golf tourism, which brings in many people to the archipelago during the winter months.

The islands have changed dramatically from cheap package holiday resorts to a location for the discerning traveller.

Tenerife has probably undergone the most dramatic transformation, from a popular holiday hotspot to an exclusive lifestyle destination. Ugly hotel buildings that were once constructed in record quick time to accommodate the increasing numbers of overseas visitors are now being pulled down, and sympathetic and stunning architecture is taking their place.

Siam Park, Europe's largest water park, also opened on the island in September. Costing 52 million euros to build initial reviews said it was even better than some of the top water parks in Florida. This new attraction will help to draw even more visitors to the island.

It has also been announced recently that Puerto del Carmen, the main resort on Lanzarote, is due to get a facelift. The multi-million Euro project will transform the resort with the introduction of a modern marina, with moorings for luxury yachts, and the opening of a new golf course next year, which is only the second on the island.

Bars, shops and restaurants along the beachfront strip are also due to get a facelift to bring them up-to-date.

For more information click here

Top Sports Training Centre Opens In Tenerife

2008-11-03T10:32:00.006Z

New 15m euro sports centre will attract groups and clubs to the Spanish island who are training for national and international competitions.

The T3 AthleticSphere is a new high performance training centre which has just opened on the Spanish island of Tenerife, offering the latest scientific and technical innovations for those who enjoy sports.

The centre, which will draw sports enthusiasts from across Europe, is specially equipped for high performance training and is located in the quaint fishing village of La Caleta, on the south of the island.

The 56,620-square-metre sports centre is the result of a 15m euros investment, contributed exclusively by the private sector.

It was constructed according to modern and ecological guidelines and has installed solar panels and an energy control system.

Located in a unique setting, with an excellent year-round climate and high standard facilities, the centre is designed to improve performance while training for national and international championships as well as for rehabilitation or to simply keep fit and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Facilities include Spain's only countercurrent swimming machine with hydrodynamic streams, which is the most modern of the 20 existing machines in the world. This indoor swimming pool allows top swimmers to improve stamina in optimum conditions and to increase performance for technical rehabilitation.

A spa complements the resistance swimming pool and other indoor facilities include three squash courts. The centre also has multipurpose rooms for theory lessons and other activities, areas for gymnastics, a cafe with an outdoor esplanade and further swimming pools and fitness machines on the basement level.

In addition, there is a keep-fit area, a relaxation and motivation zone as well as medical and therapeutic assistance provided by trained professional staff.

Merchandise and sports equipment for swimming, football, tennis and others sports can be purchased in the shop.

The training centre also features an outdoor heated Olympic swimming pool made of steel, designed to satisfy the most demanding requirements. It is fully equipped for tournaments and championships and can be adapted for sports such as water polo and synchronised swimming.

A 25-metre warming-up pool, seven paddle tennis courts, three tennis courts (one hard and two clay), and two football pitches complete the training centre's facilities. There is also a goalkeepers' training area and three beach volley ball courts.

The centre is associated with the Aparthotel Jardin Caleta, and with the Gran Tacande Hotel, both on the Costa Adeje, allowing groups and sports clubs to stay somewhere close by. The centre, near the Costa Adeje Golf Club, is also a suitable venue for meetings, conferences and other events.

For more information click here

Canary Islands host classical music festival

2008-10-16T12:59:00.002Z

Classical music lovers should head to the Canary Islands Festival on Gran Canaria and Tenerife early next year.

From January 9th until February 16th, the two Canary Islands host a number of events, and this year's festival will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the event which is popular with fans of traditional music.

As it is also the 200th birthday of Hungarian musician Franz Liszt, the party is themed around Hungary, and there will also be a focus on 250th anniversary of Handel's death.

The Hungarian National Choir will perform alongside the Tenerife Symphony in some of the events which is sure to be a treat for holidaymakers with a keen ear for classical music.

The Vienna Philharmonic also plays at the festival, as does the Philadelphia Orchestra, which contributes to the event's world-class credentials.

For more information click here

Golf tourism helps Canaries sing a different song

2008-10-07T09:12:00.005Z

Once upon a time the Canary Islands were an exclusive holiday haunt for only a select few who actually knew where the Spanish archipelago was hidden in its tucked away corner of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Then came cheap flights, package holidays and greater notoriety for the likes of Tenerife and Lanzarote, whose reputations as fantastic year round sunshine destinations rapidly saw them becoming some of the most popular winter and summer holiday destinations for thousands of Britons and Northern Europeans.

With mass popularity came rapid construction of hotels and required infrastructure, and what some would call a cheapening of the appeal of the main islands. This fact however did not escape the attentions of the authorities which govern the islands; since 2001 concerted efforts have been committed to raising the bar when it comes to tourism, lifestyle and culture across the Canaries.

Nowadays one is far less likely to associate the likes of La Gomera and La Palma with their nightlife than with the incredibly impressive and high-end quality of life that they offer their increasing numbers of international residents and annual holidaymakers.

One way in which the authorities have succeeded in changing the face of the Canaries is through the introduction of golf tourism across the archipelago. Golf courses attract an entirely different crowd who seek quality and luxury when they holiday, rather than cheap accommodation and basic facilities.

By developing courses across the islands and improving the associated facilities, amenities and accommodation, the Canary Islands have gone from being a package holiday favourite to become a high-end choice for the discerning traveller.

One of the Canary Islands now particularly rising in popularity is La Gomera.

Previously the island was more difficult to access than the likes of Tenerife and Fuerteventura; whilst it did not see the local economy thrive as a result of tourism because of this lack of accessibility, La Gomera did see the total preservation of its stunningly diverse natural beauty.

The Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of the islands' natural beauty covering some 40 km2 in the centre of the island. This park attracts thousands each year.

The shipping magnate Fred Olsen discovered La Gomera over 100 years ago and truly fell in love with the majestic charms of this sun kissed isle. Since then subsequent generations of the Olsen family have made their mark on the island, and today there is a rapid and frequent daily Olsen ferry service to La Gomera from Tenerife, making it that much more accessible. You can also fly to the island from Northern Tenerife.

James Wyatt, Senior Partner of Barton Wyatt International and a regular visitor to the island, said: "La Gomera is another of the Canaries to benefit from the development of a premium golf course. The Olsen family are now behind the construction of one of the most significant and spectacular property developments on the island. The environmentally friendly residential development of high-end villas and apartments is called Pueblo Don Thomas, and it lies adjacent to the golf course allowing residents direct access to the greens and to the amenities and facilities that are part of the Tecina Golf Course."

Those wishing to buy in to the exclusive Canary Islands and who are seeking the most elite opportunities should closely consider La Gomera and in particular the spacious and luxurious apartments and villas at Pueblo Don Thomas.

Residents will benefit from the onsite Country Club with its superior leisure facilities, bar and restaurant and property prices start from 673,896 pound/850,000 euros to 951,382 pound/1,200,000 euros.

For more information click here

Ten out of 10 for perfect Tenerife

2008-10-07T08:20:00.004Z

This Canary Island has everything for a fantastic family holiday.

I am ashamed to admit I waited until my daughter was five until I caved in and finally took her on a beach holiday.

Kids' Clubs, pedalos and sand castles don't exactly scream holiday to me, but everyone has a breaking point so I booked us into the Green Golf Resort in Tenerife for a bit of quality time.

Tenerife was the obvious choice to escape the gloom, as it's only a four-hour hop to the Canaries and this island had everything we were looking for sun, sea and sand.

The last time I went to the island I was 16, had £50 spending money and a suitcase the size of my handbag.

On my return visit sadly I wasn't travelling quite so light. Georgia's inflatable pool toys needed a suitcase of their own. And then I still had the Boots counter, her Barbie collection and my clothes to accommodate.

But once we'd survived the flight and arrived at the apartments, between Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos on the South-West Coast of Tenerife, I realised I'd done the right thing.

With two freshwater pools, a kids pool, mini market and beautiful apartments spaced out in individual blocks, the place was intimate and quiet with great views of the neighbouring golf course, mountains and the sea. In fact there was hardly any need to leave.

Georgia saw a palm tree and decided we were in Hawaii (and who was I to disagree?), and she loved our little house, as she affectionately called it.

We both slipped into holiday mode instantly and it didn't take us long to settle into our routine. Mornings were spent with her in the kiddie pool. Or we'd catch the special beach bus that left the apartments every 20 minutes and headed to Playa de Las Americas just a mile away. Thanks to sand from the Sahara it has a beautiful long beach that stretches for miles.

I'd resigned myself to the fact that I wasn't going to get any lounger time on this holiday but with a lot of careful planning, and a bus load of inflatable dolphins and buckets and spades, I managed to squeeze some in.

At lunchtime we'd head off the beach and amble along the promenade which has been smartened up a lot and is virtually unrecognisable from my last visit to try out the cafes and restaurants.

Our favourite was the Monkey Beach Club, which served fresh fish, stone-baked pizzas and great pasta.

If you look you can still find the more typical sausage and chips-style cafes with picture menus and they do come into their own when you're dining with a five-year-old.

Thankfully, the restaurant at The Green Golf Apartments came up trumps for us most nights. Dinner was included in the price of our package and we ended up eating there most evenings for convenience.

The menu was great and had good kids' choices. But the best thing was that they arranged entertainment most nights.

Georgia's favourite was the belly dancing, and although I managed to restrain her for about an hour, she was giving it her all on the dance floor by the end of the night.

Another favourite was the snake show. While I watched from as far away as possible, the children were practically fighting to get up and hold them. By far the most paranoid parent, I dragged mine off kicking and screaming.

Half of the island is national park or nature reserve and there are also water parks and animal parks to visit.

We headed to Loro Parque, one of the biggest attractions (open from 10am to 6pm, entrance costs £25 for adults and £17.50 for children) in Puerto de la Cruz.

The park was set up to rescue and protect animals from all over the world. It also concentrates on breeding rare species of parrots to prevent their extinction.

Many of the animals in the park have been rescued from private owners who kept them illegally and maltreated them. Others were donated by zoos which believed Loro Parque could offer them a better home.

Unlike some zoos I've visited, it's really pleasant to walk around as the animals aren't so much caged as living in small versions of their natural habitat. The gorilla enclosure even had its own waterfalls.

The most spectacular exhibit was Planet Penguin, where the Antarctic has literally been recreated with falling snow (12 tons of it per day!).

There are King, Gentoo and Rockhopper penguins some of which have been bred in the park.

A glass panel running alongside the surrounding water gives you a view of the penguins when swimming underwater as well.

There's a separate exhibit for Humboldt penguins that live in warmer climates around South America. There is also an amazing dolphin show twice a day during peak season and the most beautiful botanical gardens you can walk around.

Later in the week Georgia and I headed to Las Aguilas (The Jungle Park). This zoological and botanical park is another one of the island's main family attractions.

This oasis on the northern coast of Tenerife has a bird of prey show and a zoo that boasts more than 500 animals including a white lion. Beautifully laid out, it felt like a real adventure for Georgia walking along the over-hanging wooden paths with tunnels and suspension bridges that wound round the animal enclosures.

The highlight for Georgia was the bird show but I'm not sure who was more impressed when the parrot rode past on a motorbike (I kid you not). Entry into the park is £19 for adults and £13 for children but you can get discounts if you book online at www.aguilasjunglepark.com. Open all year round from 10am to 5.30pm (the exotic bird show is on daily at 11am, 2pm and 5pm), it's definitely worth every penny.

Tenerife's other big draw is its cheap shopping. But to be honest, with so much to do, even I couldn't find the time or the enthusiasm to hit the shops. I was completely exhausted on the flight home.

For more information click here

Siam Park, world's largest water park, to open in Tenerife

2008-09-23T14:40:00.001Z

The world's biggest water park is due to open in Tenerife this week. Siam Park offers innovative, new attractions as well as classic water rides and encounters with alligators.

Siam Park is the latest attraction for people staying in holiday homes in Tenerife and is "spectacular", according to The Times. The Thai-themed water park has 8,500 palm trees, "awesome" sculptures and exhilarating rides.

The main rides at Siam Park - the "terrifying" Tower of Power, the Dragon ride with its near-vertical drop and the Volcano, amongst others - are fronted by the Thai-inspired sculptures, which include a 30 metre-high temple, the world's largest dragon sculpture and a giant Thai warrior.

The highlight of Siam Park is said to be the Tower of Power, which is the only ride visitors do "bareback"; without an inflatable tube. Tourists are dropped 28 metres down an almost vertical slide and then "cannoned" through an enclosed pipe in a tank filled with alligators.

Other attractions at Siam Park include the world's longest Lazy River, a Lost City and a long, white beach overlooking a surf school with 3 metre-high artificial waves, the largest man-made waves in the world.

According to its website, Siam Park also boasts rides with laser shows, a floating market and the largest Thai village outside of Thailand. The buildings for the village were specially designed by Thai craftsmen to make sure an authentic Thai feeling is maintained.

Desalinated sea water is used on the water slides and to irrigate the palm trees to avoid using Tenerife's reservoirs and minimise environmental impact.

For more information click here

The Shinn Centre

2007-05-21T10:46:00.002Z

The Shinn centre based in El Medano, a very typical Canarian village in the south of Tenerife boasts kites from many leading kite manufacturers, as well as, the full range of Nobile, NBL and Shinn boards.

The centre with a difference offers visitors the opportunity to try and vary any kite and board combination, giving them the chance to become their own test rider. Riders can also perfect their skills through lessons and clinics catering for all abilities and needs.

Visitors can choose between traditional C, bow and hybrid kites from the 2007 ranges of Airush, Blade, Best, Carbrinha, EH, Flexifoil, Naish, North, Ozone and RRD in sizes from 5m to 16m. The full range of Nobile 555 and 666 boards are available, as well as, Mark Shinn's own range of boards, including the new hybrid wave for versatile and accessible wave-sailing and skimboards for those wanting to experience the most fun on offer in kiteboarding.

Shinn comments, "With so much hype and so many conflicting opinions on the forums, the centre really represents a unique opportunity for riders to feel and experience for themselves the variety of kit available in the market today and what is best suited to them."

Even visiting kitesurfers with their own kit can take the opportunity to try the latest equipment available or test to fill a gap in their quiver. Board or kite only rental is available from anything from an hour through to weeks at a time. Whether using their own kit or the centre's, visitors can take the opportunity to improve their sailing level through lessons or clinics. Catering from complete beginner to expert, riders can take their first steps into the water with a kite or perfect the very latest, powered free style moves.

Courses can be booked individually or for groups and can also cater for riders wanting to start or improve their wave riding. Storage is available for those bringing their own kit and accommodation can be arranged for those wanting their stay as hassle free as possible.

El Medano is situated in the south east of Tenerife and features four different sailing spots from flat water to waves. The Canary Islands are well known for their warm weather and consistent all year round winds. However, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained on those few non-windy days. As well as world class surfing and mountain biking there is also excellent climbing, hiking and horse riding. The island also has a host of sight seeing attractions and places of interest.

For more information about the Shinn Test Centre or to pre-book please call 0034 687478736 or e-mail info@theshinncentre.com

Spain's Canary Islands: Hot Spots for Cool Cruises

2006-11-28T11:17:00.004Z

The Canary Islands are a geological wonderland. From camel riding on the rocky, lunarlike landscape of Lanzarote or discovering a pool of blind white crabs in the island's labyrinth of caves, or slipping so seamlessly from tropical to desert climate on one island to a snow-capped mountain on another.

The Canaries are an archipelago of seven islands 700 miles off the coast of Africa discovered by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. With each island so dramatically different from the other, the archipelago is like the entire planet writ small.

Cooled by trade winds and warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Canaries consist of five main islands - Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and La Palma - and the two small islands of La Gomera and El Hierro, as well as several tiny uninhabited ones.

At latitude nearly on a par with Orlando's, the Canary Islands form one of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain and their year-round sub-tropical climate is a magnet for vacationers.

Known as the 'land of eternal spring' with average temperatures ranging between 64 and 75 degrees, the islands offer a wide range of natural attractions - vast volcanic craters, spectacular black-sand beaches, ancient forests and crystal clear waters inhabited by whales and dolphins.

The Canaries make a terrific cruise itinerary, although hardly any major lines visit the region on a regular basis or on comprehensive itineraries. Whenever we find a cruise that calls there, we think it's well worth checking out. Here's one we just learned about.

In March, Peter Deilmann Cruises' 505-passenger Deutschland will sail the Canaries at bargain fares, plus passengers are eligible for free air, free shore excursions (up to 600 dollars per person), free shoreside hotel stays and airport-ship transfers.

Deilmann's land/cruise combo will depart the United States on March 14 and 20 for six-night cruises that set sail on March 16 and 22, respectively. Cabin rates for both cruises begin at 3,140 dollars per person double occupancy and at 3,437 dollars for single occupancy.

The Deutschland's 11-night cruise, which departs March 5, has rates starting at 4,215 dollars per person double occupancy and at 4,759 dollars single. For information, call 800-348-8287 or visit:

http://www.deilmann-cruises.com/

Los Gigantes

2006-11-07T12:45:00.000Z

The resort of Los Gigantes along with its nearest neighbours Puerto Santiago, and Playa la Arena have, for all intents and purposes, over recent years all now merged to form the largest resort development in the municipal district of Santiago del Teide along the rugged west coast of Tenerife.

Making the resort transfer from the Reina Sofia International Airport in the south of the island, over to Los Gigantes in the west, is one of the longest journeys on the island, and although the main TF-1 motorway takes you most of the way, the geographic nature of Tenerife dictates that its route must follow within a few kilometres of the coast, which results in a transfer time of around one and a half hours from the time you actually leave the airport grounds.

Adjacent to the marina, and at the foot of the Acantilados de los Gigantes, is a small black sand beach which, despite being suitable for children, is rarely crowded even in high season. Also certainly worth a mention here is the far larger beach at nearby Playa la Arena, which is a couple of kilometres to the south of Los Gigantes.

The commercial centre of Los Gigantes the town is a hundred metres or so inland from the marina, and although it isn't particularly large, it does have a fair selection of bars and restaurants, along with a pedestrian zone centred around the old church. It is here in the central plaza, where the majority of the events also take place during the towns' annual carnival, which by tradition always takes place during the week after Ash Wednesday.

Synchronizing The Passengers

2006-10-31T13:04:00.001Z

A new digital camera system allows for a more exact scheduling of flights in some Spanish airports, and is expected to cut waiting times considerably.

Air travel is certainly the most comfortable and efficient means of travelling fast, until flight timetables collapse. Then we get long queues everywhere, with angry passengers demanding information that nobody can guarantee to be correct, because nobody knows how long the delay is likely to be.

The knock-on effect is a mountain of luggage piling up inside the terminal building (or even worse, not piling up), delays at the check-ins and passengers missing connecting flights because they are forced to wait for their luggage to arrive. For this reason the Aeriam company, which belongs to the Aertec group, has developed a new handling control system that schedules the entire handling process automatically, mainly by the use of video cameras.

New system

Checking in the luggage, transporting it, loading it onto the carousel and organising the bus service from the aircraft to the terminal building are the main tasks taken care of by the new system. All this is very important, because a flight can be delayed if there is a breakdown in the process somewhere along the way. The automatic system ensures that such breakdowns do not happen, and if they do, it ensures a rapid response.

The system, which was designed by Aeriam in co-operation with Tedial, captures the images of the process on special digital video cameras strategically placed at key points in the airport. A single person is then needed to watch these images and keep track, in real time, of exactly what is happening and where. 'Once this person has confirmed the time shown in the video, a report is automatically made that shows any hitches in the process. 'The system saves on manpower as well, of course,' we are told by Fernando Martin, the sales manager of Aeriam.

Too many people

Many airports use their own personnel to check the handling processes and the times taken for each step of the process, and this has allowed for too much leeway in the past for human error.

An additional problem has been the build-up of personnel in this area over the years, which the airline companies are no longer willing to pay for.

The new computerised handling system will cut the level of human error and provide each company with more control over the process, which should be reflected in the overall level of service made available to the client. With the Aeriam system, all videos are stored in such as way that they can be checked easily in case of complications.

The new system establishes a timetable that must be adhered to if everything is expected to work as planned. The check-in desk, for example, must open 120 minutes before flight time. There must be one check-in deck for every 75 seats on board, and the desk must close 15 minutes before the aircraft takes off.

Every part of the passenger handling process is measured down to the last minute.
From the time the aircraft stops until the brake-shoes are in position should take one minute in 95 per cent of cases. The time from having the brake-shoes in position to the lining up of the mobile stairway should take less than two minutes. The time it takes for the bus to arrive in position from this point should take less than two minutes, and the passenger should not spend more than five minutes on the bus itself.

In short, if all goes to plan, the passenger and his luggage arrives at the time previously scheduled, and everybody moves on happy. The system, optimistically named Promisys, controls passenger handling in Almeria Airport at the moment, and will shortly be used in Tenerife North Airport.

Spanair Promotes Bilbao as an Important Part of its Extension Plan

2006-10-24T14:57:00.003Z

19 October 2006

Spanair's expansion plan establishes the airline as an important and ever continuing source of growth in Bilbao, with an increased market share, positioning them as the best alternative, especially orientated towards the Business sector, and all thanks to their flight timetables adapted to frequent flyer passengers, flexible fares, an increased number of daily frequencies, VIP lounges, etc.

The Company will offer four new routes during summer 2007, which will link the Vizcaino capital with the cities of Jerez and Munich, with one daily frequency respectively, as well as two daily frequencies to Valencia and Malaga, thus adding to the existing routes between Bilbao and the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, south Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Palma de Majorca. As well as this, the opening of two more routes to La Coruna and Zurich planned for 2008.

Moreover, with their flight network, it is possible to connect to a wide range of intercontinental destinations from the Star Alliance hubs; Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Zurich and Munich, allowing access to 841 airports in 157 countries, and to more than 660 VIP lounges, through the 18 Star Alliance member carriers, of which Spanair is also a member.

'Spanair has its eyes set on Bilbao as one of its key focal points in its expansion plan, contributing to its development and stimulating demand, by the means of competitive prices, and offering better quality and services' assures Lars Nygaard, CEO of Spanair, adding 'As a result of this, we will consolidate as the first alternative for business passengers from Bilbao Airport'.

The start of this project coincides with the 10th anniversary celebration of Spanair's first flights in the Vizcaino capital, which took place on the 27th of October, 1996, with the Bilbao - Madrid - Malaga route. Over these ten years, the Company has progressively evolved in Bilbao, and now has more than one hundred employees and fifteen daily flights.

Jet Ready to Win Free Flights with Monarch

2006-10-17T09:46:00.005Z

Low fares airline Monarch continues to fly the flag for quality cheap flights from Luton Airport, and as we approach the winter months, now is the time to think about escaping for some winter sun.

With destinations in the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal available, Monarch is one of the biggest players in European travel from Luton. As well as low fares, which include complimentary daily newspapers and a refreshing hot towel service, Monarch offer a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals available with prices from 3 pounds.

Seats can be pre-booked at 5 pounds per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for-all, or you might prefer to try one of the 48 extra-legroom seats which offer up to six inches of extra space for just 15 pounds each way.

Regular travellers are rewarded too, with a range of benefits through the airline's loyalty scheme, Vantage Club.

Monarch flies up to 60 times per week from Luton Airport and fares start from just 40 pounds and 99 pence one way (67 pounds and 99 pence return), including all taxes.

The Croydon Guardian has teamed up with Monarch to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of return flights to any of the destinations served by Monarch from Luton Airport, which include Alicante, Faro, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Palma and Tenerife!

Monarch's Winter Flights - from 37.50 One-Way with Taxes

2006-10-10T16:42:00.002Z

Monarch scheduled is selling autumn and winter flights to its popular sunspots from 37.50 one-way including taxes.

The low-cost airline has released more than one million seats to Spain and Portugal from 37.50. Travel between October and March 2007.

Monarch flies from London Luton and Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham to popular holiday destinations such as Alicante, Almeria, Faro, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Malaga, Menorca, Palma de Majorca and Tenerife.

New Ryanair Flights From Dublin and Londonderry

2006-10-03T14:18:00.002Z

Ryanair have announced four new routes from Ireland and one new route from Northern Ireland. Flights from Dublin to Fuerteventura and Tenerife in the Canary Islands take off in December, and new services to Alghero and Trapani start in February. Ryanair are also launching flights from Derry City airport to Glasgow Prestwick in February.

The no-frills airline's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, said: 'Our new routes from Dublin will allow even more passengers to travel to and from Europe.'

Parque Las Aguilas

2006-09-12T15:23:00.002Z

If you only visit one place during your visit, make it Parque Las Aguilas. Set high in the hills behind the resort of Los Cristianos in 75,000 sq. metres of tropical gardens you will need a full day to see all the attractions.

The park has a number of demonstrations and shows running throughout the day, including parrot shows, penguin feeding time and a free flying eagle demonstration. You are warned not to eat during this show for very good reasons, but some will choose to ignore the advice, just don't sit next to them!

Parque Las Aguilas is open all year with free buses operating from Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas.

Whale Watching in Tenerife

2006-08-14T10:04:00.001Z

There are plenty of places that do whale watching in Tenerife including Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes. Many leave from Puerto Colon (Port Columbus) and Playa de las Americas, this is a lovely beach and worth a visit either before or after your whale watching adventure.

You have a choice of whether to go on a cruise on glass bottom boats, yachts, catamaran yachts or motor boats. They are all a safe way of travelling and are fully licensed. Anyone of 3 years of age onwards can enjoy this wonderful experience.

It is quite likely that you will see the pilot whales as they live just off Playas de las Americas. If you take one of the cruises to Los Gigantes you will have more of a chance to see the bottlenose dolphins also.

The whales more often then not won't just appear and then disappear, normally they will be about swimming and if your lucky you will even hear them speak. The dolphins if they appear will swim along side the boat and put on a real show if there in the mood to.

All of these excursion are in the South of Tenerife, where the sea is reliably calm. So you do not need your sea legs to be able to go on them. If the weather is bad then the excursion will be cancelled. Everything goes into these trips to make sure that you will fully enjoy and get the most out of them. Leaving Tenerife without going Whale watching would be a real shame!

Festivals and Cultural Events in Tenerife

2006-05-28T10:53:00.000Z

Carnivals: Celebrated during February, carnivals are the most important celebrations in all the districts of Tenerife particularly in the capital Santa Cruz.

Corpus Christi: (June) Carpets of flowers and volcanic earth in La Orotava and La Laguna.

Nuestra Semnora de La Candelaria: (14/15 of August) Festival of patron saint of the island in Candelaria.

San Andres: (29/30 of November) New wine tasting festival in Icod, La Orotava and Puerto de la Cruz.

Cultural Events

Music Festival of the Canary Islands: (June) One of the most prestigious European classical music festivals with the best performers and orchestras taking part.

Opera Season: (October, November and December) Organised by the Tenerife association of Friends of the Opera.

Sabandeno Festival: (September) Folklore Music Festival with Canary and Foreign groups in La Laguna during the festivities of Christ.

Playa de las Americas- an Overview

2006-05-06T09:20:00.001Z

This purpose built resort in the south of Tenerife offers the classic combination of sun, sea and sangria. Developed over the last thirty years, Playa de las Americas is bright brash and exciting drawing a wide range of nationalities from all age groups. Serious sun worshippers can choose from a number of excellent beaches boasting a wealth of facilities and watersports whilst nightlife lovers can dance the night away in a massive choice of bars, pubs and nightclubs.

Recent years have seen a westerly expansion of the resort in the shape of the upmarket Costa Adeje which offers a swathe of top end hotels as well as some nicely constructed manmade beaches.

Although devoid of history and any real Canarian culture, Playa de las Americas does offer the package tourist a certain way of holidaying that many seem to love - plenty of well priced, good quality restaurants, decent beaches and an abundance of excursions, attractions and activities.

Tenerife is Still the Island of Eternal Spring

2006-04-07T14:56:00.002Z

Property investment abroad can be a difficult decision especially with the number of virgin territories appearing. Its good so see the old favourites still going strong. It's good to see that Tenerife is still going amongst all the euphoria of property investment abroad in virgin locations such as Bulgaria property and Cape Verde property. (Better known as the island of eternal spring) in the Canary Islands is still a big overseas property favourite for the British buyer in their quest for that dream property abroad. With sunshine all year round, direct flights from the U.K. most days of the week and extremely cold weather in the U.K. at the moment. It's not difficult to see why Tenerife is still a British favourite. The only down side if there was one is the 4 hour flight from the U.K.

Tenerife - An Overview

2006-03-09T10:52:00.001Z

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife measures 60 mls long and up to 37 miles wide and is dominated by a central mountain range topped with the 12,000-ft Pico del Teide.

The mountain, an extinct volcano, is crowned by a gigantic crater, 12 mls in diameter, contained within the National Park of Las Canadas. The island also boasts lush tropical forests, spectacular valleys, sheer cliffs and beaches of both golden and dark volcanic sand.

The green and humid N coast, whose main resort is Puerto de la Cruz, contrasts with the dry, hot southern areas and the newer resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. Santa Cruz, in the NE, is the capital from where motorways lead to the main airport (38 mls to the S) and the principal resorts.

Eating out in Playa de las Americas

2006-03-09T10:50:00.002Z

Restaurants in Playa de las Americas range from familiar fast food outlets to stunning fine dining. Those with an adventurous palate can take their pick from international cuisine styles, eating dishes from a different country/culture every night.
For those who prefer good old meat-and-two-veg type dishes, British standard fare is available on every corner and British pub grub abounds. French, Flemish and German visitors are also very well catered for.

Shopping in Tenerife

2006-03-09T10:45:00.001Z

There are a vast array of shops in Playa de las Americas and visitors can indulge in duty-free delights in the numerous electrical stores and clothing shops.

Shoppers should be aware that salesmen can be quite aggressive - bargain hard and remember that the shop next door probably sells the same stuff. The supermarkets offers most of the well-known brands, many imported to cater for the British tourists.

For the best choice take a taxi to the one in the San Eugene Centre, the other side of the motorway. Those in the mood for some haggling should go to the Torviscas Market (Thursday and Saturday from 9am); there are great bargains to be had and it's great for presents, but shoppers should get there early as it can get very crowded. A trip to Santa Cruz (one hour by bus) is worthwhile for those looking for designer clothes.

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Nightlife in Playa de las Americas

2006-03-09T10:40:00.001Z

Nightlife in Playa de las Americas as absolutely buzzing! All the heavy nightlife is situated in 2 areas called Starco's commercial Center and the Veronicas Strip which is in an area close to the main Playa De Las Americas beach.
All of the bars and clubs are open until around 3 - 5.00am so if you're not a fan of clubs, don't despair, the bars will provide you with a electric atmosphere playing anything from 60's right up to current chart until the early hours.

Getting around in Tenerife

2006-03-09T10:26:00.000Z

One of the best ways to get around the island of Tenerife is by hiring a car which can be done either here or abroad, though often works out not only cheaper, but safer, to prebook. This way you really can be your own boss, no need to pay over the odds for excursions and see things at your own pace.
It is easy to get taxis, which are recognisable by a green light in the windscreen or on a white roof and an official plate with the letters SP (servicio publico - public service). The main taxi ranks display fixed prices between most popular destinations. Taxis can also be hired for sightseeing. Just stop any good-looking taxi and ask what they offer. Most offer pre-planned itineraries covering the main island sights for around 80 Euros for a half a day tour.
Bus timetables are usually available from your hotel or apartment complex, shops or bus stations. The bus service on the island is quite good but can be very time consuming. If there are a few of you or plan to visit several places it will be better, and most likely cheaper, to rent a car.

Places to see - Aquapark, Tenerife

2006-03-09T10:23:00.002Z

Aquapark is situated approximately five minutes away from Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas so is ideal for a fun day out whilst staying in this resort. It really is the focal point for sun seekers and water babes.The park boasts a Dolphin show, Dolphin lake, children's area and the most amazing assortment of water rides and slides, pools, sun bed areas and restaurants, shops and snack bars. The park can be reached by using the free shuttle bus service which departs from both Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas every day. Departure times and information can be found at your hotel or apartment complex.

Beaches in Playa de las Americas

2006-03-09T10:17:00.001Z

Tenerife has created some high quality, man made beaches, most of a fine black shingle or sand. These are mainly around the major tourist resorts. Most have good access, meet stringent European standards of cleanliness and most offer shower facilities, sun beds, shades and water-sports.

Playa de las Americas is the most famous tourist area, and so this is where you will find plenty of small beaches, protected by long breakwaters to stop the made up sand banks being washed away.

Being an area with a large number of tourists, always count on meeting a considerable crowd on the beaches. The great thing about this area is that all beaches are just a footstep away from each other. This is the place to practice all kinds of water sports and enjoy lovely scenery, much more attractive than any description.

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Places to see - Loro Parque

2006-03-09T10:16:00.000Z

Regardless of your age you will be fascinated by Loro Parque. Originally a Parrot Park, it has now grown into Tenerife's second biggest attraction after mount Teide. The Loro parque is home to the worlds most important Parrot collection with over 300 species, an amazing Sea Lion show, Dolphin Show, Parrot Show, Aquarium with Shark tunnel, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Tigers, Jaguars, Flamingos, Alligators, Tortoises, Orchid House, Gambian Market, a 'NaturaVision' Cinema and the worlds largest Penguinarium with a reproduction Antarctic climate within which 12 tons of snow falls a day.

Climate in Tenerife

2006-03-09T10:09:00.000Z

The Weather on Tenerife changes considerably depending on your location.The warmest climate can be found on the south and west sides of the island.
Tenerife features the lowest temperature difference between summer and winter for anywhere in the world. The weather occasionally includes rain, but there is no real rainy season to speak of. Air conditioning is actually quite rare, with overhead fans usually providing sufficient air movement to stay cool, even at the height of summer. The minimum and maximum annual average air temperatures in Tenerife are about 15C in winter and 24C in summer. The Island offers a surprising variety of micro-climatic weather zones, enabling people to almost 'choose' their climate, depending on where they live. The Trade winds, together with the refreshing Gulf air currents, are the major weather factors that contribute to Tenerife's climate. The great altitude of Mount Teide gets up to three months of snow - yet it is still possible to enjoy a swim on the beach within an hour's ride. The coastal areas enjoy the most sunshine, the best weather, the least clouds and highest temperatures.

About Playa de las Americas

2006-03-09T10:07:00.001Z

Playa de las Americas is a tourist resort built in the late 1960's and neighbours the resorts of Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. Virtually free from anything Canarian, this is the place for North Europeans to come and party.

With row upon row of British Pubs, Fish and Chip parlours, Pizza parlours and other fast food outlets - this is a real home from home for those that don't like Spanish Food and want to spend their nights in the coolest hot spots and their days on the beach sleeping off the nights. For sun & fun this is paradise for the young, but the nice artificial beaches are full and the nights are never ending bright lights and noise.

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