A week in Tenerife without the the riff-raff

There is something very satisfying about saving your lieu time until the very end of the year and cashing it all in at once. ‘Ten days off you say boss?‘ Don’t mind if I do. A nice week in the sun wouldn’t go amiss. ‘Lads’ holiday or nice relaxing time with the Mrs? It’s not much of a head-scratcher. However, I am weak and know what is good for me so a week with the Mrs it is.

In this situation, I don’t care where we go and leave the decision up to the other half. I plan on spending a week soaking up some sun rays and sipping a beer and maybe even a cocktail if I am feeling slightly fruity. After a quick search on the information super-highway that is Google, the better half decides she would like to go to Tenerife. I must admit, and regardless of my lacklustre attempts at offering any inspiration, I am not particularly that enthused about the destination but I am willing to give it a go.

On arrival at Los Rodeos airport in the North of the largest of the Canary Islands, I am pleasantly surprised at the temperature. Not too hot! Known for its all year-round sunshine, Tenerife certainly didn’t disappoint on the weather front. A short drive west sees us arrive at the northern central coastal city of Puerto De La Cruz. A far cry from its southern counterpart party spots such as Las Americas and Los Christianos. However, there is no shortage of very big, very white hotels that dominate the skyline.

As promised to myself, we spent a lot of time attempting to add a nice shade of brown to my pasty skin. Jardin Beach or Playa Jardin certainly played host to the majority of the horizontal activity. Soft volcanic sand, colourful botanic gardens and a littering of palm trees made for a serene setting indeed. For folk who like to get out and about there is a plethora of tourist things to keep you busy if you so desire. Definitely worth a visit is the Loro Parque (Parrot Park). Originally home to only 150 parrots, it now houses 3500 animals some 40 years later. The Orca and Dolphin shows are a great spectacle. Just expect to get a bit wet if you sit too close to the pool.

With many cheap flights, you can afford for your holiday in Tenerife to be whatever you want. If it’s a party that you crave, you wont have far to look to find it. If like me, you enjoy a nice relaxing week recharging the batteries, you can also find the perfect spot to do just that. Enjoy.