If, like me, you find the cold, grey days of a British winter depressing, the prospect of a little sunshine can seem enticing, but expensive. Tenerife is a four-hour flight away and promises a spring-like temperature even in our darkest winter months
Now many budget airlines, including Monarch, fly to Tenerife from Birmingham, Luton, Gatwick and Manchester airports, making it a cheaper and more accessible winter sun destination.
Tenerife enjoys a mild temperature all year round. The south of the island is slightly warmer than the north, and in the centre, the island's highest peak, Mount Teide can be snow-covered. But for most of our European winter, temperatures in Tenerife hover around 20C. And there's no denying there's something gorgeous about sitting in the sunshine in the middle of November, knowing that those at home are bundled up in multiple layers, struggling through drizzle. It may just be my mean streak showing, but it doubles the pleasure!
Black sands, blue sea
The largest of the Canary Islands which lie off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife boasts lush, green woodlands and long, sandy beaches. True, many of the beaches are black as the island is volcanic in origin but while this is a bit disconcerting at first, the sand still feels great between your toes! Most beaches are equipped with all the services and amenities bathers expect and the waters are pure and clear, constantly refreshed by the marine currents.
Lunar landscape
Nature is very much at the forefront of tourism in Tenerife, as over half the island is currently protected, and there are many places of ecological interest to visit. The stunning Mount Teide National Park is a collapsed volcanic crater that is over three million years old. The bleak, desert landscape is alien to look at, and it's no surprise it was used as a set for Star Wars.
If you're fit and healthy, you can climb the 3,718m-high volcano Mount Teide, but you will need a permit which can be obtained from the Park Administration Offices in Santa Cruz, at the north of the island. Only 150 visitors a day are allowed up to the top, and you need to apply for the permit in person, with your passport and a photocopy of the photo and details page. You can also ride a cable car to just below the summit.
An easy walk takes you to one of two viewpoints, from where you can enjoy excellent views of the island, and on a good day, the surrounding islands. If you have a permit, you can climb up to the top from here. There are also plenty of less arduous walking tracks around the park, but remember to take plenty of water and sunscreen with you, as the routes can be isolated places.
If star-gazing is your thing, splurge on a stay at the Parador Nacional de Canadas del Teide. This stylish and luxurious, state-run hotel is right in the middle of the park, so peace and quiet are guaranteed. You're also far enough away from the towns to avoid light pollution, so the night skies can be enjoyed in all their finery.
Beautiful balconies
Heading down from the National Park, you'll find the old town of La Orotava. Here, a network of steep, cobbled streets lead you to Doce Casas, 12 beautifully preserved mansions that were home to the leading families of their day. Built during the 17th and 18th centuries, these houses are arranged around a central courtyard, and are famous for their pretty wooden balconies.
Made from the local Canarian pine, these intricately carved balconies face both into the courtyard and onto the street. The buildings are now shops that house the traditional lace and linen work that's typical to the island. You may also find examples of the extraordinarily detailed sand pictures that are made using the different coloured volcanic sands of the area.
Penguins, whales and dolphins
If you're travelling with children, they'll love a trip to Loro Parque, Tenerife's zoo. Set in lush gardens that are home to many indigenous plants, including the famous dragon tree, the zoo is a haven of tranquillity. Among the highlights here is Planet Penguin, which you enter through a tunnel of ice, transporting you to an Antarctic landscape where penguins rule.
Visitors are carried through the exhibit on a moving walkway and can see Chinstrap, Gentoo, Rockhopper and King penguins enjoying their icy wilderness. Machines produce up to 12 tonnes of snow daily and the penguins relish a periodic snow shower. The zoo also puts on regular shows with dolphins, sea lions and orcas performing tricks.
Conservation is highlighted at the zoo by the troop of gorillas. In the wild, gorillas live in groups with one adult male and several females and young. When male gorillas reach maturity, they leave their family group and join a bachelor troop, until they find females of their own. This has proved difficult in captivity and many young males have ended up being kept alone.
To help prevent this, Loro Parque established its bachelor group in 1992. The group create a genetic reserve, which is essential in the captive management of endangered species, and are also able to move to new zoos when the resident male becomes too old.
Away from the parks, you can still enjoy plentiful wildlife. Take a boat trip to see dolphins and whales in their natural environment. These animals can usually be found in the deep waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, a neighbouring island, and the dolphins regularly put on a show, leaping out of the water or racing in front of the boats. Most of the boat trips also include food and offer the chance to swim in a sheltered cove, so remember to pack your swimsuit.
Monarch airlines fly to Tenerife from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester. Fares, including taxes, start from £57.50 one way or £105.50 return. Refreshments are available on the flight at additional cost. www.flymonarch.com