Tenerife
Flight time from UK: 4 hrs (approx)

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Isles and a beautiful island of huge contrast - vibrant, enthralling and relaxed all at the same time. It offers lush forests, deserts, mountains and volcanoes all ringed by its spectacular coastline. Grandly situated in the centre of this diverse island sits Mount Teide, the highest peak on Spanish territory. Stylish Puerto de la Cruz sits to the north, a charming town that buzzes with a cosmopolitan vibe. Puerto de Santiago, neighboured by the attractive Los Gigantes cliffs, has a peaceful and relaxed ambience and once served as a harbour. Just north of Puerto Colon harbour is Costa Adeje, a small hillside town with narrow tree-lined roads, packed with cafés and bars. Further south you'll find Playa de las Americas. Purpose built, it is wild, crazy and full of International flavour. Next-door lays its relaxed neighbour, Los Cristianos, which has grown from a classic Spanish fishing village into a modern resort. As the name suggests, golf is the main attraction in the Golf Del Sur, site of two major courses.

Affectionately known as the 'island of eternal spring', Tenerife is home to striking volcanic landscapes and open green countryside. Situated just off the West African coast, enjoy golden and charcoal grey beaches, picturesque mountain villages, pretty coastal towns and year-round subtropical climates. Beneath the dizzy heights of Mount Teide, you'll find an exceptional holiday destination.

Must See
You can climb El Teide by cable car, which ascends from the steamy lower edges to a chilly 4,000 feet in eight minutes. Below, the National Park of Las Cañadas is the lava-strewn moonscape used to film Star Wars. To the west stand the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes; to the north, the lush, glorious hiking country of the Orotava valley, where vineyards, banana plantations and native dragon trees abound. Two towns, pretty La Orotava and beachside Puerto de la Cruz, are good bases for exploration. Orotava, at the foot of a volcano, has streets lined with well-preserved colonial architecture. The capital, Santa Cruz, has broad avenues and leafy squares dotted with fabulous architecture.

Lush tropical gardens like García Sanabria are a cool escape, while the shady Las Ramblas promenade is the city's main pedestrian artery. Close to the historic port and waterfront area, the curves of Calatrava's Opera House on Avenida Maritíma signal the beginning of a cultural sea change, with concerts staged almost every night. Hot on the heels of the Opera House came the Oscar Domínguez Institute of Modern Art and Culture. Just along the coast, Playa de las Teresitas, with its yellow sand from the Sahara, is a lovely place for a dip.

Shopping
Tenerife (as well as the other Canary Islands) is a duty free area so tobacco, wines, spirits and perfumes are much cheaper than in other EU countries. Several shopping centers have sprung up across the island including the popular Corté Ingles department store in Santa Cruz. Similarly large stores include Carrefour just off the TF-1 motorway. In the south, apart from the usual plethora of souvenirs and electrical goods, local crafts such as pottery, embroidery and volcanic sculptures are common in Los Cristianos and in the El Duque Commercial Centre in Costa Adeje.

After Dark
The staple of Canarian cuisine is a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish. The traditional island food is gofio, a sort of flour made from toasted cereals, often a substitute for bread. You shouldn't leave without trying one of the best-known dishes, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), or if you feel like something sweet some bienmesabe, a mixture of honey, almond cream, eggs and rum. Whether you want to party, experience cultural dance shows, or listen to jazz you'll be able to find it in Tenerife. In true Spanish style, once the sun goes down bars and restaurants come alive, and clubs stay open most of the night (and morning) especially in Playa de las Americas, home to Veronicas, the hottest nightlife location in Tenerife. In the south you'll find everything from Spanish dance shows, magic shows to jazz nights.