Fed up with this wet and cold weather? How about soaking up the sun on a black sand beach instead? The island of Tenerife has a reputation for fun in the sun but, as Richard Hawes discovered, above the clouds and in the surrounding ocean natural wonders await.

AS dawn broke, and several hours after my flight from Gatwick, I left the Gran Hotel Anthelia for an early morning stroll.

Sitting on a bench, I watched waves crash against the rocks. It was hard to believe that I was so far from home.

Low cost air travel has made overseas trips no more time consuming than a coach journey from London to Liverpool. You don’t even need to change the time on your watch!

The simple pleasures of a night or two in warmer climes, especially in winter, can do wonders in breaking the monotony of nine-to- five life in Britain. And low cost flight operators such as Monarch Airlines are making this quick, easy and comfortable.

One of many destinations for the weekend traveller is Tenerife, which offers so much more than warm beaches and cocktails at seafront bars, should you have the time to explore.

As a destination for both families and youngsters seeking cheap alcohol in the sun, Tenerife is one of the most popular of the Canary Islands; which lay just off the North West coast of Africa.

It is notable for the hedonistic nightlife in the southern resorts of Playa de Los Americas, Los Christianos and Costa Adeje and many travel to soak up the vibrant carnival atmosphere which grips Santa Cruz for a week during February and March.

But Tenerife also has diverse geographical features. As an unseasoned traveller I decided to maintain my limited knowledge before a recent visit and to see the island through 'innocent' eyes.

Venturing into the undisturbed, natural regions of the island I was overwhelmed by the beauty all around. More than half of Tenerife is protected. Here, thanks to conservationists, the fascinating and warm desert landscapes welcome and captivate.

The dormant 3,718m volcano Mount Teide is at the heart of Tenerife. Journeying through Teide National Park I was constantly in awe of the changing scenery. After the last concrete constructions disappeared from view and the smooth roads were left behind, you are into dense pine forests and vast stretches of black volcanic debris.

To stand level with the clouds is truly a bizarre experience, and yet there we were. Mount Tiede is the highest point and was breathtaking. Continuing a tour around the park I found many designated hiking routes which made it clear that you could easily spend a week or two breathing in the crisp air and exploring the park fully.

Loro Parque (Parrot Park) in Puerto de la Cruz is one of the island’s most popular destinations. Founded in 1972 and featuring an authentic Thai construction at its entrance, this captive animal park is now better known for its trained marine mammals. Loro Parque is home to the world’s largest penguinarium and most recently several killer whales travelled from Sea World in the United States to take up residence in it’s newly built OrcaOcean attraction.

Far more agreeable for a Vegan traveller like me, and just as appealing for most others, is the chance to see the pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins which live off Tenerife’s coast when taking a catamaran journey out to their natural habitat.

Quickly packing my things after this excursion, it was time to board the flight back to reality, travelling in comfort on Monarch Airlines, where extra leg room and the possibility of a pleasing Thai Green Curry are only a few extra pounds away.

I arrived home in time for a night's sleep before heading back to work, dazed by the thought that a few hours ago I was sitting poolside under the sun, invigorated by a winter injection of excitement and Vitamin D.

Factfile: Monarch Airlines runs regularly scheduled flights to Tenerife South and other resorts, visit www.flymonarch.com for more information. The Tenerife tourist board’s comprehensive website will tell you everything you need to know in order to get the most from your stay.

Visit www.webtenerife.com

www.freebirdsailing.com for catamaran excursions.

For reservations at Iberostar hotels visit www.iberostar.com or call 0034 922 713 335.