If you’re someone who lives in the UK and are tired of 1) feeling cold and 2) having to wear layer upon layer of clothing just to try and trap the tiniest amount of heat, don’t worry, you are far from alone.

Our island’s endless icy rainy winter is not for the faint of heart and at this point — most of us are just looking for one singular ray of sunshine to soak in.

So, if this island is making you sad, don’t worry, because we’ve got another one that will lift those spirits right up.

Coming in hot (pun absolutely intended) is today’s sunshine island recommendation with cheap flights, even cheaper pints, and perhaps, best of all, 21C of sunshine.

Boasting over 300 days of sunshine in a year, and most importantly, over 850 hours of winter sun, this Spanish holiday hotspot is a British favourite for a reason.

A famous island within the already popular Spanish archipelago also known as the Canary Islands, Tenerife is toasty all year round, but especially in the dreary months of January through March.

Direct flights to this sunshine holiday island are affordable — at the time of writing, a one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Tenerife South Airport on February 24 was priced at £40 with one free cabin bag allowance.

Now that we have cheap flights and brilliant sunny weather — what’s the one other thing that could make Tenerife too good to pass up for UK residents? You guessed it: the price of a pint. Which is also mind-blowingly cheap at just £1.30 on average.

Unsurprisingly, this isn’t all that Tenerife has to offer. Aptly known as the ‘island of a thousand experiences’, Tenerife is as jaw-dropping in its beauty as it is in affordable prices.

Things to do in Tenerife

Visitors of this breathtaking island can enjoy palm-lined beaches, dramatic volcanoes, scenic landscapes, verdant forests, and mouthwatering food — all in one winter getaway.

The white sand, 1.3-kilometer-long Playa de las Teresitas beach is popular among travellers, as is the 850-metre long golden sand beach of Playa de las Vistas, and while both may be overrun with tourists during the summer months, February and March see them relatively sparse with crowds, making them ideal spots for some carefree ocean-side frolicking.

Playa Jardin beach with its volcanic black sand is also a hit among those looking for something out of the ordinary during their beach vacation — not to mention how stunning it looks in photographs.

As the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife is the gift that keeps on giving. Some other beaches to explore include the luxurious Playa del Duque for upscale dining and relaxed family fun, the massive natural beach of Playa de la Tejita for dramatic views of Montaña Roja aka the Red Mountain, the secluded stunning cove of Playa de Abama for golden sands and excellent snorkelling, and arguably, Tenerife’s most beautiful beach, Playa de Benijo for a remote getaway in the lap of nature surrounded by extraordinary cliffs and gorgeous black sand.

The south-west coast of Tenerife, specifically between Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos, is well-known for dolphin and whale watching, its azure waters frequently visited by blue whales and orcas from November through May, in addition to the dolphins that live there all year round.

A boat tour in this area is a must-do for any marine enthusiast.

Another activity to indulge in while in Tenerife is undoubtedly the Teide National Park, aptly crowned Europe’s most visited park with over 30 picturesque hiking trails and unique flora and fauna.

Home to the mighty impressive Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 metres and a Natural World Heritage Site, an excursion to this active volcano is, without a doubt, a bucket-list adventure.

Offering spectacular views of the caldera and numerous lava flows, cones, rocks and dykes, it’s some of the most striking scenery you’ll ever witness on this planet.

The Corona Forestal Natural Park with its lush signature Canary Island flora and fauna and awe-aspiring valleys and ravines is another must visit attraction.

Tenerife is much more than just a ‘winter sunshine destination’ for gloomy UK residents though, boasting rich and beautiful preserved history within its many towns and municipalities. 

The colonial city of San Cristobal de la Laguna is one such unique getaway within Tenerife, its highlight is that it has no walls — a design element which later inspired several cities within American colonies.

Aptly given the title of a World Heritage Site, San Cristobal has carefully preserved its stunning original 15th century layout without too many alterations. Another attraction, Puerto de la Cruz, is home to a fantastic botanical garden that’s well worth a visit.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island capital, cannot be missed out from this list of must visit places in Tenerife, giving visitors the perfect heady mix of bustling city life, historic charm, and stunning architecture.

Robust and hearty local dishes and fresh, mouthwatering seafood are the pillars of Tenerife, and anywhere you go, delectable offerings at affordable prices would only add to this stunning island’s charm.