Tenerife (English also Teneriffe), a Spanish island, is the largest of the seven Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. The island is part of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It includes 31 municipalities, the largest city, Santa Cruz, is the capital of the island and seat of the cabildo insular (island government); it is also the capital of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and officially co-capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands together with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, although clearly behind this one in terms of population, industry, tourism or gross domestic produce.

The village Güímar is the site of the mysterious Pyramids of Güímar.

The island's population is 778,071.

Tourism

Tourism is concentrated more in the south of the island, which is hotter and drier and especially around Playa de las Americas, and Los Cristianos. More recently coastal development has grown northwards from Playa de las Americas and now encompasses the former small enclave of La Caletta.

In the north of the island the main development for tourism has been in the town of Puerto de la Cruz.

Transportation

The island of Tenerife is served by two airports, the Los Rodeos or Tenerife Norte and the Reina Sofia Airport or Tenerife Sur.

A fast, toll-free major highway (autopista del sur and autopista del norte) almost encircles the island, linking all the main towns. The exception is in the west from Adeje to Icod de los Vinos, which is traversed by a smaller mountain road. However, plans are now afoot to complete the autopista.

Away from the major highway, driving is generally slow and difficult, with steep, winding narrow roads, mainly unlit and often with drops either side of the main carriageway surface.

Public transport on the island is provided by a network of buses (Guaguas) and run by T.I.T.S.A. who operate a fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses which, generally, run on time. Drivers are helpful and the mix of tourists and 'locals' (especially in the resort areas) makes for an interesting ride, not to mention it being one of the best ways to actually see the island.