With average temperatures reaching highs of 28°C, with little to no rain, Tenerife has been a popular destination for Brits for decades. But, other than providing the opportunity to bask in the warm sunshine, what is it that makes Tenerife such an attractive tourist destination for the Brits? Let’s take a look.
Accessibility
Perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of travelling to Tenerife is that the flight time is between 4 and 5 hours, depending on your departure location. In addition to this, most UK airports fly directly to Tenerife, with multiple flights every day, making the island easily accessible and flexible for all vacationers. Holiday makers can also benefit from a wide range of different cruises that explore the Canary Islands, departing from Tenerife. For example, cruise-enthusiasts can embark on a seven day cruise aboard the Azura Cruise Ship, docking at any combination of destinations like Madeira, La Palma, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and more.
In addition to this, the island is only 2,034.38 km2, or 785.48 sq mi in area – and its coastline is 342 km (212.5 mi) long. Thanks to the extensive road network, this means that you can drive around the island in around 3 to 4 hours, making it quick and easy to travel between attractions, or simply take a drive along the coast.
The language
Though most Brits do not speak a second language, the same cannot be said for locals in Tenerife. As an autonomous territory of Spain, the first language of most people who live there is Spanish – or, more specifically, Canarian Spanish. That said, many of those who work in customer facing roles in the touristy areas will typically speak English as a second language, making it easy for Brits to converse with people whilst on holiday.
Nevertheless, a survey by the British Council found that 26% of adults in the UK regret never learning a second language fluently. Additionally, 25% wanted to learn Spanish, which is already the most popular language to learn in higher education. Perhaps one of the reasons for these results is the propensity for Brits to visit Spanish-speaking countries and territories for their annual holiday, which, in time, will ultimately make holidaying in these areas much more streamlined than they already are.
Attractions
Tenerife boasts a wide range of different activities, attractions, and locations that are suitable for family holidays, romantic getaways, or fun with your friends. If watersports are something you have always wanted to try, there are a wide range of different kayaking and boating options. For marine enthusiasts, you can also try kayaking or snorkelling with turtles, or head out on a day cruise to spot dolphins and whales.
Teide National Park is another must see, boasting a unique lunar-like landscape that has served as the backdrop for many famous films, such as Star Wars. At the centre is the Teide Volcano, where visitors can ride a cable car to the summit for breathtaking views of the island. And, particularly for the kids, there are various attractions like Loro Park, Siam Park and Aqualand that promise adventure-packed days in the sun.