Tenerife is not all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it’s far more than that. No place in Europe is more cracked, ravaged, thrust asunder, or cleaved apart. Forget the crowds of lobster-pink sun-seekers who cling to its shores—just one word truly defines Tenerife, and that word is volcanic.

This Canary Island is a testament to the forces of nature, covered in vast solidified lava flows, carved by impossibly deep ravines, cloaked by lush forests, and crowned by its omnipresent, all-dominating peak: Mount Teide. Tenerife is a volcanic wonderland, and that humbling reality is worth remembering when you’re navigating the crowded streets of Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos.

The neon signs promising "two pints for the price of one" might momentarily distract you, but beyond the high-rises lies the mountain—a reminder of how small our human pursuits are in the face of nature.

Escaping the Crowds 🗻

Recently, I found myself on Tenerife, looking for a bit of winter sun—a pursuit of warmth that’s hard to ignore with all the tempting offers flying out of regional airports. Tenerife, as one of the few places in Europe that can promise sun by the bucket-load in March, was my destination. Yet, not all of Tenerife basks in year-round sun. The island is aptly known as the Island of Contrasts. North of Mount Teide, the coast turns green and fertile, and the weather can often shift to cloudy or rainy. The sunny southern tip, however, is where most of the tourist hubs are found.

Of the two main resorts, Los Cristianos is by far the more charming. Unlike the brashness of Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos retains a sense of authenticity. Its working ferry and fishing harbor offer a glimpse into the real life of the island, and it feels a world away from the loud, neon-lit tourist traps.

Where to Stay: Southern Comfort 🏘️

On this trip, I stayed at the Arona Gran Hotel, situated in the sunniest part of the bay. From its spacious balconies, I could take in views of the harbour and a beautiful volcanic hill that separated the hotel from the busier tourist areas.

The strategic location allowed us to escape the tourist frenzy with ease, while still providing all the comforts of a luxury stay.

The southern tip of Tenerife is also conveniently close to Tenerife South Airport, which makes traveling from regional UK airports like Bristol or Exeter a breeze. Despite the four-hour flight, the quick 20-minute bus journey to the hotel makes the entire trip seamless.

Adventures Beyond the Beach: La Gomera and Beyond ⛰️

The best part of staying on the southern tip of Tenerife is how easy it is to explore beyond the main tourist drag. Almost hourly ferries make their way to La Gomera, an island just an hour away by sea. I fully intend to return just to explore Gomera—a lush, mountainous island renowned for its wild beauty and the promise of a "horizontal rain" experience for adventurous hikers.

For those seeking wild beauty without leaving Tenerife, the island itself offers a range of landscapes that defy its sun-soaked reputation. Renting an inexpensive car, I was able to traverse four entirely different climate zones within an hour of leaving the hotel.

From sub-tropical seaside heat to the alpine chill of snow-dusted Mount Teide, Tenerife showcased a stunning variety—including semi-desert expanses, Mediterranean vineyard zones, and lush forests. It’s a reminder that Tenerife is far more than its resort-filled southern coast—it is an island of astounding natural diversity.

Experience the Wild Side of Tenerife 🌋

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, don't settle for the typical tourist experience. Explore beyond the sunbeds and high-rise hotels. From the verdant beauty of La Gomera to the towering majesty of Mount Teide, Tenerife offers much more than sun and sand. It is an island forged by fire—an adventure waiting to be discovered.