Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and the most visited Spanish island by UK tourists — around 3.5 million Brits visit every year. The appeal is straightforward: guaranteed warm weather even in January (average 20–21°C), direct flights from virtually every UK airport, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure that ranges from all-inclusive resorts to boutique rural retreats in the Anaga mountains.

North vs South Tenerife

The island is effectively two destinations. The south (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) is where most UK visitors go: purpose-built resort towns with excellent beaches, pool complexes, and all-inclusive hotels. The north (Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) is quieter, greener, and more culturally interesting — the historic towns have genuine character and the Anaga Rural Park is one of the best hiking landscapes in the Canary Islands.

Mount Teide

Spain's highest peak (3,718 metres) and one of the world's largest volcanoes, Teide is the island's must-do experience. The cable car to 3,555m runs year-round and costs around £25 per person; the final summit hike requires a permit (free but limited, book through the Parque Nacional de Teide website months ahead). Even the drive through the national park on a clear day is worth it — the lunar landscape is genuinely extraordinary.

Budget Tips for Tenerife

Self-catering or apartment accommodation in the south saves significantly over all-inclusive in the same area. Eating one meal per day at local restaurants (rather than resort strip places) will halve your food costs. The Mercadona supermarket chain has branches across the island and is significantly cheaper than resort-area shops. Renting a car for a day to see the north and Teide is worth every penny — public transport to Teide is limited and slow.