Tenerife offers much more than mass tourism, sun loungers and neon cocktails. As one of the Canary Islands Tenerife can offer a different type of short. If you want to spend most of your time on two legs soaking up the panoramic views at La Gomera's Garajonay National park, the 'cloud forest' or two wheels in the La Esperanza Forest, it is here; relax at a small guest house away from the crowd.
The Canary Islands boast many stamina-testing walks for those that are up to it; you can head out on your own and see how far it takes you or go on one of the many self-guided walking tours. UK Explore has a eight-day self-guided tour to both Tenerife and the island of La Gomera. Two of the main highlights are El Teide – Tenerife’s iconic volcano – and La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park, known as the island’s ‘cloud forest’.
Make sure you take your camera, because you will enjoy the panoramic views from the coastal paths and hills of La Gomera from which, on a clear day, you can see the distinctive shape of Tenerife. The terrain is varied, ranging from colourful deserts, valleys of papaya and mango fields as well as sandy coastlines – the agreeable year round temperature will also force you to forget about clouds and drizzle in no time.
Long before Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins selected Tenerife for cycling training, the island has been a great place to explore on two wheels. The island’s various microclimates keep it interesting – the south side is dry and sunny, the north is cooler and greener – and there are plenty of routes to thrill and test your skills.
One of the most popular areas to explore by bike is the La Esperanza Forest. Bike Point Tenerife – located in both Medano and Las Americas- has a 40km cycling tour through these woods, which will pass under eucalyptus trees and travel past tantalising viewpoints of the island and its volcano. Taking half a day to complete, the tour is a perfect ride for experienced medium-level, cross-country riders.
The island of Tenerife welcomes up to 10 million visitors each year so if you’re after a get-away-from-it-all holiday it pays to go remote. One of the place to escape to on the island is Hotel El Patio on the northwest coast. With 26 good-value guestrooms spread between the manor house, winery and the stables – to be simple but smart with cool terracotta-tiled floors, wicker chairs and decent views.
Family run – and a lot more interesting than its humble name suggests – this old manor house shoulders a dramatic slice of coastline and is surrounded by lush banana plantations. Here you can strike out to El Tanque to hike through any one of three nature reserves, or wander down to the nearby black-pebbled cove. There are no phones or Tvs – so this is a good spot for a self-imposed digi-detox too.
You can now get flights to the north of the island, Los Rodeos, a perfect contrast to the popular resorts in the south, key attractions here include the mountainous Anaga Rural Park, the quirky shops of Santa Cruz, the former capital La Laguna and the northern wineries – ideal for those seeking a more authentic Tenerife.
For something really different, head to the Pyramids of Guimar in June, the day of the Summer solstice to witness the double sunset phenomenon that sees the sun completely disappear on the horizon before partially resurfacing a few minutes later. Mind-blowing stuff.
If you’d rather just top up your tan, Tenerife can of course deliver. Just grab your towel and head to the nearest poolside or beach, the island's all round good weather makes it a perfect destination.