The South

The south of Tenerife is renowned for the wonderful sandy beaches lining much of its coastline. Its permanently pleasant weather and sunshine all year round keep the waters warm, so it is a great place for water sports and for the variety of leisure activities that you will find in the region. Some of the many options you can choose in the south of Tenerife include going on a trip to explore its landscapes, eating out at a restaurant on a terrace by the sea, or spending an action-packed day at a theme park.

The beach known as Playa de las Américas, which lies between Arona and Adeje, has a huge array of bars, restaurants, cafés and nightclubs on the sea front. In the daytime, the best idea is to chill out listening to the soothing sound of the ocean or take a surfing or diving lesson with the family. The area of Costa del Silencio has lovely hidden bays set in between amazing cliffs, bathed in the clear, warm waters of Tenerife's southern coast.

Costa Adeje, on the other hand, is buzzing with shops, boutiques and luxury hotels, and its waters are home to several colonies of whales and dolphins which can be sighted on a boat trip that you can book with a range of different companies. If you are coming in search of a family adventure or some fun with friends, the Siam Water Park is the perfect place: Its artificial wave pools and its water slide with a 28 m (92 ft) vertical drop will get even the most daring visitors buzzing with adrenaline, whilst the little ones play in the children's area or enjoy watching the sea lions with their funny tricks. The Aqualand water park with its dolphinarium has a variety of attractions for a bit of an adrenaline rush, but there are also areas in which to relax and float along with the current in its bubbly artificial rivers. Animal lovers will find Jungle Park the best place to spend the day, especially for the little ones: Its birds of prey and exotic bird shows will surprise visitors of all ages, as will the elegance of the jaguars and pumas you will see in the park.

The beach of Las Vistas in Los Cristianos is the perfect place for sunbathing, tasting some traditional Tenerife recipes and swimming in the sea at any time of year. Peace and relaxation are what define a holiday in Los Cristianos, nestled in the protected landscapes of La Montaña de Chayofita and La Montaña de Guaza in the municipality of Arona. Other hugely popular beaches include Playa de Los Cristianos and Los Tarajales. The port of Los Cristianos is positioned right by the beach and is a great place to catch a boat to visit the other islands in the archipelago during your stay on Tenerife.

The impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes stand next to the tourist town that is named after them and which is renowned for its peace and quiet, sunshine, lovely beaches and stunning scenery. Near to the Reina Sofía Airport is the fishing town of El Médano, which is the ultimate destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers, and has a laid-back family atmosphere.