Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Island which lie off the West coast of Africa. Its population is 886,000 making it the most populous Island in the Canaries and also the most populous of all Spanish Islands. It is popular for Tenerife holidays, particularly, Tenerife package deals.
The island capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the 21st largest city in Spain with 222,000 people. It is home to the Parliament of the Canaries and is home to La Laguna University. The city is home to the Auditorio de Tenerife. A building with contemporary architecture housing concerts and opera.
The Torres de Santa cruz are the islands skyscrapers and are the highest residential building in Spain.
La Laguna and El Teide are other areas of the island, both being World heritage sites. Mount Teide is an active though dormant Volcano which last erupted in 1909. At 3718m above sea level the mountain is both the highest on the Island and the highest peak in Spain. It is also the highest mountain not part of the European Alpine range. The United Nations committee for Disaster mitigation have designated Mount Teide as a ‘decade volcano’. It is regarded as the 13th most dangerous volcano in the world as it is near areas of population density. The island also homes some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. The Teno Cliffs in the Northwest and the Adeje cliffs in the southern tip are places to visit for those on Tenerife holidays wanting high views above the sea.
This Volcanic Island is also home to many outstanding valleys and ravines. The Valle de la Orotova was formed by the sliding of vast quantities of material toward the sea.
The coastline is what has made the Island famous and an attraction for those seeking Tenerife package deal holidays. The steep and rugged cliffs give way to 67km of beaches. Only Fuerteventura has more beach. The winter months see an average of 22 to 24 degrees C while summer averages rise to 28 degrees C. The Islands do not encounter the sweltering heat of some of the Meditteranean Islands in summer. The lack of industry makes the Island have low levels of air pollution. Light pollution is also low which has attracted Astrophysical observatories to the Islands summits.
The ecological diversity of the Island is remarkable due to the relative small size of the island. The distinct orthography of the island creates many microclimates which in turn enriches the diversity of Flora and fauna. Endemic plants to Tenerife include the Vipers bugloss, the Teide White broom and the Teide violet. The island also has an endemic wall lizard, Gallotia galloti.
Besides the many beaches a visit to the Museo de la Naturaeza y el hombre in Santa cruz is important for pre and early history.
For a rounded holidays that include sun, sea, culture, and history holidays in Tenerife are sure to please.
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