Images of Tenerife

Shepherd's Leap in Tenerife ©Solange Hando

Not so long ago in the Canaries, shepherds would keep ahead of their flock or rescue stray sheep by jumping with a pole from rock to rock. The pole is made of wood with a metal tip and can be up to four metres long.

Today shepherd's leap is a highly competitive sport and as well as entertaining visitors, it keeps traditions alive.If you fancy a go, just let your man know, when he's back on the ground...

Moonscape on the Island ©Solange Hando

The Teide National Park is one of the top places in the world to study the sky, sun, stars and moon, but there's no need to crane your neck to marvel at a lunar landscape.

It's all around, rocks, craters, volcanic bombs and Mount Teide towering above it all.

Heading for the Surf, North Tenerife ©Solange Hando

But when you want to escape, there's always the ocean, beaches stretching for miles, coves and creeks and if you like to be active, there's every water sport you would expect, including surfing for all levels.

Teide National Park ©Solange Hando

If rambling is your thing and you like a challenge, it's hard to beat Teide, at over 3700 metres the highest point on the island, or its neighbour, Mount Viejo where the difficulty level is marked 'extreme'.

There are easier options however like this gentle Samara route winding its way through lava flows between two volcanoes. There are great views of the peaks and when you come down, you can see the smaller islands of Hiero and La Gomera which seem to float between ocean and sky.

Wow, what did she see? ©Solange Hando

Dolphins or pilot whales? Probably both for Tenerife is rich in marine life and in season sightings are almost guaranteed. 

There's great diving and snorkelling too or you could just relax and enjoy the breeze, or wait for the most spectacular sunset over the ocean, the drifting clouds and the nearby islands.

Tenerife Sunset ©Solange Hando

Tenerife South Five Star Iberostar Anthelia

One of Three Pools at the Anthelia Tenerife @Solange Hando

If you love water, you'll love the Iberostar and its choice of seawater pool and two fresh water pools, one of them heated. 

Then of course you can swim in the Atlantic and if you feel like a change, you can always head for the mountains in the background and the awesome Teide National Park.

The Iberostar Anthelia @Solange Hando

Overlooking the beach on Costa Adeje and voted 'best inclusive in Spain', the Anthelia has a wide choice of rooms catering for couples, families and business clients, Some rooms enjoy super priority location but most sought after are the seaview suites.

Although this is a large resort where you might need a day to get your bearings, it never feels crowded as buildings are clustered in village-style units around plaza and lawns, palm trees, flowers and shrubs.

Archways, balconies and pastel colours complete a traditional picture.

Superior Room at the Anthelia @Solange Hando

Rooms are spacious, pleasantly furnished in soothing colours with all the amenities you would expect from a five star venue, including free wifi, bathrobe, slippers, and chocolate on your pillow.

Best rooms are those on the upper floors, some with double sea view.

Fresh Food for Breakfast @Solange Hando

The Zeus buffet restaurant offers continental, full American, Spanish and healthy breakfasts as well as evening meal with show cooking.

Other eating venues include Poseidon, a gourmet restaurant for innovative Canarian cuisine (reservations essential), Portofino for Italian cuisine à la carte, the Beach Club Barbecue and the Mirador Terrace if you fancy a gourmet breakfast.

Reception Area and Bar @Solange Hando

The Anthelia certainly has a touch of class from marble floors to majestic staircases, from cool water features to elegant period furniture in the bar.

But looks aside, you will find plenty to do, fitness, tennis and more, plus children and teenage clubs, boutique selling beachwear and jewellery and the tantalizing Spa Sensations where experts will pamper you in true Thai Zen fashion.

The Anthelia Right by the Sea in Tenerife @Solange Hando