Travel insurance - Tips & Advice - Holiday destination guides

Beaches

Sun, sea and sand are why most people come to Tenerife and this sun-drenched island is certainly not short of beaches! As the natural sand is volcanic and black, man-made beaches have been created using imported golden sand from the Sahara with every kind of facility you can think of – umbrellas, sun-loungers, bars, restaurants, watersports, sailing excursions.

There are still volcanic beaches, secluded coves and even nudist beaches if you drive away from the main resorts. If you like being well catered for, and don’t mind the crowds, then this is your perfect island. If you just want a few days of sun to break up the winter, then it can also be the ideal destination for a weekend break.

Nightlife

Tenerife has developed a reputation for raucous nightlife – if this is what you’re looking for, you’ll be in heaven! Playa de las Americas is the main hub for bars and clubs where you can party until sunrise. Head for the more traditional towns of Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz and you can dine out on tapas and freshly caught seafood washed down with locally produced ‘volcanic’ wine. The antics are further heightened around Shrove Tuesday when the island celebrates with a riot of parades and street parties. You could also catch a flamenco show or cabaret, or try your hand at one of the three casinos.

Day trips

Had enough of the nightlife? Take a day trip. Mount Teide stands in the middle of Las Cañadas Natural Park, and is the world’s third highest volcano. Reach the summit on an organised tour or ascend the lower reaches yourself and then take the cable car to the top.

You can also visit the largest volcanic cavity on Earth, the spectacular Cueva del Viento, (Cave of Wind), on the west coast. On the man-made side you have the Lido – a complex of seven pools and terraces with palm tree terraces and lava rockeries – Tenerife Zoo and Loro Parque. Last but not least, a boat trip to the island of La Gomera can provide some tranquil respite, courtesy of the Parque Nacional de Garajonay, with its ancient laurel forest and magical mists.

Favourite haunts

Find your perfect spot and make it a home from home. Here are three to try…

• About town
  Los Cristianos is one of the most popular resorts on the island but not as full on as nearby Play de la Americas. Located on the south coast between two imposing mountains, it has been a popular destination since the 1950s and retains some of its old-school charm. It also has roots that go back 400 years, when it was a small fishing village and the town still offers some great seafood dining experiences.
• Perfect pampering
  If you want total pampering, Tenerife boasts its fair share of five star hotels with golf courses, tennis courts, extensive gardens and beauty parlours. The Vitanova spa and thalassotherapy centre in the south of the island is also ideal for a spot of relaxation over winter. Plus, you’ll find luxury resorts complete with secluded villas and infinity pools in Puerto de la Cruz and especially the Costa Adeje.
• Day and night Playa de las Americas is Tenerife’s largest tourist playground and the destination for 24-hour action. There’s a mini-train to take you between the six beaches, plus the vast array of duty-free shops, restaurants, amusement arcades, sporting activities and of course, bars and nightclubs. This is also the main hub for excursions to other parts of the island and conveniently near the airport so you don’t waste time travelling when you could be having fun!

Remember to have a good time but don’t drink too much or you may not be covered by your travel insurance.

Getting there

Plane
Tenerife has two airports, generally known as North and South (the busiest hub). These are served by flights from many regional airports in the UK. Airlines that travel there include Ryanair, BA, Thomsonfly Charter, Air Europa, Aer Lingus, Flyglobespan, Thomas Cook Airlines, Futura, Monarch, First Choice Airways and Jet2. Find more details at www.flightmapping.com/Europe/Spain/Tenerife.

Find out more
Get more information and holiday ideas from www.abouttenerife.com and www.tenerifeguide.org and www.tenerife.ca. Guidebooks like The Mini Rough Guide to Tenerife, Lonely Planet’s Canary Islands Country and Regional Guide or Berlitz’s Tenerife Pocket Guide can also help you find your way around while there.

Travel insurance for Tenerife
Tenerife is a busy tourist destination and visitors provide attractive opportunities for pickpockets and thieves, especially around beaches, markets and shops, and in bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Theft from hire cars is also prevalent. In both cases, make sure you keep personal possessions safe at all times, don’t make yourself more vulnerable when drinking and don’t travel without adequate travel insurance.

If you think you may need travel insurance for an activity holiday (e.g. if you’ll be doing some watersports out there) make sure you tell your insurer before you go.

With Direct Line it’s quick and easy to get a travel insurance quote. Our annual policy is perfect for favourite places or holiday homes that you want to return to over again. It’s also great for frequent travellers to Tenerife, the Canary Islands, or other destinations worldwide – just make sure your geographical selection covers you for where you want to go.

Related information:
Advice on activity holidays – if you are taking part in watersports in Tenerife, you need to check that the activities will be covered under your travel insurance policy first
Responsible travel – if you’re concerned about your holiday carbon footprint, read our guide on how to reduce or offset it
Camera insurance – if you want to take an expensive camera on holiday, you’ll need to have travel insurance to cover against theft or damage – Direct Line travel insurance covers all photographic equipment as standard.