LIVING and WORKING in TENERIFE
Geography - Political - Economy - Climate - Culture - Leisure - Medical - Schooling - Holiday Homes
Geography
Tenerife is situated 200 miles off the west coast of North West Africa at
about 28 degrees Latitude. Although it would fit into a 80 miles by 80
miles square, it is the largest of the Canary Islands. It has two busy
International Airports serving the North and South of the island with
direct links to Europe, the USA and the South Americas. Mount Teide,the
now extinct volcano, at some 12,200 feet, is the highest point in Spain
Political
Although a Spanish possession, Tenerife has it's own Government and a
special status within the EEC (European Community). The formation of
special 'Offshore Zones', (ZEC Zones) which feature a Corporate Tax rate
of only 1%, is now almost complete. The Island is divided into 4 major
Municipalities, each governed by it's own Council (Ayuntomiento). The
Ayuntomiento's are producing their own Web pages, for example
Economy
The economy is dominated by Tourism. The Canary Islands are within easy
reach for Europe, only a 4 hour flight from most European countries. With
it's superb winter climate, Tenerife will always remain a popular destination.
Other industries include Banana and other Agricultural exports and newly
emerging service industries serving the rapidly growing resident population.
Climate
I never quite understood how I found out about the Tenerifan climate so
late in life. It features the lowest temperature difference between summer
and winter for virtually anywhere in the world. Although we occasionally
get rain, there is no specific 'rainy season'. Air conditioning is quite
rare, as overhead fans usually provide sufficient air movement. Ok - so
it did rain one day for 1 hour! Hence the (very) rare photograph from my balcony.
Culture
Every culture is here- and it's cool. The main nationalities are Spanish, Brits, Germans,
Italians, Americans and Russians. The Mardi Gras Carnival is the second
larget in the world. Photo shows our Becky and friend Janine joining in
the annual Carnival, Los Cristianos March 1997
Leisure
The multinational environment results in a fantastic choice of food. Eating
out is cheap in the Canaries. Few places can offer the equivalent life-style
that is enjoyed here, at an affordable price. Golf Courses, Night Clubs
and a host of other amenities give you that 'mainland' feel. Touring is
most enjoyable. Tenerife is sufficiently large to ensure it will take you
a few years of touring to really get to know the place intimately. The
other Canary islands are within easy reach of Tenerife.
Medical
High quality medical care, both Private and National, is offered by a
wide selection of Clinics and Hospitals. The Spanish and particularly the
Canarians are very health conscious.
Schooling
For an island of this size, schooling choices are wide. English, German
and Spanish schools obviously dominate. The Spanish State Schools are mostly free, the
rest being privately operated. Many Spanish and German parents prefer to
send their children to the English private schools. Aour children are 10
(girl) and 14 (boy). Feel free to eMail me ashton@atlantis.es
for more information on this
schools or children living in Tenerife.
Holiday Homes
The vast majority of properties here are privately owned by foreign
investors. The multi-national market ensures that property values sustain
a continuous growth - the Tenerife markets are not susceptible to the
vagaries of any particular nation's economy. Buying property in Tenerife
is an excellent investment, but avoid the pitfalls,you can eMail me for more
information ashton@arrakis.es
Tell us if you think we have left out vital information.
We would love to here from YOU. EMail us
ashton@arrakis.es
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