Tenerife South

Spain

Things to do in Tenerife South:

Tenerife South Restaurants

Affordable (28)

Mamma Rosa

Always busy, this European venue serves such specialities as sole fillets in king prawn and white wine sauce. Situated near the popular harbour. read more
Fine dining (24)

Dante Alighieri

Enjoy top-quality Italian cuisine in the heart of the bustling town of Playa de las Americas. The restaurant is situated on the coastal path and boasts spectacular sea views - perfect for a... read more

Tenerife South Nightlife

Chilled (20)

Bar Nuestro

To sample a taste of Canarian cuisine, try this authentic bar and restaurant with its farm-style decor and fabulous tapas. read more
Clubbing (20)

Cafeteria Restaurante Patch

In the heart of Las Americas lies one of Tenerife's oldest and most well-known bars, which attracts many tourists owing to its great beachside location and pedestrianised street setting. Great food... read more

This Month in Tenerife South:

By Natasha Laming

Shopping: Check out the last fashions at Blazers in Los Cristianos. Open for 18 years, the staff are friendly and there is a wide mix of high-fashion goods (10 Calle Juan XXIII, Los Cristianos).

Key areas: A visit to see the Katandra Treetops attraction at the Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz is well worth the one-and-a-half hour bus journey. Viewers can witness the free flight of some of Australia's most dazzling birds as well as have fun with the cheeky monkeys!

Tenerife South News & Gossip

Where are the best routes for cycling holidays?

FOR POOTLERS

LYON

The ride Paved and blessedly flat, the easy-going Voie Verte cycle path running through Burgundy from Givry to M�con - 117km in total - forms the backbone of a pleasant glide through prime wine country. Detours down minor roads and farm tracks, plus the Canal du Centre for waterside cruising, make for a family- friendly ride. Keep it gentle on the valley floor and among the lakes of La Dombes region or climb up into the vineyards.

The sights Cycling gives you a great opportunity for communing with nature that you simply don't get with faster means of travel. You'll pass through one of the most beautiful parts of central France. Refreshment and refuelling-wise, it's impossible not to dine (and drink) well here, on any budget.

Book with The Chain Gang (thechaingang. co.uk) to explore the region's gastro reputation or take the kids on a customised itinerary from Cycling for Softies (cycling-for-softies.co.uk).

Fly to Lyon from 29 destinations.

FOR KEEN RIDERS

BILBAO

The ride Competent cyclists will find a reasonable challenge for legs and a feast for the senses along the coastal hills of Spanish Basque country. At the highest points, there are precipitous cliffs just off the roadside, while idyllic, sandy bays await you at sea level. If you have the muscle, it's possible to cross over the border into the French Pyr�n�es.

The sights Coastal vistas backed by a high country of baked earth provide a perfectly beautiful rural backdrop to your ride. When you're in Bilbao, however, you'll want to be sure to visit the Guggenheim modern-art museum, as well as experiencing the city's nightlife and cuisine, while Basque food and drink counts as an attraction in its own right.

Book with Hooked on Cycling (hookedoncycling.co.uk), which offers a 12-day, self-guided holiday, or brush up on your skills with a week-long mountain- biking adventure run by experts Basque MTB (basquemtb.com).

Fly to Bilbao from six destinations.

FOR SERIOUS WHEEL NUTS

TENERIFE

The ride For one of the world's greatest climbs, leave the built-up hustle and bustle of the coast and glide away on immaculate tarmac up El Teide to an altitude of 2,350m. Starting from sea level, the tough 45km ride never seems to level out, but experienced riders will love the challenge and drivers are, helpfully, very respectful of your efforts.

The sights Away from the coast, the island offers an unusual mix of volcanic rockiness and lush, fertile landscapes, and cycling enables you to see all the lesser-visited spots. From El Teide to Esperanza, you'll pass the Teide astronomical observatory and the delicious-smelling pine woodland of Corona Forestal Nature Park.

Book with Simple to navigate, most hardcorers do this one on their own, but Lavatrax (lavatrax.com) and Mountainbike Active (mtb-active.com) can rent you bikes or host tours.

Fly to Tenerife South from six destinations.

Tenerife South Trivia

May: The island's original inhabitants were called Guanches and evidence of their existence remains today in the historic old town of Masca.
April: The late Whitney Houston was one of many international singers to grace Tenerife's stages. Others include Michael Jackson, Elton John and Rod Stewart.
March: Ever wondered what the name Tenerife means? It derives from the Canarian word "tene", meaning mountain, and "ife", white: the white mountain. It is thought to refer to Mount Teide.