Official language: Spanish
Time zone: UTC+1
(summer),
UTC+0
(winter)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
In contrast to the rest of the European Union, on the Canary Islands sold goods are not subject to VAT tax, they just have a stake of 5 percent of tax. Shopping is cheaper then.
Staying in Tenerife, it is worth to visit one of the longest cave in the world created in congealed lava. The entrance is located at Icod de los Vinos. Remember to dress warmly!
In February, on Tenerife, the carnival is uproariously celebrated. Almost on the entire island there are taking places parades, whereas in Santa Cruz is held a traditional funeral of sardine (entierro de la Sardina).
Tenerife has been for years a poor island known just for growing bananas. After opening of first airport in the 60’s of the 20th century, it has become a favourite holiday destination for Europeans. Nowadays, tourists predominantly start their stay on this biggest of Canaries islands from Granadilla de Abona. What’s worth seeing there?
Granadilla is one of the most beautiful cities on Tenerife, attracting with historic, very colourful and neat architecture. You can rest there from heat in shadows of abundant vegetation or while visiting nearby caves. Interesting is a small square in front of the town hall, where the city’s life is vibrant and Santo Hermano Pedro, a church built in rock, now located on the area of the airport. On 29th June, day of Saints Peter and Paul, takes place a traditional church fair, that doesn’t lack parades and fun on the streets.
It is worth to go to a nearby inactive volcano El Teide. You can get there by cableway for 27 euros both ways or by foot, if you get earlier a permission to enter the area of a national park in the office of this institution located in Santa Cruz. It is worth to make such an effort, as from the summit there is visible an astonishing panorama. From the city it is also close to the shore or to one of the longest natural beaches, which is Playa Tejita, the exclusive El Duque or perfect for water sports Fañabé. It is also recommended to got a bit further, e.g. to regions of Santa Cruz and see the black beach El Bollulo, lovely cliffs Los Gignates or hard to access beach Masca.
What to eat on Tenerife? Surely fishes and seafood, that are served there in almost every restaurant. It is also worth to try barraquito – coffee with liquor Tia Maria, or papas arrugadas (jacket potatoes with sauces mojo rojo with chili and mojo verde with coriander) or traditional goat cheeses (queso de cabra). Local dainty is conejo en salmorejo, which is a rabbit in thick sauce with potatoes and chopitos and churros de pescado – fried on deep fat cuttlefish and pieces of fish in coating. Where to eat? Good opinions have places like Tasca Tierras del Sur, El Rinconcito de Hilario or Restaurante Las Fuentes.