TENERIFE

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is also one of the most scenic islands in the world. Tenerife is about 300 kilometers from the African continent and about 1,300 kilometers from mainland Spain. It enjoys a constant temperature throughout the year as well as in spring, with an annual average of 23 degrees Celsius. Dominated by the gigantic 1200-meter-high Mount Teide, this incredible volcanic island offers a wide variety of landscapes and tourist experiences.

During a visit, you could visit a sleepy hilltop village or collapse on a golden sandy beach or climb a snow-capped mountain, enjoy a beautiful golf course or in a local craft shop to wear international designer clothes or go whale watching or dine on traditional tapas and the famous 'curly potatoes' with mojo sauce or in a Michelin-starred restaurant - you're in Tenerife make the choice yours.

When you arrive at the main port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, if your ship docks at the bottom of its U-shaped harbor, you'll face a hot 15-minute walk to get there - unless your cruise line provides a shuttle service to the harbor exit. It's worth resisting, though; don't be tempted to stay on board.

Once out of the gates, you'll find a wide and beautiful promenade - the Avenida Maritima - running along the waterfront; there's a wide tree-lined pavement on one side and, across the busy street, a long parade of shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs.

The streets that run inland from this promenade are home to jewelry shops filled with silver and branded goods, it's worth remembering that the Canary Islands is a low tax zone and this will mean you can always find good deals at the bargain prices that make Tenerife popular.