Tenerife boasts more than year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, a rich and varied landscape, friendly vibrant bars, great food and wine and stylish clubs.
The largest sibling of the 14 million year old family of the Canary Islands is also home to the gigantic dormant volcano, Mount Teide - the highest in Spain, which casts the world's largest sea shadow on this land of lava desert, pine and eucalyptus forest, sand dunes and fertile soil yielding palm trees, sugar cane, tobacco, tropical fruit, grain, maize and vines. This, combined with a sparking cultural background, and amazing choice in restaurants, makes it an easily accessible ‘must visit’ destination for the 21st Century.
The streets of Tenerife are always alive with a colourful fiesta and visitors are welcome to join in. Numerous celebrations, festivals and Romerías (lively pilgrimages held in honour of the Virgin Mary or a local Patron Saint), which stem from religious roots, are held in the towns and villages around the island throughout the year.
The most celebrated or vibrant festival is the Tenerife Carnival, which occurs each year in Santa Cruz prior to Lent and encompasses the whole island with the most magnificent festivities. It is Europe’s biggest street party. This magnificent show is so spectacular that it is said to rival Rio in splendour, size and glamour. Each year a different theme is chosen, embracing anything from Ancient Egypt to Disney characters.
Carnival 2006 promises to be bigger and better than ever. The theme is tribal fever and the main week of parades and dancing in the streets will be from 22 February to 1 March. The Carnival Queen candidates will wear spectacular costumes and the huge opening parade will come came alive with tropical drums and dancing. If you prefer a smaller celebration, the holiday resort Puerto de la Cruz also celebrates Carnival.
Being more accessible from the UK than Rio – the Tenerife Carnival cannot be missed.
Tenerife - Europe's Most Tropical Carnival
19 February – 5 March 2006
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