Activity Holidays in Tenerife

The very idea of exerting yourself on a package holiday to Tenerife may sound appalling to some, but for those of a less sedentary lifestyle, the Tenerife's sports may offer the perfect way to spend the day ahead of alcohol filled club nights. Activity holidays in Tenerife are quite popular, and there's a wide range of sports on the island. Here are some of the most notable - either for their quality or for their, erm, uniqueness!

Lucha Canaria

This Tenerife sport is straight from the more unusual end - Lurcha Canaria is a variant of a game played by hundreds of pub goers unofficially at closing time! Basically this is a fight between two men in a ring, where the winner is the one who manages to make the other touch the floor with any part of their body (feet excluded!) Typically Lucha Canaria is fought between two teams of 12, with the winners being declared after defeating all the other players on the opposite team. It's unlikely you'll be partaking in this, but it's good to know not to try to break up what seems to be a beach brawl on your package holiday in Tenerife!

Golf

Tenerife is enjoying a growing reputation as a golf haven, due in no small part to its wonderful climate allowing the sport to be played all year round. If golf courses always seemed a bit too formal, but you were looking for a chance to fall in love with the game, then learning the sport in Tenerife could be the answer. There's no membership required at ay of the clubs, you can hire all the equipment locally for a small few and each club promotes a very casual atmosphere. Finding a course nearby shouldn't be a problem, with several clubs on the island: Playa Las Americas, Golf Del Sur, Los Palos Golf, Golf Adeje, Amarilla Golf and Golf Club Real.

Surfing

Surfing and wind surfing enthusiasts will find a natural home here. With the warm weather and crisp blue waters, it's hard to imagine a better place to windsurf on Earth than in Tenerife. My pick of places to try this is El Medano - an open and very flat beach. It's windy without being choppy, making it the perfect place for the sport in Tenerife.

Scuba and Snorkelling

The underwater volcanic rock formations, the sea's temperature and the interesting range of sea life make Tenerife a great place to go diving - and it's also a great place to learn for first timers. Newcomers to the Tenerife sport will be able to get the internationally recognised PADI Scuba Divers' Certificate quickly and safely and enjoy the waters around the island in no time. The best places to head for scuba diving and snorkelling in Tenerife include Puerto de Santiago, Playa San Juan, La Caletta and Buena Vista.

Hiking

If hiking sounds like your idea of a good time, then Tenerife will be paradise! The scenery is simply outstanding, and it's very easy to find one to match your stamina and ability. The National Park de las Canadas has 21 marked trails, and the Anaya mountain region and Valle de la Orotava regions have plenty of options as well.

With so many diverse sports to try, it's no wonder so many people pick Tenerife for an activity holiday. Others will think exercise on vacation misses the point, but for those with the energy, these activities can be an unbeatable part of a package holiday to Tenerife.