Tenerife, largest of the Canary Islands

Few low-cost flights from Europe can take you as far as Africa, but many can take you all the way to Africa’s latitudes: Tenerife, laying West of Morocco’s coast, is one of the hottest and most affordable destination throughout the year for tourists flying out from many UK airports.

The largest among the Canary Islands, this ancient piece of land is one of Spain’s most treasured tourist destinations, capable of attracting about 10 million visitors a year thanks to its combination of sandy and volcanic beaches.

Tenerife holidays offer hundreds of options: the island’s relatively small territory varies greatly between the South side, the inland mountains and the Northern coast. Beaches in the South are just a short walk away from long lines of hotels for all pockets. Among them, Los Cristianos, with all its bars, is the most famous in this area. Nearby you will also be able to check out the equally popular Playa de los Caletillas and El Médano.

If you’re instead looking for something a bit different, venturing towards the inner part of the island you will encounter rugged and deserted mountainous areas which not many could imagine being so close to often overcrowded beaches. The Teide’s peak reaches 3718 metres and represents the highest mountain in Spain and the third biggest volcano in the world. Now a national park, its surroundings are perfect for an adventurous hiking trip: if you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some quiet afternoons after endless nights by the sea, this is the haven you’re looking for.
As soon as the Southern side of the island doesn’t hold any more secrets for you, it will finally be time to discover what many consider the real Tenerife: Playa de las Teresitas to the North is a treasure to behold and perhaps the one that deserves the most of your afternoons under the sun. With crystalline waters and a relaxed feel to it, this beach is surrounded by all the right tapa bars and eateries to welcome families and young folks alike. Again, Las Gaviotas and Almacìga are hidden beauties, with the latter often appreciated by surfers and solitary souls alike, the ultimate getaway on this exotic island just a few hours’ flight away from rainy Britain.