If you’re a Brit like us, or from any other country where the temperatures plummet during the winter months then you may be looking for your next winter getaway that doesn’t involve wearing all your winter woollies at once. Sure, Christmas markets are great. Come on who doesn’t love sipping mulled wine from a small ceramic boot? But for us, we like to feel the warm winter sun on our skin. Of course, there are the obvious choices when it comes to a winter getaway. However, these usually mean you have to spend at least 7 hours, often more, on a plane getting there.
Whereas most of mainland Europe struggles to get over 10 degrees, the Canary Islands, located off the northwestern coast of Africa offer, more often than not, temperatures in excess of 20 degrees throughout the winter months. With regular flights, including a number of budget airlines, of between 4 and 4 1/2 hours from most major British airports to the Spanish archipelago, the islands are a great choice for a winter getaway if you favour sun over snow. Sounds like a winner, right? The only decision you then have to make is which of the 8 islands you want to visit first.
Even though there are 8 Canary Islands here we will look at the four most visited, what they offer and the reasons why they are a great choice for a winter getaway.
Fuerteventura
If soft white beaches are your thing, then Fuerteventura is the island for you. Fuerteventura has over 150 beaches which are perfect for relaxing on and soaking up the winter sun. Watersports including surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding are also popular pastimes and reasons why people choose to visit Fuerteventura.
Fuerteventura is the second-largest Canary Island. It has, over the past decade or so, emerged as a popular year-round holiday destination. The two main resorts on the island are Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south. Both offer a range of accommodation, restaurants and activities. Perfect for winter sun-seekers.
Along with the rest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura has a stunning volcanic landscape. So if you enjoy hiking through natural beauty, pack your hiking boots because you’re in for a treat. Failing that, you could take a dune buggy tour across the untouched, wild side of the island and experience the beautiful scenery in a unique way.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has long been a popular tourist destination, with an average of 3.4 million people visiting every year. The south of the island is the most popular due to the year-round nice weather and golden sand beaches especially in the family-friendly resorts of Puerto Rico and Maspalomas, which is also home to beautiful and must-see sand dunes.
If you like a lively fun-filled holiday than you should opt for Playa del Inglés as your base in Gran Canaria. It is also considered to be one of the most popular Gay resorts in Europe. With more pubs, bars, drag shows and late night clubs than you could shake a stick at, it is a resort better suited to the young (and the young at heart of course).
If you are looking for a more relaxing break then you should consider the quiet and laid back town of San Agustin. It is also located on the south coast of the island. As it is located close to Playa del Inglés, you have the benefit of beautiful scenery during the day with the option of the best nightlife on the island on your doorstep (a short taxi ride away) too.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a great option if you love watersports including scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, jet-skiing, kite surfing and especially windsurfing. If you want to hit the waves, head to Playa Las Cuchars in Costa Teguise. It’s windier than other resorts on the island. People flock here throughout the year but even more so in June when it hosts the annual European Freestyle Pro Tour.
If you are looking for an active holiday but watersports aren’t really your thing, what about cycling instead? Lanzarote is fast becoming a cycle enthusiasts ideal destination. In fact, many professional cyclists head to Lanzarote during the winter months. However, it’s important to prepare yourselves for the wind and the rough and often hilly terrain if you fancy cycling on the island.
You do not have to be an adrenalin junkie or sports fan to appreciate this island. If you head to the most famous and largest town on the island, Puerto del Carmen you will be greeted by all the things a lot of people look for in a winter sun getaway. These include a range of accommodation to suit most budgets, an abundance of restaurants, beaches, shops and varied nightlife.
Tenerife
Not only is Tenerife the largest Canary Island it is also the most popular with over 5 million tourists visiting the island each year. In the north of the island particularly, you will find a number of black sand beaches. These include the Playa Jardín complex, Playa de Las Gaviotas and Playa de la Arena. A visit to one is a great experience, not only because they are fascinating but also because black sand retains more heat. Perfect for a winter getaway.
The island is also home to some beautiful golden, albeit man-made, beaches too. This includes Playa las Vistas in the popular resort of Los Cristianos. If you are looking for a lively break then Los Cristianos’ bustling neighbour, even during the winter months, Playa de las América is the place to head. It is a purpose-built holiday resort with numerous hotels, restaurants and attractions. It is also the centre of nightlife in Tenerife.
You can also find the highest point in Spain in Tenerife – Mount Teide, a volcano located in the centre of the island. The volcano and the surrounding area including Teide National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2007. There are numerous organised tours you can take to Mount Teide. You can even take night time tours which allow you to look out over the island. Some even offer stargazing experiences.
The Other Canary Islands
If you fancy a more off the beaten track destination then one of the other four Canary Islands may float your boat. La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa are growing in popularity, however, are still, compared to the main four, quite undiscovered. Whichever Canary Island you choose for a winter getaway, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed,
- AD. This post is part of a paid campaign to promote the Balearic and Canary Islands, as part of their #SpanishIslands Campaign. Although all views are my own and I have not been instructed what to include.
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