09/01/2012 by Dave.

Whilst there is nothing better than sunning yourself in the hot summer sun on one of the Canary Islands’ best beaches, often it is the night time that we really look forward to when in another country. For at night the locals come out to play, as do the smells of small restaurants serving up local dishes and the clinking of glasses as everyone relaxes together.  

Tenerife is an island with its fair share of night time attractions – but what can it offer that nights at home cannot? What makes it so appealing to people on cheap canary island holidays and seasoned travellers alike? 

Open Air Bars 

If you are from colder parts of the world, in your own country winter nights out are often spent inside clubs and bars with a taxi needed to transport you short distances due to the freezing temperatures outside. Outside eating and drinking? Forget it. But in Tenerife, thanks to its subtropical climate and year round sunshine, outside bars are a common sight and very popular with visitors. Those found near to Tenerife’s marinas, harbours and inland parks are particularly stunning and really give off that feeling of being on holiday. What is more relaxing than sitting down with your friends and family, drink in hand, listening to local music as the sun goes down? 

Late Night Gambling

Not everyone likes to gamble. In fact, the vast majority of people who visit Tenerife probably have little interest in casinos. But it wouldn’t be a holiday without trying something a bit different and with three first class casinos on the island Tenerife is the perfect place to try your hand at a game of blackjack or play the slots. Las Americas, Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz all have casinos which are hard to miss, so change up a few loose notes and try your luck! 

Late Night Shows

No, not those kind of shows. In Tenerife, if you fancy a night of sophistication you should head to the Piramide de Arona in Playa del las Americas. There are shows by the likes of Carmen Mota regularly on and reviews are always good. Alternatively, cheap tenerife holidays could be given a twist if you and your family head on over to a Medieval Night at San Miguel Castle. For a set price you will be treated to a medieval style banquet complete with jousting tournaments for your enjoyment. This is great for kids and will be the perfect way to keep them entertained -well for one night at least!  

Tenerife has lots going on 24 hours a day. The best way to find something suitable is to think what it is you enjoy and then look at local listings when you arrive or book tickets before you leave. Want a night on the town? Head to a local open air bar. Want to keep the kids happy? Book a table in advance for the medieval banquet. One thing is for sure, there is something for everyone once the sun goes down in Tenerife!  

Written by Ricky Durrance for Beat the Brochure. 

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25/10/2011 by Dave.

The Canary Islands are a well known and loved holiday destination for many. The
weather is pleasant year round and the Islanders are happy to welcome tourists
as this is the main economy of the area. The best known destinations offer the
liveliest holidays but if you look beyond the sunbathing and bars there is a lot
more to be discovered on these Islands.

Tenerife is possibly the best known of the Islands and has a great reputation
for beach holidays and partying. What is maybe less well known is that it is
also home to the architectural symbol of the Islands, The Auditorio de Tenerife.
The auditorium was completed in 2003 and designed by Santiago Calatrava Valls;
it is regarded as one of the most emblematic Spanish buildings. If you look
beyond the tourist resorts in the south you can find spectacular mountainous
scenery with stunning valleys and ravines.

La Gomera is a walker`s paradise with a network of paths all through the island,
which is home to the Garjonay National Park. Although accessible from Tenerife
this Island has escaped the trappings of mass tourism and offers a really
fantastic get away.

Gran Canaria is the second biggest of the Islands and is a popular destination.
The most built up tourist areas are on the southern coast. Less well known but
well worth discovering are the interior and west coasts of the islands which
offer spectacular scenery.

Lanzarote is known for its lunar landscape and its environment is highly
protected with strict limits imposed on developments. This island has ten
protected nature spots making it a place truly worth exploring.

La Palma is the greenest and most lush of the Islands and offers a more relaxed
holiday away from the highlife on the bigger Islands. It is known for being a
place to discover the traditional Spanish hospitality and a place you can truly
get away from it all.

El Heirro is the smallest of the Canary Islands and like La Gomera is accessible
from Tenerife. Its small population are very friendly and welcome tourists. It
is popular for snorkelling and diving and has many lush little pools and lagoons
to be discovered. Although not a busy place there are some lovely restaurants
and bars to be discovered in the capital Valverde.

So while as well as enjoying a break in a Sykes Cottages it may be time to 
consider a holiday in a land further afield. The hidden gems of the Canary 
Island could offer you an adventure previosly unconsidered. 

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