Tenerife: An island with Attitude
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is an area of superlative buzz. Over the last ten years it has played host to an enormous boom of sun-seeking, cheap-thrills-holidaymakers who make there way to this Spanish outlet in there droves on low-cost flights from all parts of the surrounding European continent. It does, therefore, demonstrate a little too keenly at times the traditional hallmarks of an overdose in the spotlight – such as the overcrowded beaches of Playa de las Americas and the sometimes characterless collection of hotel restaurants that line its shores. That said it caters for a specific crew, those seeking sunshine, postcard perfect palms, long stretches of golden sand, glow-stick inspired revelry, and all that lies in between. And it must be said, it does this very well. If this is your thing, then go for it. If not, then there is another side to the island that might appeal, a side that attracts nature lovers, architectural admirers, culinary enthusiasts and sports fanatics.
Firstly, its worth mentioning that accommodation on the island varies greatly, from the to-be-expected cockroach infested double bed flats in the hills above the aforementioned Playa de las Americas, to the sublimely executed 5* all inclusive resorts in the south of the Island. Rooms of the former variety are advertised at highish rates, and often come with the tag line of ‘beach view balcony’ or something of similar, dubious appeal… It’s worth checking what this actually means before making one of these your bed for the week. Mid priced Tenerife hotels can also be misleading, and in the high tourist areas close to either the North or South airport, do expect concrete multiplexes. You will however, be rewarded if you are prepared to step out from the geographical convenience of the main transport hubs and into the countryside, where the striking vistas of volcanic landscapes and backdrops of palm studded evergreen forestry make you wonder whether you are still on the same island! If you are looking for just such an example of the different types of accommodation found on the island then the ultimate option would be the Abama Hotel & Resort. Set entirely in its own private 160 hectare grounds, in the secluded Guía de Isora region, the Abama has its own proffesional golf course (with 22 lakes…), 14 different bars and restaurants, and plenty of activities for the family. Understandably the Abama comes with a hefft price tag, and has become a celebrity hang out of late.
Tenerife restaurants are, as with the accommodation, extremely variable. Party-goers would rarely get the chance to delve into the roots of the local cuisine, and it’s a shame because its can be extremely satisfying. For starters, its worth remembering that Tenerife sits not far off the coast of Africa and with that comes the vast selection of wonderful seafood from the Atlantic Ocean. The most common fish varieties are comb-tooth blennies, the sea bream, red porgy, gold lined bream and grouper. You can also find Atlantic mackerel, sardine and Moray eels. Often seafood is simply prepared, either boiled or baked. During your holidays make sure to try wrinkly potatoes, or papas arrugadas, covered with a local mojo sauce to add some garlicly kick to the meal. Potatoes are something of a specialty in Tenerife, as they are cooked in very salty water – which is left to evaporate completely, leaving hard, salty and crispy skins – much like your skin after a week in high season splashed out on Playa de las Americas. Excellent!
