Los Gigantes Vacation Rental house: Playa de la Arena

We had not visited the islands before, but found this to be the perfect location for us in Tenerife: sunny, pretty, but away from crowds and noise. Playa de la Arena is a charming beach in a small civilised resort with good facilities - including great fresh fish from the counter at Mercadone supermarket.

This villa is also in the perfect spot, with gorgeous uninterrupted sea views across to the Island of La Gomera. It is simply appointed, but with everything you could need, and the villa has both a balcony with awning, and a large sun terrace which gets full sun all day. Efficient ceiling fans provide necessary cooling - we had no discomfort despite the very warm temperatures day and night. This is not a place to stay if you want to be at all noisy, but we didn't, and nor did the other residents so that was fine! The gardens of the small development are really beautiful, so many varieties of tropical flowers and shrubs which attract birds and butterflies. Amongst these, and overlooking the black rocks and the sea, is a good size swimming pool.

There was little incentive to leave the villa, gardens and immediate beach and shops, but we ventured to the neighbouring Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes, and also drove across the hills to Icod - about an hour of winding roads - and experienced the complete change in climate that is a feature of this varied island. Restaurants are the expected international mix, but we ate good fresh fish in Pancho's and the less upmarket Neptuno's, both in lovely seaside settings. La Sirena, a lunchtime only place right above the beach, served a very decent tender steak. Tenerife wines were a great discovery too.

I should mention the friendliness and helpfulness of the owner, Martin, whose love of the island and this area come through vividly in his delightfully written and very informative information sheets. The travel directions were exemplary, and I recommend consulting Martin about car hire, and anything else practical indeed. There is also help available from the local agent should you get stuck while on site.

All in all it's hard to believe there can be a better place to stay in Tenerife for anyone wanting sunshine, a beautiful location, relaxation, and good access to places of interest. Of course if you want all night entertainment at high volume you probably already know it's not here!