Dare to dream: A guide to the Canary Islands

Whatever the season, the Canary Islands are always on hand to offer holidaymakers warm weather and sunshine. With its year round warm climate (thanks to its handy location just off the coast of Africa), the Canary Islands are a great choice for a sunny getaway, no matter what month you wish to travel.

The Canary Islands are made up of seven different islands, four of which are most popular with tourists. They include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

British tourists flock to the Canary Islands year after year, visiting for the lively nightlife and lazy days in the sun, for a couple’s getaway to enjoy some time alone, or those looking for family friendly, all-inclusive breaks with the kids.  Whatever it is you’re looking for, the Canary Islands are likely to deliver!  

The Canary Islands are known for their volcanoes, and generally offer black sandy beaches, although there are few man made white / golden sandy beaches about, such as the beach in the resort of Los Cristianos in Tenerife, and Costa Teguise in Lanzarote

Lanzarote has much to offer for a variety of holiday makers. For example, the resort of Costa Teguise caters extremely well for families, Playa Blanca is ideal for those wanting more luxury hotels and laid back vibes, and the resort of Puerto Del Carmen attracts a much livelier crowd. A not-to-be-missed attraction in Lanzarote is the Timanfaya National Park, but be warned, if you take the coach tour around the inside of the volcano, it is not for the faint hearted; the drop is huge and in a large coach, it can often feel like you’re going to fly off the edge!  It is a fabulous experience though, and well worth doing. For the non-adrenaline junkies out there, you can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or some freshly cooked chicken in the restaurant. The chicken tastes delicious and is actually cooked using the heat from the volcano itself!  

Gran Canaria is known for its’ stunning sand dunes in Maspalomas, and again is an island that offers a variety of resorts to suit the individual. Maspalomas is a stylish resort packed with designer boutiques, first class seafront restaurants and trendy bars. This resort is slightly less lively than its neighbouring resort of Playa Las Ingles, where you’ll find an array of night clubs and larger shopping centres.  Speaking of style, if you’re after palm-lined avenues, yachts and top quality restaurants, you could head to Puerto Morgan, which is one of Gran Canarias prettiest towns.  Families might want to check out Puerto Rico, where entertainment is at the heart of the resort.  Lago Taurito waterpark, mini golf courses and plenty of amusement arcades are just a few attractions that await in this resort. 

Tenerife is a destination that attracts holiday makers of all ages, with the livelier resort of Playa Las Americas attracting families and those who enjoy nightlife. Playa Las Americas is where you will find Siam Park.  This four acre water kingdom hosts a huge range of attractions to keep all ages happy! It’s here where all those adrenaline junkies out there can find a 28 meter drop water ride that plunges you into a shark filled aquarium!  Don’t worry though, if you’re more of a lay back and chill type of person, you can also find the world’s longest lazy river to float around at this wonderous waterpark! The resort of Los Cristianos offers fantastic food, golden beaches, and a lively harbour.  A stay at the resort of Puerto de la Cruz promises laid back nightlight, tasty traditional restaurants, and subtropical gardens. Do be aware though, this part of Tenerife is slightly cooler in the winter months.

Fuerteventura boasts more than 150 beautiful beaches that are considered to be the best in the Canary Islands!  Although this is a more laid back island in general, there is still plenty of nightlife to be had. The resort of Corralejo is the most popular on the island due to its size and range of amenities. This resort offers holiday makers stunning beaches, traditional tapas restaurants and karaoke bars a plenty! The resort of Costa Caleta is a firm family favourite due to the water sports and international restaurants available. Jandia is a resort for those looking for a more cosmopolitan feel, with its beautiful beach stretching 32 kilometres, modern hotels and quaint nightspots, windsurfing is also popular here. There is much to explore away from the beaches too, as much of the island still holds its original charm and is well worth exploring! 

No matter which island you visit, you’ll find something for everyone in a year round warm and sunny climate of the Canary Islands.

Language: Spanish

Currency: Euro

Flight time: 4-5 hours

2021 Now On Sale – Deposits from £60pp with Jet2HolidaysWritten By Bev Roberts – Owner of The Travel Boutique