Shopping

Tenerife has many supermarkets in the larger towns that provide all basics and foodstuffs for self-catering tourists, and plenty of markets and smaller shops all around the island for gifts and bargains. The best shopping is in Santa Cruz, particularly on Calle Castillo, where all the fashion stores are. There's also a mega-mall, Meridiano on Avenida La Salle, and the enormous department store of El Corte Ingles. Just outside of town is the enormous Carrefour hypermarket.

Most of the resorts and small towns have weekly markets. The huge Sunday market in Los Cristianos is a fleamarket extravaganza selling everything under the sun. In Santa Cruz, the African market is well worth exploring as it has 300 stores that sell fresh produce and interesting curios. On Sundays the area around the market becomes the El Rastro Flea Market, which is a good place to pick up quality handicrafts and bargain souvenirs. Golf del Sur has a good market near the marina on Friday mornings; Los Abrigos puts on a decent night market every Tuesday evening; while Guaza hosts a Sunday fleamarket.

Best buys in Tenerife include the award-winning local cheeses and honey, leather goods such as shoes and belts, and turrón: the almonds and honey confection available around the festive season. Travellers should avoid shopping at the airport where prices tend to be significantly inflated, and note that if they pay via debit or credit card, they will need to show their passport. Many shops still close over siesta (1.30 to 4.30pm) and will close all day Sunday.

Nightlife

Tenerife is famous for its raucous and varied nightlife, which ranges from Ibiza-style nightclubs and boozy karaoke establishments to authentic Spanish tapas venues and bars playing great live music or hosting traditional dance performances. Venues tend to stay open as late the clientele wish, and the prices of drinks and dinner compare extremely well against mainland Europe.

The best nightlife on Tenerife is concentrated in the south of the island around Playa de las Americas. The three main areas to explore in this resort are Veronicas, the Patch, and Starco Commercial Centre, each of which is densely packed with clubs (many of which are open 24 hours), bars and English-style pubs. Most bars are child friendly and serve decent food.

The most famous club in Playa de las Americas is Tramps in the Starco complex, which regularly attracts top DJs for epic parties. Nearby Los Cristianos is a better bet for quieter bars and restaurants, and is consequently more popular with families. In the north of the island Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz have a good variety of nightlife venues but lack the south's concentration of clubs.

Casinos are another popular way to enjoy a night out in Tenerife. There are three to choose from: Casino de Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz, Casino Santa Cruz in Hotel Mencey in Santa Cruz, and the Playa de las Americas Casino in the Gran Tenerife Hotel.

The Medieval dinner show at Castillo San Miguel is a popular family night out. It has jousting, horse and sword feats and bawdy serving wenches. For more traditional Spanish entertainment, travellers shouldn't miss the Flamenco performances at the Pyramid de Arona Auditorium at Playa de las Americas, and the cabaret and dancing on display at the Palace Show in Playa de las Americas.