As you sit there twiddling your thumbs at work, or staring out of the window at the teeming rain, wondering if summer will ever arrive, maybe it is time to consider a trip away from the depressing weather at home.
Somewhere with guaranteed sun, along with a beach to die for, and sunsets to marvel at.
Somewhere that will get your pulse racing and your feet dancing.
The resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of Tenerife ticks all of those boxes.
Lying beside the town of Los Cristianos the area is well known for its bars, nightclubs and restaurants, in addition to its beautiful coastline.
Amongst the most popular places to visit if you are looking for a vibrant night out are the Veronicas Strip, Starco Commercial Centre and the Patch.
But Playas de las Americas has so much more to offer. Here we take an in depth view of all that is to be enjoyed in the jewel of the Canary Islands’ crown.
Going out
Known by many as the party capital of the Canary Islands, Playa de las Americas certainly comes alive after its famous sunset has been and gone.
Top up the tan by day and get ready to party hard by night this place rarely rests.
Starting with some of the finest cuisine available, try the Friends Lounge Bar and Restaurant which offers Barbecued food, tapas and international food to satisfy even the funniest of tastes.
The eatery is located on Paseo Tarajal, by the Compostela beach, and is excellent value for money, as well as having delicious food.
Veronicas
Veronicas is often the first place to head to if it is night time entertainment you are after.
Crammed with bars, nightclubs and cabaret options, the one kilometre strip has everything a partygoer could possibly wish for.
The bars and clubs can be open as late as 6am and the most popular of which are the Bonkers Bar, China’s White Bar, the O’Neills Irish Pub and the Oasis Bar.
Patch
Equally vibrant is the Patch area of the resort, with plenty of live music on offer.
This part of town tends to attract a slightly older crowd but is certainly not lacking in atmosphere.
Unlike Veronicas, the Patch is located slightly inland, around 300 metres from the beach.
Starco
The third option for going out is Starco which is situated on the opposite side of Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina to the south of Veronicas.
It has a shopping centre to keep you occupied during the day and then comes alive at night.
Many prefer to start their evening in Starco before moving on to nearby Veronicas later on.
Water Activities
If you still have the energy following your night out, you could try water skiing to reenergise you the next day.
There are plenty of options for you to choose from. Enjoy the thrill of the wind rushing through your hair, water splashing up, and the speed to take your breath away.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something slightly more tranquil, try windsurfing either at Playa de las Americas or in Los Cristianos.
All the equipment you need is readily available at a decent price.
Golf
Having painted the town red the night before, now you may be looking for some rest and relaxation away from the hedonistic feel at the beachfront bars.
Golf las Americas is an 18 hole course located at the heart of the resort and satisfies the needs of all golfers, of all abilities.
Cycling
If you are looking for something energetic to do during the day and want to burn off some of the calories piled on during your trip you could try hiring a bike from one of the number of bicycle rental places dotted around the resort.
You will then be able to see a little more of the places around Playa de las Americas, such as the volcanic landscapes, the countryside roads and some of the neighbouring villages.
You can even go on a cycling tour with some of the agencies where you will be guided by an expert to give you an insider’s view of the island whilst enjoying some of the stunning views.
The bikes on offer start with the basics up to racing or mountain bikes and cater for all interests.
Where to stay
Affordable
You can get a double or twin room at Best Tenerife Hotel which is located just five minutes from the beach and has been recently renovated.
The hotel has all the essentials and more, including a 24 hour reception, a concierge, a gym, a buffet restaurant with local and international cuisine.
As for the rooms, all are air conditioned and have a television.
Mid Range
For something slightly more up market, yet still not too expensive, try the Cleopatra Palace Hotel which is highly rated amongst previous stayers.
You can get a double or twin room here for around €100 per night (depending on the season) and the room comes with a balcony, as well as all the mod cons, including a shower/tub combination.
This hotel includes all what you would expect from a four star accommodation: a swimming pool, a bar and some beach/sea views.
On all fronts, the Cleopatra will not disappoint.
Luxury
If it is luxury you are after, you could try the Europe Villa Cortes Hotel which is perfectly situated on the beach front, at Playa de las Americas, close to the resort of Los Cristianos.
The place has a Mexican theme running throughout. The Spa and Fitness Centre, for instance, is designed in the style of an ancient Maya ruin.
For an extra touch of class, rooms can be booked with a garden or sea view and all come with air conditioning and satellite television as standard.
In addition, each room has the added bonus of a balcony or terrace.
Finally, there are entertainment options for children: a kids swimming pool and a Mini Club with entertainment.
Getting to and from Playa de las Americas
As for actually getting to Playa de las Americas, things could not be simpler.
The airport of Sur Reina Sofia, also known as Tenerife South Airport, is the best option and to aid your journey, Shuttle Direct are on offer to give you both comfort and value, taking you from the airport to your accommodation.
Once one of Shuttle Direct’s experienced drivers has picked you up, you can expect to arrive at your destination in less than 15 minutes.
The airport is one of the best connected in Europe (Tenerife is officially in Europe as Spanish Territory, despite lying just a few kilometres off the African coast) with all the low cost and national airlines flying here.
