Spain’s year-round sunshine in Playa de las Americas
Thanks to a glorious year-round climate, the Canary Islands have cornered the market in sunshine breaks during spring, autumn, winter and summer. All year in fact! The prime hot-spot favourite continues to be Tenerife. To the south of the island lies the famous, purpose built resort of Playa de las Americas and it can’t be bettered for those sun-baked breaks. The holiday magic of Tenerife is at its finest here with memorable sunshine holidays for everyone, including families. Start packing and preparing for that winter sun tan.
Let the grains take the strain
Playa de las Americas is a man-made resort – and that guy certainly knew what he was doing! It is a glorious combination of one of the world’s finest year-round climates and fabulous sand. Beaches are extensive with some of the island’s black, volcanic sand being replaced with shimmering, silky white stuff direct from the Sahara Desert. It doesn’t end there though because the calm, warm sea waters entice the most nervous of bathers, as well as all those kids intent on endless games and splashing. There are, thankfully, cafes and bars nearby where you can just relax and let life’s tensions disperse. There are six beaches in total; and some include gay and nudist areas. Hotels in Playa de las Americas will advise on those to visit, or to avoid. After all, it’s your choice and your holiday. There are numerous hotels in Playa de las Americas. Between them, they cater for every possible taste; so, with the right accommodation, you can’t fail to enjoy your holiday in fun-loving Playa de las Americas.
Don’t try this at home
Throughout the day, the temperature is usually on the up in Playa de las Americas. It gets even hotter at night with restaurants, bars, discos and clubs combining to create a superb party atmosphere. Before hitting the town, you can dine like a king, or a queen, in restaurant choices that span a world of cuisine choices. It really is worth, though, chatting up those friendly reception desk staff at your hotel in Playa de las Americas to suss out restaurants that specialise in local and regional dishes. After all, when in Rome! The effort is worthwhile, if only to experience that yummy Canarian favourite, Papas Arrugadas; potatoes cooked in sea water and served with a garlic sauce. Then there is Potaje de berros which is a popular meat and vegetable stew. Sancocho Canario features salted fish and sweet potato. Gofio is a stone-ground flour and forms the basis of mousse and ice cream desserts. The list goes on. These dishes and more are truly delicious, but best enjoyed here, in Playa de las Americas. Try re-creating them back home and they don’t taste the same at all!
Tenerife’s a pinnacle of history and traditions
History and tradition are strongly threaded through the life of Tenerife. That said, there’s little if anything of historic significance in Playa de las Americas. Everything here started in the 1960s when tourism took off. Your hotel will, though, quickly alert you to detail on the various festivities that take place throughout the year. The resort comes into its own every February with Carnaval. The biggest events, however, are in the capital, Santa Cruz. This impressive city is well worth a visit and is oozing with history and tradition. There are, for instance, annual events of celebration to mark the defence of Tenerife from Horatio Nelson. One in the eye for him! Romerias occur regularly throughout the island. They involve the wearing of traditional costume and pilgrimages in honour of various saints. Wherever you are on the island, including Playa de las Americas, you are aware of the massive volcano, Mount Teide. It’s the highest point throughout Spain and the islands of the Atlantic. For much of the year, Teide is snow-capped.
Meet the in-betweeners
Geographically, Playa de las Americas is in the municipal area of Arona, but adjacent to Adeje, where you’ll find the neighbouring resort of Los Cristianos. It’s difficult to know where one ends and the other starts; they seem to merge into one. Take the delightful walk along the promenade to see the area at its best. The sweeping beaches between the two resorts are of golden sand and considered to be among the finest in this southern region of Tenerife. This in-between area is so easily accessed that many visitors to Playa de las Americas see it as their local beach. The waters are sheltered and the promenade is lined with shady palm trees. There’s a massive beach fountain which showers sea water, the beach is cleaned daily and the cafes and bars are as impressive as those in Playa de las Americas. Troya is another golden beach in Playa de las Americas, itself. A short bus or car journey will take to quieter areas and beaches, such as the small fishing village of El Puerito.