Rising majestically out of the ocean some 200 miles off the African coast, Tenerife has two spectacularly different landscapes. Dark volcanic beaches and arid, sun-baked scenery in the south contrast sharply with the lush green slopes of the north, where banana and tomato plantations nestle between the summit of Mount Teide and the shimmering ocean below. Facing the ocean and backed by the mountains, Santa Cruz is a bustling city and capital of the island. Santa Cruz is undergoing something of a renaissance and some of the city parks and tree-lined streets display works of modern sculpture, while the waterfront near the Plaza de España is undergoing regeneration. Santa Cruz boasts some excellent shopping and the Carnival held every February is a colourful spectacle not to be missed!

On the northern coast of the island, Puerto de la Cruz stands beside the ocean and enjoys views of the lush, green slopes of the Oratava Valley, crowned by the summit of Mount Teide. Although there are no natural beaches here, the Lido de Martiánez offers a choice of attractive swimming pools and sun terraces. The town's Botanical Gardens, opened in 1788 and designed to acclimatise tropical plants to a European climate, are a peaceful retreat for all plant-lovers. Plaza del Charco at the heart of the town's old quarter used to be the site of an old lagoon but is now a square lined with lively bars and cafes.