Tenerife lifestyle

A choice of shops is available in most resorts selling essentials and gifts. Los Cristianos boasts a market every Sunday, while the streets offer a myriad of shopping possibilities. Torviscas Fanabe has a market every Thursday and Saturday. In Las Americas you'll find commercial centres throughout the resort with a plethora of shops and boutiques. Puerto de la Cruz is good for local crafts, while Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje have a variety of shops and boutiques. Keep an etye open for the best buys such as leather, lace, ceramics, pottery and local flowers, as well as excellent duty free shopping including electrical goods.

While visiting Tenerife, it's well worth trying some of these local delicacies. There's Potaje (a thick vegetable Canarian soup); 'Ropa Veja' (similar to bubble and squeak); locally dried fruit and goat's cheese; 'Ron Miel' (a honey and rum liqueur); 'Carne con Papas' (a stew with potatoes) and 'Quesco la plancha' (grilled cheese and coriander). Many restaurants and pavement cafes serve local and international cuisine to suit all tastes.

Las Americas is a buzzing centre of activity with the 'Veronica' strip at its hub, where numerous bars, discos and nightclubs open until dawn. Family-orientated entertainment is also readily available, with live music, sports and comedians featuring in a number of bars. Costa Adeje is more subdued, with a selection of relaxed bars surrounding the beachfront. Los Cristianos takes on a continental atmosphere, being relaxed while still offering a variety of good bars and late-night clubs. The smaller resorts offer a smaller selection of bars, some with live music. You'll be able to find entertainment in most hotels or cafe terraces.