Discover an adventurous side to holidays in Tenerife

For many years, Tenerife has been an island that the British have associated with year-round sunshine, warm seas, sandy beaches and package holidays. While the island certainly has an abundance of typical tourist attractions to keep the five million annual visitors from across the world boarding flights to Tenerife each day, there also exists a lesser-known, wilder, and altogether more adventurous side to the island too. In this article, we examine five outstanding attractions that will make any trip to this famous island action-packed.

Hiking

Tenerife’s highlight for many walkers is the caldera of a vast volcano called Mount Teide. This spectacular active volcano is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park. You can join a party of walkers that explore both the vast, craggy region surrounding the majestic volcano, or the more adventurous can scale the imposing edifice itself.

Diving

After scaling the heights, why not plunge to the depths? Tenerife is recognised globally as a centre for world-class diving and there are several Professional Association of Diving Instructors courses available that will teach you the basics of this fascinating activity and allow you to dive in the pristine waters off the island.

Biking

If you are a fan of more extreme forms of mountain biking, then the secluded mountainsides of Tenerife are the perfect place to indulge your hobby. While some areas are off-limits to cyclists, there are many that offer superb riding in pristine conditions all year round and with bike hire available on the island, there’s no excuse not to jump in the saddle and take on the mountain trails.

Quad bikes

If you prefer your bike with four wheels and an engine, then Tenerife offers two options. Quad Park offers you the chance to take to local tracks to experience the thrill of a quad bike ride, while more experienced quad bikers may enjoy the Quad Safari who take groups off-road into the craggy mountain regions. Instruction, safety equipment and goggles are supplied.

Ocean kayaking

The volcanic shores of the island are beautiful and best explored from an ocean kayak. From as little as €10 an hour, you can venture around the inlets and rocky coves from your own kayak. Tuition is available from El Cardón at Punta de Teno, who also organise equipment hire and can advise you of the best places to explore along this rugged and spectacular coastline.

Best of all, enjoying any of these activities need not come at vast expense. You can find cheap flights to the island on websites such as http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/ and sites like these also provide extensive information on cheap places to stay and inexpensive car hire meaning you need not pay a fortune to experience the wilder side of the Canary Islands.

Tenerife may have a well-deserved reputation as an island holiday idyll, but scratch beyond its surface and a volcano of adventurous activity lies at its heart. An island that was initially forged from fire is now one that may seem, somewhat paradoxically, sedate and gentle to the average tourist. Look closer, however, and those seeking a little more adventure will find plenty to keep their hearts pounding during their stay.