Tenerife: Discover the Canaries' largest island, Tenerife, a volcanic paradise where the landscape changes with the rhythm of the waves.

Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination, with many Spaniards spending their holidays here and travellers from all over the world landing in Santa Cruz de Tenerife every year. When you arrive on the volcanic island, you'll soon realise why Tenerife is so popular. Magical landscapes await you in every corner of the island.

It's rare to have so much diversity and beauty in such a small area. In fact, this little 2,000 km piece of land is teeming with rich and varied ecosystems. Starting out from the pleasant colonial town of San Cristobal de La Laguna, you pass through the dense primary rainforest of Anaga Park before taking a dip in one of the black sand beaches on the Atlantic coast. Once you've cooled off, you'll discover the arid lands of the Teide volcano before relaxing in the island's natural pools.

Tenerife's towns are relatively small, making them pleasant places to visit. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the province. It is the island's cultural centre, home to the media, the largest hospital in the Canaries and the Museum of Man and Nature. It's a charming town where you can relax in the seawater pools of the César Manrique maritime park or shop at the local farmers' market.

San Cristobal de La Laguna is the religious and historical capital of the Canary Islands. There are plenty of emblematic monuments to visit, including La Laguna Cathedral and the Nava Palace.

The Teide volcano sits enthroned in the centre of Tenerife. It is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest peak in the Atlantic Ocean. The volcano is still active and rises to a height of over 3,700 metres. At the summit, the observatory of the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics offers night-time expeditions to admire one of the most beautiful starry skies in the world.

You can also hike to the volcano's crater. Le Teide also offers you some choice geological wonders. You can discover the Cueva del Viento, a network of underground tunnels formed by cooled lava, or relax in the island's natural pools, also formed by the thermal shock between molten lava and ocean water. Within these capricious shapes, you are sheltered from the currents and waves and can enjoy a moment of total serenity.

The island is one of the best places in Europe to practise this discipline. Tenerife has all the ideal conditions for hiking: pleasant temperatures all year round, breathtaking scenery, beaches and, of course, incredible landscapes.

In the area surrounding the volcano, you'll hike through the lunar landscapes of the island's centre. On the coast, you can finish your hikes by taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, in the Anaga forest, there's something for everyone: the park's trails are specially adapted for people with reduced mobility.