Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and without a doubt has the best variety of landscape. Mount Teide volcano dominates the island and is often snow capped. Weather permitting, you can go almost to the top in a lift and enjoy the fantastic views. At the base of Mount Teide's peak is Las Canadas National Park, set in one of the widest Calderas (Volcanic crater) in the world with moonscape scenery and the setting for 'Planet of the Apes' and many other films.
The climate is dry, particularly in the southern coastal areas which have a good infrastructure with lots of facilities. Elegant new hotels and resorts are springing up. A good example is the 5 star Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque on the Costa Adeje, architecturally built as a reproduction of a Canarian Village with every possible amenity for guests to enjoy, including its own private beach.
The north side of the island is generally cooler with lush tropical vegetation and banana plantations. The attractive seaside town of Puerto de la Cruz has many shops and hotels, an award winning sea side park, and a series of natural swimming pools on the edge of the ocean. The area surrounding Puerto de la Cruz is more residential and attractive individual villas can be found there, offering peace and solitude.
