The Tenerife Carnival

February is carnival time in Tenerife as this Iberian island comes alive to host one of the largest fiestas on the planet. Attracting people from all over the world, the Tenerife Carnival, second only to Rio with its colourful costumes, dancing, parades and parties, is an amazing incentive destination.

What to know

Where: Santa Cruz, Tenerife
When: February 21–24, 2009
GMT: on the same time as London
Flight time from London: 4 hours 15 minutes
Main airports: Tenerife North and Tenerife South
Transfers: 20 minutes from Tenerife North; 1 hour from Tenerife South
Minimum stay: 2 nights

What to expect

Don some serious fancy dress for the big Burial of the Sardine parade
Sip sangria and tuck into the tapas on the Santa Cruz strip
Dance under the stars at one of the many street parties
Slink away for a siesta to re-charge your batteries for the night ahead
Dress up for the carnival: go big and beautiful, with lots of colour!

A word in your ear

Salud! (cheers!)