Your Tenerife Photos

Archives

• February 2004
• March 2004
• May 2004
• June 2004
• July 2004
• August 2004
• September 2004
• October 2004
• November 2004
• December 2004
• January 2005
• February 2005
• March 2005
• April 2005
• May 2005
• June 2005
• July 2005
• August 2005
• September 2005
• October 2005
• November 2005
• December 2005
• January 2006
• February 2006
• March 2006
• April 2006
• May 2006
• June 2006
• July 2006
• August 2006
• September 2006
• October 2006
• November 2006
• December 2006
• January 2007
• February 2007
• March 2007
• April 2007
• May 2007
• June 2007
• July 2007
• August 2007
• September 2007
• October 2007
• November 2007
• December 2007
• January 2008
• February 2008
• March 2008
• April 2008
• May 2008

Coming in closely behind "Weekend Breaks", Tenerife was the 53rd most searched term by UK searchers in 2004. Source: Mirror.co.uk

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

115,000 Britons ...

... spent Christmas on the beach, with Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria the top three destinations, says Thomas Cook.

You can read a plethora of other Christmas figures and excesses, such as the number of birds eaten or trees cut down at the Mirror.co.uk

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

International business man Bob Trotta spoke recently on the current state of tourism in the Canary Islands and expressed a positive outlook for the future.

i-Newswire, 2004-12-25 - Speaking from Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife Mr Trotta said: “despite the slight downturn in global tourism, the Canary Islands, and in particular Tenerife, are still going strong. I have great faith in the islands continuing ability to offer a great standard of resort accommodation and to attract holidaymakers from all over Europe. There are plans for some fantastic properties and resort developments in the pipeline which I know will help Tenerife carry on being the number one provider of first rate vacation hospitality”.

The local politicians too are optimistic about the coming years and have invested millions of Euros in the island’s infrastructure. Issues such as electricity generation, water supply, road networks and civic amenities have all been addressed and can look forward to sustained and focused improvement over the next half of the decade and beyond.

Even the tour operators have put competition aside to embark on a unified campaign to promote holidays in Tenerife. Earlier this year the Cabildo vice-president José Manuel Bermúdez met with representatives of the island’s main tour operators to start a new era of cooperation with a better flow of information in a bid to improve Tenerife's tourism promotion.

This new era of investment and promotion promises to compliment Tenerife’s fundamental resources of fabulous year round sunshine, stunning natural scenery and miles of unspoilt coastline to ensure the island’s continued popularity with Europe’s tourists. Bob Trotta feels this coherence can only be a good thing and enthuses: “Tenerife has a great deal going for it as a vacation destination. The wonderful weather and affordable prices make it a perfect place to holiday. I am sure that the island will continue to see the development of 5 star properties and I will continue to invest my time and effort in what I consider to be Europe’s number one holiday island.”

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

The BBC say "Those wanting a festive holiday may miss out on a traditional white Christmas at home with snow predicted.", but actually, those coming to Tenerife will not miss out.

With a white cap on Mount Teide, there is still a White Christmas for those who want one, but people are escaping to enjoy the kind of old-fashioned pre-commercialism Christmas that the UK seems to have lost.

As one traveller from Wales commented "We go for the better weather. Also, Christmas is so commercialized that I think it has lost its true meaning and I just like to escape."

Since a lot of Christmas "escapees" head for Tenerife and the Canary Islands, I fear that with British bars here serving "turkey and all the trimmings", that unless these visitors venture out of the resorts, the only difference they will experience is the warmth.

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

The first of a record 1.9 million people leaving the UK for Christmas abroad started their journeys today, with Tenerife, Geneva and Malaga the top Christmas destinations favoured by Gatwick passengers. For people deciding to escape the dark and damp of an English winter, the most popular destinations were the Canary Islands, southern Spain, Florida and the Caribbean. Full story Scotsman.com

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

Considering this is a press release, it gives a very truthful and balanced account of the "double-edged sword" of foreign investment into the islands. I sincerely applaud the author.

The very income that can improve standards of living for islanders, also threatens the lifestyle that underpins their culture and means they can no longer afford to live in their own villages.

What is the answer? I wish I knew.

Full release via eMediaWire »

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

Hidden Gardens Of Spain by Eduardo Mencos

Fascinating treasures from one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world are uncovered in this book.

"The topic has been neglected and the photographs here are extremely beguiling. The author has found the way into all sorts of private gardens, from one "under the volcano" in Tenerife to some well-photographed patches of green in the city of Barcelona." - Financial Times

This book should appeal to many of the country's 60 million foreign visitors and, with its range of gardens from the cool green north to the hot golden south, should inspire gardeners from all over the world.

Click for more information »

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

Lanzarote and Gran Canaria have disappeared from this list, but Tenerife has managed to cling to a position in people's Top 10 Christmas Holiday Destinations, according to this press release from Travel Counsellors, who say that "... customers are now getting used to the idea of spending Christmas abroad and so are getting more courageous in their choice of destination."

Tenerife has slipped this year to the number five slot, down from last year's second place.

Of course, I may be biased, but I can't think of a better destination than Tenerife for Christmas.

Especially, when you take into account our combination of beach and "proper" Christmas Dinners (if you want them), with a snow covered mountain, natural Christmas trees, poinsettias in abundance and great kid's entertainment, such as our annual Three Kings parades.

Where else in the world can you experience Sun, Sand, Sea & Snow all on Christmas Day? And a whole lot more undiscovered treats, if you just take the time & trouble to leave the resort!

The Christmas season "officially" began here today, with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception. And, sure enough, in accordance with local tradition, my neighbour was up on his roof putting up the Christmas lights this afternoon. It'll just be one long feast from now until January 6th, the high-spot, when the Three Kings arrive.

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

It took two hours for health chiefs to give the all-clear allowing passengers at Nottingham East Midlands Airport off the flight from Tenerife.
Full story from the BBC

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

"A woman from Tenerife said her family were among those hurt as the bomb went off in the northern Spanish coastal town of Santillana del Mar." Full story from the BBC »

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

If Carnaval capers are too rowdy for your taste, you might enjoy the annual classical music festival, from 7 January - 9 February 2005.

"The 21st Canary Island Music Festival once again brightens up the European winter. Since 1985 many of the world's great artists and orchestras have taken the opportunity of soaking up some winter sun and the renowned Canary Island hospitality. Seven weeks of concerts take place on both Tenerife and Gran Canaria."

Venues:
Auditorio de Tenerife
Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Gran Canaria

One of the festival's objectives was to give an international status to the Canary Islands through something more than the traditional "cliché" of sun and beach which typifies the islands.

More information at the festival website
(Via Whatsonwhen).

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

Mini Rough Guide Tenerife Including LA Gomera by Christian Williams

"Said to be the highest point of Atlantis before the continent sunk, Tenerife - the main island of the Canaries - now hosts a thriving tourist industry in the shadow of the third largest volcano on Earth." - The Mini Rough Guide

"The best guide book for Tenerife by far!"

"At last an excellent all round guide"

Review: Despite its predictably sunny weather and the wide variety of landscapes that attract millions of tourists every year, Tenerife has a bit of an image problem, thanks largely to the attentions of the package tourism industry.

However, if the resort honey-pots aren't to your taste, you'll find that it's easy to leave the mass of holiday-makers behind. More info »

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

"The image of the Santa Cruz Carnaval will be slightly different in 2005, as one of the most important sponsors has been ousted. In an historic agreement, a better offer has been accepted from the powerful group Mahou-San Miguel of Anaga who will be promoting their brand Reina at all important points of the fiesta. The Councillor for Fiestas of Santa Cruz stated that Reina beers will be contributing 660,000 euros to the Carnaval between the years 2005 and 2008." Source: Canaries Radio Network

Well, that makes sense, since Reina translates to Queen. Carnaval Queen, Drag Queen ... Now Carnaval revellers can get topically pie-eyed as newts on the "Queen of Beers". No, I am sure it won't have any affect your sexual preferences and, I bet they'll still be ugly in the morning! :)

"... visitors from all around the globe flock to the town to partake in the cross-dressing event of the year." Travelmax

Gee, they say that about Tenerife. They should try the Carnaval in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria next door, where the spectacular Gala Selection of the Drag Queen is arguably the main event.

Labels: Carnaval

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

It is almost Christmas and I am reminded that the moment this holiday is all over, the daily news will be dominated by preparations for the 2005 Carnaval, starting with numerous contests to choose the best singing & dancing troups, until we get to the weeks of the event itself.

"It's the second biggest in the world don't you know", after Rio. We're proud of that.

Indeed, according to the 2005 Program at the Carnaval's "official site" (yes, there's an English option), the contests begin on January 18th.

The theme of Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2005 is The Great Comedy, inspired in the great musicals of Broadway, particularly the musical comedies of the 1920s. The scenery that will be the backdrop for the Gala for the Election of the 2005 Carnival Queen in the capital's Plaza España will have an Art Deco style. More info »

This year, the festivities seem to be early in the calendar, with the main events as follows:

Wednesday 2nd February
Gala for the Election of the 2005 Carnival Queen

Friday 4th February
Proclamatory Parade

From 4th to 13th February
Dances with well-known Music Bands

Tuesday 8th February
"Coso" The apotheosis of Carnival
This is the main parade, which is always held on Shrove Tuesday and is usually televised. [1]

Friday 11th February
Burial of the Sardine [2]

Saturday 12th February
Children's Coso (parade)

Sunday 13th February
Piñata Sunday
Sunday morning sees the Concourse of Classic Cars which makes its noisy curcuit of the city streets, usually ending up at the Hotel Mencey.

[1] International TV coverage of the main events is likely to be available via tvCanaria, their International Chanel and Canal 96 on Digital +

[2] The Burial of the Sardine has again been changed to the Friday, as it was in 2004. The traditional date for this event "should" be Ash Wednesday. But, then again, it is supposed to mark the end of the Carnaval, which it still doesn't with events on the Saturday & Sunday.

Since preparations for the next one seem to begin as soon as the last finishes, one could argue that Carnaval in Tenerife NEVER ends!

There is more general information about Carnaval here from the Tenerife Island Council.

Labels: Carnaval

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

"You hear about places such as Barcelona, how the old and the cool there merges and mutates and mesmerises the visitor - Santa Cruz is like that." The true spirit of southern Europe is embodied in the simple pleasures to be found on the Canary Islands, says Julie Burchill

There is an interesting and most accurately observed commentary in this piece about Tenerife's curious Carnaval and some wonderful observations about the island in general.

Click here to read the full article »

Labels: Carnaval

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

Watching and listing space junk doesn't sound all that glamourous as space jobs go, but Tenerife's role is an increasingly important one. If it wasn't enough that we're filling the planet with our leftovers, it appears we've been doing much the same in space for the last 50 years.

Debris as small as 0.3 mm can cause damage, but there are bits of old spacecraft and rocket bodies floating around up there and the fastest debris, at 50,000 kph, are travelling about 17 times faster than a machine gun bullet.

Click here to see full text and images »

European Space Agency via Red Nova

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

Santiago Calatrava, known for designs that stretch the boundaries of engineering, has been selected as recipient of the AIA Gold Medal.

Calatrava's visibility reached its zenith this year with the commission to design a wing-like Transit Hub at the World Trade Center, and with the completion of his Olympic Sports Complex in Athens, Greece which included the glass and steel Olympic Stadium roof, the Olympic Velodrome, and the master plan for the sports complex.

Calatrava's name is arguably the most-mentioned in architecture outside Frank Gehry's, and his string of awards litters countries around the world. Source: Architectural Record

Calatrava's Mark in Tenerife

Calatrava's personal brand is clearly evident in the island's capital, Santa Cruz, with his designs for the The Auditorio de Tenerife and nearby Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos.

These two distinctive buildings form the city's new image with their strategic position at the entrance to the capital, greeting visitors from the south motorway and both island airports.

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

The BBC says 100 million, our local TV station, tvCanaria estimated as many as 200 million in their coverage on Canarias Directo.

Whatever the number and even though the invasion is believed to be the worst faced by the islands since the 1950s, and prompted the authorities to order a state of alert, both agree that the little pink beasties arrived in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura far too tired even to eat.

They certainly didn't get any further west to Gran Canaria, Tenerife or any of the other Canary Islands and, we are exceedingly glad about that.

Related:
Spain Plays Down Canary I. Locust Threat (AP)
"... the crop-ravaging insects posed little threat, arriving with missing wings and broken legs after their 60-mile flight from the African mainland."

NB: tvCanaria is transmitted to America, from Canada to Argentina, via Canal Internacional and, is also available via Digital+ on channel 96.

Programs such as Canarias Directo or the various documentaries shown daily about the islands allow you to see something of the local color and make for interesting and relaxing viewing, even if you don't understand the language.

| Permalink | (0) Comments | Post a Comment

Tenerife photo gallery