A Perfect Day in Tenerife

9.00am

Breakfast

Soak up the sea views at Playa de las Vistas and breakfast at the Water Melon in San Telmo, Los Cristianos.

10.00am

Adeje

Take the main TF1 north and divert to the unspoilt hill town of Adeje, former seat of the Guanche tribe and later stronghold of the Counts of Gomera. Visit the remains of their Casa Fuerte and amble along the steep Rambla with its bars and cafés. Adeje is the entry point to the Barranca del Infierno (Hell's Gorge), a popular 4-mile (6.3km) return hike which should be saved for another day.

11.30am

Arguayo

Rejoin the main road going north. After Chio head right via the village of Arguayo, home to the Museum of ‘Cha Domitila’ where you can watch potters at work and purchase ceramics.

12.30pm

Masca

Carry on north via Las Manchas to Santiago del Teide. From here continue to Tenerife's most picturesque village – Masca, at the head of a dramatic gorge. Enjoy the breathtaking views from one of the roadside restaurants – Chez Arlette is a good bet.

2.00pm

Garachico

Return to the main road and head north (TF-82) for the charming coastal village of Garachico. Spend a couple of hours here, taking a dip in the lava rock pools, visiting the ex-Convent of San Francisco, admiring the views from Castillo de San Miguel or cooling off with a drink in the Plaza.

4.00pm

West Coast

Head back south on the main road, then at Tamaimo turn on to the TF454 down the valley for Los Gigantes. ‘The Giants’ is named after the soaring volcanic walls that drop sheer into the sea. Continue south along the coast, pausing perhaps at the fishing village-cum-beach resort of Playa de San Juan.

7.00pm

Sunset Wining and Dining

Enjoy a cocktail at La Caleta on the Costa Adeje, then tuck into superb seafood at Masía del Mar (tel: 922 710 895) or Piscis Terraza (tel: 922 710 241).

11.00pm

Nightlife

End the evening at the über-cool El Faro Chill Art between Puerto Colón and Fañabe Beach, watching the sun sink from the Zen terrace – before partying at the disco inside.