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Quietest canary island: La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera – the quiet Canary Islands

Опубликовано: June 20, 2020 в 11:12 am

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Fuerteventura – The Quiet Canary Island

Fuerteventura is considered the quiet island of the Canaries, which invites travellers to relax and rest. While its small bays and deserted beaches constitute great retreats, the harsh and appealing volcanic and desert landscape displays incomparable natural beauty.

Geography – A harsh, rugged landscape

Fuerteventura is located in the east of the Canary Islands, about 120 kilometres away from Africa. This strip of land in the Atlantic is about 100 kilometres long and 31 kilometres wide at its widest point. A long time ago, volcanoes shaped the island and created a harsh, rugged landscape with mountains of up to 800 metres of height. Fuerteventura is characterised by warm, mild climate throughout the year with average temperatures between 19 and 27 °C.

Nature – Discovering vast sand dunes and green oases

Vast, mighty sand dunes dominate the island’s north-east. They mostly consist of small pieces of mussels and snail shells from the sea. The island’s mountains with their reddish brown soils are equally barren. The areas covered in bright limestone, which used to be the seabed, and black volcanic soil create a natural play of colours. Palm oases constitute occasional green spots. Grasses, shrubs and date palms flourish in this harsh environment. The island’s heartland is covered in fields, on which the medicinal plant aloe vera is grown. Many of the animals which live in Fuerteventura now originally come from Africa, for example the lively Barbary ground squirrel. Birds of prey, cockatiels as well as donkeys and camels, which are used as working animals, are also typical of the island.

Natural sights – From the Corralejo Natural Park to Jandía Peninsula

Travellers can experience the bizarrely beautiful landscape of the desert in the Corralejo Natural Park. The shifting dunes El Jable take up about 20 km². Their yellowish, reddish or white sand creates a strange but appealing landscape, which is populated by birds and reptiles for the most part. In addition, Corralejo has wonderful beaches. The island Los Lobos is part of the natural park and equally suited for bathing or surfing. In the north of Fuerteventura you find the lava cave Cueva del Llano. On a hike through this lava tunnel of about 700 metres of length you can hardly imagine the forces which created this natural wonder. Many fossilised plants and animals have been found in this cave. A popular holiday destination at the southern end of Fuerteventura is Jandía Peninsula with its magical beaches such as the Playa de Sotavento. The mountain Pico de Jandía stands out with regard to landscape. For entertainment you should visit the Oasis Park in La Lajita. This beautifully designed zoo hosts various shows with sea lions, parrots, birds of prey and reptiles.

Culture – Traditional music, wrestling matches and art handicraft characterise the island

For a long time the Guanches lived on Fuerteventura. They are native inhabitants of unknown origin. In the 15th century, the Spanish came to Fuerteventura and made the island part of their colonial empire. The population of Fuerteventura loves traditional music and wears elaborate costumes while dancing to it. A respectable sport is Spanish wrestling at which two opponents fight against each other. Art handicraft has a long tradition on the island. Fuerteventura is especially known for pottery, basketry and the production of lace, which is used for decorating traditional costumes, for example.

Cultural sights – The open air museum Tefia, windmills and salt gardens

Many visitors reach Fuerteventura via the capital Puerto del Rosario. If you take time to experience the town and walk its streets, you get a feel for the real life on the island. The town’s harbour and its beaches are worth seeing. A visit to the restored farming village Ecomuseo La Alcogida in Tefia provides interesting insights into the native island culture. Performers in costumes, residential houses, a bakery, a stonemason and a pottery give holidaymakers an understanding of the traditional life on the island. This is also apparent from the El Morino windmill in Antigua, which is 200 years old and the most famous among Fuerteventura’s many windmills. The small town La Oliva is full of historical charm, created by its church tower, which is made from black lava rock. The Salinas del Carmen with their square salt gardens show in what a technologically sophisticated way salt has been won from the sea water for centuries. You find testimonies of events which occurred even further in the past at the holy mountain Montaña de Tindaya. The Guanches once built their sacrificial altars there. One of the most popular destinations on Fuerteventura is the villa of the German engineer Gustav Winter. It is said that the Nazis had a secret submarine base there. The building’s true appeal, however, lies in its stylish, ancient-looking construction and the wonderful view of the sea.

Experience – Enjoying celebrations, visiting aloe vera plantations and exploring the ocean floor

Fuerteventura is not just quiet. There are many discos, clubs and bars in the tourist centres which offer evening entertainment. It is this time at which the inhabitant show how much delight they take in celebrating, from traditional local fiestas to the international blues festival (March). The Windsurfing World Cup in summer and the International Kite Festival in November also attract numerous travellers. A special experience is a trip to an aloe vera factory. This plant is grown on the island and is a very popular souvenir (next to embroidery, art handicraft or table cloths). You learn more about the people’s culture on the island’s many markets such as the African market in Costa Calma. A trip to the ocean bed in a glass-bottom boat, as it is offered in Corralejo, is another wonderful experience. The most important ingredient of Fuerteventura’s local cuisine comes from the sea: fish, prepared in a number of different ways. Other popular delicacies are jacket potatoes, which wrinkle because they are cooked in strongly salted water and which are eaten unpeeled, as well as spicy mojo sauces.

Activities – Ideally suited for surfing

Fuerteventura is windy at almost any time. This wind makes the island the ideal destination for holidaymakers who want to go surfong, sailing and kitesurfing. In addition, the beautiful beaches and bays are ideally suited for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. You will discover many treasures, especially on diving tours – be it the colourful underwater world, which is rich in fish, the bizarre seascape or mysterious, decomposing wrecks. Travellers who want to explore the island’s heartland can do this on foot, on the back of a horse or camel, by motorcycle or by quad bike.

Information

Fuerteventura’s only international airport is located in Puerto del Rosario (FUE). From Europe you can also reach the island by ship. Fuerteventura has a well-developed bus network but you may need to rent a car to reach more remote places and beaches. The official language on the island is Spanish.

Fuerteventura is the perfect destination for holidaymakers who want to relax at the seaside in wonderful weather. It is especially suited for recreation in a quiet environment – be it at the beach, by doing sports or in the harsh landscape with its deserts, mountains and oases.

Which Canary Island Is Right for You?

The Canary Islands – home to award-winning wines, lush landscapes, towering volcanoes and miles of Sahara like dunes. And that’s just a morsel of the island’s delights. Although, we wouldn’t have blamed you for thinking otherwise. Rightly or wrongly, the Canary Islands have long battled with pre-conceptions of sunburned Brits, lashings of pie and chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all-things tacky.

BUT, it’s time to set aside these stereotypes because behind the facade are 7 islands set adrift the coast of Africa that boast superb beaches, prehistoric sites and near-perfect, year-round temperatures. The real knack will be deciding which one to pick for your sun-soaked getaway. To steer you in the right direction, take our quiz to find out your perfect island match.

 


If you still need your arm twisted, check out our lowdown on the Canary Islands below.

The lowdown on Lanzarote…

Los Ajaches Mountain in Lanzarote

Beguiling and oh so intriguing, Lanzarote ticks all the right good-time boxes. The stark difference in Lanzarote is its distinctive volcanic and mountainscapes.  Overspread in yellow, brown and red-hues, you’ll never see the same view twice.  

But what you will hear often is the name, César Manrique, especially if you’re having a chinwag with the locals. César Manrique was a Lanzarote native and the artist responsible for the design of the islands major sights. And for a small fee, you can visit his late home, which he built into a lava field. The house is now a foundation dedicated to his life and work and it’s absolutely beautiful. 

 

Talking of musts, you also have to visit the Timanfaya National Park. This part of the island is a real treat thanks to its martian landscape and rare plant species. Once you get a look and feel for the fire mountains, you can stop off at the ‘El Diablo’ restaurant. The restaurant serves typical Canarian food which is cooked on a grill using heat from inside the volcano. Pretty neat eh?

 

 

The lowdown on Tenerife…

View of El Duque beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

Attracting over 10 million visitors a year, it’s definitely no surprise that the largest of the Canaries is also the most popular. Tenerife is renowned for its all-inclusive resorts, beaches and lively clubbing scene. But beyond the tourist enclave is a world you’d never know existed.

A few stand-out experiences include lush tropical-forest walks, dark forays into volcanic lava, visiting colonial towns and villages and a shopping scene that is to die for! And that’s before we’ve even touched on the islands Carnival (which is second only to Rio by the way). The open-air bonanza takes place every February in Santa Cruz and promises to be epic. For 15 days, the streets come alive with colour, beauty and freedom. 

And of course, we can’t talk about Tenerife without mentioning the Pico del Teide, Spain’s tallest mountain – the peak reaches 3,718-metres! You’ll find this beauty in the Teide National Park which is also home to some of the best hikes in all of the Canaries. 

 

The lowdown on Gran Canaria…

View of the colourful houses at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the island that feels most like its very own little continent, thanks to its wide and dramatic variation of terrain. It’s spot on for adrenaline junkies and sporty travellers – so if you fit the bill then you mustn’t leave the island without attempting hiking or at least mountain biking.

But rest assured, that’s not all Gran Canaria has to offer. In the cosmopolitan capital of Las Palmas, you can be at one with the culture-vultures. The city is loved for its duty-free shopping, lively nightlife and sandy beaches.

 

Speaking of beaches, you should check out Playa de Las Canteras which is one of Europe’s most famous city beaches. Great for snorkelling and long walks, it’s a beach that will satisfy every craving. And best of all, the waters are warm all year round.

 

 

The lowdown on Fuerteventura…

Kitesurfing at Flag Beach, Fuerteventura

At first, you might mistake Fuerteventura for a gigantic meteor craterbut we promise that if you give it a chance, you’ll absolutely adore this island. Especially great for beach buffs and aquaphiles, you can spend days baking under the sun or mastering the waves with locals, surfers and windsurfers! If you’re serious about perfecting your surf, we recommend the Wave Rider Surf School – where the team will help you achieve your goals in no time.

It may be the oldest Canary Island but it has so much to offer. In fact, what makes Fuerteventura so special is that the island isn’t overly populated. It’s a terrific choice for families with young children, and couples looking for the right balance of zen and adventure.

There are volcanoes to climb, pretty whitewashed villages to visit and delicious Majorero cheese to devour. Believe us when we say that it tastes as good as it looks. 

 

The lowdown on La Gomera…

La Gomera, Canary Islands

La Gomera is the island that mass tourism thankfully left behind. Just arrive and you can feel the uniqueness of the island in the air. For starters, you can drive for miles without facing a single traffic light! And you’d be totally bonkers not to take full advantage and enjoy a little road trip through the sleepy mountain villages, palm-filled valleys and deep ravines.  If you are looking forward to do  road trip, see here this blog post about Extending Influence.

To put it into perspective, there are people who travel half the world to see landscapes as beautiful as these. And once you get through the 4-hour flight, it’s yours for the taking.

If that wasn’t already enough, La Gomera is also the only island where you can see a cathedral organ cut into a cliff, and yes we’re fully serious. It’s a sight for sore eyes, at 200 metres wide and 80 metres high, Los Organos Natural is only accessible by sea. When you see it you’ll be totally in awe – mother nature really delivered the goods here.

 

The lowdown on El Hierro…

Charco Azul in El Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest and the hardest Canary Island to get to, but it’s certainly well set up for tourists. The island is undeniably very quiet but that all adds to its charm. There are no pubs, clubs or gimmicks which is one of the main reasons travellers return time and time again.

Instead of knocking back a pint or two, pay a visit to Charco Azul, a natural seawater pool in El Golfo valley. It’s without a doubt the best bathing spot in all the Canaries.

And in case you didn’t already know, El Hierro is said to be where Columbus said adios to Europe before setting sail in 1492! And since Columbus already had his time to explore this semi-mythical island, now it’s your turn. From the twisting roads to the rugged hills, you can play in natures playground and indulge in some much needed ‘you time’. 

 

The lowdown on La Palma…

Los Tilos waterfall in La Palma 

Often referred to as the Beautiful Island, La Palma is ram-packed with enchanting forests, imposing volcanoes, crazy coloured waterfalls and star-lit skies. And don’t just take our word for it – the island won a Starlight award after minimalising light pollution!

Though the island is open to all, it’s romanticism lends itself perfectly to couples in pursuit of some winter sun. In the morning you can take a dip in the cobalt-hued ocean and in the afternoons you can visit some of La Palma’s best sights.

You might decide to visit the island’s capital Santa Cruz de la Palma, or even more impressive the Caldera de Taburiente National Park where you’ll find the most spectacular views of the island. Photos really don’t do it justice. But come prepared with walking boots and a bathing suit – because there’s nothing better than bathing under a waterfall!

And…breathe! We know that was a lot of information to take in. But hopefully you’re one step further to knowing which Canary Island is the one for you. If you need a lending hand, our concierge team are always an email away.

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The Quieter Canaries | FredHotelJardinTecina

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The Quieter Canaries

18th September 2014

The Quieter Canaries

Islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are well known to us in England, but what about the less popular Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are the perfect place for a holiday, regardless of who you are travelling with. The excellent beaches are great for families with children, the scenery is fantastic for romantic couples or those who like to explore their surroundings on foot, and the weather provides a year-round climate that will put a smile on anyone’s face.

However, whilst many people will be very familiar with islands such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, these are not the only destinations within this beautiful archipelago. There are in fact eight inhabited islands in this group and so let’s take a look at some of the quieter Canaries that are slightly less chirpy than their neighbours.

El Hierro

In the days when everybody thought that the world was flat, the tiny island of El Hierro was assumed to be the most western point of land on the planet. Nowadays we are fully aware that this isn’t the case but that doesn’t mean that it has lost any of its charm. El Hierro has the smallest area out of the main Canary Islands but manages to cram so much for tourists to see and do into this limited space.

People flock here from all over the world to experience the crystal clear waters that are said to be just perfect for diving. Away from the coastline, the landscape is made up of striking volcanos, deep valleys and lush forests. The whole island was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2000 and it is home to many rare species of animals and plants, including the extremely vulnerable El Hierro giant lizard.

The quiet and laid back nature of this relaxing holiday destination gives visitors the feeling that they are truly cut off from the rest of the world. Perfect for the kind of break where you want to fully escape the rituals of everyday life.

Fuerteventura

Aside from the main three, Fuerteventura is probably the most well-known of the remaining islands. Its name can be literally translated as ‘strong winds’ but it is also possible that it is down to a joining of the two French words ‘forte’ and ‘aventure’ which mean ‘great adventure’.

This relatively popular holiday hot spot has some of the best beaches in Europe and, due to its close proximity to Africa, has the most amount of sunshine per year across all of the Canaries. Water sports are very popular here, whilst other people come to see the beautiful sand dunes and rugged natural landscape.

The fact that Fuerteventura is quite large but nowhere near as built-up as Tenerife or Gran Canaria makes it a paradise for those looking for excellent weather, marvellous scenery and a bit of peace and quiet.

La Gomera

The relatively untouched island of La Gomera is home to Fred.\’s Hotel Jardin Tecina and possibly has the most dramatic natural landscape of all the Canary Islands. The land is covered in valleys, ravines, sheer cliffs and areas of dense forest and thus the locals even use their own whistling language to communicate between these vast areas.

Hotel Tecina and its breath-taking golf course are not the only draws of a place which, due to the fact that the great Christopher Columbus stopped here for supplies during his first voyage in 1492, is known locally as Columbian Island. The stunning Garajonay National Park covers a large percentage of La Gomera and is a key reason why there is so much beauty and serenity to be found here. This is something Columbus would have surely been struck by too.

Every year tourists visit this small island for some much needed rest and relaxation; something that the Hotel Jardin Tecina can offer in abundance.

La Palma

La Palma is an island that is incomparable to the bustling beaches and tourist areas of the more famous Canary Islands. It has been shaped, in large parts, by volcanic activity and the most recent eruption (which occurred in 1971) has left its black yet fertile mark on part of the land. This has done nothing to alter the beauty of this amazing place though, as the landscape, scenery and views across to the other Canaries are magnificent.

Whereas holidaymakers may visit La Gomera or El Hierro to relax and do nothing at all, people generally take a trip to La Palma to be a bit more active. For example, there are banana plantations to explore, cliffs to dive off and perfect conditions for paragliding.

It is two other things that attract the most tourists to this location though, namely stargazing and hiking. Whilst the volcanic landscape and network of intricate footpaths offer excellent adventure opportunities for keen walkers; the clear, pollution-free skies provide the ultimate astrological experience. So much so that, in 2013, La Palma was given the title of the first Starlight Reserve in the world and is home to the biggest optical telescope on Earth. Our planet will be the last thing on your mind though as you gaze up and enjoy unrivalled views of the Milky Way.

All of these fantastic islands can be enjoyed by using La Gomera as your base. Fast ferries and connecting flights make it relatively easy to island hop and there is even a service operated by Fred Olsen so you can travel with a name that you trust. Why not speak to the team at Fred.\ and start your Canary Island adventures at the Hotel Jardin Tecina.

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Registered in England and Wales No. 02287241. 2nd Floor, 36 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH

Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your money is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Reasons to book with us… Financial protection afforded by our ABTA and ATOL industry bonding, giving you complete peace of mind.
Dedicated team of experienced travel advisors waiting to tailor your holiday to your personal requirements.
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The Best Beaches in the Canary Islands

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The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. Since prehistoric times, they have been inhabited by humans and were visited by Portuguese sailors in the 15th century. There are seven major islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canary, Tenerife, or Tenerefe as it is known to locals (the largest island), La Palma, Gomera, and El Hierro.

The Canary Islands make for a great vacation destination if you want to escape from the cold winter weather back home. It is almost impossible to pick the best beaches here as there are so many, but here are some of my favorites.

Best Beaches on Lanzarote Island

©iStock/Balate Dorin

Lanzarote is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists visiting the Canary Islands because it is beautiful, and Lanzarote has excellent weather throughout the year. Lanzarote Island enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year and temperatures that range from 60 F to 86 F year-round. It has a great variety of beaches, making it the perfect place for holidaymakers looking for sun, sand, and sea.

The beaches on Lanzarote are some of the best beaches in Spain and feature picturesque views. Lanzarote is a volcanic island with black-sand beaches and clear blue waters. The biggest city there is Puerto Del Carmen, located along Playa Grande or Grand Beach.

Playa Blanca is Lanzarote’s most popular beach, offering a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. The water here is calm with flat-water conditions, so it makes for an ideal place to enjoy watersport activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or kite surfing.

Other beaches worth visiting include Papagayo Beach, Puerto del Carmen Beach, and La Geria.

Best Beaches on Fuerteventura Island

©iStock/lenasfotos

Fuerteventura is a great place to visit if you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand. Fuerteventura is one of the eastern Canary Islands located just off the coast of Africa. It is the second largest Canary Island and is 60 miles in length. Fuerteventura has over 150 beaches, making it a perfect destination for those looking for some beach time during their holiday. Fuerteventura Island enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year and has a subtropical climate. Fuerteventura is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” because it stays warm throughout all seasons, so you can enjoy holidaying here all year round!

If you want to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, then head over to the Jandía peninsula. This expansive sand beach is on the island’s southwest tip, with a lighthouse and nature reserve. Here you will find beach lovers from all over the world basking under a hot Canary sun or cooling off in the crystal-clear water.

Costa Calma Beach is located close to the town of La Lajita. It is known for its clear, turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Costa Calma Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sea. There are also many restaurants and bars nearby if you want to grab a bite or drink. Costa Calma Beach is worth visiting if you are looking for some beautiful beaches on Fuerteventura Island!

Best Beaches on Gran Canary Island

©iStock/sssanchez

Gran Canary Island, also known as Gran Canaria, is another popular place to visit. It has beautiful beaches and incredible mountainous landscapes and cities that provide holidaymakers with lots to do. Gran Canary Island enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an excellent place for beach lovers who want to spend their days basking in the sun or exploring Gran Canary’s beautiful beaches.

Gran Canaria is a volcanic island with over 155 miles of beaches and clear blue waters. Many people choose Gran Canaria for its diverse landscapes, including mountainous areas, deserts, forests, canyons, and even waterfalls!

On Gran Canary Island, you will find the world-famous beaches of Maspalomas, located in the south of the island. These beaches offer a wide variety of activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving. The area is also known for its sand dunes that reach up to 40 meters in height—making it an exciting place to explore! There is also a nudist bathing area. Nearby you will also find restaurants, bars, and nightclubs should you need some entertainment after a long day at the beach.

Best Beaches on Tenerife Island

©iStock/lorenzobovi

Tenerife Island is the largest of all the Canary Islands, and it’s no wonder that it’s a popular tourist destination. Tenerife has something for everyone—whether you’re looking for beaches, nightlife, or mountainous landscapes. Tenerife enjoys year-round sunshine with temperatures that range from 60 F to 86 F, so you can be sure to find a climate that suits you.

The most popular beaches on Tenerife are found along Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, offering everything from swimming and sunbathing to surfing and windsurfing. The beaches are well maintained and have all the necessary amenities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms. There is also a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby should you need them.

Best Beaches on La Palma Island

©iStock/Dhoxax

La Palma has something for everyone, whether you want to go kitesurfing, diving, or soak up the sun! The beaches on La Palma Island are some of the most secluded in the Canary Islands, making them a great place to relax away from the crowds. Most of these beaches can only be reached by foot or by boat, so it’s worth hiring a car to explore this beautiful island!

Puerto de Naos y Charco Verde Beach is a small, secluded bay with stunning turquoise waters. It’s also one of La Palma’s best-kept secrets. Here you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing as well as snorkeling if you want to be more active and you’re not too keen on sunbathing all day.

Puerto Naos Beach is the most extensive beach on La Palma Island. It is a beautiful black-sand beach with a wide promenade ideal for walking, jogging, or rollerblading. Puerto Naos is an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. The beach is also well-known for its tranquility, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Best Beaches on Gomera Island

©iStock/TPopova

Gomera Island is one of the smallest Canary Islands, and its popularity is growing as a tourist destination. Gomera is known for its stunning landscapes, including forests, canyons, and waterfalls. It has a rich culture which you can explore in the towns and villages on the island.

The most popular attraction on Gomera Island is the Garajonay National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to various plants and animals, including the Gomera dragon tree, which is over 1,000 years old. The park can be explored on foot or by bike, making it the perfect way to explore this beautiful island.

Gomera Island is also known for its black-sand beaches, which provide a stark contrast against the bright blue waters surrounding it. Playa de las Vistas or Beach of the Views features a stunning beach with views over San Sebastian de La Gomera, known for having clear waters and white-sand dunes. It is perfect for swimming and snorkeling right next to it with calm waves, so bring your water shoes.

Playa Santiago is another beautiful black-sand beach on Gomera Island. Playa Santiago is known for its clear waters and good snorkeling opportunities, as well as being a great place to fish or relax with a picnic under the shade of palm trees.

Best Beaches on El Hierro Island

©iStock/Flavio Vallenari

The beaches on El Hierro Island are some of the most secluded in the Canary Islands. Like Gomera Island, this island is a great place to relax away from the crowds. Most of these beaches can only be reached by foot or by boat, so renting a car to explore this beautiful island is recommended!

The most popular beaches on El Hierro Island can be found along both its east and west coasts. On the eastern coast, you will find beaches like Fonte D’Ouro Cove, where visitors can enjoy swimming among abundant marine life as well as exploring nearby caves. Along the western side, there are black-sand beaches such as El Golfo (the Gulf), located just north of Valverde town.

Playa de la Catedral is El Hierro’s most well-known beach. The beach is located in the town of Valverde—El Hierro’s capital city, which also happens to be known for being one of El Hierro Island’s sunniest places! Playa de la Catedral features stunning turquoise waters and golden sand dunes perfect for relaxing or admiring the views. There are also a few restaurants and cafes nearby should you need a break from the sun!

So, there you have it, some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, Spain. From turquoise waters and white dunes on La Palma Island to Gomera’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site national park to El Hierro’s sunniest beaches to the famous Gran Canaria Island, there is a little bit of everything in this beautiful archipelago. The best thing about visiting these islands is that they are all accessible by ferry from Tenerife. Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches, black-sand beaches, or golden sands, you’re sure to find the perfect beach for your holiday!

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Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Canary Islands for their winning combination of sea, sand and all-year-round sun. But which is the best Canary Island to visit? We’ve combined our knowledge of these popular winter sun holiday spots to bring you the ultimate guide to choosing your ideal Canary island – whether you’re looking for a family break, walking trip, activity holiday, star-gazing spectacular or bar-hopping bonanza.

Best for Beaches: Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a fine destination for beach-lovers, as its coastline is blessed with white sand that suits surfers and sun-worshippers alike. The resorts of Corralejo and Caleta De Fuste offer easy access to some of the best beaches, while the entire Southwestern region of the island is taken up by Jandia Playa – a designated nature reserve and beautiful beach in its own right.

Fuerteventura is also the closest Canary island to North Africa, so mild to hot weather is more or less guaranteed whenever you choose to visit: temperatures here have rarely been known to fall below 16 degrees even in winter. The only potential snag in the island’s record as a great beach destination is its reputation for strong winds (from which the island takes its name). But if you’re a watersports fan hoping to catch some waves, this aspect will cause no concern. Check out our great value Fuerteventura Airport transfers for unmissable deals on top-rated shuttle buses and resort taxis.

Most Unspoilt: Lanzarote and the Smaller Islands

Like much of mainland Spain, the Canary Islands have, to some extent, suffered from the harsher excesses of mass tourism, which has led to overdevelopment in some areas. Fortunately, measures have been put in place to curb the sprawl of high-rise hotels and preserve the islands’ natural beauty, and this has been particularly effective in Lanzarote, which was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993. Visitors to Lanzarote can get up close and personal with the island’s impressive volcanoes, and a popular attraction is the Timanfaya National Park, where one restaurant cooks meals from the heat of an active volcano.

While Lanzarote is perhaps the most successful of the bigger islands in stemming the high-rise tide, the smaller destinations of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro have also largely managed to avoid becoming overdeveloped. All of these islands therefore offer stunning views of the dramatic volcanic scenery that first attracted tourists to the Canaries without the dreaded eyesores that have since turned many away.

Check out our Lanzarote teaser video above, and head over to our HEHA! YouTube Channel for more Canary Island inspiration.

Best for Eco-Travellers: La Palma

La Palma is one of the smallest of the archipelago, and is probably the best Canary Island for those who want to experience the impeccable natural beauty of the islands without the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts. In stark contrast with the barren terrain of Lanzarote and the desert sands of Gran Canaria, La Palma is a very green island, covered in lush vegetation.

There is a thriving eco-tourism scene here, with a wealth of wildlife walks to help you enjoy the breathtaking fauna in all its glory. This is also a popular choice for hikers, many of whom attempt to tackle the lofty El Roque de los Muchachos trail every year.

Best for Adventurers: Gran Canaria

A trip to Europe’s most Southerly point offers all kinds of enticing prospects, from camel rides across the dunes of Maspalomas to quad-biking adventure trails and stargazing missions from the island’s fully operational observatory.

With a thriving club and bar scene alongside its stunning natural heritage Gran Canaria is a place of huge contrasts, making it ideal for those seeking a voyage of discovery. Party animals should head to the Playa de Ingles for non-stop nightlife, while those seeking a quieter holiday on this extraordinary island will love Puerto de Mogan and San Agustin. Prepare to get active, and leave the car behind to experience what the island has to offer first-hand: many visitors choose to explore Gran Canaria by bike.

Insider Tip: End your holiday to Gran Canaria on a high-note by booking a Gran Canaria airport lounge. Kiss that post-holiday airport stress goodbye.

Best for Families: Tenerife

Tenerife is the most popular Canary Island among British travellers, and is particularly well-loved as a family destination. It has a reputation for being a little on the ‘touristy’ side, but this means it’s geared up for welcoming families with children in tow, who will appreciate the ease with which it’s possible to enjoy all that Tenerife has to offer: great beaches, water parks and fascinating historic sites, such as the Pyramids of Güímar: a mysterious group of ancient structures built from the island’s native lava stone.

Check out the Hidden Gems of Tenerife for amazing itinerary ideas on your next Tenerife holiday!

Best for Watersports: El Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands, but many of its visitors are far more interested in the clear blue sea that surrounds the island than the land itself. The island is a diver’s paradise, with several world-class facilities dotted around the coastline, accessible to experts and beginners alike. The underwater scenery looks out of this world, with volcanic peaks, lush vegetation and a dazzling variety of fish. Take a look at this video for a preview of the under-the-sea experience you can expect to have in El Hierro.

The Overall Winner: Lanzarote

Your individual holiday wishlist will help you to decide on which is the best Canary Island for you, but if we had to name one island as being the best all-rounder, Lanzarote is hard to beat.

Lanzarote’s size and popularity have made it particularly well-equipped for holidaymakers, yet it has shunned the high-rise architecture of its similar-sized neighbours. Lanzarote provides superb opportunities for discovering the moon-like volcanic landscape that make the Canary Islands unique as a European destination, and it suits travellers of all types: you can have a wonderful family holiday, spa break, eco tour, watersports adventure or beach break in Lanzarote, all just four hours away from the UK. It’s also a great island for a scenic drive, and car hire in Lanzarote
is surprisingly affordable. Or simply relax and enjoy the views from your Lanzarote Airport transfer vehicle.


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The best beaches in the Canary Islands


By Paul Johnson on Jul 08, 2021 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

The Canary Islands are known as “las afortunadas”, meaning “the lucky ones” in Spanish, and it’s easy to see why. Boasting thousands of kilometres of coastline and year-round good weather, the archipelago is home to hundreds of incredible beaches that attract tourists from all corners of the world.

Playa de El Golfo, Lanzarote

Located on the south-west coast of Lanzarote, Playa de El Golfo is known for its intense green lagoon, Lago Verde, starkly contrasting the beach’s black lava pebbles. The cliffs behind the lagoon are equally dramatic, having been wind eroded into fantastic shapes over the centuries. This unique natural feature of Lanzarote is a photographer’s delight and belongs to a protected area.

Playas en las Dunas de Corralejo, Fuerteventura

Visiting Fuerteventura? Enjoy the nine kilometres of divine beaches bordered by the Corralejo Dunes, the largest dunes in the Canary Islands. Here, the turquoise waters meet fine white sands to form the most perfect beaches in the Canary Islands, boasting incredible views of the islands of Los Lobos and Lanzarote.

Playa del Inglés, Valle del Gran Rey, La Gomera

Since the 1970’s, Playa del Inglés in La Gomera has been a legendary ‘hippy’ and alternative destination. Unlike other more remote and naturist beaches in the archipelago, Playa del Inglés is close to restaurants, bars, entertainment and is just a short walk to the volcanic sand beach, the perfect place to relax and take in the views of the mountains and the endless ocean.

Cala de Tacorón, El Hierro

El Hierro is a quiet paradise that captivates visitors with its exquisite landscapes, pristine waters of its marine reserve and the calm lifestyle of its almost 11,000 inhabitants. Despite its small size, the cove of Tacorón in the south of the island is a real gem and welcomes visitors year-round to enjoy the most peaceful Atlantic waters in the entire region. This unspoilt destination with soft, multi-coloured sands that is perfect for a relaxing swim.

Playa de Nogales, La Palma

Nogales Beach is one of the best beaches in La Palma and illustrates perfectly what this beautiful island has to offer: mountains, trails, lava, ocean and lush green landscapes.

Located in the northern town of Puntallana, the black volcanic sand, with shades of blue and grey, its spectacular cliffs and the mighty Atlantic have put Nogales Beach on the map, not only for surfers and naturists but also for lovers of privacy, beautiful views and nature trails.

Playa de Papagayo, Lanzarote

Papagayo, located in the south of Lanzarote, is one of the most popular beaches on the island. This small cove of white sand is famous for its crystal clear, emerald green water which remains still all day long just like in a swimming pool. Papagayo is the perfect location to enjoy snorkelling, swimming or to simply take in the natural beauty of the area.

Playa de el Médano, Tenerife

The south of Tenerife is home to one of the local residents’ favourite beaches: El Médano. This beach of golden sand, shallow waters and moderate waves and all the necessary services an urban beach requires.

Over time the centre of El Médano has become an important second home base for many islanders and is a hugely popular spot for wind and kitesurfing due to constant winds, giving the town a great buzz in the evening after a day spent on the beach.

Playa de las Conchas, La Graciosa

La Graciosa, next to Lanzarote, is the least populated of the Canary Islands, waiting to be discovered! Located on the north west of La Graciosa lies a real treasure, Las Conchas. This pale sandy beach is home to an ever-changing blue ocean – you won’t be disappointed.

Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Maspalomas Beach, South Gran Canaria, is bordered by the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve and Maspalomas resort. With calm seas and three kilometres of golden sand, a wide range of hotels and apartments available nearby, Maspalomas is an ideal family holiday destination and the perfect place to spend days in the sunshine. For a romantic experience head to the dunes in the evening and watch the sun set behind Maspalomas lighthouse.

Playa de Benijo, Tenerife

The solitude and serenity of Benijo Beach and its location in an area of great beauty makes it the perfect alternative beach experience in Tenerife. Located in Anaga Rural Park in the north-east of the island, Benijo is found at the end of a road that winds through a laurisilva forest and boasts spectacular views over the Atlantic, like gold at the end of a rainbow.

Holidays in the Canary Islands: what to see, how to organize

The word “Canaries” usually means Tenerife, less often – Gran Canaria.

Victoria Zorina

has been to each island twice

Author profile

The Canary archipelago also includes other islands: Lanzarote, Palma and Hierro. They are no less interesting than Tenerife. They have the same wonderful climate – eternal spring. The air temperature in winter and summer is +24…27 °C, water temperature is +20…24 °C. You can swim there all year round.

Each island has its own landscape and unique views. Lanzarote is dominated by rocks and cacti, Palma has a lot of greenery, and Hierro has volcanoes. After traveling around the islands, it seems that I have been on vacation at least twice.

The islands are close to Tenerife: Palma is 86 km away, Hierro is 120 km away, Lanzarote is 272 km away. I’ve been to each twice. In this article I will tell you what to see on the islands, how to travel between them on ferries and how to fry sausages right on the volcano.

What we’ll tell you about

  • Lanzarote Island
  • Palma Island
  • Hierro Island
  • What you need to know about transport

Lanzarote

It has more than 300 volcanoes and little greenery, but there are many stunning desert places with red-yellow volcanic sand. They are like another planet.

The main resorts of the island are Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen. The beaches in these cities are marked with the international Blue Flag sign for the purity of the water and coast. There are hotels near them. All the beaches of the island have fine volcanic sand of different shades of yellow and gray.

People move around the island in a rented car, taxi, sightseeing or regular bus. Tickets can be bought directly on the bus, depending on the route, they cost from 0.8 €⁣ (73 R) to 2.8 €⁣ (258 R).

Timanfaya National Park is the main attraction of the island. In many guidebooks, it is listed first in the “What to see in Lanzarote” list. This is a beautiful park, where there is not a single tree, but the volcanic history of the Canaries is in full view.

Timanfaya Park Site

Extinct volcanoes are punctuated by valleys into which hot lava once flowed. The ground here is covered with volcanic rocks. They are grey, black and red because of the iron in the soil. Such a relief was formed after the eruptions of 1730-1736. Since the middle of the 20th century, scientists have been working in the park to observe the gradual change in the volcanic landscape. There is one active volcano in the territory – Timanfaya.

The park has one entrance. A ticket for adults costs 12 €⁣ (1107 R), for children 7-12 years old – 6 €⁣ (553 R), up to 7 years old – free of charge. There is a car park near the entrance.

Park opening hours:
in summer – from 9:00 to 18:00,
in winter – from 9:00 to 17:00

In the interests of science, the landscape of the park is left untouched, so only buses move around it. They depart from the volcano, which is located near the entrance, and return there in half an hour. The trip is included in the price of the entrance ticket.

Buses run on designated narrow lanes. They have recorded audio guides in different languages, but Russian is not among them. It is not allowed to stop and get off the buses. Photos and videos are taken from the window.

In rare cases, guides with groups of tourists manage to agree on moving on their own bus. But every year there are less and less of such concessions.

I enjoyed the informal minibus tour. I booked it online a month before the trip with a private guide. I was impressed by her interesting and emotional story: she talked about the park in such a way that I wanted to listen to her very carefully. The tour cost 75 €⁣ (6918 R) and lasted 9 hours. It included a tour of not only this park, but also other attractions. Now this guide is engaged in other business. I did not find information about such tours.

They try to preserve the landscape in the park, so they are not allowed to walk on it. But sometimes the rules change: in 2009, Pedro Almodóvar’s film “Broken Embraces” was filmed there. As a rule, tourists move around the park only on sightseeing buses. In a small specially designated area, you can ride camels. It costs from 20 €

The park is interesting not only for excursions. They cook food right on the volcano: the temperature at a depth of 10 meters underground reaches 600 °C. They dig a hole in the ground, put a grate on it, and sausages on top. You need to bring them with you: in any supermarket a small pack costs 2⁠—⁠3 €⁣ (184⁠—⁠276 R). Sausages are fried thanks to the heat of the volcano.

Islote de Hilario hill is located not far from the park. On its top, Timanfaya employees put on a volcanic show. First, they give a hot stone to hold, which is taken out of a hole in the ground. The stone is held without gloves and thrown from palm to palm like a hot potato. Then they throw dry grass into this pit, and it immediately flares up. A bucket of water is poured into another hole. A few seconds later, a geyser 10-15 meters high shoots out from there.

/faq-tenerife/

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The El Diablo restaurant is located in Islot de Hilario. Some dishes are also cooked in volcanic heat. The restaurant has a special brazier – a hole dug in the ground and covered with a grate, a cauldron or a frying pan is placed on it.

Chicken, pork, beef, veal are fried in this way. A serving costs €13⁠—⁠21⁣ (⁠1199—⁠1936.8462 R). The taste of food almost does not differ from that prepared in the usual way. But in any case, trying meat fried on a real volcano is an interesting experience.

Cactus garden. A huge cactus garden was founded in the 19th century. There you can see almost 5,000 plants and 400 species of cacti. In the garden, they grow quickly and bloom regularly. Entrance costs 6.5 €⁣ (599 R) for adults, 3.25 €⁣ (299 R) for children 7-12 years old, up to 7 years old is free.

Cactus garden website

I really love this garden for its peaceful atmosphere: it is always quiet there and you can wander past perennial cacti. Some of them are taller than human height. I came there twice with a difference of 7 years. I noticed that some of my tall favorites grew even more, and new young plants appeared next to them.

There is a small area in the garden just above ground level where a non-working mill and a cafe are located. It serves Canarian cuisine and cactus burgers. They are prepared as follows: a cutlet is made from a cactus, grinding it into gruel. The taste is unusual – something between an avocado and hummus, but you hardly want more. A portion will cost 6 €⁣ (553 R).

In Lanzarote, cacti grow three times the size of a human. Round Plants – Barrel Size

Jameos del Agua is a volcanic cave in the north of the island. It has beautiful underground landscapes of stalactites and stalagmites. There are comfortable paths, but a wheelchair cannot pass through them. Entrance for adults will cost 10 €⁣ (922 R), for children 7-12 years old – 5 €⁣ (461 R), up to 7 years old – free of charge.

Jameos del Agua has special acoustics: the sound can be heard equally well from any point. Inside the cave there is a concert hall “Auditorium”. On Fridays and Saturdays from 19:00 to 01:00, it hosts musical events called Nights in Jameos. First, a DJ performs as a warm-up, and at 22:30 a classical music concert begins. Ticket price — 55⁠—⁠65 €⁣ (5073⁠—⁠5995.3636 R), it can be bought on the official website. The price includes a concert and dinner at a local restaurant.

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There is a small lake in the cave where unusual white blind crabs live. They are found only in Lanzarote. Their safety is carefully monitored: touching crabs and throwing coins into their pond is prohibited.

It is better to buy tickets for the concert in the cave in advance: they are usually sold out on the day of the event

Charco de los Clicos is a natural lake 10 meters deep. It is unique in that it is located in the crater of a collapsed volcano on the very shore of the ocean and is fed by underground sources. Small algae – sea ruppia – give the water an amazing green color. You can drive to the lake for free at any time.

Pieces of chrysolite, a green semi-precious stone, are sometimes found on the shore of the lake. It glows beautifully in the rays of the setting sun, and for this it is called the evening emerald. Swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited: it is a natural reserve. There is no beach nearby.

There is a road leading to Charco de los Clicos – no need to climb the mountains.

If you stand with your back to the lake, you will see the ocean 50 meters ahead

Palma

Palma is the greenest island of the Canary archipelago. In 2002, UNESCO declared it a world biosphere reserve, so high-rise buildings cannot be built here. It is also the quietest island: one of the largest observatories in the Northern Hemisphere is located here, so night shows and fireworks are prohibited.

The main resort areas are Playa de Charco Verde, Playa de los Cancajos, Playa de Nogales. Local beaches have fine sand and clear water.

There are few people here: beach holidays on the island are not developed. In 2005-2010, the government of the Canaries planned to create new tourist areas on Palma. For this, a large airport was built here, but water parks and nightclubs cannot be opened due to the noise ban. Tourists prefer other islands where there is both beautiful nature and entertainment.

There are few regular buses on the island. Basically, they move between cities and do not reach the sights. Tickets cost 1.5-2.6 € (138-239 R), they can be bought from the driver. It is better to travel by rented car, taxi or with a tour.

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is located on the Taburiente mountain in the north of the island. It contains several hundred plants, including endemic ones that grow only in the Canary Islands: for example, the Canarian pine or some types of juniper. The entrance is free.

Site of the park

The highest mountain of the island, Roque de los Muchachos, is located in the park. Its height is 2426 meters. There are many hiking trails on the mountain. Climbing them takes from 3 to 20 hours, depending on the starting point and the preparedness of the tourists. During the hike, you can see how the vegetation changes: deciduous trees give way to junipers and Canarian pines. Most tourists prefer to go up the mountains by car to enjoy the views of the island from a point above the clouds.

The park’s most famous viewpoint is the Mirador de la Cumbrecita. A picturesque road leads to it, which is covered with vegetation on both sides. There are parking pockets for those wishing to get out of the vehicle and enjoy the views of the ocean and the island of Tenerife.

Canarian pines are famous for their fire resistance: only small branches and needles are usually burned in a forest fire. The trunks remain and the needles grow back Such dense vegetation in the Canary Islands can only be seen on Palma

Roque de los Muchachos is one of the largest observatories in the world. It is located in the Caldera de Taburiente park at an altitude of 2396 meters. In 1979, Newton’s telescope, one of the most powerful in the world, was brought here from England. It didn’t belong to the scientist, it’s just the name of the apparatus. Entrance costs 9 €⁣ (830 R).

Excursions to the observatory are rare and only in summer. You need to sign up on the site, but getting on them is a great success. I didn’t manage to do that. Children under 6 years old are not allowed into the observatory. Tours are not available in 2020 due to the pandemic.

During the tour, the guide-scientist tells about the history of the observatory and allows you to look through the telescopes. But you won’t be able to look into Newton’s telescope: its time is scheduled by the minute for scientists from different countries. Taking pictures in the observatory is prohibited.

A good alternative is an evening open-air tour with a story about the stars and observation through simpler telescopes. It costs from 30 €⁣ (2767 R). Such excursions do not include a visit to the observatory. They are conducted not by scientists, but by guides from local travel companies.

Artificial lighting should not interfere with stargazing, so mass entertainment is prohibited on the island. UNESCO has declared it a biosphere reserve. They let you in for free.

They move around the territory of the forest by car or on foot routes. At the entrance to the park, the caretaker gives booklets with maps. The main route called “Cubo de la Galga” stretches for 12.4 kilometers. It is ring-shaped – it leads from the town of Puntallana into the depths of the forest and back.

The route takes about 8 hours. The views in the forest are worth it: many trees are over a hundred years old. They entangle with their roots not only neighboring plants, but also footpaths.

Maps of hiking trails

On the territory of the reserve there is a large beautiful Los Tilos waterfall and many streams that feed the lush vegetation Convenient hiking trails are laid in the forest

Cumbre Vieja Park is located in the center of the island around the ridge of Cumbre Vieja volcanoes. The entrance is free. The “Road of Volcanoes” – “Ruta de los Volcanes” – runs through the territory of the park – 24 kilometers long. It can be completed in 6-8 hours. It starts in the El Pilar recreation area and ends in Fuencaliente at the lighthouse. The card is given at the tourist center.

Most of the route passes through open country. There you can see extinct volcanoes and rare low vegetation that has appeared among stones and lava. This park seems to be a copy of the island of Tenerife in the region of the Teide volcano, but there are much fewer people here.

Some people find it boring to look at volcanoes, but I like them. Once they helped form the current relief of the Canary Islands. Now these volcanoes are considered extinct, but any of them can wake up and manifest themselves.

In Cumbre Vieja, you can see a rare combination of volcanic landscape and greenery. View of the urban area and the ocean from one of the highest points of the park. The palm justifies the title of the greenest island of the archipelago here too: slopes over 2000 meters high are covered with lush vegetation

Hierro

Hierro is the westernmost and smallest island of the archipelago with an area of ​​only 268 km 2 . There are 700 volcanoes on it, which is more than on any other island of the Canaries.

Near Hierro there are several underwater volcanoes. Once every 5-7 years they erupt. In December 2013, due to an underwater eruption, local residents even had to be evacuated. Thanks to those tremors, Hierro rose almost 6 cm above sea level, but this did not affect the life of the island.

Hierro is not very suitable for a beach holiday – people usually come here to enjoy nature. There are several beaches here, but for the most part they are flat stone surfaces: for example, Playa de Tacoron and Playa Brava, which are located in the east of the island. There you can ski down into the water. More familiar are Playa de Timihiraque in the northeast and Playa de Verodal in the west: they are narrow strips of gray volcanic sand.

Hierro is home to one of the smallest hotels in the world, the Punta Grande. It has only four rooms. At 19In 84, it was entered into the Guinness Book of Records. In 2008, his record was broken by the Eh’hausl Hotel, which is located in the German city of Amberg.

A small hotel on the edge of the earth used to be a customs post Punta Grande has an official certificate confirming that it was once the smallest hotel in the world

Hierro also has a difficult transport situation. There are few buses here. Tickets for all routes cost 1. 16 €⁣ (107 R), they can be bought from the driver.

Things are no better with taxis: if you do not immediately find a car in the port in the parking lot at the exit, you may not be lucky again. It is best to rent a car or go with an organized group. A convenient option is a day trip from Tenerife by ferry and minibus. Cost — from 100 € (9225 R) including ferry tickets and excursion services. Such a trip can be booked on the website or at tour agencies in Tenerife.

Excursions to Hierro from Tenerife:
Viator,
Getyourguide,
Atlanticoexcursiones

Mirador de la Peña is the most famous viewpoint in the northwest of the island. It is convenient to drive up to it by car or bus from the town of Guarasoca along the HI10 highway. There are signs on the road.

There are stunning views of the ocean from here: as far as the eye can see, there is no land. They seem to prove that you are at the end of the world. The nearest land, the coast of the United States, is 5,000 kilometers away.

There is also a small garden with dozens of cacti and flowers. In my opinion, the definition of “ennobled mountainside” is more suitable for him.

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I liked the Mirador de Isora viewpoint. It is located in the east, not far from the village of Isora and the seaport, where ships from other islands arrive. When you look at the ocean from there, it seems as if the water was specially tinted. This color is created by the shadows of the clouds that fall on it.

From the 700-meter height of the Mirador de la Peña, everything seems tiny Cloudy weather on Hierro is quite common – it is almost impossible to photograph the terrain without a shadow Such rich colors on this island all year round: Hierro has more rainfall than in the south of Tenerife Beautiful the landscapes of the island can be seen in the 2019 Spanish TV series Hierro

La Maceta are volcanic pools the size of a small pool with a rocky bottom. They were formed on the ocean coast hundreds of years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. Water fills the pools at high tide. Their depth is up to 1.5 meters.

I took a bath in one of them. The pool has warm water: it has time to warm up under the sun. The waves don’t interfere. Swimming in the usual sense in these “bathtubs” is inconvenient: there are stones at the bottom that you can hit.

Nearby there is a stone beach where everyone sunbathes. The pools are reached by a stone staircase carved into the wall. The passage is not limited, but I did not notice the rescuers.

Pools with natural ocean water renewal are an interesting alternative for those who are tired of the usual ones. Here you need to swim carefully and not dive: due to the shallow depth, you can hit your head on the stones at the bottom

What you need to know about transport

Ferries. Travel between the islands on the ferries of two shipping companies – Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen.

Naviera Armas ships to the islands from Tenerife or Gran Canaria. The journey from Tenerife to Hierro takes 2.5-3.5 hours, to Palma – 4.5 hours, to Lanzarote – 10-15 hours. A round-trip ticket to Hierro and Palma costs from 98 €⁣ (9040 R), to Lanzarote – from 200 €⁣ (18 450 R).

The journey from Gran Canaria to Lanzarote takes 6-7 hours, the ticket costs from 150 €⁣ (13 837 R). The ferry runs daily. He goes to Palma only 1-2 times a week. The path takes 8-9hours, a round-trip ticket costs from 220 €⁣ (20,295 R). They get from Gran Canaria to Hierro with a change in Tenerife, there are no direct ferries. The journey takes at least 5 hours, the minimum trip price is from 188 €⁣ (17,343 R).

Fred Olsen ferries get from Tenerife to Palma in 2.5 hours. A round-trip ticket costs from 100 €⁣ (9225 R). You can get from Gran Canaria to Palma only through Tenerife, the journey with a transfer takes from 4.5 hours. A round-trip ticket costs from 150 €⁣ (13,837 R). Hierro is not on the list of Fred Olsen routes.

/faq-spain/

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It takes 4.5 hours from Gran Canaria to Lanzarote. On the way, you will have to make a transfer on the island of Fuerteventura: it takes from 30 minutes to several hours. Travel from Tenerife to Lanzarote takes 6 hours with a change in Gran Canaria. Round-trip ticket prices start from €136⁣ (R12,546) from Gran Canaria and from €220⁣ (R20,295) from Tenerife.

Fred Olsen ferries are smaller than Naviera Armas and get more seasick. Therefore, they are not suitable for all passengers.

Carriers offer residents of the Canary Islands discounts of up to 75% on tickets. Do not try to cheat the system: even if you buy such a ticket, you will not be allowed on a plane or ferry without a supporting document.

How much does it cost to travel by ferry between the islands

Route Travel hours Fred Olsen ferry fares Naviera Armas ferry fares
Tenerife – Lanzarote 6-15 from €220⁣ (R20,295) from €200⁣ (R18,450)
Gran Canaria – Lanzarote 4. 5-7 from €136⁣ (R12,546) from €150⁣ (R13,837)
Tenerife – Palma 2.5-4.5 from 100 €⁣ (9225 R) from €98⁣ (R9040)
Gran Canaria – Palma 4.5-9 from €150⁣ (R13,837) from €220⁣ (R20,295)
Tenerife – Hierro 2.5-3.5 no route from €98⁣ (R9040)
Gran Canaria – Hierro 5-8 no route from €188⁣ (R17,343)

Tenerife – Lansarota

hours

6-15

Fare cost on ferries Fred Olsen

of 220 € ⁣ (20 295 r)

The cost of the naviera Armas

003

from 200 € ⁣ (18 450 r)

Grand Canarius-Lansarot

hours on the way

4.5-7

Fares on ferries Fred Olsen

of 136 € € ⁣ (12 546 r (12 546 p )

The cost of the Naviera Armas

Parks from 150 € ⁣ (13 837 r)

Tenerife – Palma

hours on the way

2. 5–4.5

Fares on ferries Fred Olsen

from €100⁣ (R9225)

Naviera Armas 9 ferry fares0003

from 98 € ⁣ (9040 r)

Grand Canarius-Palma

hours on the way

4.5–9

Fares on ferries Fred Olsen

of 150 € ⁣ (13,837 r)

The cost of fare on the Naviera Armas

of 220 € (20,295 r)

Tenerife – Ierro

hours on the way

2.5–3.5

Fares on ferries Fred Olsen

No route

Ferry fare Naviera Armas

from 98 € ⁣ (9040 r)

Grand Canarius-Ierro

hours on the way

5-8

Fares on ferries Fred OLSEN

No route

Fares on the Navier Armas

ferries

from €188⁣ (R17,343)

Car rental. You can rent a car on all islands. There are international rental offices in the Canary Islands, such as Sixt and Avis. Often in local Spanish companies, such as Cicar, cars are cheaper. A car in Lanzarote and Palma is booked via the Internet, in Hierro – during a personal visit or by phone.

Renting the cheapest car from Cicar in Lanzarote costs €33⁣ (R3096) per day. If you take at once for several days, they will give a discount. On Palma, Sixt has the best price — 18 €⁣ (1690 R) per day.

Private car and scooter rentals are available in resort areas. Car rental prices are almost the same as in large companies. A scooter can be rented for €10-⁠15⁣ (R922-⁠1383) per day.

Renting a car in Lanzarote costs from €33.57 per day when booking on the Cicar website On Palma, a better option in Sixt is €18.32

Tour buses. The cost of group excursions on the islands is from 20 €⁣ (1845 R) per person, depending on the route and duration. Please note that the tour purchased on the island will be in English, Spanish or German. Russian-speaking guides gather small groups of 7-15 people via the Internet.

Excursions in Russian:
on Lanzarote,
on Palma,
on Hierro

Taxi. Local taxi services operate in all Canary Islands. The car must be ordered in advance via the Internet. A tip in the amount of 10% of the bill and a landing price – from 1 €⁣ (92 R) in the city up to 3.5 €⁣ (322 R) at the airport.

Order a taxi:
in Lanzarote,
in Hierro,
in Palma

Travel to Fuerteventura – the quietest island of the Canaries

The Canary Islands are not only a place for a noisy holiday and entertainment of the island of Tenerife. Fuertoventura, the least developed by tourists, attracts vacationers with a calm beach holiday and incredible scenery.

What comes to mind when you hear about the Canary Islands? Islands of “eternal spring”? A resting place for the “new Russians”? Those lucky ones who have already been there will surely remember the majestic Teide volcano, Loro Parque, the diversity of nature and much more. But this is just the island of Tenerife, one of the islands of the Canary archipelago. We decided to follow unexplored paths, and went to the most African (100 kilometers to Africa) and the island of Fuerteventura, little developed by tourists. Looking ahead, we note that this is an island with the most beautiful, African-style wide and long beaches, with endless expanses of the turquoise ocean, where time stops when you hear its breath. Our way to the Canaries passed through the whole of Europe. Departure point – the city of Minsk.
The first thing that caught my eye when approaching the island was the “Martian” landscapes, the absence of any vegetation, only scorched earth, extinct volcanoes and deserts. The radio in our taxi did not work, and the friendly Canarian taxi driver began to sing cheerful Spanish songs, but with such inspiration that we froze with delight! Canarians are amazing people! Not everyone, as an adult, will be able to laugh like a child and sing like no one is listening.
After checking into the hotel, we went to the whitest beaches of the Canary Islands – the beaches of Corralejo. Despite the fact that they were three kilometers from the hotel, a walk along the coast left an unforgettable experience. Solidified lava along the coast of the ocean, magical air, white sand. And not a single soul, just us and the ocean! Time slows down here, and you realize that you have an eternity in front of you.
Here you will not find breakwaters and other “human” fences. These wide sandy beaches are natural and untouched by human hand.
To the east of Corralejo is the Dunes National Park, which covers an area of ​​30 square kilometers. From the beauty he saw, his head was spinning, and he wanted to soar over the snow-white expanses.
Then we rented bikes, rode along the promenade with a beautiful view of the island of Lanzarote and the uninhabited island of Lobos.
On the fourth day of the trip we went south to the largest and widest beach of the island, Playa de Sotavento. It stretches for 30 kilometers in length. Imagine you can walk and not meet a single person. The whole ocean and the whole beach is only yours.
In the evenings, we spent hours sitting on deck chairs right by the ocean, where neither the music of clubs nor noisy companies could be heard, and only the ringing of the bells of the city clock disturbed us. And what there sunrises and sunsets! Trust me, it’s worth seeing.
On the fifth day we went for a camel ride. You say what is special here, but in fact it turned out to be very interesting. Our camel ride was remarkable because we climbed the mountain through fragrant flower alleys, where at the top we had a stunning view of the rocks and the ocean. The camels walked slowly, and all this time we admired the fantastic scenery on the top of the mountain.
The week on the island was very eventful. On the one hand, it seemed to us that we had been here for a month, and on the other hand, we still wanted to soak up the sun.
However, everything flows, everything changes, and we went to the most popular island of Gran Canaria among Europeans. We got there by sea. There was such a strong wind in the open ocean that we were simply blown off our feet! And all around were dark mighty waves and endless expanses of sea, and only our “boat”, swaying from side to side, went forward towards adventure.
And now, we are in Las Palmas – the capital of Gran Canaria, the city where Columbus stopped when he sailed to discover America. The city consists of small streets with rocky paving stones from the ocean.
We were in Gran Canaria for two full days. We devoted one day to exploring the island, and the second to swimming in the huge waves of the ocean. Our walk began with the hallmark of the Canary Islands – the dunes of Maspalomas. There is an oasis with a fresh lake. It is it that is a stopover for migratory birds on their way from Europe to Africa. The dunes are no longer deserted, you can always find some lost tourists or nudists. And yet it is not for nothing that this corner of the Sahara on the ocean received the title of “pearl of the island”.
The resort town of Playa del Ingles consists entirely of hotels and beaches with many tourists. In a word, the European “Crimea”. Yes, by the way, who doesn’t know, the beaches in the Canary Islands are state-owned, and admission to them is free.
Then we went to the beach with coral sand brought from the Caribbean – Playa Amadeus. The beach is located in a quiet cove surrounded by rocks.
On the last day we went to Faro Maspalomas – the best place to relax on the waves near the dunes. We swam there all day. Further, our path lay in a picturesque resort town, the fishing village of Puerto de Mogan. One of its parts is cut by canals, thanks to which it received its second attractive name – “Canarian Venice”. We got the impression that we were in a fairy tale, where there are narrow cozy streets, well-groomed gardens and squares, small houses, doors and balconies of which are decorated with lush splendor of flowers.
We were on two beautiful islands in their own way: Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Fuerta is mysterious and deserted. Here everyone will feel unity with nature, find solitude and, of course, inspiration for new exploits, which will fill you in full and for a long time. But if you are more drawn to civilization, then welcome to the island of Gran Canaria, which is rich in beaches, beautiful towns, and entertainment complexes. But still, Fuerta conquered us! And that’s where we tossed a coin to come back again.

Isles of Eternal Spring | Interfax-Tourism

The Canary Islands – a place where you can live in complete harmony with nature for at least a short time

The Canary archipelago is a super popular place among tourists from many countries, including Russia. At first, we had a stormy surge of interest in the Canary Islands, then a decline, and now it’s just love, which is not afraid of fashion and time.

This is not surprising: the Canary Islands seem to have been specially created by the Creator as a kind of prototype of paradise, where people, animals and plants are equally comfortable. Where harmony and eternal spring reign.

The songbird that inhabits some of the islands is said to have given its name to the entire Canarian archipelago. In fact, on the contrary, Canary got its name from the name of a group of seven main and a number of small islands that have been territorially owned by Spain since the 15th century.

Before the Spaniards, the islands were inhabited by Guanches – a local people engaged in hunting, fishing and agriculture. Scientists say that the Guanches were tall, blue-eyed and with blond hair. And it was they who, in their opinion, were the descendants of the famous Atlantis.

The Spaniards conquered the Guanches, some of whom converted to Catholicism, while the other part preferred death to captivity. From the freedom-loving people, only some local names have survived, and individual words in the local Canarian dialect of Spanish.

And yet, they say that the great Homer wrote in the “Odyssey” that beyond the Pillars of Hercules (the Strait of Gibraltar) there are paradise islands, meaning the Canaries. Another, no less famous writer, Shakespeare, praised Canarian wines very much. Columbus stopped here on his way from Spain to America. And many other prominent figures.

According to the Canarians, summer reigns on their islands all year round. A controversial statement, given the fact that when there is an African heat on the southern coast of the islands, snow lies on the top of Mount Teide, the highest point in the country, until June. Rather, the Canary Islands are constantly eternal spring, judging by the riot of colors.

Officially, it is believed that the archipelago has a moderately hot climate, moderated by the trade winds blowing from the north, and the cold current of the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe that’s why the temperature in winter in the Canaries rarely drops below +10 degrees Celsius and rises above +25. Well, in summer, the air temperature on various islands ranges from +20 to 40.

It is clear that due to such a natural factor, hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists from many countries flock to the islands every year. Especially in winter, when it is cold and dreary in Europe, but you really want to go to the sea and the sun. Three islands are the most popular among tourists: Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

In pursuit of the blue bird

It turns out that the blue bird of happiness exists. And nowhere else, namely in the Canary Islands. More precisely, on the island of Tenerife, the largest in area of ​​all the islands of the archipelago. This is the pinson azul, the blue finch. Local endemic, small and very cute bird. And there is also a paloma turke – a blue dove. And many other curious representatives of flora and fauna.

Take, for example, the same tahinaste – a plant – a symbol of the island. Or the local cordon cactus, from the juice of which the Guanches prepared sleeping pills to help them catch fish. Or local Canarian dogs used by local farmers for traditional hare hunting.

It is curious that in Tenerife the dogs are brown, on the island of volcanoes of Lanzarote – black, and in Gran Canaria – brindle, the color of the local sand.

However, in Tenerife, not only tourist areas and hotels, built in the traditions of local architecture, surprise. Is it not a miracle to see a pod of dolphins and small whales from a cruise ship very close by. Or admire the Canary balconies in the town of Orotava, where every year at the beginning of June the streets are literally covered with flowers, and the central square of Ayuntamiento is covered with a multi-colored carpet of the Teide volcanic earth!

The stepped pyramids found in the town of Guimar, the same age as similar structures in Egypt, Mexico and Peru, are also surprising.

But of course, the biggest shock for tourists, object N1 on the island is the Teide volcano. This is the symbol of the entire archipelago. Scientists say that the “white mountain”, which is how Teide is translated from the Guanche language, is about 600 thousand years old. And although the last eruption of Teide occurred at the end of the 18th century, traces of its activity can still be observed periodically: sulfur emissions and the remains of black lava, which is used by local farmers as fertilizer for growing Canary potatoes – small, shriveled, but very tasty.

A tour of the Teide National Park, when you rise from the coast to sky-high heights, is impressive. Along the way, you admire the beauties, Canarian pine, cacti. And on the spot you freeze with admiration at the sight of Roques de Garcia, rocks of bizarre shapes that were depicted on old Spanish money.

Dozens of layers of lava of different age, composition and color, incredible stone sculptures, craters and rocks. All this can be seen and photographed in the mountain basin of Las Cañadas. And you can look at all the natural splendor almost from the top, where the funicular delivers tourists.

If you’re lucky, you might see Teide violets, a plant that can survive at an altitude of 3,500 meters. And other rare plants, prehistoric, are still found in the Laurisilva rainforest, which is located in the north of the island in the Anagi region.

And in the northwest, the precipitous cliffs of Los Gigantes – “Giants” – arouse admiration. In the town of Icod de los Vinos, a thousand-year-old dragon tree is admired. Once it was worth its weight in gold for its ability to cure many diseases.

The famous German naturalist Alexander Humboldt burst into tears when he climbed the Teide, he was so overwhelmed by what he saw.

The island of miracles and “surprises”

Humboldt would have been utterly delighted with the island of Lancerot, which is only 50 minutes from Tenerife. A landscape of unique beauty, the most characteristic sign of Lanzarote, often called the “Island of the Moonscape”. There is little greenery here, unlike Tenerife, the climate is drier. But the amazingly beautiful mountains and volcanoes, thanks to which UNESCO declared the entire island a biosphere reserve.

The most striking place and popular with tourists is the Timanfaya National Park. It is also called Fire Mountains. A visit to the park begins with various “tricks” that cause genuine delight among tourists: an eruption of hot steam, hot sand on cool ground.

There is a restaurant next door where meat and fish are cooked in volcanic heat. The tour itself is carried out by bus on a specially laid road. Walking on Timanfaya is strictly prohibited. Through the bus windows, amazingly beautiful multi-colored mountains and sands, black lava, forming bizarre shapes, open up. The feeling that you are virtually traveling on some other planet in a science fiction movie.

Timanfaya is not the only wonder of Lanzarote. In the northeast of the island there is a 7-kilometer cave Cueva de los Verdes, and there is a concert hall in it. And in another cave, Jameos del Agua, the only white blind crab in the world, tiny and very cute, lives in crystal clear water.

Pride of the island A cactus garden designed by César Manrique, a wonderful local artist, sculptor and designer. This, the latest work of the master, is a crater of a volcano, in which visitors can admire almost 2,000 cacti from different countries. What is there just not here: tiny fluffy with scarlet flowers and round, similar to ottomans, vertical, taller than human height and orchilla, from which purple paint was made.

The island has remained so beautiful thanks to Cesar Manrique, whose house-museum is also a must-visit for all tourists. This is where the fantasy of the “Canarian Dali” unfolded.

Strange rotating modules, which Manrique called “wind toys” (these are found in many places on the island) harmoniously fit into the architecture of the estate of bright white color, elongated sofas and tables of unusual shapes, avant-garde paintings on the walls – all this Cesar Manrique. And this extraordinary person also designed the garden and the 5 * hotel Gran Melia Salinas, the most luxurious on the island. It is located on the Costa Teguise, calm and quiet.

The main tourist destination is located on the southeast coast of Punto del Carmen. Here are located low hotels, the darkness of restaurants and bars, discos, inexpensive boarding houses. And life is in full swing around the clock.

In the bay of El Golfo you can see a lake of bright green water next to the sea. And in the town of Teguise, enjoy a leisurely walk along the quiet medieval streets among bright white houses with green windows and doors.

In Mancha Blanca, in a small monastery, there is an image of Our Lady, the patroness of the island. According to legend, it was thanks to her that the hot lava flows stopped in front of the monastery.

And many more wonders can be found in Lanzarote, where you can ride camels and listen to classical music in a cave, feast on the sweetest local grapes growing on the slopes of volcanoes and buy exotic cacti, swim in the purest turquoise waters and sunbathe on a black sand beach.

“A continent in miniature”

This is how the island of Gran Canaria is often called in guidebooks, because of the abundance and diversity of natural landscapes and various attractions. The latter with good reason include the crater of the Bandama volcano, to the bottom of which, to a depth of 220 meters, tourists descend along a narrow path. And what a magnificent panorama of the entire island opens from the top of the crater!

Or the famous Maspalomas beach, which is a whole 8 km of sand dunes. Interestingly, the temperature of the water washing this place ranges from +20 to +24 degrees all year round.

Las Palomas is the oldest resort area of ​​the island. Mostly Scandinavians rest here. Well, the most famous resort area famous for its nightlife is Playa del Engles. And in the extreme south, there is a very calm beach called Playa de las Meloneras.

The peculiarity of the island, the third largest after Tenerife and Fuerteventura, is long and deep ravines. They start in the center and end at the sea, where there are many natural sandy beaches. In one of the ravines is Palmitos Park, a botanical garden and a zoo where you can see Canarian parrots, butterflies and even a monitor lizard from Komodo Island. And nearby is a luxurious hotel for fans of tennis.

It is worth visiting the island’s capital – the largest Spanish seaport of Las Palmas. And in it: the house-museum of Christopher Columbus, the Cathedral, the Canary Museum, Caam (the Atlantic center of contemporary art).

In addition, prehistoric paintings can be seen in the Barranco de Balos gorge. And in the town of Guayadeque – houses of local residents in the caves, a cave church and even a restaurant. By the way, it turns out that living in a cave is quite comfortable: it is not cold in winter, and not hot in summer. At least that’s what the locals say.

Gran Canaria is famous for its unusual holidays. First of all, a grandiose carnival taking place at the end of January. In the town of Santa Brigita, a foam festival is held: here everyone is poured with water. In the town of Guia, a cheese festival is held. And in Marsagan there is a festival of water. In another place, there is a puddle festival, when locals and tourists dive into a large pond and catch small fish with their hands. And in the small village of Agaete there is a festival of branches: when crowds of people beat the ocean with tree branches, punishing evil spirits for drought.

“A storm frozen in stone” is about the mountains in the town of Tejede, from where the most beautiful view of the island opens up, which you want to return to again and again. As well as on the archipelago of paradise in general, which is only a stone’s throw away – only 7 hours of summer…

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Sunset on the beach in Cofete, Fuerteventura.

Canary Islands

Canary Islands

We are happy to inform you that there is a place in Spain where the sun always shines and you can enjoy pleasant spring temperatures. Plan your holiday in the Canary Islands. The weather here is equally good in any season, and the average annual temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius. Here you will find nine to ten hours of sunshine a day, volcanic landscapes, outdoor recreation and some of the best beaches in Europe.

Go to my bookmarks

  • View of the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife in the background

    A haven of eternal spring on eight islands

    We represent the eight Canary Islands: Gran Canaria is called a continent in miniature. Tenerife has twice been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lanzarote is an unusual island with black and reddish volcanic rocks creating surreal landscapes. Fuerteventura is beach and sea, long stretches of sand and heaven for windsurf . Palm Island is often referred to as the “beautiful island” because it is the greenest of all the islands. On La Gomera, you will see places shrouded in mysticism, which is why it is called the “magic island.” Hierro is a 100% environmentally friendly island, self-sufficient with renewable energy sources. Graciosa is a small, almost virgin island.

  • Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote

    Nature and freedom

    This is one of the distinctive features of the Canary Islands, and not by chance. After all, their volcanic origin, combination of arid landscapes with lush forests and spacious beaches, rich biodiversity and consistently good weather make them an ideal place to relax. The nature of the Canary Islands is mesmerizing. To see this, visit four national parks (Teide on the island of Tenerife; Caldera de Taburiente on the island of Palma; Garajonay on the island of Gomera or Timanfaya on the island of Lanzarote) or just any island, because most of their territory is recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.

  • Corralejo beach in Fuerteventura

    Leisure beaches

    And here you are in the Canary Islands! You enjoy the sun and comfortable temperature. Now you just have to choose a beach and enjoy walking barefoot on the sand, basking in the sun for hours or swimming in the ocean. Here you will find spacious beaches with light sand – for example, in the Natural Park of Corralejo (Fuerteventura) or Maspalomas (Gran Canaria). But there are also beaches with dark sand of volcanic origin, such as Charco Verde (La Palma) or Playa del Inglés (La Gomera). There are beaches where you can swim in calm water, because these are natural pools surrounded by rocks on all sides – such as Charco Azul (Hierro) or Charco de la Laja (Tenerife). Some of them are urban beaches and are especially suitable for families: for example, Las Canteras (Gran Canaria) and Las Teresitas (Tenerife). Others stand aside and remain almost untouched, such as Cofete (Fuerteventura) or Famara (Lanzarote). More information can be found on the Canary Islands tourism website.

  • San Cristobal de la Laguna

    ©

    Grupo de Ciudades Patrimonio

    Cultural events

    The islands are full of pleasant surprises. For example, did you know that Tenerife has a city declared a World Heritage Site? This is San Cristobal de la Laguna: stroll along its quiet streets to feel the measured rhythm of life in the Canary Islands. Its architecture is a striking example of the colonial style so characteristic of the Canary Islands. On the island of Gran Canaria, we invite you to go on an archaeological tour of the northern part of the island (between Galdar, Guia and Agaete) to learn about the peoples who once inhabited this territory. The hallmark of Lanzarote is the fusion of architecture and nature in Manrique’s work, represented by spaces such as the Cactus Garden, the Mirador del Río viewpoint or the caves of Jameos del Agua. On the island of Fuerteventura, Manrique’s work is represented by the viewpoint Mirador de la Peña, which offers spectacular views. On the other hand, on the island of La Gomera, you can hear a unique whistle language used to this day. This is the so-called “silbo-gomero”, declared by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind.

  • Papas arrugadas and Canarian mojo sauce

    ©

    Turismo de Canarias

    Taste of happiness

    It’s always a pleasure to sit down at the table, and especially in the Canary Islands. First, because often it happens outdoors, in the sun and at a comfortable temperature. Secondly, because the islands are rich, light and exotic cuisine. For example, you will find a huge variety of tropical fruits, such as the unique Canarian banana, papaya, mango and many other fruits, from which delicious fresh juices are made here. In addition, there are such simple potato dishes as “papas-arrugadas” , which are usually eaten with traditional mojo sauce. Try popular dishes such as baked parrotfish, clams with mojo sauce or roast goat. Each meal is complemented by local cheeses and wines and culminates in gofio (roasted grain flour) dessert. We are sure that after that you will be happier!

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Routes to the most beautiful viewpoints of the Canary Islands

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Canary Islands – PapaYachting

The Canary Islands, or the Canaries, is an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. In total it consists of thirteen islands, but only seven of them are inhabited: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote.

It is warm here all year round, the average daily temperature in winter on the coast is +18C + 25C. Crystal clear waters, magnificent swimming coves, unusual black sand beaches, fantastic views – from tropical forests to lifeless Martian landscapes – all this attracts travelers from all over the world to the Canary Islands. What is the best way to explore the islands? Of course on a yacht!

Features of yachting in the Canary Islands

Yachting in the Canary Islands is especially popular with Russians in November-February. There are several reasons for this.

First of all, during this period there are not many options for budget flights to warm countries. And the Canaries are very convenient in this sense: there is a direct Aeroflot flight from Moscow, as well as many affordable options with transfers, for example, via Madrid or Barcelona.

Secondly, the prices on these islands are quite democratic for everything: for food in supermarkets, for fuel, for parking in marinas. And the trip as a whole is not so hard on the pocket.

Thirdly, in winter the Canary Islands have a large selection of boats, as many yachts from the Balearic Islands and other parts of the Mediterranean migrate here for the winter. But in the summer it is more difficult to rent a yacht in the Canary Islands, there is less choice.

Winds and complexity of the region for yachtsmen

Winds are predominantly north-easterly, quite strong, 15-30 knots. Calm is rare. Under the cover of the island, you can go by motor, but between the islands it will most likely blow out. Gusts can reach 30-40 knots.

The waves here are long, oceanic. They can reach up to 3-4 meters. The islands are separated from each other by a considerable distance, the transitions are quite long, do not forget about this when planning your route. Sometimes it is worth starting from the harbor early in the morning in order to have time to reach the neighboring island during daylight hours. Another feature of yachting in this region is the presence of tides. Keep this in mind when mooring your boat.

There are almost always free places in marinas, except for the days before the start of the transatlantic races. Therefore, just in case, we recommend booking in advance. After all, there are very few places for anchorage in the Canary Islands.

In general, sailing in the Canary Islands is recommended for experienced sailors. If you are still an inexperienced skipper, we can help you rent a yacht with a captain and you can practice sailing in this difficult region under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

Yacht charter in the Canary Islands

Charter boat bases are located on three islands: Tenerife (marinas Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Las Galletas, Radazul), Lanzarote (Marina Rubicon, Lansarote) and Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) . If you need to start from another place, you can organize a transfer to the desired point. Basically, yachts are rented from Saturday for a period that is a multiple of a week. Other options are available upon request. The yachts are in good condition, perfectly equipped. In the Canary Islands, not only sailing, but also motor yachts are available for rent.

You can make your own itinerary or use one of the options on our website. And to make it easier for you to decide which islands you would like to visit, read our recommendations below.

What to see

Tenerife – the main and largest island of the archipelago. Beautiful beaches, plenty of activities, interesting excursions, a large charter fleet – the perfect place to start your cruise. There are many harbors on the island, which allows you to approach many beautiful places from the sea. But to visit the most famous sights, we recommend, nevertheless, to devote a full day, or maybe two, to trips around the island and rent a car. So, you should definitely visit the volcano Teide is the highest point in Spain. Altitude 3718 meters above sea level. To get to the top, you need to drive along a mountain serpentine to a mark just above 2000 meters. And then take the funicular up. The views outside the car window are simply mesmerizing. First, deciduous forests, then coniferous, and then you rise above the clouds and lifeless lunar landscapes begin around, formed by frozen lava. There are many viewing platforms along the way, where you can stop and take beautiful photos. Do not forget to take warm sweaters or jackets with you, it is quite cold at the top +1C +6C.

Another place with great views is Mask Gorge . It is also easier to get here by car. After the tour, you can have a great lunch at a local family restaurant. The restaurant looks simple, but the food is delicious. A local feature is cactus food. For example, ice cream and digestif.

If you are traveling with children, they will be interested in visiting Loro Parque . This is a natural park where different animals live. Here are collected 500 species of birds, dolphins, turtles, sea lions and even penguins. Another place where you can have a great time with the whole family – water park Siam Park . The water paradise, spread over a large open-air area, consists of 25 water attractions.

La Gomera Island – the passage from Tenerife to La Gomera is quite short, only 25 miles. It is notable for the fact that often in these places you can meet dolphins and even whales! So keep your eyes peeled and keep your cameras ready. The main stop on the island is in the marina of the city of San Sebastian. Here you can rent a car and explore the area. The island is very beautiful and green. On La Gomera you will see extraordinary relict forests, similar to the scenery of some fairy tales. We advise you to climb to the top to the restaurant Mirador de Abrante. From this point, in clear weather, a stunning view of the ocean and the Teide volcano, located on the neighboring island of Tenerife, opens up. And also the restaurant has a special glass cabin, where you can go for free and feel like a daredevil, standing over the abyss on a transparent glass floor.

La Palma – is another green island in the Canary archipelago. The locals call it Isla Verde. If possible, stay here for a day and explore the island by car. It takes a long time to get to the top, but it’s worth it. Having passed the most beautiful pine and laurel forests, you will find yourself above the clouds. The view from the top is simply mesmerizing. Absolute silence, floating clouds, the ocean, and the whole island from a bird’s eye view. And below you is the crater of the Caldera de Taburiente volcano. To be able to linger and take pictures, do not forget to bring warm sweaters, the temperature at the top is invigorating, just above zero. And at the very top, another surprise awaits you: an astrophysical observatory. It consists of several structures and huge telescopes.

Santa Cruz de la Palma – the capital of the island, a very pleasant town for walking. Colored houses, whose facades are made in colonial style, attract the eye. It is also very pleasant to dine in local restaurants and drink Canary wine or Sangria.

El Hierro Island is the smallest of the seven islands. From the board of the yacht, the island seems absolutely impregnable – solid rocks and cliffs. But don’t despair, in the south of the island there is a marina, La Restinga, in the northwest marina La Estaca, and in the northeast you can anchor next to Punta de Caleta. Surprisingly, most of the volcanoes of the Canary archipelago are located right here, on this tiny piece of land. There are craters both above and below ground. Fear not, the last eruption here was over 200 years ago. Underwater volcanoes are just a paradise for divers. Dive equipment can be rented from the diving center in La Restinga.

Gran Canaria – Many yachtsmen know the name of the island even if they have never been there. After all, this is the starting point of the famous race across the Atlantic, ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). In October-December, before the start of the race, it is noisy and crowded. It is better to find out the availability of places in marinas in advance. If you dream of participating in such a landmark event as the Transatlantic Regatta, PapaYachting will help you with the organization. If you are alone, then we will find you a place in a Russian-speaking or English-speaking crew. Do you have a whole team? Then contact us to rent a yacht specially equipped for such a transition.

Gran Canaria is a very lively island. In Las Palmas, it is worth taking a walk through the historic center of the city, where there are many interesting buildings and museums. And there are many shops, restaurants and clubs. We also recommend visiting the towns of Telde and Puerto Rico. It is interesting that the beaches here, unlike, for example, from Tenerife and La Palma, are not with black volcanic, but with golden and even white sand. It’s just imported sand. One of these chic beaches, El Hornillo, is located next to the large yacht port in Pasito Blanco. But one of the most picturesque towns of Gran Canaria is Puerto Mogan. White houses, colored shutters, everything is immersed in colorful bougainvillea. This place is also called the “Canarian Venice”, because the city is indented with canals.

An interesting natural attraction located in the southern part of the island of Gran Canaria is the dunes of Maspalomas. It is both a beach and a natural monument. The dunes are like a miniature desert. You can walk along the dunes both on foot and on a rented camel. Nearby is an old operating lighthouse, climbing which you can see the surroundings in all its glory.

Yacht moorings in the Gran Canaria region are possible only in marinas, which are plentiful on this island: Puerto de Las Palmas, Anfi del Mar, Pasito Blanco, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan, Puerto de las Nieves, Arguineguin.

Fuerteventura – the best beaches in the Canaries can be found here. The beaches are large, with light fine sand. There is also a stable wind zone, so this island is popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders. For these sports, we recommend stopping at the port of Puerto de Cooralejo. Nearby is an 8-kilometer beach with golden dunes. If, on the contrary, you are looking for a quiet place, protected from the winds, then anchor in the area of ​​the beaches of Playa de Guinijimar or Lajita. Fuerteventura has no lush vegetation, and the landscape is calm in gray-brown tones. But the island has a rich fauna: many goats, donkeys, egrets, vultures, chipmunks, lizards. But there are no snakes and poisonous insects at all.

Lanzarote Island is an island of extinct volcanoes. Hundreds of craters create a truly fantastic landscape. This island should definitely be included in your yachting itinerary. We recommend mooring in Puerto Calero Marinalocated in the southeast of the island. The marina is designed for 446 boats, there is water and electricity, repair shops, shops, restaurants, and the airport is 15 minutes away. It is good to make a stop in the vicinity of the town of Puerto del Carmen. It is a lively tourist destination with over a hundred restaurants, shopping malls, bars and discos, and a lively nightlife.

Want to see something unusual? Ready to dive underwater? Then you are in the Marina Rubicon. About 300 meters away is the modern underwater museum Museo Atlántico Lanzarote. 300 human-sized sculptures, installed at the bottom of the ocean, delight someone, and inspire fear in someone. Inspection of the exposition is carried out accompanied by an experienced diver.

Whatever you are looking for in a sailing holiday – good sailing practice or measured sailing with stops at beaches and resort towns, excellent sea fishing or contemplation of dolphins and whales in their natural environment, exploring natural parks or excursions – the Canary Islands will definitely meet your expectations .

Tours to the Canary Islands from Ekaterinburg — 2021

You can describe for a long time what a good vacation in the south is, talk about a pleasant climate, light wind, hot sun, ocean waves, sunny palm trees and warm sand. And you can just say one word and everything will immediately become clear. And this word is Canaries!

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In the last nine months of 2017, the number was 45.8 million, Tourism Minister Miguel Sebastian said at a press conference. And this is not surprising, because Spain is so famous for its even, mild and healthy climate, especially in the Canary Islands. Holidays in the Canary Islands will give you the opportunity to spend time on the beach and swim almost all year round, as there is no sweltering heat in summer, and thanks to the golf stream in winter, you can comfortably swim in the ocean.

The Canary Islands is an autonomous region within Spain. The archipelago includes seven large islands and several small ones. Due to the geographical location and special climate, you can relax on the islands almost all year round. The “Islands of Eternal Spring”, as they are often called, is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

History

In ancient times, before the conquest of the islands by Europeans, the islands of the archipelago were inhabited by Guanches. Their level of development was quite low. They did not know how to process metal, they used only stone tools and weapons. They were mainly engaged in primitive agriculture and cattle breeding. The conquest of the Canary Islands by the Spanish conquistadors began at the beginning of the 15th century and lasted about 100 years. The natives were exterminated, sold into slavery or assimilated with settlers from Europe. After a while, almost nothing remained of the local culture. When expanding to the American continent, the Canary Islands were the most important transit point on the way to the New World. For several centuries, they were subjected to regular raids by pirates, from which the cities and population suffered greatly. The development of the tourism industry began at the end of the 19th century, and by the middle of the 20th century, tourism had become one of the leading sectors of the economy.

Getting there

Almost every island in the Canary archipelago has an international airport with direct flights from major European cities. The air harbors of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Lanzarote receive daily flights from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Direct flights from Russia are carried out only to the airport of the island of Tenerife. Aeroflot Airlines operates regular flights from Sheremetyevo to Tenerife-South several times a week. The cost of a round-trip ticket is 300-350 euros.

A more economical option would be connecting flights. Tickets through Madrid or Eindhoven can cost a tourist 260-300 euros round trip. In addition, connecting flights will allow you to get to other resorts in the archipelago.

Canary Islands

The archipelago consists of seven islands of volcanic origin: Palma, Gran Canaria, Gomera, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Hierro. With the exception of Gomera and Hierro, the rest of the islands are chosen by beach tourists.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the archipelago, in no way inferior to neighboring Tenerife in terms of tourist infrastructure and beaches. More than three million tourists visit it every year. The presence on the island of nature reserves, colorful landscapes and amazing landscapes makes it an attractive sightseeing holiday.

Gran Canaria is included in the list of biosphere reserves under the protection of UNESCO. Some parts of the island are forbidden to visit, they are included in the zone of the so-called “protected territories” (there are about 32). The highest point in Gran Canaria is Pico de las Nieves (height 1949 meters above sea level) divides the island into two climatic zones. The south of the island is noticeably drier and hotter, while the northern part is characterized by cooler and more humid weather. The main resorts of Gran Canaria are located in the southern part of the island, including the famous Maspalomas, whose coast is included in the list of the 100 best beaches in the world. The northern part presents excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. The capital of the island, Las Palmas, located in the north, offers tourists a lot of entertainment and an active nightlife.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and most popular island of the Canary archipelago. The Spaniards know a lot about holidays and have a good idea of ​​how to organize it. This fully applies to Tenerife. A string of resorts, long beaches, water parks, cultural, natural and historical attractions will not let you get bored even for a second.

The island’s beaches cater to all tastes, from secluded coves hidden in mountain gorges to wide, long coastlines of black volcanic sand and white-sand beaches where seagulls lazily fly in search of prey. Traditionally, the south of the island is a favorite place for beach tourists, where it is always warm and the sun is hot. Due to the climatic features of Tenerife, a beach holiday in the south is possible all year round.

But tourists are not satisfied with the beach alone. The island is a nature reserve with more than 1200 species of plants found nowhere else. The Teide volcano is, perhaps, the main attraction of Tenerife. For ships passing by, the 3718-meter-high mountain serves as the main reference point. Teide is the third highest volcano in the world after Hawaii’s Mauna Kei and Mauna Loa.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the ideal place for a quiet and relaxing holiday on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the fact that the island is the second largest, second only to Tenerife, the small density of resorts and long beaches make it unlike the popular islands of the Canary archipelago.

Fuerteventura cannot boast of colorful natural landscapes and lush vegetation. The coastline of the island is 340 km, most of which are white sand beaches. Therefore, Fuerteventura is called the most “African” island of the archipelago. The beaches are a real treasure of the island, for which tourists come here and windsurfers from all over the world have chosen to come here. From the vegetation here are date palms, cacti and other types of succulents, agave.

As with all the Canary Islands, the climate in Fuerteventura allows for year-round beach holidays. The air temperature in winter rarely drops below 22 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is stable at around 20 degrees Celsius. An important feature of the island is the absence of pronounced climatic zones and precipitation, which are often found in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

La Palma

La Palma (or San Miguel de la Palma to be correct) is the fifth largest island in the Canary archipelago and the third largest in terms of population. Very often the island is confused with Palma de Mallorca and the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas.

By the standards of the Canary Islands, tourism in La Palma is underdeveloped. The resorts of the island are significantly inferior in opportunities to neighboring Tenerife, Gran Canaria and even Lanzarote. There are few hotels, the island is able to receive and accommodate no more than 7000 tourists at the same time. There are small sandy beaches, consisting mainly of black volcanic sand. Due to the presence of mountain ranges, La Palma is a gathering place for lovers of active sports. Every year a large number of paragliding, mountain biking and trekking fans fly here.

At the beginning of the 21st century, it was included in the list of world biosphere reserves by UNESCO. On the territory of the island there are a large number of natural parks, pine and laurel forests, which cover more than a third of the land. The main attraction of La Palma is the crater of the Caldera volcano, with a diameter of more than 9 km. At this point, the National Park Caldera de Taburiente was formed.

La Palma has a rich historical heritage. Along with Antwerp and Seville, the port of Santa Cruz de la Palma (the capital of the island) was the third most important port in the Spanish kingdom during the Middle Ages, when Spain reigned supreme at sea.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the easternmost and most picturesque island of the archipelago. For its “lunar” landscapes and the presence of more than 300 craters on the territory, it was called the “island of fire-breathing mountains” (Isla del Fuego). The unusual name of the island was given in honor of the navigator from Genoa Lancelotto Malocello, who discovered this piece of land in 1312. The fertile soil of the island is hidden under a large layer of lava ash, which greatly complicates farming. Therefore, on the island you can find fields consisting of unusual rings, in the middle of which plants grow (vineyards in lava). At the end of the 20th century, Lanzarote was included in the UNESCO list of world biosphere reserves.

Lanzarote has many beaches for every taste: black with volcanic sand, snow-white and orange. The best beaches are located in the south of the island in the resort of Puerto del Carmen, which is the main tourist area of ​​the coast. There are a large number of hotels, entertainment for tourists, active nightlife. The attraction of the resort is the promenade Avenida de las Playas (Avenida de las Playas), which daily gathers thousands of tourists on its streets.

The main attraction of the island is the Timanfaya National Park, whose Martian landscapes of orange mountains and valleys delight travelers indescribably. The El Diablo restaurant should become an obligatory item in the program of visiting the park, where a dish is prepared on a volcanic grill in the presence of a visitor.

Gomera

La Gomera – a small island with a population of just over 20 thousand inhabitants is unofficially called the “greenest” island of the archipelago. La Gomera is located 30 km. west of Tenerife and is an unexplored corner surrounded by picturesque landscapes and lush vegetation. The best way to explore the island is on foot, travelers are provided with a variety of hiking trails that pass through the most amazing places on the island.

Gomera’s main attraction is the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highest point of the island is located in the park – the peak of the same name with a height of 1487 meters above sea level. In the south of the island, you can visit the crater of the long-extinct volcano La Caldera and the famous “Valley of the Kings” Valle Gran Rey, a colorful bohemian village far from tourist routes and civilization.

Gomera is usually visited as a day trip from Tenerife. During this time, you can have time to see all the main attractions and get a complete picture of the island.

Hierro

El Hierro is the smallest island in the Canary family. The area is 268 sq. km. and a population of just over 10 thousand inhabitants. Despite the small number of sandy beaches and the lack of a developed tourist infrastructure, Hierro annually attracts travelers from the world. Beautiful nature, picturesque bays and opportunities to explore the underwater world of the Canary Islands are a definite plus of this place. Hierro is the best place for diving. The chic underwater flora and fauna of the coast of the island, crystal clear water seem to beckon to study.

For active tourists, there are walking routes around the island, during which you can visit the village of Guinea, which is considered the ancient settlement of the indigenous inhabitants of the island – the Bimbaches tribe. Hierro also offers active sports such as paragliding and paragliding.

Popular resorts

The diversity of the Canary Islands has led to the fact that local resorts also differ significantly from one another. Places remote from crowds or busy cities – each tourist can choose the most suitable style of recreation for him.

Maspalomas

Maspalomas is the most famous resort in Gran Canaria. It occupies the southern part of the island. It has a well-thought-out tourist infrastructure. In addition to entertainment centers, there are modern hospitals and clinics, local transport is well developed, and there are many shopping centers. It has a good hotel base and a diverse selection of private apartments. There are numerous sports clubs and golf courses. There are especially many tourists from Germany, Holland, Sweden. Parks and convenient pedestrian zones are arranged for walking. In addition, the city has a Bird Park, the Palmetum Botanical Garden, which occupies a large area and has a rich collection of exotic and rare plants. A visit to the Ethnographic Museum will introduce tourists to the culture and history of the island. Numerous sandy beaches stretch along the coast. Adjacent to the resort area is one of the most impressive natural parks of the Canarian archipelago – the Dunes of Maspalomas.

Las Americas

Among the resorts of Tenerife, Las Americas in the south of the island occupies the first place in popularity. This is a huge tourist center, consisting of numerous hotels, shopping and entertainment centers, shops and cafes. Almost everything here is related to the tourism industry, and most of the locals are employed in the service sector. Numerous private apartments, villas and bungalows are available for living. Hotels in the resort are presented from very inexpensive to luxury luxury complexes offering the highest level of service and amenities. The beaches of the resort are clean, safe and comfortable for recreation. The most popular place for walking is the promenade that runs along the coast. There is a good bus service to the airport and other parts of the island. Many rental offices offer inexpensive car rentals. The resort of Las Americas is traditionally very popular with Russian-speaking tourists.

Puerto del Carmen

In the southeast of Lanzarote is the largest local resort, Puerto del Carmen. In just a couple of decades, a modern city has grown from a small village of fishermen, which offers many entertainments for tourists arriving on vacation. It is dominated by low-rise buildings. One of the advantages of this place is the long sandy beaches and the warm turquoise ocean. In addition to cafes and restaurants in the town there are several nightclubs and gaming clubs. Music Hall Tavern is especially popular. There are relatively few hotels. Most tourists prefer to stay in rented private apartments. In July, locals celebrate the Fiesta del Carmen. It is held in honor of the patron saint of the city, Saint Carmen. The streets at this time are very noisy and crowded, there are performances of folklore groups, the celebration usually lasts until the morning. There is a regular bus service to connect with the rest of the island.

Corralejo

Very popular in Fuerteventura enjoys the resort of Corralejo (Corralejo), located in the northern part of the island. The main center of tourist life here is the Avenida Generalisimo Franco area. Most of the cafes, bars and shops are located in this place. There are especially many people here in the evening. In the city center the beaches are small, which is the most beautiful on the entire island. There is a local port in Corralejo where you can rent a yacht for walking or sea fishing. You can also visit the islands of Lanzarote and Lobos from here. The Dunes of Corralejo Natural Park adjoins almost close to the city. The unique natural landscape of sand dunes is one of the most unusual and memorable sights in Fuerteventura.

The best beaches in the Canary Islands

The islands have a huge variety of beaches to suit all tastes. Among the numerous beaches you can find both pebbly and sandy ones. The best are:

  • El Duc;
  • Las Teresitas;
  • Sotavento;
  • Playa del Igles;
  • Maspolomas;
  • Papagayo;
  • Kankayo.

Both lovers of natural places away from noisy cities and those who prefer a more comfortable stay, who prefer good infrastructure and entertainment opportunities, can find a suitable place to stay.

El Duc beach

El Duc beach (Playa del Duque) is located in the south of the island. Tenerife. In 1936, a house was built on a rock nearby for the Spanish Duke of Abrantes. From this came the modern name of the beach – duque in Spanish means “duke”. It offers all kinds of services – rental of sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins, lifeguards. Near El Duque there are quite a few luxury hotels, including the most famous hotel on the Bahia del Duque islands. The sand is very clean, light gray in color. Smooth entry into the water. The sea in this part of the coast has a particularly beautiful turquoise color. The beach is about 40 meters wide and 700 meters long. Due to its great popularity, there are usually quite a lot of tourists here. Prices in nearby cafes and restaurants are quite high.

Sotavento beach

The longest and most famous beach of Fuerteventura. An interesting feature are the two sand barriers, which are especially pronounced at low tide. They are removed at a distance of 100 and 300 meters from the main coastline. Due to this, an almost 3-kilometer backwater is formed inside, where it is especially convenient to swim with small children or start windsurfing. The beach is covered with light yellow sand. Due to the huge length here you can always find a secluded place. All amenities are present. Very popular with kiters and surfers. Sotavento (Playa de Sotavento) regularly hosts international competitions and festivals in these sports, which bring together athletes from all over the world.

Papagayo Beach

One of the best beaches in Lanzarote, Papagayo Beach (Playa del Papagayo), is located in the south of the island. The relatively small bay is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and is well protected from the winds. Light yellow, almost white sand is adjacent to the azure ocean. The set of depth goes smoothly, which allows you to swim safely even with the youngest children. The beach has all the necessary infrastructure. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented. The bay is shaped like a shell and there are usually no waves here. Clean and clear water off the coast is convenient for snorkelling. There are several small cafes on the shore at a short distance. Due to the distance from large cities, there are relatively few vacationers.

Playa del Ingles

Playa del Ingles is located in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. Its total length is almost 4 km. Extends from downtown to San Agustin. In many places, the famous sand dunes come close to it. The place is popular with almost all categories of tourists. A smooth entry into the sea and an abundance of special play areas attract tourists with children. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate it for the opportunity to engage in various sports. Nearby there are many cafes and a large AnexoII shopping center with a variety of shops and places where you can comfortably relax and have a cheap meal. However, during the high season, the beach traffic is high and there are quite a lot of people.

Attractions

The islands of the archipelago are home to a large number of attractions, both historical and natural. Many of them are unique.

Teide Volcano

The most famous place in Tenerife, the Teide volcano, rises to 3718 meters. This is the highest mountain, both in the entire archipelago and in Spain. The slope of the volcano and the surrounding area is the territory of the national park. Located in the central part of the island. The road ends at an altitude of 2356 meters. Further, the way up continues on the funicular, which delivers tourists to the observation deck. Access to the summit and a hike to the crater is possible only with special permits, which must be issued in advance. The elevation difference when climbing Teide is significant, and the air at the top is thinner than at the bottom. This should be kept in mind for people with health problems. In case of bad weather, the funicular does not operate. From the top of Teide, an impressive picture of the whole of Tenerife opens up. In good weather most of the neighboring islands are visible. For prepared tourists, a route has been laid for self-climbing the mountain.

Timanfaya Park

Timanfaya Park covers a vast area in the west of Lanzarote. Most of the national park is an area of ​​volcanic activity. There are special travel rules here. Visitors on foot can only travel along special routes accompanied by a guide, by car or bus along a specific route. Leaving the vehicle is prohibited. The territory is covered with bizarre pieces of solidified lava and volcanic sand, there are craters and faults in the ground, from which steam or smoke escapes. The famous restaurant El Diablo is located in the park. All dishes here are prepared in the heat rising from the bowels of the earth. Just 15 meters from the surface is a layer of magma with a temperature of 600 °C. One of the most popular shows for tourists is the setting fire to a bundle of straw in a crevice of earth and the formation of a geyser of steam after pouring water into an earthen pit. This attraction looks very impressive.

Maspalomas Dunes

In the south of Gran Canaria there is a unique natural park called Maspalomas Dunes. Here, on a large territory, there is a huge mass of sand, forming real dunes, which are constantly changing their shape and moving. The spectacle is very interesting and educational. Numerous tourists come to see this miracle of nature. The dunes are protected as over time the wind blows the sand into the ocean. It is curious that this natural phenomenon was formed not so long ago. In 1755, after an earthquake, a tsunami brought a huge mass of sand deep into the island, which then formed this unique landscape. At the same time, its own ecosystem was formed, consisting of certain plants and animals. Inside the kingdom of sand is Lake La Charca, where birds stop on long-distance migrations. On the territory of Riu Palace Maspalomas, a large hotel complex, there is an observation deck Mirador del Dunas, from where you can admire the panoramas of endless sands that resemble the landscapes of the Sahara.

Garajonay

Homer, one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, has an interesting Garajonay park. Unique laurel forests have been preserved here, the age of which exceeds 2 million years. Such places remained only in some of the Azores and Madeira. On Homer, unlike the rest of the Canary Islands, there are no traces of volcanic activity. This made it possible to preserve a number of endemic plants and animals. The rocks covered with vegetation look especially picturesque and unusual. The forest of laurel trees itself is quite gloomy. He looks very mysterious and mysterious. It is interesting that dead branches remain at the bottom of the laurels, which block the green crowns of trees that are closer to the light from the view of a person. The laurels themselves are quite high, often they grow up to 40 meters.

Other attractions

The world of the Canary Islands is bizarre and varied. Man-made amusement parks are very popular in Tenerife. “Siam Park”, which is a large water park, decorated in Thai style, is visited by many tourists. The abundance of water attractions, a well-designed children’s area are interesting for both children and their parents. “Loro Park” is also one of the favorite places for holidaymakers in Tenerife. Numerous rare animals, birds and reptiles are kept on its territory. Shows with dolphins, killer whales and sea lions are regularly held. Gorillas, various parrots, penguins, sharks – this is not a complete list of animals that can be seen here. Lanzarote hosts numerous works by César Manrique, an architect and designer who organically combined man-made elements with natural landscapes. The César Manrique House Museum and his other creations are unique works of art.

In the center of Gran Canaria, a real miracle was created by the forces of nature – a 60-meter rock of Roque Nublo of a very unusual shape. Most of all, this formation resembles a human finger that points to the sky. A tourist route leads to the rock with impressive views of the surroundings. On the island of Palma, the most famous place is the Caldera de Taburiente. This is a huge crater of a former volcano. Its diameter is about 8 km. There are numerous hiking trails here. The small protected island of Lobos is a huge reserve where birds nest. On many islands of the archipelago, small towns have survived, which have practically not changed their historical appearance. In Tenerife, these are La Orotava, Candelaria, La Laguna. Visiting these places will help you get to know the history and culture of the Canaries better.

Rest in the Canary Islands is an elixir of youth

The temperamental character of the sultry Spaniards is expressed in everything. Take even an extreme vacation. On the island of Tenerife, you can go up with a paraglider to get a bird’s eye view of its southern landscapes. By the way, quite recently a record of the oldest Canary paraglider pilots was set there. Modesta is 85 years old, and Ureliana is 82 years old! And despite their age, they both spent 25 minutes in a state of free soaring over the Canary coast. They started in tandem from Mount Isania, which is located in the south of the island, and landed on the beach near their home. When asked what the secret of their activity is, they said that a warm climate, ocean water and a good mood are the key to a long and happy life.

The second most popular Canarian resort after Tenerife is Gran Canaria. Despite its small size, it can be called a whole mini-continent. It has everything for a measured beach holiday, and for lovers of excursions, and for outdoor activities. It was in Las Palmas on Gran Canaria, one of the two capitals of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands, that Christopher Columbus made a stop before his first voyage to America. He stopped here on his way back. Now a museum in the Vegeta quarter is named after him.

Gran Canaria is suitable for those who prefer a more relaxing holiday, as well as connoisseurs of good music. On January 10, Las Palmas will host the opening of the XXVIII Festival of the Canary Islands Music (XXVIII Festival de Musica de Canarias). The best classical music performers and symphony orchestras from all over the world will perform at the international festival.

Carnival in the Canary Islands

Winter holidays are an excellent occasion to visit Tenerife, the largest in terms of area and population of the Canary Islands. You can leave your native northern city and instantly find yourself in a colorful and sunny carnival in the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz. “Winter Fiesta” – this is another name for the carnival, in which all residents and guests of the island participate. Carnival in the Canary Islands is one of the largest in Europe and second only to the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in the world. The main activities of the carnival in Tenerife in 2019year will be held from 08 to 22 February. Participants of the procession dress up in colorful outfits and put on masks. All the streets of the cities of the island do not stop for two weeks, during the holiday dances and various events are organized.

Restaurants

Why invent electricity if everything has already been invented before us? This is exactly what the chef of the El Diablo restaurant thinks. He does not need pans, or a hot stove, or gas, and even more so – matches. Modern technologies only alienate tourists from the true culture, even food.

The world’s only volcanic grill is located in the courtyard of the restaurant. The volcano has not erupted since 1824, since then it has not caused inconvenience to residents, but what a pleasure! It is on it that they prepare their signature dish in El Diablo. It looks quite natural and convenient: an iron grate is installed above the basalt well, on which meat is placed. High temperature vapors constantly come out of the well. Inside the volcano, the air temperature can reach from 400 to 600 degrees Celsius. Reaching the grate, the air cools and becomes suitable for cooking.

In this lava oven, chefs cook lamb, chicken and fish, using them for traditional Canarian dishes. For health, this method of processing food is absolutely harmless and even vice versa. The only negative is that the geothermal kitchen is open only in the first half of the day.

The Volcanic Furnace was built by local architect Cesar Manrique almost half a century ago. It was a kind of tribute to the owners of the land of Fire Island, Lanzarote, on which he wanted to build his restaurant. Lanzarote is the easternmost island of the Canary archipelago. The restaurant is part of the Timanfaya Volcanoes National Park. It was not easy to build on the island of Fire, because the heat that the earth is saturated with is too great. The builders needed a solid foundation, and they laid nine layers of basalt rock, some of which remained unused – and the geothermal furnace was born.

By the way, every tourist can test the reliability of an ancient, but smoothly operating invention, it is enough to take at least a couple of sausages with you.

The restaurant offers panoramic views of the volcanic park, craters and dried lava.

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Опубликовано: June 19, 2020 в 11:12 am

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Категории: Miscellaneous

Where to Stay in Tenerife: 12 Best Areas

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Tenerife has been affectionately called by travel guides an island of a thousand experiences. It is possible for you to relax on countless beaches, lose yourself in tropical nature, take in a show, go shopping, enjoy a theme park, play golf, walk time forgotten, old town cobblestone streets, watch whales, and climb the volcanic Mount Teide here. Most importantly for visitors, there is no shortage of top quality places to stay in Tenerife.

Because the climate is so consistent in every season, you are able to do any of these activities that you like most any day throughout the year. The natural surroundings and infrastructure for tourists alike make it all the more possible for the whole family to have a great time.

As an example, Tenerife is renowned for eight professionally designed golf courses that allow for play year round. Nearly all of them include modern facilities. It is no wonder this is the economic center of the Canary Islands.

In the island’s south west coast is a perfect place for watching whales in the ocean. As many as 26 different species swim off the Tenerife coast. These include killer whales, baleen whales, pilot whales, blue whales, and dolphins.

Spain’s highest mountain is found in Tenerife in the Teide National Park. Its peak the Teide Volcano is 3,718 yards/meters high. This UNESCO World Heritage also claims the statistic of the third tallest volcano on earth.

The volcanic mountain offers two different ecosystems in its contrasting climb and provides breathtaking morning views for those who tackle it.

A second UNESCO World Heritage site is found in the beautiful old city La Laguna. This first capital is the original example of unfortified Spanish colonial town architecture in the world. It was inspired by the science of the day, navigation. The historic district oozes with charm.

Tenerife has no shortage of top hotels. These range from luxuriant five star palaces to more intimate trendy retreats. Read on to learn all about the best areas to stay in Tenerife.

Table of Contents

Tenerife is an island that leaves luxury holiday makers spoiled for choice. It may be harder to find budget hotels than high end possibilities on the beautiful island. We look at twelve of the best places to stay in Tenerife below.

1. Costa de Adeje, where to stay in Tenerife for your first time

The area of the Costa de Adeje has a reputation as among the more upscale and best places to stay in Tenerife. This is especially the case as you travel to the more northerly communities lying along the coast. There are many four and five star hotels and high end shops located here.

Fortunately for travelers on a budget, there are also still some moderately priced choices. Another plus to the area is that the majority of the hotels lie within easy walking distance of both the promenade and seaside restaurants.

Costa de Adeje has truly become centered around vacationers. This is why there is so much to do in the area now. Activities here include spa treatments, go kart driving opportunities, and the popular and exciting island water-themed destination Siam Park.

The resorts along this coast here boast reps who will happily book these exciting excursions and trips. Tourist shops also carry the tickets for the tours and attractions.

Many of the best hotels in Tenerife are located in Costa de Adeje. Five star resorts abound but there are some more moderately priced options on the coast as well, especially further south.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN COSTA DE ADEJE

  • ($$$) Iberostar Grand El Mirador – Adults Only
  • ($$) Hotel Jardin Tropical
  • ($) HOVIMA Jardin Caleta

FIND COSTA DE ADEJE HOTEL DEALS


2. Playa del Duque, best place to stay in Tenerife for luxury holidays

Playa del Duque is among the higher-end and more luxurious destinations on Tenerife. It lies on the Costa Adeje and promises those who love luxury and phenomenal service all that they could wish.

The beach is man made and premium. It offers a silky smooth sand and luxuriant sunbeds to visitors. The waters here are crystal clear. In this high-end resort town, the beach is clearly the focal point.

Kiosks line the beach along with changing areas and showers, thatched umbrellas, and sunbeds that combine to make this luxury resort so service-oriented.

Those who come to stay here will not be let down by Playa del Duque’s offerings of the finer luxuries in life. The atmosphere is both calm and classy. An elegant promenade fronts the stand and provides trendy cafeterias and restaurants with plush seating and shaded places to enjoy cool drinks.

The cuisine offered up by world class chefs here is both local Canary Islands and international in theme. This resort caters to both families and couples who love chic and luxury.

The choices of accommodation match this vision. World class apartments and hotels here even attract celebrities alongside the discriminating clientele who wish for their Tenerife vacation to be as good as it gets.

It makes it among the best areas to stay in Tenerife if you can afford to splurge.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PLAYA DEL DUQUE

  • ($$$) Vincci Seleccion la Plantacion del Sur
  • ($$$) Iberostar Grand El Mirador – Adults Only
  • ($$) Hotel Riu Arecas

FIND PLAYA DEL DUQUE HOTEL DEALS


3. Playa de las Americas, where to stay in Tenerife for nightlife

Playa de las Americas has been called the best nightlife resort on Tenerife. By day it is an action filled town for shoppers and lovers of the sun. At night the tempo becomes alive with music (all along the streets) that does not stop until the early morning hours.

It explains why the resort is so popular with both younger and older party lovers. They come back each year to enjoy the nightlife attractions of the vibrant and lively community. These nightclubs operate all year round thanks to the good weather.

A high point in the night life comes during the Arona Summer Festival in August. This is when international recording artists, bands, and DJ’s descend on the town for an enormous dance party held in the resort’s Olympic Stadium.

Playa de las Americas also offers gorgeous beaches, many different bars and restaurants, and a variety of water sports. You can take dolphin and whale watching trips out of the Puerto Colon harbor.

There are also several day time party boat excursions for those who do not want the dance music and drinking to stop during the daylight hours. For those who like almost nonstop action, this is one of the best areas to stay in Tenerife.

One of the hardest decisions to make is where to lodge in Playa de las Americas. There are many choices of accommodation available to visitors in this resort town that it can be overwhelming.

You can rent in apartment complexes complete with lovely swimming pools. Choices in these apartments range from more expensive three bedroom penthouses to more easily afforded studios.

Hotels of all stars provide all- inclusive packages, half board, or B&B style accommodation options. It means that visitors can select whichever type of dining choice suits them best while staying in Playa de las Americas.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS

  • ($$$) Europe Villa Cortes GL
  • ($$) Spring Hotel Vulcano
  • ($) Parque Santiago IV

FIND PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS HOTEL DEALS


4. Los Cristianos, where to stay in Tenerife for families

The second most popular resort destination for visitors looking for where to stay in Tenerife is Los Cristianos. Thanks to substantial refurbishment projects undertaken in past years, it has become a highly classy resort that stays busy with tourists and residents alike all year long.

Walking around the harbor today reveals a range of restaurants that offer typical Canaries Islands cuisine and cool drinks.

The resort is commonly recommended to families along with couples and friends thanks to its family styled attractions, the gorgeous beach, and a range of water sports. Visitors can also take a ferry ride from here over to La Gomera island to explore Garajonay National Park.

The resort also boasts proximity to Siam Park, the thrill seekers’ aqua themed water park. The Castillo San Miguel has become a fun-filled attraction thanks to its medieval shows that entertain the entire family. The popular shows are held nightly.

Accommodation choices here offer a wide variety for people looking at the top areas to stay in Tenerife. There are self-catering studios for the budget minded all the way up to all-inclusive hotel packages.

The popular resort offers all amenities that tourists have come to love, including fantastic restaurants, bustling cafeterias and bars, and excellent shops along with banks, pharmacies, and supermarkets for those important daily needs.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LOS CRISTIANOS

  • ($$) Boutique Hotel h20 Big Sur – Adults Only
  • ($$) Hollywood Mirage
  • ($) Club Tenerife

FIND LOS CRISITANOS HOTEL DEALS


Read also: The best things to see and do in Tenerife

5. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the cosmopolitan, action-packed, modern capital of Tenerife

The cosmopolitan, action-packed, modern capital of Tenerife is called Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Though it is relatively large, you can still effectively walk the city or use the trams as an alternate.

The majority of interesting sites like galleries, attractions, museums, and even hotels lie within a triangle-shaped area, making them both simple to find and reach.

The grandest structure is “Adan Martin,” the Auditorio de Tenerife. Its design is striking in the waviness that shows different shapes depending on the viewers’ vantage point.

The Museum of Tenerife offers exhibitions that are interactive while the Museum of Man and Nature provides a fabulous restaurant with local specialties like rabbit in piquant sauce.

For the most stylish bars and restaurants here, there is the Noria district. Pedestrianized streets mean that the tables extend out into the avenues. A nice end to a relaxed meal includes a walk on La Rambla. This takes you to Parque Garcia Sanabria and the lovely open air art gallery.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife proves to be an extremely popular cruise ship port of call alongside its claim to fame as a world-renowned holiday destination.

You can take in the common sight of the enormous floating hotel ships by walking down from the Plaza de Espana. Bars along the way provide the relaxation you want in the form of a Dorada beer or a mojito.

The city is one of the few places on Tenerife that does not offer an overabundance of five star hotels. One top rated hotel ensures the luxury that some travelers prefer.

Other accommodation here ranges from chic apartments to one star hotels. This also makes the capital the most affordable place to stay in Tenerife.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SANTA CRUZ

  • ($$$) Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
  • ($$) Urban Anaga Hotel
  • ($) Hotel Principe Paz
  • (Hostel) Wanderlust Hostel

FIND SANTA CRUZ HOTEL DEALS


6. Puerto de la Cruz, one of the most popular places to stay in Tenerife

European holiday makers love Puerto de la Cruz because it lies close to the Tenerife North airport and so offers deals on flights to the continent. The town has a plethora of hotels in a wide rang of prices along with enough restaurants and bars to make this more tropical surroundings area of the island interesting.

An activity not to be missed here is the Lago Martianez. Though its name makes it sound like a lake, this is actually an enormous swimming pool facility. The complex boasts seven separate swimming pools. Three of them are just for kids.

Besides the obvious aquatic activities, the Puerto de la Cruz leisure facility provides fantastic views of the Atlantic and a few different bars and restaurants that you can try while enjoying an afternoon or a morning here.

The pool is amazing, but the beaches are also world class. Here in Puerto de la Cruz are located several of the famed black sand beaches of Tenerife. You will enjoy Playa del Castillo and Playa del Muelle. Surf lessons are offered at most of the beaches here.

For a more outdoors and vigorous activity, you can take a hike through the forest on La Orotava. These climbs are strenuous but reward participants for their efforts with incredible views of Mount Teide as well as the surrounding environs.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

  • ($$$) Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden
  • ($$) Puerto Palace
  • ($) RF San Borondon

FIND PUERTO DE LA CRUZ HOTEL DEALS


7. La Laguna, the most beautiful town

Many guidebooks and visitors consider La Laguna to be the most beautiful town in all of Tenerife. This historic town with its beautiful architecture is an accessible day trip out of Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz the capital today.

The straight cobblestone lined streets are surrounded by pastel colored mansions, interesting little shops, and welcoming bars. This is the most photogenic inhabited spot on the island. Its distance from the coast kept the town from being an easy target for pirates.

La Laguna is famous for being the model used for a great number of Spanish colonial towns throughout the Americas. Thanks to its historical importance and charms, it joined the ranks of UNESCO World Heritage sites back in 1999.

Though it is the historical capital, La Laguna surprises with its young energetic spirit and a passionate nightlife.

Hotel choices here are more limited, but rooms can be rented. Another interesting fact about the old capital is that it is much cooler here in winter than in the inhabited coastal sites like Santa Cruz. In winter time, you should bring a sweater or jacket if you come to La Laguna.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LA LAGUNA

  • ($$$) MC San Agustin
  • ($$) La Laguna Gran Hotel
  • (Hostel) Patio Hostel

FIND LA LAGUNA HOTEL DEALS


Read also: Best Beaches in Tenerife

8. Los Gigantes, great area to stay in Tenerife for families and mature couples

For a quieter location to spend your vacation, Los Gigantes is one of the best areas to stay in Tenerife. The town is highly recommended for friends, families, and couples if they enjoy ambiance and atmosphere without the nonstop action in the larger resorts.

Los Gigantes lies in the island’s southwest at the bottom of the 500 yards/meters tall cliffs “Acantilados de Los Gigantes.” This means that the resort can not grow any larger or become overbuilt in the future.

The quiet resort town’s life centers on three spots. These are the Avenida Maritima, the Marina, and the plaza. Around the marina you will find the majority of the restaurants, bars, cafeterias, and shops in the resort.

Here is the best spot in town to take in the coming and going of the boats with a gorgeous backdrop of both the Atlantic Ocean and La Gomera.

The beach is another unusual feature in the resort. Many tourists are stunned to see the black volcanic sand rather than the more typical golden yellow type found on most beaches. It is still a soft sand that is ideal for building sandcastles with children. The beach is also safe for kids and hardly ever becomes crowded.

Los Gigantes offers some variety to the beach in a few publicly open leisure centers and a couple of swimming pools. In the complex El Laguillo you will find sunbathing chairs and free form pools.

Oasis Club offers water slides and pools and Crab Island boasts a natural swimming pool located in the rocks. Its salty water comes in automatically from the sea.

The resort town also offers several smaller (yet stocked up) supermarkets that provide daily essentials. A few shops also offer souvenirs, beach necessities, and gifts.

You can find a larger supermarket by taking the bus to Playa Arena and several markets in nearby villages San Juan and Alcala.

The main hotel option in Los Gigantes is the only one that is several stories tall. The other accommodation offers are low rise apartments that are mostly self catering complexes.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TENERIFE IN LOS GIGANTES

  • ($$) Royal Sun Resort
  • ($$) Klayman Diamond Aparthotel
  • ($) 7Lizards – Ocean View Apartments

FIND LOS GIGANTES HOTEL DEALS


9.

Puerto de Santiago, quiet area with local vibe

Another quieter destination for travelers to Tenerife is Puerto de Santiago. Located on the peak of the west coast of the island, several smaller towns offer a more authentic experience to local island life.

One of these tiny fishing villages is called Puerto de Santiago. It lies in between the larger areas Playa de la Arena and Los Gigantes.

This is another area that provides access to the beach Playa La Arena with its famed black sand. It is a mere 10 minute walk from Puerto de Santiago. The village also has swimming pools in its several beautiful resort hotels that are on the higher end of the scale.

Puerto de Santiago is well-placed for several good island day trips. You can take an excursion up to Mount Teide, enjoy the stunning appeal of Masca, or catch a boat to take in dolphins and whales from the resort town.

For those who would enjoy the smaller, more secluded beaches of the west coast, it is a good idea to rent a car. Tourists who seek out a quiet, more authentic representation of life on the island will find that Puerto de Santiago is among the best places to stay in Tenerife.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO DE SANTIAGO

  • ($$) Landmar Playa La Arena
  • ($$) Barcelo Santiago
  • ($) Ona el Marqués

FIND PUERTO DE SANTIAGO HOTEL DEALS


10. El Medano, where to stay in Tenerife for surfers

For those who wish to exit the plane and get as directly to the beach as they can, Tenerife offers El Medano. This beach resort along the southern coast is more relaxed in nature.

It is beloved by kite surfers and wind surfers alike. El Medano also features a seafront promenade complete with surf shops and a number of restaurants.

Without a doubt, it is the El Medano beach that brings in the tourists here year after year. There are a number of beaches in the resort stretching to Playa de Montana Roja.

Thanks to the more aggressive waves and wind, adventure sports such as kite surfing and surfing are extremely popular here. You can even arrange for lessons before you arrive or by stopping at a surf shop outlet on the promenade once you are here.

For those who feel more like a strenuous adventure, you can actually hike up to Montana Roja. This aptly named red rock juts out into the sea. The mountain is actually a 171 yards/meters high volcano that provides amazing views of the island, the airport, and the El Medano resort town.

Accommodations in El Medano include the usual range of moderate to higher end resort hotels you will find in most every area of Tenerife.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TENERIFE IN EL MEDANO

  • ($$) Kn Hotel Arenas del Mar Adults Only
  • ($) Hotel Médano
  • (Hostel) Casa Grande Surf Hostel

FIND EL MEDANO HOTEL DEALS


11.

Callao Salvaje, where to stay in Tenerife away from the crowded areas

Callao Salvaje is one of five different principal seaside communities that makes up the Costa Adeje. This makes it a tourist destination with many activities that you can enjoy.

It lies at the terminus of Costa Adeje. The village itself may be among the quieter of the five here, but it offers stunning views, a relaxed atmosphere, and idyllic weather.

This resort is also a residential village where locals and expats alike live. It boasts many repeat visitors every year. Callao Salvaje provides a good beach club, numerous restaurants and bars, and other activities with which to fill the hours.

Locals of the island drive to this village resort for the fantastic cuisine it offers. If you are looking for a perfect place to spend your holiday that is not so busy as the cities and bigger resorts of the island, then this is where to stay in Tenerife.

Callao Salvaje offers a beach that is worth mentioning in Playa de Ajabo. It is an easy walk from the several resort hotel complexes. The beach is not overly commercialized or overcrowded, providing a calm environment to enjoy the sun and sand.

Thanks to the lifeguard always on duty, the beach is both a fun and safe one for families with children. It also offers a beautiful walk around cliffs over to the next village Playa Paraiso. The walk gives fantastic views over the Atlantic.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TENERIFE IN CALLAO SALVAJE

  • ($$$) h20 Atlantic Sunset
  • ($$) Atlantic Holiday Hotel
  • ($) Apartamentos Albatros

FIND CALLAO SALVAJE HOTEL DEALS


12. Costa del Silencio, where to stay in Tenerife for relaxation

Appropriately named, the Costa del Silencio proves to be a quieter resort on Tenerife. Holidays here are more relaxed than those offered in Los Cristianos and Las Americas.

The coastline here is rugged and rocky and has only a couple of beaches. Its better quality local beaches are Playa La Ballena and Playa Amarilla.

There is also an enjoyable coastal walk you will find here along the Costa del Silencio. It takes you over to Puerto de Las Galletas from where you can book one of several day boat trips. Along this walk, there are a great number of seafront restaurants where you can stop in for a meal and a rest.

A more vigorous walk takes you east from the town to hike up to the nearby Montana Amarilla. From here, there are incredible views of the amazing local scenery.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TENERIFE IN COSTA DEL SILENCIO

  • ($) Marino Tenerife
  • ($$) Los Moxaicos Tenerife
  • ($) Westhaven Bay

FIND COSTA DEL SILENCIO HOTEL DEALS


See also: Where to stay in Gran Canaria, where to stay in Lanzarote, where to stay in Fuerteventura, where to stay in La Palma, where to stay in the Canary Islands

Images: Shutterstock

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Tenerife weather | Best time to visit Tenerife

Tenerife
Beaches
Sights

The best time to visit Tenerife for a beach holiday is from May to mid-October.

Tenerife is considered a year-round destination, with year-round sunshine and a mild climate.

The best weather generally occurs during the months of July, August and September. However, to avoid the summer, high-season crowds visit during spring and autumn when the climate is still pleasantly warm averaging 24°C (75°F).

For city tours and excursions to the interior of Tenerife, it’s best in April, May and the first half of October – to avoid the summer heat.


Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, experiences a mild and sunny, subtropical oceanic climate, due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean, just a short distance from the coasts of Morocco and Western Sahara.

Winters are mild and spring-like, while summers are warm and sunny. The prevailing trade winds temper the summer heat. There is also little rainfall, which mainly falls in the period from October to March.

The prevailing northeast trade winds, increase humidity on the northern side of the island, while tempering the heat along the coast during the summer. The winds are stronger in the middle of the day and in the afternoon.

The area most exposed to the wind is the north coast, and also exposed areas of the south-east coast. The least windy area is the south-west coast, which includes Playa San Juan, Costa Adeje, Playa de Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas: this area is protected by mountains of Teide National Park.

As a mountainous island, Tenerife offers a variety of microclimates that depend on location.


North Coast – The north coast has a cooler climate with summer highs peaking at 24°C (75°F). It also rains more often, and the landscape is quite green even on the coast. This region is popular with windsurfers as it can be quite windy; the sea is often rough.


Central Mountains – The mountains of Tenerife receive the most rainfall but provide a cool respite from the summer heat. Mount Teide, the highest in Tenerife, is snow-capped during the winter months.


South Coast – The south coast of Tenerife – home to the majority of tourist resorts – offers warm, year-round weather with hot summers.

Summer, from June to September, sees average highs peaking at 29°C (84°F) in August. Trade winds ensure that the heat is rarely uncomfortable. Rainfall is minimal and seawater temperature averages 23°C (73°F).


Here are the weather averages in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s largest city which is located on the northeast coast of Tenerife.

Which is the hottest month in Tenerife?
The hottest month in Tenerife is usually August, with an average daily high temperature of 29°C (84°F), with moderate heat and humidity, and a low of 22°C (71°F)

The warm season lasts from early-July to mid-October, with an average daily high temperature above 26°C (78°F).

Which is the sunniest month in Tenerife?
The sunniest month in Tenerife is usually August, with an average of 10 hours of bright sunshine per day – that’s an average of 74% of daylight hours.

Which is the coldest month in Tenerife?
The coldest month in Tenerife is January, with an average high-temperature of 21°C (69°F) and an average low-temperature of 15°C (59°F).

The cool season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, with an average daily high temperature below 22°C (71°F).

Which month has the most rain in Tenerife?
December is usually the wettest month of the year in Tenerife, with 35mm of rainfall on average. There are usually five days with some rainfall.

The rainy season lasts from mid-October to late-March, with a greater than 7% chance of a given day being a wet day.

The drier season lasts from late-March through to mid-October. The month with the least rain Tenerife is July.

When is the sea warmest in Tenerife?
The sea is usually at its warmest in Tenerife in September when the water temperature reaches 24°C (75°F).

Which is the windiest month in Tenerife?
The windiest month of the year in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is July, with an average hourly wind speed of 23 kilometres per hour (12 knots).

The windy part of the year lasts from mid-June to early-September, with average wind speeds of more than 20 kilometres per hour (10 knots).

The less-windy time of year lasts from early-September to mid-June. The calmest month of the year in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is October, with an average hourly wind speed of 16 kilometres per hour (8 knots).

The predominant average hourly wind direction in Santa Cruz de Tenerife varies throughout the year.


Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Monthly Weather
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average daily max temp (°C)
21 21 22 23 24 26 28 29 28 26 24 22
Average daily min temp (°C)
15 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 22 20 18 16
Daily hours of sunshine
6 7 8 8 8 9 10 9 8 7 6 6
Daily hours of daylight
11 11 12 13 14 14 14 13 12 11 11 10
Comfort level
Average relative humidity (%)
65 65 65 65 65 65 60 65 70 70 65 70
UV Index (max)
4 6 8 9 10 11 11 11 9 7 5 4
Number of days with some rainfall
4 4 4 2 1 0 0 0 1 3 5 5
Average monthly rainfall (mm)
30 35 30 10 5 0 0 5 5 25 35 35
Average wind speed (km/h)
19 20 20 20 19 20 23 22 18 16 18 19
Average daily sea temp (°C)
19 19 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 23 22 21
Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Holiday seasons

Peak season: Summer (July and August) and winter (mid-December to mid-January), with many hotels booked out and restaurants and beaches at their most congested.

High season: June and early September. Not quite as bad as August for crowds.

Low season: Spring and autumn when prices are competitive with minimal foreign visitors or Spanish tourists, and the temperature is still warm and pleasant.


Tenerife – Monthly Review
› January › February › March › April
› May › June › July › August
› September › October › November › December

Note: Meteorological data is sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with additional historical climate data sourced from Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), Spain’s meteorological agency.


More about Tenerife…

Getting There
Getting Around


Canary Islands
Spain


Latest update: Best time to visit Tenerife:
9 August, 2022



Is Tenerife a good snowbird location? – Winter Sun Expert

Tenerife is the largest island amongst the Canary Islands. It is located off West Africa. It is a favorite destination with snowbirds for its long days of sunshine. Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano dominates the island as Spain’s tallest peak.

North of the island is a natural paradise known for its natural pools. Beach lovers will feel at home in the southern part of the island with many beaches that have yellow or black sands. Tenerife enjoys a perfect climate throughout the year. There are many fun activities for snowbirds to engage in and stunning things to see. One of the most popular activities on the island is the Carnaval de Santa Cruz, which is a huge pre-Lent festival with parades, music, dancing, and colorful costumes. This sunny holiday hotspot welcomes millions of people throughout the year who are looking to relax, have an adventure, make memories, and enjoy the fantastic weather.

The splendid climate attracts people to the island all year round. Whether you’re looking to take some time off from the kids, a romantic getaway in the sun-kissed paradise, or a group trip trip, Tenerife provides more than enough options to meet your desires. You could stay at resorts that offer maximum luxury, or go for a cheaper island experience.

The island stays vibrant throughout the year, so whether you’re interested in water sports, clubbing, lounging on the beach, exploring hidden gems, discovering traditional Canarian villages, culture, events or would like to take a cable car to Spain’s highest peak, Mt. Teide, you will definitely have a thrilling time in Tenerife.

The climate in Tenerife is subtropical in nature. It stays perfectly sunny and warm throughout the year. In the winter, the temperature is never below 18°C (64°F) and above 26°C (79°F) in the summer. The pleasant climate has given the island the name “Island of Eternal Spring”. There is a big difference between the east and north side of the island where the Passat winds bring more clouds and rainy weather. The west and south-west of the island are shielded from these clouds due to the high mountains in the center of the island and have much sunnier and warmer weather.

Tenerife is a very safe place to travel. The most common threats are petty crimes like pickpocketing and stealing. You don’t have to worry about serious threats or danger to your life. Snowbirds should exercise a level of caution while in the area and be careful with their belongings, and not flaunt valuables.

Spanish is the official language of the island, but given the number of international visitors in the island, English is widely spoken.

Snowbirds would want to keep in touch with friends and family back home and you could, either by phone calls, using the internet or sending a postcard. As Tenerife is part of Spain, European residents can use their mobile phones without any problems (roam like home). For non-EU residents, it is advised to check the rates, and if needed buy a local sim card.

You can make international calls from almost anywhere on the island. You could either use coins, phone cards, or credit cards. Also, if you would want to roam with your home sim card, it is possible, but would be an expensive option. Alternatively, you could make calls from hotels, restaurants, or bars around the island. Or you could chat online or make video calls at internet cafes or on your phone.

There are a couple of interesting places and attractions in Tenerife. A couple of suggestions for snowbirds are:

There are a couple of activities snowbirds could spend their time enjoying. Some of these fun activities are:

The entirety of Tenerife island has a vibrant shopping scene. The stores usually stay open all year round. From famous brands to locally made items, you will find all you need around you. However, some stores aren’t cheap.

In terms of dining, there are restaurants and bars that will provide you with food from different cultures. Seafood is famous around here and easy to find depending on the restaurant you visit, you may be able to find vegan meals, fast food, or even takeaway. Some local favorites you could try are, Barraquito, Conejo en salmorejo, Mojo, Gofio, Canarian wrinkly potatoes, etc.

Tenerife is the only Canary Island that has two airports: Los Rodeos airport, and the Reina Sofia. Snowbirds can arrive at either of the airports. Upon arrival, there is an extremely cheap large car park. You could easily hire a car here.

In terms of public transport, there are no trains on the island. However, public buses are the most efficient means of transportation. They connect most towns and cities on the island. They are cheap. Taxis are also available on the island. You can easily flag one down by the street, or you could book one. For snowbirds interested in driving themselves around, they can also rent cars from local agencies.

There is good quality medical care available in Tenerife from a variety of public or private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers across the island. The cheapest option is public health care, but you will need to have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).

Many of these facilities have doctors and dentists that speak Spanish, English, and other languages. These medical officials are very professional and can handle any case that might arise during your stay. Some of the facilities in the area are, Hospital Costa Adeje, Hospiten Sur, Hospiten Bellevue, Hospiten Tamaragua and Hospiten Rambla.

Tenerife is littered with world-class hotels and resorts. They offer the best kinds of amenities for visitors to the area. For snowbirds, however, these hotels and resorts can be a very expensive option. You will have to pay nightly charges and they will set you back a couple of thousands of dollars. For cheaper accommodation, these are usually available farther from main city centers. For a two-bedroom flat in such areas, you might pay $500 (approx. €499, £433, $655 CAD, $738 AUD) a month or a little bit more. These cheaper options also have basic amenities available and you might be lucky enough to get accommodation that comes with an incredible view.

Tenerife Weather and Climate – Tenerife Tourist

Current Weather Conditions (Tenerife South Airport)

Conditions:
Temperature: 25°
Wind Speed & Direction: 12 Kmph ESE  
Humidity: 77%
Sunrise: 07:50
Sunset: 20:13

Snow-capped Mount Teide, Tenerife

The Canary Islands lie at around 28° North and enjoy a pleasant sub-tropical climate with average daily maximums of over 20°C throughout the year. Cooled by the Canary Current and the prevalent north-easterly Trade Winds, temperatures are slightly cooler than would normally be expected at this latitude (the same as Orlando in Florida and less than 300km from the Western Sahara). This north-easterly breeze is at its most consistent during the summer months and helps to keep temperatures in the high twenties rather then the mid thirties.

Micro-Climates

The Rain Shadow effect caused by the mountainous interior keeps the South-west very arid. Conversely, most of the island’s rainfall is received on the northern slopes between 600 and 1800 meters above sea level. An interesting phenomenon that can often be observed on Tenerife is known as the Sea of Clouds. This happens when the moist trade winds (sea level) condense as they rise over the steep northerly slope of the Island and then meet a temperature inversion layer (drier and warmer air at a higher altitude) at around 1700m.

These factors combined with the island’s diverse topography mean that there are a number of micro-climates on this relatively small island. The south, lying in rain shadow, is the driest and warmest part of the Island, however temperatures and rainfall aren’t as radically different to Santa Cruz in the north as one might expect. The most dramatic differences in climate are often between areas that are actually adjacent to one another; Santa Cruz receives an average of 214mm of rain per year and has an average temperature of 21.2°C, travel just a few kilometres to the Airport near La Laguna (at an altitude of 617m) and the average temperature is just 16.5°C and it receives a whopping 557mm of rain per year.

Looking for the sunniest spot on the Island? Head inland and drive above the clouds – the observatory at Izaña records an average of 3433 hours of sunshine per year.

High Altitude

Tenerife has Spain’s highest mountain – Teide (3718m) – which is often be covered in snow during the winter months. It is not uncommon for Northern European tourists to bask in sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz with the snowy peak of Teide in full view.

Calima

Occasionally, when the wind comes from the east or south-east off the Sahara Desert, the temperatures soar and the air becomes thick with fine red dust. While Tenerife is not as badly affected by this phenomenon as the Eastern Canary Islands, temperatures can become unpleasant and the fog-like dust-laden air can cause problems for people with respiratory conditions.

Climate Table for Tenerife South Airport
Month Average Temperature (°C) Average Daily Maximum (°C) Average Daily Minimum (°C) Average Rainfall (mm) Average Humidity (%) Average no. Days with rain Average no. Cloudy Days No. Hours of Sunshine
January 18.4 21.6 15.2 11 64 2 9 195
February 18.6 22.0 15.2 14 66 2 10 201
March 19. 4 23.1 15.7 18 64 2 9 218
April 19.4 22.9 16.0 7 66 1 7 215
May 20.3 23.7 17.0 1 69 0 6 241
June 22.0 25.3 18.7 0 70 0 9 249
July 23.8 27.5 20.1 0 68 0 19 287
August 24.7 28.4 21.0 0 68 0 17 268
September 24.4 27.9 20.9 3 70 1 10 203
October 23.2 26.5 19.9 9 69 1 7 209
November 21.5 24.7 18.2 27 67 2 7 197
December 19. 6 22.7 16.4 23 67 3 7 199
Year 21.3 24.7 17.9 116 67 14 116 2670

Holiday on Tenerife: The Biggest of the Canary Islands

Anytime

Guests

Although the island of Tenerife is part of Spain, it is situated west of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean and many kilometres from the capital Madrid. The Canary Islands, which consist of the main islands of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and, of course, Tenerife, are located approximately on the latitude where Morocco borders the territory of the Western Sahara. The latter is the largest and most populous island in the world and has great differences between north and south. This can be an advantage for visitors as well as anyone who is planning to spend a holiday in Tenerife because different activities are possible all year round. Many of these are presented in more detail in this article. If you are still looking for a suitable holiday accommodation, take a look at this selection of apartments.

It is most usual for visitors to travel to Tenerife by plane because the island has two international airports, one in the north and one in the south. Tenerife South Airport is the largest of them. However, it is also possible to arrive by ferry. Although, from the Spanish mainland, the crossing takes almost two days.

Weather in Tenerife

In Tenerife, there is a pleasant and warm climate all year round due to the trade winds and the Canary Stream. In fact, nowhere in the world is the difference so small between summer and winter temperatures, which is an average of 24 and 15 degrees, respectively. This is why Tenerife is often referred to as the island of eternal spring. It is also subdivided into two distinct climatic zones by the mountain Pico del Teide, the highest elevation in Spain at 3,718 metres. The warmest is usually in the south and west, while the east and north are somewhat windier.

Weather: Tenerife South

The south is more sunny, dryer and warmer than the north, which is why most holidaymakers opt for this part of the island. However, rainfall can also occur there, as the microclimate is still very different in the south.

Weather: Tenerife North

In contrast to the partially desert-based south, the north of the island is generally greener and more often cloudy. In addition to the more frequent rainfall, especially the strong winds are characteristic for the north.

Tenerife Beach Holidays

The island has numerous idyllic beaches with various types of sand, most of which is dark and volcanic in origin. On the beautiful beaches you can surf, dive, whale and dolphin watch and much more. The warm and calm water is, of course, also ideal for swimming. Most of the beaches are close to the tourist resorts and are characterised by the cleanliness and good supply of toilets, showers, sun beds and umbrellas.

Tenerife South

On the south coast of Tenerife are the two most famous resorts: Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos. A lot of bathing enthusiasts choose their beaches, which is why there is an extremely wide range of leisure activities. Playa de las Américas leads to the town of Arona. Here, there is a white sandy beach, which is one of the safest on the island and is, therefore, ideal for children. In addition, there is, of course, a wide selection of dining options.

Tenerife North

It is not just the south which boasts fantastic beaches, as the north also has a lot to offer. One of the most popular is Playa de las Teresitas in the region around the capital Santa Cruz. The El Bollullo beach in La Orotava is considered one of the most peaceful on the island. The dark sand stretches far in the protected bay of Playa San Marcos in Icod de Los Vinos. In the holiday centre of Puerto de la Cruz is the beach Playa Jardín, surrounded by colourful gardens, palm trees and a great water park.

East Coast

To the east is the beautiful beach area of El Médano, where the world championship in kitesurfing took place. The fantastic waves, which are ideal for daring jumps and tricks, attract many other water sports enthusiasts from all over the world. The beach of the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife was rebuilt in 1973 to make it safer. Originally, the sand was actually black, but today it is almost completely white. If it gets too hot in the sun, you can make yourself comfortable in the shade of a palm tree. Although the wind in Santa Cruz is often very strong, the beach is one of the most visited on the island. The water usually remains calm and is, therefore, suitable for swimming.

West Coast

The pristine beaches of Costa Adeje are among the best on the island and contribute to their reputation as an impressive holiday destination. Playa de Fanabe offers a fine sandy beach stretching 700 metres. There is a 2-level beach promenade, which invites you to relax within numerous bars and restaurants.

At the foot of the Teno Mountains, in the north-west of Tenerife, lies the picturesque village of Masca, surrounded by a beautiful landscape dominated by the Masca Gorge. At the northern end of this canyon is Buenavista del Norte, with a 400-metre long and 15-metre wide hidden beach with black sand and calm water. The beach can only be reached after a 4-kilometre hike or by boat.

To the south of Masca lie the towns of Acantilado de Los Gigantes and Playa de la Arena, famous for their steep coastlines and their excellent sandy beach.

Connection to the other Canary Islands

Los Cristianos, a lively place with beautiful beaches and a busy port, can be reached from the south of the island of Tenerife, where you can take trips and various excursions. There is also a ferry which takes you to the neighbouring island of La Gomera. The ferry is located in the main port of San Sebastián de La Gomera. Alternatively, you can take a longer crossing to the smallest of the seven large Canary Islands, El Hierro, and after about two and a half to three hours to Puerto de la Estaca.

In the north-west of the Canary Islands is La Palma, the most wooded of the islands. Of the almost 90,000 inhabitants, about 17,000 live in the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma. From there, you can travel to Gran Canaria.

The probably most famous of the Canary Islands impresses visitors with an incredibly diverse landscape, which is often described as a continent in the miniature format. On the island, tourists will find everything from vibrant nightlife in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to tropical forests to fascinating beaches. In the north-west of the island is the village of Agaete, which impresses with its many white houses, which are a strong contrast to the dark sand.

Located in the north-east of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote can be reached via the international airport south of the capital Arrecife or by ferry from Cádiz or from the other islands of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. The latter offers a fascinating combination of the volcanic and desert landscape. In addition, especially the north around Puerto del Rosario is a true paradise for surfers.

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10+ Travel Destinations with Perfect Year-Round Weather – Trips To Discover

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Anyone who’s planned a vacation of any kind understands how travel experiences can be so dependent upon the weather. Outdoor activities can be affected by rain, snow, and wind, and events and festivals you’re looking forward to could be canceled altogether.

But wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry so much about what the weather will be when you take your vacation days? There are quite a few travel destinations around the world where the weather is almost always ideal, and these make great places to visit to take the guesswork out of planning and reduce disappointment once you arrive.

If pleasant warmth, low humidity, and lots of sunshine are what you seek, then plan your next trip to one of these vacation spots with the best year-round weather!

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