When you say 'Tenerife' to a Northern European, especially those from Britain, most will probably think of sun, sand and sea. For a long time it has been a haven for people trying to escape their colder countries, if just for brief periods, for a taste of hot sun, Spanish laid-back life, and rich wine. Indeed, it is still a huge tourist destination.

With so many people visiting and falling in love with the area, there has to have been a fair percentage of those who decided to actually buy property there. And indeed, Tenerife is certainly presently a property hot-spot. But what and where is Tenerife, and why do so many people go there?

Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. The island is part of Spanish territory and Spanish is spoken there. There are two airports on the island, Tenerife North Airport and Tenerife South Airport, which makes the island very accessible. Also, there is already a very large ex-pat community there, so holiday makers hoping to buy property on Tenerife will find English speaking property agents very easily.

The amazing climate in Tenerife is one of the main reasons that people decide to visit, and then purchase property, on the island. Although it's located only a little north of the Tropic of Cancer, the presence of winds which envelop the island means that temperatures never reach uncomfortably high levels. In fact, temperature differences between summer and winter are lower here than anywhere else in the world. This means hot, but not scorching, summers and warm winters.

Also, the island plays host to the very beautiful Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain, which is an active, though dormant, volcano. The volcano and the area surrounding it comprise the Teide National Park, which is a wonderful spot to explore and enjoy, as a break from the town life.

Food and alcohol are so much cheaper on Tenerife than in, for example, the UK, and island dwellers become accustomed to eating out all the time, as a three course meal with a good wine will set you back less than half the amount as it would in England. Food on the island is fresh, wine is good, and everything is very reasonably priced.

The beaches are, of course, another reason why so many Northern Europeans choose to purchase property on Tenerife. The Atlantic Ocean laps the shores of the island's 269 km of coastline; in the south the ocean meets golden sandy beaches, whereas in the north, secluded black sand coves are found. Tenerife has plenty to offer in the way of water sports, such as scuba diving and wind-surfing, as well as land sports, such as golf.

The island of Tenerife is rich in culture, geography and history. It is affordable, friendly and has a near perfect climate; it's no wonder so many people choose to buy a second home, or indeed, choose to live full time, on this beautiful island.