Cheap Flights to Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Isles archipelago, this island is a popular destination with year-round sun, stunning scenery and a lively nightlife. The island isn't short on history either, there's evidence of thousands of years of inhabitation. Tenerife was originally populated by the Guanches tribes who were conquered by the Spanish some 500 years ago. It became important as a staging post on the long sea journey to the Americas made by Spanish explorers while tourists began arriving in the late 19th-century. The island is home to Mount Teide the highest peak anywhere on Spanish territory. Be sure to check out tickets to this fabulous sun-soaked island.

Things To Do in Tenerife

Ancient cities, white-washed villages, a stunning coastline and mountain roads with breathtaking views all welcome you to the island. Children will enjoy a visit to the Zoo Monkey Park or spend a day hiking in the Parque Nacional Las Canadas del Teide.

• A trip up into the clouds

El Teide is the island's highest point and well worth a visit for the barren lunar-like landscape left by volcanic eruptions. Book a jeep safari or take the cable car to the summit. Tip: Go prepared, matter how hot it is down on the beach, it's always cold at Teide's altitude.

• A day in the capital

Any visit to the island should include some time in its historic capital Santa Cruz. Stroll through narrow cobbled streets before visiting the Museo de la Naturaleza El Hombre where you'll find some fascinating mummified remains found on the island.

• A day on the beach

There are no shortage of beautiful beaches, but if you like to mix water sports in with your swimming and sunbathing then Fanabe Beach has it all. You can even take a glass-bottomed boat trip from here.

Events in Tenerife

Every town on the island will have its own carnivals and religious events while across the year other festivals celebrate wine, sport, film, music and, above all, flowers. In fact, there's rarely an event when the island's beautiful flowers don't take centre stage.

• Santa Cruz Carnaval: February sees one of Europe's biggest carnivals, a week-long extravaganza of costumed parades, music and parties. The main highlight is the burial of a giant papier-mâché sardine. Thousands of men dress up as widows to mourn it.

• Día de la Cruz: May sees one of the biggest firework displays in Europe at Los Realejos in the North of the island. This area is home to two huge firework manufacturers who like to show off their pyrotechnic skills at this event. Also, every cross in the town is decorated with flowers to mark this day.

• San Andrés Wine Festival: In November, Tenerife's new wines are ready and Puerto de la Cruz presents a pop-up wine market to celebrate the occasion. Local cheeses, chestnuts and sardines are served from kiosks while local children traditionally make as much noise as possible by dragging strings of tin cans through the streets.