Taking a trip round Tenerife The Spanish island of Tenerife lies about 300 km off the West African coast, and is the largest, most populous and most productive of the seven Canary Islands, believed to be named after the ferocious dogs (canaria) found there by early explorers. Santa Cruz is the capital of Tenerife, and the shared capital (with Las Palmas) of the whole archipelago. This rugged, rocky and steep island looks up to El Teide, the third largest volcanc the world and the highest point in Spain at 3718 m. Its often snow-covered peak gave the island its name, which mean's white mountain'. Ravines and valleys are another striking feature of Tenerife's terrain, some of them formed by volcanic ruptions four of which were recorded between 1704 and 1909. The island has 342 km of coastline and boasts nearly 70 m of beach, the ones on the northern coast consisting of black sand rather than the lighter, finer sand of the south. The land has two distinct dscapes and atmospheres: the lush, green north and the barren, developed south. enerife is known as the Island of Eternal Spring'; since it is on the same latitude as the Sahara Desert, it enjoys a warm imate and plenty of sunshine all year round. However, the trade winds create cloud and cold sea currents, keeping emperatures moderate, with an average of 13-18 °C in the winter and 24-28 °C in the summer. The Canaries are one of the major tourist destinations in the world and tourism is Tenerife's main industry, with about million visitors each year using one of its two airports. There are two main highways crossing the island, as well as zzying narrow mountain roads in the north. Tourists mainly visit the south of the island, which is hotter and drier and ha any resorts, such as Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. The only new hotels permitted to be built must be of -star quality to promote environmentally conscious development. he area known as Costa Adeje has many world-class facilities and leisure activities to offer besides sea and sand, such a uality shopping centres, golf courses, restaurants, waterparks, animal parks and a theatre. In February, visitors can enjoy one of the world's largest carnivals. The distinctive local​