Jet2 launches first ever Gatwick flights – to ‘sun-kissed’ island that’s 22°C in April

Jet2 is about to take off for the island that’s home to Spain’s biggest volcano (Picture: Getty Images) Jet2 is about to take off from London Gatwick for the first time in history. After securing slots for six aircraft at the West Sussex airport, the low-cost airline will offer flights to 29 destinations, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, and mainland Spain. But its very first flight will depart today (March 26) to the island of Tenerife, just in time for the Easter Holidays. Tenerife is synonymous with fly-and-flop holidays and cheap winter getaways. But its popularity has proved a double-edged sword. The Canary Islands – of which Tenerife is the biggest, the busiest, and in many ways, the best – found their way onto Fodor’s 2026 No List, a travel guide that highlights destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressure on the land and local communities. Tenerife’s popularity is a double-edged sword (Picture: Getty Images) It’s a reminder to think long and hard about where you’re travelling and consider giving hotspots that clearly need a breather, a break. And there is no doubt that behind the white sands and sparkling turquoise waters of the Canaries, locals are questioning how much more their home can take. In the first half of 2025, the archipelago of eight inhabited islands welcomed 7.8 million visitors and processed more than 27 million airport passengers, a 5% increase on the previous year. Tourism accounts for some 35% of GDP, and employs about 40% of its 2.2 million population. But popularity comes at a price. Over the past two years, thousands have taken to the streets of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote to protest soaring housing costs, environmental strain and community erosion — all caused, they say, by unregulated property development and mass tourism. Marching under the banner ‘Canarias tiene un límite‘ (The Canaries have a limit), locals say they’ve had enough. You can see it in this video: @metrouk Residents of Spain’s Canary Islands have taken to the streets in large-scale protests against mass tourism, disrupting the holiday plans of thousands of British visitors. Tens of thousands have gathered across the seven main islands—Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Lanzarote. Under the slogan ‘Canarias tiene un límite’ (‘The Canaries has a limit’), they are calling on authorities to limit the impact of mass tourism. #Fyp #CanaryIslands #spain #Tourists #SpainTourism #Protest #masstourism #Brits #holiday #spaintok ♬ original sound – Metro – Metro Still, there are ways to visit the Canaries – and Tenerife specifically – in a conscious and considered way. You just need to do some research before you go. If you’re set on a trip to Tenerife this year, we’ve asked a local to do the hard part for you. From pristine beaches to authentic, locally-run restaurants, there’s a lot more to this volcanic island than you might think. Here’s where to go to escape the crowds. For beaches: Bajamar Born and raised in Tenerife, Cristina Muñoz Vallejo, who now works at a media agency in London, recommends Bajamar for its natural pools and beautiful, unspoiled beaches. The coastal town, on the northeast of the island, sits at the bottom of the Valley of Tegueste, where you’ll find also find vineyards and hiking trails. Cristina says it’s probably one of the least touristy places on the island, but one of the most popular with locals all year round. You’ll find Bajamar in the northeast of the island (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Bajamar is also known for its surfing community as it has some of the biggest waves on the island,’ Cristina adds. There are plenty of waterside cafés and seafood restaurants to enjoy, too. While Cristina says that most restaurants here are ‘authentic and mostly visited by locals,’ her favourite is La Cofradía de Bajamar, a humble beachfront joint with views of the Atlantic Ocean. ‘My go-to meal is always sardinas fritas’ — or fried sardines to us — she says. @holasoykaar 📍Anclados, Bajamar #TenerifeFoodie #DondeComerEnTenerife #ComidaCanaria #FoodiesDeTenerife #Bajamar #CanaryFood #GastronomiaCanaria #SushiTenerife #TenerifeEats ♬ Glowing Sea – Muspace Lofi Once Bajamar is ticked off, Cristina recommends heading to Cala de las Tortugas in El Puertito, on the southwest of the island. This cove is accessed via rocky paths (you’re unlikely to see signposts), and is known for its rugged surroundings. ‘This area is currently protected, and a natural bay for snorkelling,’ Cristina says. ‘You can feel its remoteness.’ Cristina adds that Tenerife’s best beaches or coves are quite hard to get to, so having a car is essential. For food: Anywhere you can find a Guachinche ‘The best — and most affordable — food you’re going to get is at a Guachinche,’ says Cristina, referring to the traditional family-run establishments native to the Canaries, particularly Tenerife. Cristina says that Guachinches rarely feature in travel guides as their appearance can put locals off. They’re often located in a garage or terrace off someone’s house, and most are known by word of mouth. Most Guachinche are known by word of mouth (Picture: Getty Images) However, Cristina says that non-locals should look out for signs on the road that lead up to them, and many can be found on Google Maps. Disclaimer: She warns that some of the drives will take you down or up very steep roads, so again, you’ll need a car. ‘These establishments serve solely Canarian food. Some stick to incredibly simple and home-made styles, others will put a gourmet twist on their dishes, but they are the best places to get authentic food,’ says Cristina. For mountain life: Taganana Up in the mountains of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is Taganana, a quintessentially Canarian village in the heart of the Anaga Rural Park. Worlds away from the tourist hubs of Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, this spot is surrounded by lush green mountains and panoramic ocean views. Simple stone cottages are built into steep hillsides and painted in vibrant colours. Though the village is small, it’s worth strolling through the narrow streets to get a feel of authentic Canarian life. Verdant mountains and spectacular views (Picture: Getty Images) Be sure to check out the church of Our Lady of the Snows, a Catholic temple with roots dating back to the 16th century — one of the oldest on the island. From original 16th-century flamenco artwork to its distinctive red tower, the church is a key part of the village’s traditional landscape. Then, head into the park for a hike. One of the most popular is the 14km loop trail from the quiet village of Afur. Not for the faint-hearted, the route can take up to seven hours. But the cliffs, forests, and sparkling ocean scenes are your reward. Other highlights from the trail include passing Barranco de Afur, a deep ravine with cave houses, and Playa de Tamadite, a remote volcanic beach. For culture: La Orotava In the Canary Islands, Cristina says that witnessing, or even better, immersing yourself in a romerías, is as culturally Canarian as you can get. Streets are packed with performers (Picture: Getty Images) Romerías are religious pilgrimages and celebrations held in every municipality, usually between the months of April and July. ‘They are very joyful parades, and it’s a glimpse at the rich cultural heritage and traditions that continue to live on across not just Tenerife, but all of the eight Canary Islands,’ she says.