Why Tenerife in the Canary Islands? Regular Tenerife visitor Lindy Miller explains what she loves about the island

Lindy Miller is a good friend of mine who has often spent time on Tenerife, here in the Canary Islands. I thought it would make an interesting hub to find out what she had to say about the island and what makes it such a popular place.

Please introduce yourself to my readers.

Hi, I'm Lindy Miller, a good friend of Steve's. I cat sit for him sometimes in Tenerife. I'm a retired voluntary sector manager, my job was around empowering people with mental health challenges to get involved in their own care and treatment, mental health policy and services. I'm an aspiring writer and one day I will write my book.

Why do you like Tenerife?

I love Tenerife. It's the first place I flew after I conquered a long standing fear of flying. I stayed in Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of the island. My hotel balcony overlooked the beautiful blue water of the lido, surrounded by the black volcanic sand and rocks. I enjoyed the food, the people, and the warm weather.

Any particular places on the island that are your favourites?

I've visited often and my favourite place is San Marcos, as this is where I cat sit. I look out over the bay and listen to the waves crashing against the rocks, it seems like all my troubles have disappeared with the spray. I always relax into myself when in Tenerife, it's slow paced and breathtakingly beautiful in much of the island.

My favourite places include the top of Mount Teide, it's so clear and sunny, and on the journey to the summit, you go through different layers of lava and crystals. It's stunning.

A second favourite is Icod de las Vinos. This is the town in the north west where the famous dragon tree grows. It is like a huge, dignified being, watching over the town and the valleys beyond. I sit in the square by the Church of San Marcos and people watch.

What do you think of Tenerife buses?

I adore Tenerife buses. These are called 'guaguas' . You can buy a Bono card which you can top up with around 12 Euros, and then take trips for up to 50% discount. Taking the bus means you can get to places around the island that many tourists don't usually find.

My favourite trip is from Las Americas to Icod. The bus seems to cling to the edge of the cliffs, and I would be frightened if I didn't know how expert the drivers are at swinging around hairpin bends! I always use the bus in Tenerife, it's extremely cheap and you get to meet all the local people who shout and laugh constantly as they journey.

Anything else you would like to add or promote?

My friend Nia has a property in Cueva del Viento where she has a holisitic retreat and is known as the Finca Alternativa. She has carried out acupuncture on me which has given me many weeks relief from the chronic pain I live with. On an old vineyard, the beautiful house nestles into the rocky, sandy terrain away from all the noise and bustle of the towns.