Do you want the perfect beach vacation in Europe?
Look no further than Tenerife Playa de las Americas in the Canary Islands.
Located 60 miles off the west coast of Africa, this autonomous region of Spain is sunny, dry, and warm year-round. Best of all, there’s something for everyone!
The Language Barrier
Communicating with the locals is always a concern when vacationing overseas.
Not to worry! English is commonly spoken in Playa de las Americas.
Of course, remote villages will have fewer English speakers, but if you’re on a tour, your tour guide will act as an interpreter.
Or you could brush up on your high school Spanish!
Beaches
There is plenty of sand here!
Playa de las Americas was built in the 1960s as a tourist destination and golden sand was imported from Africa to build up the beaches.
You’ll also find native black sand beaches.
There’s something for everyone at the beach. You can rent a sun-lounger or just plop down on your towel on the sand.
The waves are usually enough to give a surfer a workout. The miles of beach give a beachcomber plenty of room to roam.
Children will stay busy for hours playing in the sand and surf.
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Siam Park
Located 1.5 miles from the beach, Siam Park is a Thailand-themed water park offering 10 rides, 2 wave pools, a sand beach, a lazy river, and more.
You’ll pass an exhibit area at the entrance with sea lions who eagerly welcome you.
For excitement try the Singha, a water roller coaster with 14 direction changes, or the Dragon, a zero-gravity experience for 4 people in a clover leaf float.
The park is an easy drive from Playa de las Americas or you can ride one of their free shuttles (reservations required).
Nightclubs
If you’re looking for something to do at night, check out the nightclubs.
There are dozens to choose from.
Gay or straight. Young or not so young. DJ or EDM. You’ll find it here.
The action picks up closer to midnight and lasts until the early morning hours.
A fun experience is the Music Hall Tavern Show, a comedy drag show. You’ll start with dinner.
Once the dishes are cleared, the show takes off. The “ladies” participate in hysterical repartee among themselves and with the audience, sing songs, and provide a wild evening of entertainment.
Tours
You can lie on the beach only so much! How about a tour?
Mt. Teide & Masca Valley Tour
The Mt. Teide and Masca Valley tour takes you halfway up Mt. Teide, the tallest peak in all of Spain at 12,198 feet.
The variety of flora and fauna is remarkable because the micro-climate changes as you go up the mountain.
Take your camera. The views are breathtaking!
After Mt. Teide, the tour winds through the Masca Valley on the northwest corner of the island.
You’ll explore quiet villages, view the ocean from every angle, and visit the Dragon Tree, reportedly 1,000 years old!
Your tour guide is a fountain of information so get ready to learn.
Quad Biking
Want something more active?
Get back to nature! Try a tour of a pine forest on a Polaris quad ATV.
The tours are limited to four quads, so you’ll receive individual attention.
You’ll be transported to Vilaflor, a village a third of the way up Mt. Teide.
Explore the village before heading out to ride through the forest on dirt roads on your quad bike.
Your guide will know the forest and valleys like the back of his hand and will show you some amazing scenic spots along the trip.
If you have a GoPro this is the perfect time to use it.
La Gomera Day Trip
How about a day trip to La Gomera, a neighboring island?
Much like Hawaii, each island of the Canary Islands has its own personality.
You’ll take the ferry across the strait to San Sebastian where your guide will show you the cathedral and the fortress built in 1470 before driving around the island while telling you about the history and culture of La Gomera.
Lunch with wine is included. This is a chance to see the “real” Canary Islands.
Casinos
Not ideal for the kids of course, but if your idea of nightlife includes casinos, you’re in luck!
The casinos are on a smaller scale than Las Vegas (much smaller!), but you’ll get your chance at roulette, blackjack, poker, and slots.
There’s no dress code and admission costs €3. Hours of operation are limited so check out their website on the day you want to visit.
Golf
For the golf enthusiast, there are seven golf courses near Playa de las Americas.
Each affords spectacular views of the ocean and mountains. Some feature black sand bunkers for an experience different for most golfers.
Designed by the likes of Donald Steel, Seve Ballesteros, and Jose Gancedo, these courses will challenge every golfer, regardless of player ability.
Scuba Diving
It may be unexpected, but scuba diving here is among the best in the world.
The water temperature ranges from 67° in March to 75° in September.
You should also read our “Maldives Scuba Diving Article“.
The water is clear, the sea life is varied, and the volcanic formations underwater make for an exceptional experience.
You can rent equipment at any number of dive centers.
Restaurants
There is every kind of restaurant in Playa de las Americas, but if you are looking for something unique, try The Treehouse.
Located less than 10 minutes from the beach, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Funky is the only way to describe it. The floor looks like the pattern of a giraffe while there is lots of dark woods used throughout the decor.
A band plays a couple nights a week. You can dine indoors or outdoors. The menu is extensive so everyone will be happy.
Best of all, it’s an experience to write home about!
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? You couldn’t ask for a better vacation destination.
Sun, sand, surf, culture, history, and activities galore.
Whether you’re a single traveler, a couple looking for something different, or a family who needs something to appeal to everyone, you’ll find your ideal vacation in Tenerife Playa de las Americas.
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