Tenerife

Close to Gran Canaria with the same lovely weather, a great scene, yet rather more intimate and sedate than its busier neighbour.

Tenerife is split into two main resorts, Puerto de la Cruz in the north, and Playa de las Americas in the south.

Puerto de la Cruz, colourful and picturesque is extremely attractive, with spots like San Telmo, Plaza del Charco, the fishing docks and the whole La Ranilla district, San Amaro and La Paz, the Taoro Park - where the luxurious Taoro Casino is located - and the Botanical Gardens, created in 1788, that has a collection of plants and trees from the five continents.

Modern, top class hotels equipped with all the comforts you could want, and a large selection of self-catering accommodation. You can find typical international restaurants that specialise in regional cuisine, night-clubs, cafes and all kinds of entertainment.

Head to the famous Lago Martinez, the lido complex designed by Cesar Manrique and the perfect spot for soaking up the sun, have a swim and doing a bit of cruising. As you go in, turn left for the gay area but, for something a bit more intimate, there are plenty of small nudist beaches dotted all around the coast.

As night dawns, there’s an impressive selection of bars and clubs on the Avenida Generalisimo. This major street is where you’ll find the Conchi Bar, Mit2 Bar, Tabasco and the Pink Cockatoo, as well as clubs Despanto, Dominique, Libertine and the famous Vampi’s. And if it isn’t hot enough outdoors there are two saunas to open your pores!.

For culture vultures (or those in need of absolution!) there are several churches worth visiting, like the church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, the Castle of San Felipe and the Customs House.

Playa de las Americas. The resort of Playa de las Americas is a Tenerife 'hot spot' most famous for its black beaches and nightlife, it’s a tourist Mecca favoured by northern Europeans and youngsters who come and party!! Becoming popular in the late 1960's Las Americas has undergone a remarkable transformation with the emergence of new, stylish hotels, bars and clubs.

There is plenty to do if you’re not relaxing on the beach or at your pool nursing your head from the night before or preparing for the night ahead! The main water park is at Playa de las Americas, Octopus Aqua Park! There are several beaches here including some small secluded and larger with long stretches of white fine sand, water sports, ringo's paragliding and banana boats!.

For the more adventurous various excursion run from here, Jeep safaris, Mount Tiede Tours, Zoos, Gardens, Golf clubs, Whale and Dolphin watching, go-karting, fishing and lots of water sports!!. If you fancy getting away from it all you could hire a car to sneak off from the hustle and bustle of this popular town and go somewhere quieter for the day!

As well as true Spanish food cuisine for those of you who get homesick you’ll find English Fish and Chips, Pub food and Chinese a plenty along the strip!!

If you are looking to paint the town pink you need look no further, in true Spanish style once the sun goes down the restaurants, bars and nightclubs come alive!! If you like the hip-swaying salsa music, live bands, Cover bands, jazz, house or anything else then you will find it here!

The resort comes to life at night, the world famous Veronicas strip is packed jam full with bars, restaurants and clubs! There’s a good gay scene including; Geminis (good dance/cabaret bar), Chaplins (bar/cabins/cabaret), Bangkok bar, the cellar (British run) and relative newcomer Zero – Las Americas is more than serious about establishing itself on the gay map.

Many of the ostensibly mainstream clubs are very mixed and/or have the occasional gay night, and there are a couple of sex shops and a rather busy cruising area.

Other highlights are the gay Las Callados beach in Los Cristianos and there’s a pretty well-established scene in Santa Cruz, the capital, which also hosts a rather gay carnival every February.

One things for sure – whatever you fancy you’ll be spoilt for choice in Tenerife!

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