Canary Islands

Spain

The Canary Islands, lying as they are on the same latitude as Florida, are catering to a new clientele, so cast aside those preconceptions and enjoy some startlingly beautiful scenery and excellent places to stay.

We have chosen the three main islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria because they all benefit from direct flights, making them perfect winter sun Big Short Break material. The wonderful climate also allows for year round exploration.

First up, Tenerife, which is so much more than sun, sand and sangria - although those three have a certain appeal. The island's beaches and surfing are outstanding, and many of the excellent hotels have outstanding settings, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and, often, a comprehensive range of family friendly facilities.

In addition, there's Spain's tallest mountain - Mt Teide - to climb, and the second biggest carnival in the world in the capital Santa Cruz every February. And when Santa Cruz isn't over-run by hundreds of thousands of revellers, it's a delightful and civilised city with nary an Irish Pub in sight.

Just 40 miles to the east lies Gran Canaria, the almost perfectly spherical island that is home to half the entire population of the Canaries. Don’t let that put you off, though, because as with all the islands there are areas of remote beauty that are far removed from the concrete jungles of the main cities. In fact, the island is often referred to as a miniature continent, with various differing landscapes – lush and green in the North and arid desert in the south - and microclimates to explore. Offshore, there is surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing, and the island’s rugged interior is criss-crossed by 230 miles of signed walking routes. For the ultimate aerial view, try paragliding from some of the North’s finest vantage points.

Last but not least, Lanzarote is even further east, towards the Moroccan coastline. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve back in 1993, the island is over 50% (52%, to be exact) National Park and home to a mere 300 volcanoes. There hasn’t been an eruption since 1824, so chances are your visit will be lava-free but the geological evidence of previous eruptions are one of the highlights of any visit, and particularly the lava tunnels at Jameos de Agua.

There’s also the usual range of activities and watersports available, including probably the best surfing in the entire archipelago, as well as some extremely characterful boutique hotels from which to explore. Finally, and for a more sedate pleasure, the Malvasia grape thrives on Lanzarote’s ash.

Testimonials

'San Roque was just as lovely as you described, and the people there couldn't have been more helpful.'

‘We had a fantastic time, and are quite sad to have to be home now … San Roque was just as lovely as you described, and the people there couldn’t have been more helpful.’

Elise

Also Try


	Seville Spain The city has a delightful, laid-back atmosphere, due in no small part to its hot, dry climate. The streets are lined with palms and orange trees and there are many attractive parks and gardens
	Andalucia Spain This stunning and varied region has a range of attractions from the celebrated Moorish legacy of Granada, Seville and Cordoba to the tiny unspoiled villages and whitewashed towns of the interior - the famous pueblos blancos – and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada. The beaches aren't bad either.
	Flamenco Spain Our experts will take you on a journey through Andalucia's influential gypsy areas, retracing the history and visiting local shows where you'll experience the rare Spanish art of "duende", a performance so full of emotion, expression and authenticity that it will give you chills.
	Mallorca Spain There is something of a revolution going on in Mallorca. In a good way. Gone is the emphasis on package deals and charter flights; instead, a more discerning traveller is being lured by a sudden explosion of boutique hotels and sophisticated restaurants and beach clubs.
	Valencia & Eastern Spain Spain In the last few years, Valencia has undergone a complete regeneration that has put this vibrant Mediterranean city well and truly on the map. Away from this excellent city, Valencia, Aragon and Catalunya are regions of outstanding natural beauty.