An island of two halves

South Tenerife is all soft sand, warm turquoise waters and lively resorts like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. Things are much greener in the north, where you'll find forests made for hiking, picture-perfect Puerto de la Cruz and the capital, Santa Cruz. Not to mention the island's home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. For expansive views of the pretty island, venture to its summit.

By day and by night

Tenerife's year-round tropical climate means days here are spent outside. The beaches are geared up for lounging, water spots and midday beers, but there are lots of golf courses and theme parks for endless entertainment too. When the sun goes down, live shows, al fresco dining spots, budget-friendly restaurants and dance-all-night-worthy bars are what you can expect.

Local goodies

Not only is Tenerife a tangle of boutiques and retailers to make any savvy shopper swoon, it's also a pantry of local specialties waiting to be tried and purchased. Cheese, honey, mojo sauce – you name it, this island has flavours to pack a punch in every dish. Don't miss papas arrugadas, wrinkly potatoes that are found on most menus!