Europe
The Canary Islands
The trinity of sun, sea and surf combine beautifully in the Canary Islands, so it’s no surprise that this archipelago has earned its place among beach holiday royalty. Across Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palma, millions head to the islands every year. But home to Spain’s largest national park, traditional whitewashed towns and with a fascinating volcanic past, there’s much more to the Canaries than its sun-baked beaches!
Average Temperature (°C)
Summer
26.8
Autumn
25.9
Winter
21.6
Fun Fact:
The Canaries probably derive their name not from birds but from the Latine Canariae Insulae or ‘Canine Islands’, possibly because large dogs or seals (‘sea dogs’) lived here
We went for a trip to Siam Park, voted the best waterpark in the world on Tripadvisor. It’s certainly impressive! I was a bit concerned that there wouldn’t be enough for my three-year-old, but I needn’t have worried. She loved the Lost City which is tailored towards younger children. There are some incredible adrenaline rides and slides too, so well worth a visit.
Tenerife
The most-visited of the Canaries still holds some surprises beyond the year-round sunshine and blissful beaches. Almost 50% of this island is protected territory, and among these pristine landscapes is the otherworldly, unmissable Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Spain’s highest peak and its own observatory to make the most of the famous star-gazing in this area of low light pollution.
Hikes and cyclists also flock to Tenerife to make the most of the lunar-like landscapes, ancient forests and dramatic coastlines. Then there’s the magnificent whale and dolphin watching off the south-west coast, where more than 21 species make their home.
Gran Canaria
Golden sands, the famed Maspalomas Dunes, the mountain landscapes of the rural interior, the bewitching architecture of atmospheric cities, towns and villages including the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, wonderful cuisine, year-round sunshine...
The third-largest of the Canary Islands – almost half of which is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – really does have something to offer everyone: beach lovers, those who want an escape into nature and or opt for more adrenaline-fuelled activities in the great outdoors, keen golfers, families, foodies, stargazers, surfers and spa seekers.
Fuerteventura
This second-largest of the Canaries but also one of the least populated offers mile upon mile of white sandy beaches, sheltered coves and a fairly constant, cooling wind that brings a constant trail of surfers and windsurfers to its shores.
Highlights of any trip to Fuerteventura are the dazzling white dunes of Corralejo in the north of the island – a protected National Park – and the Jandia peninsula, especially the stunning Sotavento de Jandia beaches with their wonderful swimming and windsurfing. For the best views, head up to the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre to look back down over the island’s landscapes of copper-coloured ravines, valleys and hills – or to star-gaze after dark.
Lanzarote
This whole island with its volcanic terrain is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and you can learn more about it in Timanfaya Park with its more than 100 Montañas del Fuego (‘Fire Mountains’ or craters) – and even eat at its restaurant using geothermal heat for cooking.
The other big draws are the island’s plentiful beaches (more than 90, with both white and black volcanic sand), but the interior is also well worth exploring, with a unique flavour and characterful villages to happen upon.
And then there are an array of activities brilliant for all ages, including whale and dolphin-spotting trips, surfing and windsurfing, catamaran-sailing and touring volcanic vineyards and sampling their wares.
I would recommend Lanzarote and Playa Blanca for a holiday at any time of year as its climate means that it’s pleasantly warm, even in the depths of winter and it’s really convenient to get to for a relaxing holiday.
