TENERIFE

Tenerife is situated off the coast of Africa and on the same degree of latitude as the Bahamas and Florida. It is a sub-tropical island known as the Island of Eternal Spring, with pleasant spring-like temperatures dominating throughout the year. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 17C in winter or higher than 30C in summer. The south of the island is generally warmer, sunnier and drier than the North, which is consequently greener with more vegetation.

The oldest mountain ranges of Tenerife rose from the Atlantic about 8 - 12 million years ago forming three separate islands and it is believed that about 3 million years ago they collapsed on themselves forming the Island of Tenerife. The last volcanic eruption happened near the village of Santiago del Teide in 1909.

Today, Tenerife not only offers every modern comfort and convenience to the holidaymaker, it also has a surprising variety of locations with amazing scenery to explore - volcanic desert landscapes, forests, rocky peninsulars, long sandy beaches, secluded inlets, traditional hillside and fishing villages, and, of course, Mount Teide itself.

Our apartment is in the Pebble Beach area of Amarilla Golf.

Pebble beach is one of Tenerife's hidden gems. It lies at the southern tip of Tenerife, bordering the sea, tucked away in a wonderful tranquil region of natural beauty offering peace and quiet for a perfect get-away, yet so convenient for the Airport which is only 15 minutes drive away.

There is something for everyone. You could just totally relax and walk the craggy coastal paths or swim in one of the 3 Pebble Beach pools or in the sea outside your front door.

Then there is the golf. Apart from Amarilla Golf and Country Club, which is a par 72 course with driving range, putting green, tennis courts and equestrian centre, a short distance away Golf del Sur boasts two more courses.

Do you enjoy water sports? Pebble beach overlooks the new San Miguel Marina with its beautiful sleek yachts, catamarans and a yellow submarine offering underwater trips. From here you can also go deep sea fishing or scuba dive (www.diveandseatenerife.com). Dinghy sailing, jet ski hire, catamaran hire and power boat courses are also available in the area and you can even learn to sail (www.clubyachting.com).

What about snorkling and fishing? One of the best areas is right outside your front door and if you enjoy windsurfing, El Medano with it's lovely beaches hosts the world windsurfing championships and is only a 10 minutes drive away.

Pebble Beach Village boasts three swimming pools for your enjoyment, as well as a well stocked supermarket, friendly bars and restaurants. Follow the coastal path just past the Marina and you will find Mediterranean, Indian and Oriental restaurants overlooking the sea, or stroll further along the coastal path into San Blas (about 20 minutes) or Los Abrigos (25 minutes) for more shops, restaurants and evening entertainment.

If you hire a car, a large Mercadonna, Iceland and Lidl are a five minute drive away at Las Chafiras. Las Americas/Los Christianos are just 20 minutes drive away - lively beach resorts with international shops, boutiques, restaurants, casinos, night clubs, boat trips and ferry connections.

Take a stroll along the coastal path and enjoy the rugged, unspoilt coastline. Wander along to the Marina and the restaurants and bars beyond - everything from traditional Canarian food to Mexican and Japanese - and a bit of entertainment if you want it.