Tenerife

Overview
If there is any spot on the globe that enjoys a perfect climate,Tenerife in the Canary Islands is it. There is markedly littlevariation in the average temperatures between summer and winter,which hover between 59ºF and 75ºF (15-24ºC), andthere is only very occasional rain. Throw this in to the mix ofverdant forests in the northern part of the island as well asmountains, deserts, volcanoes, exotic plant and animal life, andspectacular beaches (with black volcanic sand) - and you have aholiday paradise.Tenerife offers the unique experience of swimming and sunbathingon a beautiful beach while just a few miles away snow sparkles onthe crest of Mount Teide. The island's central mountain stands at12,200 feet (3,719m), the highest in Spain, and a cable-car ride tothe summit offers unrivalled views of the lunar-like landscape ofthe volcanic slopes.The island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is an upbeat towngeared for tourism. Its port, where once the first shots of theSpanish Civil War were fired, is today a morass of ferries,jetfoils and freighters.

Money
Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is dividedinto 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change andmajor hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cardsand travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels,restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally thecheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).

Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Climate
Tenerife has a wonderful climate; the average temperature iscomfortable all year round, rarely dropping below 63°F(17°C) and more often above 82°F (28°C) during the day.The cooling breeze ensures that there is little humidity. Duringwinter the evenings can get relatively cold. Rainfall in the summermonths is almost non-existent, but showers are likely betweenOctober and April.