Above water, Tenerife’s shoreline is less than pretty in places, but beneath the sea there’s some fantastic views on offer. And, thanks to a small marine conservation project put in motion by diving operators Ocean Dreams Factory, even novice divers or those on beginners’ courses can get a share of the action.

At just eight to ten metres’ depth, we swam with the resident turtles and hovered over rays, cuttlefish and octopus, in sheltered bay El Puertito, where the team has been working to restore the ecosystem. Close to the south’s plush resorts, but a million miles away in every other sense, this is a really special experience, thanks to the firm’s enthusiastic boss and his team.

www.oceandreamsfactory.com
Puerto Colon, southern Tenerife. Tel. 922 716 116

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A local, classy, delicious and inexpensive (at least at lunchtimes) restaurant with very nice waiting staff.

Calle Dean Palahi 26, La Laguna, Tenerife
osteriadaandrea@hotmail.com
tel 922.260501

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Las Teresitas is the town beach of the capital, Santa Cruz, and is remniscent of a beach at the other end of the Atlantic. Yellow sand shipped from the Sahara, palm trees and cheap lounger hire make this beach an unexpected joy. Enjoy before the threatened strip resort is built here.

Las Teresitas, 8km north of Santa Cruz

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Lively gay club based in the Salitien (think that's how you spell it) shopping centre to the East of Veronica's strip in Playa De Las Americas (approx 10-15 minutes walk east).

Within the complex there are other gay bars and clubs. Gemini's (open from 10pm to 4am), Cellar Bar (open from 8pm to 2am), Chaplin's (open from 11pm to 8am and gets busy from 4am), Gay-Sha (weekends from midnight to 6am) and of course Punto Zero (open from 10pm to 6am).

Punto is a lively club which is tastefully decorated and plays great music. They also have a drag show from time to time. The staff are friendly and whilst the crowd on the gay scene is mainly Spanish there are a lot of other nationalities there too.

Earlier in the evening (9pm-ish) there is Playafloor, the entrance is directly opposite Veronica's strip (on the same side of the road as Burger King).

The scene in Tenerife is growing and well worth a visit. Be warned though it does not get busy till after 11pm.

10-15 minutes walk east of Veronica's Strip (toward Adeje). Come to a shopping centre (Salitien) with a path down to the promenade (the path is just before the shopping centre). The gay bars are not that easy to find so you will have to walk into the shopping centre (for Cellar Bar, Chaplin's, Punto Zero and Gay Sha) and to the end of the shopping centre and turn right (up the hill slightly for Gemini's).

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I think that the Lido is fantastic. I am not a great swimmer but I loved the sea water pools here. One is really large with volcanic rocks in it. The water is deep enough to swim but you can stand up anywhere in the pool. No nasty big waves appearing to submerge your head. It only costs a couple of pounds to get in and you can stay all day.

You can't miss it on the prom in Puerto de la Cruz

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A gay guest house in Puerto de la Cruz with apartments and rooms, set in a gorgeous garden with a clothing optional terrace and pool. Very relaxing place to stay with friendly, helpful hosts and a nearby gay beach.

www.villa-maspalmeras-tenerife.com

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