Where is Spain’s highest peak? Strangely, off the coast of Africa. About 300km out in the Atlantic, you’ll find the volcano that dominates Tenerife’s Tiede National Park. See this and some less-visited islands on Explore’s 12-day Outer Canaries trek, suitable for over-12s: pound;975 for the April 6 departure, including flights, transfers, 11 nights in hotels and a guide (0844 499 0901, www.explore.co.uk).
The ocean’s trade winds help create another of Tenerife’s natural phenomena, the sea of clouds that sometimes forms between certain altitudes in the north and northeastern parts of the island. Even at February half-term you’re likely to find temperatures of about 18C and lots of sunshine, though it is a rainy month.
Wait until April or May and it’ll be much drier for hiking and walking, while only a few degrees hotter. By the time half-term starts, the Canaries carnival celebrations will be nearing their finales, with carnival queens, children’s events and grand parades.
In a year when Ash Wednesday comes later you may catch the traditional Funeral of the Sardine when black clothes and (fake) weeping marks the time to put away carnival clothes.
The annual music festival, however, continues until the end of the month and includes performances by internationally renowned artistes and orchestras, as well as flamenco, jazz and African music, the Tenerife Symphony and the Grand Canaria Philharmonic, conducted by Riccardo Muti (www.festivaldecanarias.com). For more details call 020 7431 4045
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Where to stay
Hotel Vulcano is a beautiful 4-star hotel in Playa de las Americas, southern Tenerife. It’s quite touristy but it’s in a good location, close to San Telmo beach. The hotel has a botanical lounge, two swimming pools and there are lots of bars nearby.
www.springhoteles.com.
Sarah, Yorkshire
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