Tenerife, a shining beacon in any weather

An island of contrasts and surprises, that’s Tenerife, even as Hurricane Xynthia threatened to wreak havoc, the sun beat down brightly and temperatures nudged up into the high 20 degrees. As the storms move on and through mainland Europe, it’s business as usual in resilient Tenerife, and the snow capped peak of Mount Teide looks a picture from Wimpen head office in Playa Paraiso.

It takes a lot to throw Canarians out of their stride, even Carnaval season went on largely unaffected, a few events were moved to other days but the street parties carried on. Making provision for just a few days of severe weather each year is a tough balancing act but Tenerife makes a good job of it. The barrancos(ravines) channel the water down to the coast and as soon as the rain stops the council workers and emergency services swing into action. Santa Cruz, the northern capital, suffered quite a deluge but even on the national Carnaval holiday the street cleaners were out early in the morning to mop up.

The snow on Teide can be seen from all around the island, it’s a proud and defiant symbol of the enduring qualities of Tenerife and its people. It’s quite a feeling to lay on the beach soaking up the sun as you look up and see the snow glinting in the skyline. The rainfall will also bring its reward, the lusher, greener north of the island emerges revived from the pine forests of the La Orotava valley to the many vineyards that make Tenerife wine such an export favourite. Raise your glass and say cheers to Tenerife, there’s plenty more sunshine to come.