Thursday, September 11, 2008
A Trip to Tenerife in February
A reader, who is planning a trip to Tenerife in February, asks:
1. What is weather like then?
Sadly, I can't offer guarantees on the weather: it can still be changeable at that time of year (the "rainy season" is supposedly between November and March) and February is usually Carnaval month, when it's almost bound to rain at least once during the main week of Carnaval in Santa Cruz (just like it always rains during Wimbledon fortnight in Britain, in June.) 
Climate data February Sun Hours/Day 6.6 Air [°C] 17.9 Water [°C] 18 Days with rain 5
On the other hand, it's usually warm enough in February to parade through the streets in skimpy Carnaval costumes like the one above (the image was taken at Puerto de la Cruz Carnaval, on the cooler north of the island too), which should give you an idea.
And the historical climate data for Tenerife, for February shows averages including 6.6 hours of sun per day and an average air temperature of 17.9C. Frankly, that's a rather conservative forecast. Mid-day, on the south of the island, it can still reach 30C.
NB: Carnaval 2009 in Tenerife; in Santa Cruz runs from Sunday, 8 February to Sunday, 1 March, with the main parade in the city streets, as ever, on Shrove Tuesday (February 24th, 2009) while Carnaval 2009 in Puerto de la Cruz is from Sunday, 15 February to Saturday, 28 February.
Click here for Tenerife Carnaval Dates from 2008 to 2025
2. Where is the nicest place/hotel/apartment to stay in.
This is such a subjective thing, because what I like probably isn't going to be the same thing that suits other people. But if we pick a few that appear to be at the standards for celebrities and royalty, maybe we won't go far wrong.
3. We are looking for a classy place near the beach.
Most resort hotels are fairly near the beaches, but ones to consider and that are a bit more up-market and in better class areas might be the following:
Gran Melia Hotel Bahia Del Duque
The Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort was constructed in 1993. Designed by the Tenerife-born architect Andrés Piñeiro, the hotel was first planned as a large 4* investment, but the idea of a 5* luxury establishment soon won over, marking the beginning of 5* developments in the now exclusive Costa Adeje region. Most of the 357 rooms have been decorated by Pascua Ortega, the Madrid-born interior designer, who has also decorated the private houses of the Spanish Royal Family (so we reckon it's also good enough for us!)
Click here to check availability or book the Hotel Bahia del Duque
Hotel Europe Villa Cortes
If you prefer to trust the judgement of the stars, then the Hotel Europe Villa Cortés 
- a luxurious seafront hacienda built in an authentic Mexican style -might be more to your liking, because this is where Jennifer Lopez and her husband, singer Marc Anthony stayed. One visitor offers the following review of the hotel, "The best hotel we have stayed in bar none. A hotel with rare attributes - character, tasteful rooms, delicious and adventurous cuisine and truly exceptional service. It is known as a bit of a hidden secret and I have rarely been so reluctant to spill the beans. It truly earns every one of its 5 stars!"
Click here to check availability or book the Hotel Europe Villa Cortés
Mare Nostrum Resort
The superior deluxe Mare Nostrum Resort is comprised of five hotels; Mediterranean Palace, Sir Anthony, Julio César Palace, Cleopatra Palace and Marco Antonio Palace, all situated directly on the beach.
Click here to check availability or book the Mare Nostrum Resort
4. Flying to the south of island.
Most international flights do. On the one hand, this means you are only 15 minutes away from the resorts and on the side of the island with the better, drier weather. But the north is so much greener and prettier and, is only 40 miles away, so don't neglect moving outside of the hotel comfort zone, because, if you don't, you'll miss all the best things on the island.
If you have a question about Tenerife, don't be afraid to ask ...
Labels: Carnaval 2009
