Guest Post By Catherine Lavinia

Looking to explore somewhere special this year? Then why not consider Tenerife? Before you pass it off as nothing more than a clubber’s paradise, or as just another destination for package holidays enthusiasts, allow us to tell you a little about the real Tenerife.

Located just off the West Coast of Africa, this is one of a smattering of islands born out of fiery eruptions many a millennia ago. Tenerife is home to its very own volcano – Mount Teide – which is not just a sleeping giant and the highest mountain in the Canary Islands, but the tallest peak in Spain too. So you can imagine the damage it has inflicted during its volatile history (the most recent eruption was in 1909). Needless to say, the island has changed dramatically over the past few centuries, as it has been shaped, blasted and crafted by this vast and beautiful spectacle, and continues to do so today.

You can get up close and personal with Mount Teide by exploring the surrounding National Park – a designated UNESCO heritage site – and by taking a cable car to the top of the mountain to enjoy soul-stirring views across the island and the ocean. Just remember to wrap up warm as despite its fiery interior, the mountain is blanketed with snow and glaciers!

Elsewhere, Tenerife is home to the cosmopolitan capital city of Santa Cruz, a great spot for sightseeing, shopping, and sampling fresh Spanish and Mediterranean delights. The north coast is another must-see spectacle, as it’s peppered with tiny fishing villages, traditional harbours and lovely white-washed houses, not to mention rugged hillsides and dramatic craggy cliffs.

So whether you’re looking for Thomas Cook holidays in Tenerife, a last-minute getaway or a flexible do-it-yourself break, don’t miss your chance to come touring in Tenerife and discover the real side of this stunning island. It’s an unforgettable experience.