Tag: tenerife

Whale Watching, Tenerife: Feel the Wild

erasmus

Whale watching in Tenerife has become one of the favourite excursions of every tourist, as it provokes an absolutely magical experience. Getting to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is always a memorable event. Tenerife South waters are full of these large mammals, which gives you a chance to get up close and study them in their own environment.

Best spots for dolphin and whale whatching in Tenerife

There are 21 types of species of dolphins and whales in Tenerife waters. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted so boat trips are nearly guaranteed a sighting. Getting to see them in the wild instead of in a small pool doing tricks is much more gratifying. Knowing that they have complete freedom is uplifting. As you spot the tail of a whale or the fin of a dolphin you can’t help but be full of excitement, getting to capture its grace.

Your success of a sighting does depend on a few factors. Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and other Southern resorts do offer boat trips but for best results go to Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje or Los Gigantes. Los Gigantes will also give you a fantastic view of the cliffs as an added bonus.

Dolphin and whales in Tenerife
Two dolphins in the wild

Choosing the right boat trip

Boat trips can vary, some are 2/3 hours long while others could be up to 5 hours. There are different types, shapes and sizes, and the prices can vary too. Choose a boat trip that suits your own needs and wants, take a look around the coast and check them out for yourself. You might even be able to negotiate a price!

All of these boat trips for dolphin and whale watching in Tenerife are completely ethical and regulated. They have limits on how close they can get to the animals, as well as the maximum time to be spent with them. It’s forbidden to feed them or swim with them. All these rules are put in an effort to conserve these cetaceans’ natural habitat and freedom. All they simply have to do to entertain us, is to make an appearance.

Most of the ports can be reached by public transport but for easier travel we suggest a car hire as the most convenient way to get around the island. So check out our website for car hire in Tenerife, choosing from a wide range of models for any taste.

Whale watching in Tenerife
Pilot whale

Teide: your trekking adventure in Tenerife

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The original inhabitants of the Tenerife Island – Guanches – gave this mountain top a name of “Echeyde” or Hell. According to them, the inside of the volcano was an empire of the demon Guayot. Tenerife is a magical Canary island that features the highest mountain of Spain – Pico del Teide. Due to its height of 3718 m, and also the shape of a nearly perfect cone, it is considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. It started to form about 150.000 years ago by the Earth’s vast forces, when the volcanic explosion created a large caldera of about a 2000 m height and a 20 km diameter.

Although the Teide volcano’s activity is not so intense, it is better not to underestimate the power of this mountain. The most serious volcano eruption produced an extensive damage in 1709 when Garachico, the most important island’s seaport, was completely destroyed. The most recent volcano activity was registered in 1909, producing a 5 km long lava stream. Since that time Teide has remained hibernating, so if you are planning your Tenerife holidays, don’t loose this opportunity to explore its amazing original landscapes.

One of the best ways to explore this volcanic peak is to go with a local guide from Canaventura. If you want to experience a real adventure, we can highly recommend this travel agency. The Canaventura team has its own philosophy focused on the ecotourism, rural activities and local traditions. The team is made up of several professional guides who know well the terrain and culture, and are fluent in a wide range of foreign languages. So no wonder the tourists choosing their services come from all over the world. These professionals demonstrate their expertise in every aspect of the trip, passionately sharing with their audience the extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, agriculture and local traditions.

Teide

Walk on “the Moon”

After the Canaventura guides finish to pick up all the members of the crew from their hotels, we are ready to continue our fantastic trip to the UNESCO World Heritage – National Park Teide. Your guide will show you the most impressive volcanic forms, lava streams, and unique flora and fauna species. After the initial acclimatization to the reached altitude you will be able to go by the cable cab to “La Rambleta” peak situated at an altitude of 3,550 m. There you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a wonderful view of the panoramic Tenerife landscape. Your exploration of the “moon planet” will take about two hours, although it does not cover visiting the very top of the volcano. To do that you should prebook the cable cab in advance together with a special permission for a walking tour to the highest point of the mountain.

Teide shadow

Teide’s peculiar and desolate volcanic landscape appealed to the famous American filmmaker S. Kubrick, which chose it for shooting some of the scenes for his famous movie “2001: A Space Odyssey” released in 1968. No wonder the idea of the moon walk suits Tenerife island perfectly. Be it in the evening or in the morning, the magic experience is guaranteed to its visitors as the shadow of the volcano Teide, projected by the light rays to the sea of clouds, reaches a length of 200 km creating so the longest shadow in the world. 

Transfers in Tenerife

Tenerife CarHire

With Canarias.com you can rent cars for travelling around the Island or you can even rent a limousine or people carrier for special events which also includes weddings.  We have a wide range of many high class cars for you.  We also have the special luxury of having your own driver.

The driver can collect you at any of the two airports in Tenerife or your hotel.  We also do romantic trips including a romantic meal in a better fine restaurant, a bottle of cava and we even collect you from your hotel.  This is perfect if you want to surprise your loved one with something romantic and there is nothing more romantic then a romantic drive in a limousine with a bottle of cava in the Island of Tenerife.

We also do transfers for weddings.  We can make your special day more memorable with a limousine and a chauffeur.  We have a punctual and impeccable service and we also have a special service for the bride which includes a red carpet for her to walk on.

We have the most luxurious cars in our fleet to be driven around the Island with; this includes a Audi A6, Audi A8, Mercedes Benz Class V, Lancia Thema and many more.

Our staff is very professional and punctual and they are very well trained drivers.  We can pick you up at your hotel or at either airport and we can drive you back there as well or if you don’t want a driver you have the option of collecting it from any of our offices around the Island or we can drop it if at your hotel which you are staying at.

We hope you have a good vacation and enjoy your stay with Canarias.com.

Holiday YOUR Way with Tenerife Car Hire

Sarah

Why fall in with other holidaymakers when you could go your own way on holiday in Tenerife? With a car hire at your disposal, whether it’s for a couple of days or a whole week, you can holiday YOUR way and enjoy the ultimate flexibility. Just think – there’s no worrying about catching the right bus or forking out for expensive taxis, just the freedom to go where you want, when you want.

For instance, if you’re staying in the south at a resort like Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos, you can pick up your car at the airport and enjoy the smug satisfaction of heading straight to your hotel while your fellow passengers are still waiting around for their transfer coach. You could be unpacked and sipping a cold beer by the pool by the time they arrive!

Fiat Panda
Fiat Panda

With your own transport, the world – or rather the island – really is your oyster. Why not travel across Tenerife by car and experience some of the island’s best attractions? You could drive along the winding roads on Tenerife’s west coast, taking in its stunning views and watching the sun’s rays sparkle on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Then head inland and spend a day exploring the spectacular sights of Teide National Park – a vast reserve crowned by a soaring volcano – the tallest peak in Spain, no less. Park up and take a cable car to the top for a knock-out vista which, on a clear day, serves up sweeping views of the ocean and even Tenerife’s neighbouring islands.

As for where you can go and what you can do, that’s up to you. Check out the guide from Tripadvisor on Tenerife for ideas and inspiration. You’ll find plenty of top sights and attractions suitable for all ages and preferences, from children’s activities to historical sights and must-see beauty spots.

The choice is yours. With a hire car, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility to holiday YOUR way and enjoy the type of adventure that will live with you long after you return home…

A Day Trip to Masca

Sarah

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThere are plenty of things to see and do in Tenerife. Undoubtedly, one of the best and most popular day trips is a visit to the small remote hamlet of Masca. Like many of the alternative resorts of Tenerife, the village has become increasingly popular as it becomes known – and it’s not surprising, given its attractive location surrounded by peaks and forests. Most people visit Masca not to stay, but to enjoy a few hours exploring the beautiful scenery, and to experience the winding hairpin bends that lead there.

In fact the road to Masca has become one of Tenerife’s ‘must do’ adventures. Many people choose to join an organised tour or take a taxi in order to let someone else do the driving. But intrepid types take on the challenge themselves – and enjoy every second of it. If you’re a confident driver with plenty of experience, the road to Masca will certainly give you a challenge.

Described as a white-knuckle drive, the road twists and turns, snaking its way along sheer mountain sides with heart-stopping drops and tight bends. Above all, drive with care and take the zig-zag bends with caution. Be prepared to pull over into one of the laybys when another car approaches, as the road is often too narrow for two-way traffic. And if you’re driving too slowly for those behind you, simply pull in and let them pass – you need a high level of concentration for this challenge, and worrying about the car behind won’t help!

If that sounds like your kind of challenge, get a quote for your car hire online at tenerifecarhire.com, and choose from a wide range of vehicles including people carriers, sturdy estates and powerful 4x4s.

Once you’re in Masca, the village lies at the top of the Masca Gorge. From here you can enjoy a strenuous hike down the gorge to the beach, which is a popular route. It’s quite a climb and takes 3 hours on average each way, so be prepared and take supplies. And of course if that’s too much like hard work, you can simply enjoy the village’s central square, or sit back with a picnic and enjoy an al fresco lunch with a knock-out view.

What To Do in Tenerife North?

Sarah

So you’ve booked your holiday in Tenerife North, you’ve got a road map and you’ve bought the sun cream. Now what?

As any savvy holidaymaker knows, there is plenty more to Tenerife than meets the eye. So why not hire a car and head out to explore everything that this wonderful island has to offer? For starters, you can head to our homepage and search for http://tenerifecarhire.com/ quotes. That will give you a good idea of costs for car hire – and the sooner you book, the better it is for your pocket!

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Then, once you’ve chosen your car and you’ve decided where and when you’ll pick it up, it’s time to decide what to do. If you’re heading to Tenerife North Airport, try these suggestions on for size:

  1. Head to Playa Jardin. It’s a popular destination near Puerto de la Cruz with a fantastic black sandy beach – park up and enjoy a walk along the promenade. Visit Punta Brava village and enjoy its quaint, twisting streets and authentic charm.
  2. Drive along the northern shores, stopping at lovely Canarian villages like Tejina, Bajamar and Punto Hidalgo. Wander around the area, enjoy the view, take some memorable snaps and dine on sumptuous local cuisine.
  3. Visit La Orotava and discover its winding streets and charming shops and restaurants.
  4. Take a day trip to Loro Parque. It might seem like the obvious place to visit, but this popular wildlife park is a huge hit with visitors of all ages – especially the little ones! Get up close and personal with wonderful creatures great and small, like primates, dolphins and rainbow-coloured parrots.

Whatever you decide to get up to on your holiday in Tenerife, hiring a car is probably the best way to help you enjoy the island. After all, you’ve got the added benefit of flexibility to help you get out and see whatever you want – near or far, night or day – without the worry of finding or missing the local transport.

So, what are you waiting for? Hire a car and enjoy your holiday in Tenerife North to the full!

 

Alternative Tenerife Resorts For Any Taste

Sarah

It’s easy to head towards the popular resorts of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos – they are places you have heard about and they have a lot to offer the budding tourist. However, the small island of Tenerife has a plethora of places to see and things to do, away from the busy tourist areas. If you want the freedom to go wherever you want then get some Tenerife car hire quotes and explore the island at your own pace. Here are a few places not to be missed.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Tenerife’s capital city in the north of the island, is often overlooked but with historic buildings and museums coupled with some of the best shopping on the island (do not miss the El Corte Ingles!) and a vibrant nightlife, it is simply not possible to get bored here. And if you are in the mood for a party atmosphere, then visit Santa Cruz in February when one of the best carnivals in the world is celebrated (some believe that it is second only to Rio de Janeiro’s extravaganza).

Tenerife Beach Las Terresitas

Costa Adeje

Although fast becoming a popular resort, there is a more relaxed vibe here than its busy neighbours. Nestled to the north of Playa de Las Americas, Costa Adeje offers a more sophisticated and chilled insight into Canarian life. With an array of upmarket bars and restaurants and a popular golden sandy beach, this is definitely one of the up and coming Tenerife hotspots.

Golf del Sur

If you want some peace and quiet and the chance to brush up on your Golf, then the Golf del Sur is the place for you. Conveniently located close to the airport and near the lively resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, the Golf del Sur is a more tranquil destination, yet with the close proximity of the two lively resorts, you have the chance to experience them should you wish to.

These are just a few ideas of the many villages, towns and cities this tiny island has to offer. Jump in the car today and start your own adventure!

 

Leaving Playa de Las Americas

Sarah

Without a shadow of a doubt, the most popular resort in Tenerife is Playa de Las Americas. With its sun-kissed beaches, hundreds of bars and nightclubs as well as attractions for the whole family, it isn’t hard to figure out why this area is so popular. However, even the party animals in all of us can get bored and restless, so why not get a car hire in Tenerife, and set off on your own adventure?

Where to go

Tenerife may be a small island, but there is plenty to see and do beyond the discos of Playa de Las Americas. Head north towards Tenerife’s highest peak and popular tourist attraction, Pico del Teide. If you want to get away from the crowds, then why not take a drive to the picturesque village of Masca? This beautiful little town is steeped in Canarian tradition and the drive offers some of the most breathtaking views the island has to offer. La Orotava is another traditional Canarian town worth a visit, with colourful buildings and scenic landscapes these escapes will give you a glimpse of Tenerife that many people don’t know it exists.

La Orotava, Tenerife
La Orotava, Tenerife

Head North

If you are looking to please the child in you then why not visit Loro Parque – Tenerife’s biggest Zoo located to the north of the island in Puerto de la Cruz. With everything from dolphins to chimpanzees, you are guaranteed a close encounter with another species. If you are staying in Puerto de la Cruz, then why not check into the Hotel Botanico – one of the most luxurious hotels on the island that ranks highly with Trip Advisor reviews on Tenerife.

Looking for some R ‘n’ R?

If all that driving has taken its toll, and you just want some rest and relaxation then it is time to head for the beach (and Tenerife has plenty of them). If you want to soak up the sun on the natural volcanic black beaches, then Playa de La Arena has one of the best. If you would rather seek a golden sandy beach then Costa Adeje’s coastline is for you. Wherever you decide to go, this island has something for everybody and it is all yours for the taking.

 

Things to Do and See Around Puerto de la Cruz

Sarah

If you’re heading to Puerto de la Cruz for a holiday this year, the best way to get out and explore this wonderful area of Tenerife is to hire a car.

Puerto de la Cruz itself is a pretty town and a popular holiday resort that’s a great spot for enjoying traditional Canarian surroundings and Tenerife’s glorious year-round climate. From here, you can hire a car with Tenerife Car Hire either in Puerto de la Cruz or at Tenerife North Airport, and discover some of the island’s best beauty spots.

puerto_de_la_cruz_large

Head to La Orotava, a lovely town with a distinctive Canarian charm, and spend a leisurely afternoon wandering along its winding streets and sampling the local produce in its tempting cafes and restaurants. Or, drive further along the north coastal roads and make regular stops at its small towns and villages. This is a great way to discover the ‘real’ Tenerife and you’re bound to find plenty of lovely little photogenic places – the type that the locals frequent and very few tourists know about.

It’s also well worth spending a day in Santa Cruz, the island’s capital city. This vibrant place is located in the far northeast of the island, and it’s a haven of traditional Spanish restaurants, tasty tapas bars, vibrant bars and cafes, and fabulous shops – perfect for melting some plastic and picking up some souvenirs for the folks back home.

And if you’ve got the kids in tow, a trip to Loro Parque is an absolute must. Here, your kids can discover such wonderful animals as tigers, gorillas, dolphins, whales, exotic fish and rainbow-coloured parrots. There are regular shows and demonstrations too.

So whatever you fancy, there is a seemingly endless list of things to see and do all over north Tenerife. It’s just a matter of getting behind the wheel, hitting the road and finding your favourite…