Discovering the Canary Islands: With Tenerife being my favourite!

Lanzarote: Sculpted by ancient eruptions, and its lava fields, craters and rust-red cones which create a cinematic backdrop has earned the island UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Timanfaya National Park feels otherworldly, with geothermal demonstrations and viewpoints over vast seas of solidified lava. Along the coast, more than 100 beaches range from black volcanic coves to soft golden bays ideal for families. What really sets Lanzarote apart is the legacy of artist and architect César Manrique. His vision means low-rise, whitewashed villages, viewpoints carved into lava bubbles and architectural sites that blend effortlessly into the landscape.

When I went to Lanzarote, on a family holiday, I stayed at the 4* Los Zocos Impressive Hotel in Costa Teguise on all inclusive basis. It was brilliant for families with lovely large pools and  fantastic entertainment programme. I loved Costa Teguise. It has a lovely long sandy beach and was lively enough with bars, restaurants and markets, but without feeling as full-on as some other Canary resorts.

Gran Canaria: This island is often called a “miniature continent” thanks to its astonishing variety of landscapes and experiences. Along 236 kilometres of coastline you will find sweeping dunes, family-friendly resorts and hidden coves, with nearly 60 kilometres of beaches to discover. Inland, deep ravines, pine forests and dramatic rock formations create an entirely different world, much of it protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Mix beach life with culture in the capital of  Las Palmas where you can explore the historic Vegueta district with its cobbled lanes and cathedral, then browse markets or linger in pavement cafés.

When I went to Gran Canaria I stayed in some self catering apartments in Playa del Ingles. I went with a group of friends and this suited our stay as we went on an 18-30’s style holiday! By night it definitely came alive with bars, clubs and buzzing centres like The Yumbo Centre. And then in the day the famous dunes and Maspalomas promenade were right on our doorstep.  

I would like to return as I would like to visit Puerto Mogan for its pretty-canals-and-marina vibe, whitewashed houses with bougainvillaea and that relaxed “Venice of the Canaries” feel by the sea.

Fuerteventura: This is the only Canary Island I havent visited yet! This is the island for pure, wide-open space. Its 150-plus beaches unfurl around a rugged coastline of turquoise shallows and rolling Atlantic surf. In the north, the dunes of Corralejo Natural Park feel like a slice of the Sahara beside the sea, while the far south is home to the sweeping sands of the Jandía Peninsula, perfect for long, lazy walks and sunset views. Thanks to the island’s steady breezes, Fuerteventura is world-renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing, yet it remains wonderfully laid-back. Days drift by between beach-hopping, casual seafood lunches and exploring volcanic landscapes that are part of a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Fuerteventura is definitely on my list of places to visit! I think I would like to stay in the resort of Corralejo for the mix of proper Canarian character with the pretty harbour cafés and old-town streets but also to see the surf lifestyle.

Tenerife: My favourite Canary Island …. So far! At its heart rises Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, towering over a UNESCO-listed national park of craters, lava fields and otherworldly viewpoints. In the north, characterful towns like Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna blend historic streets, local tapas bars and live music with a more traditional Canarian feel. Further south, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas offer golden beaches, lively promenades and stylish hotels ideal for winter sun escapes.

I have been to Tenerife around 10 times at all different times of the year and for all different types of holidays! I have stayed in Playa de las Americas most times with groups of friends and with my family and also once in Costa Adeje.

My favourite hotels I have stayed in is the 4* H10 Las Palmeras Hotel in Playa de las Americas. It is a very high modern 4*, in my opinion, with multiple restaurants and bars, with the option to keep things easy on all inclusive, lovely pools and outdoor areas and good entertainment. Its location is perfect …. You literally step out into the middle of Playa de las Americas with its shops, bars and restaurants. It is right on the beach and close to the resorts of Los Cristianos and Cost Adeje with Siam Park Waterpark.

Playa de las Americas also has a newer precinct area with a more upmarket feel, with stylish bars, chic boutiques and the Hard Rock Cafe at its heart, so you can swap the usual resort strip for cocktails, live music and designer shopping in a smarter setting.

During my trips to Tenerife I have done so many things! ….

I have visited waterparks including Siam Park Waterpark which is one of the best in the world especially with its ‘Tower of Power’ …. the vertical drop slide passing through a clear tube surrounded by an aquarium filled with sharks.

I have obviously spent lotsof time of the beach with various watersports and walked from resort to resort in the day and at night. We have been on the inflatable waterpark on La Pinta Beach which was brilliant.

I have taken boat trips including one of the most amazing trips where we saw whales and dolphins which swam along with our boat!

I have been to various evening dinner shows, been go-carting, played on the massive crazy golf course in Playa de las Americas, been and have spent many evenings in restaurants, bars and in the Hard Rock Café.

During a couple of my stays in Tenerife I have had day passes for the music themed 5* Hard Rock Hotel! I love it here! It is  made for people who love a cooler vibe with its lagoon-style pools with swim-up bars and oceanfront setting in Playa Paraíso with a choice of fab restaurants, a rooftop bar and spa, lively entertainment and cool rooms and suites. I would love to actually stay here one day for my whole holiday!

Who should stay where in Tenerife?: I would recommend Playa de las Américas, leading onto Los Cristianos, for party-loving couples and friends who want nightlife on the doorstep, people who value atmosphere and convenience over peace and quiet and those keen on lots of activities, watersports and a busy resort feel. I would recommend Costa Adeje for couples looking for a stylish yet relaxed escape, families who want quality hotels, good facilities and a calmer setting and those who like a touch of luxury, smart promenades and seafood dinners by the sea. You also have the quieter resorts of Playa Paraiso, Golf del Sur and more and the Abama area around the golf zone.

All of the resorts in the south of the island I have a massive choice of hotels and apartments, from simple and great value through to some higher-end options. Many are close to the nightlife and designed for guests who plan to be out and about enjoying the resort and lots in quieter areas. I think Tenerife’s south coast can work beautifully for almost anyone.

If you would like help with a Canary Islands holiday just let me know.