Holidays in the Canary Islands

A gorgeous Spanish archipelago

The Canary Islands are Spanish, though the lifestyle indicates a vibrant South American influence – a connection made after Christopher Columbus passed through on his journey to discover the Americas. Nowadays, the Canary Islands are renowned as a classic year-round destination, enticing with their beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, colourful art scene and luxury hotels.

Each island has its own unique quality, so you can visit the Canary Islands time and time again, and enjoy a different experience every time. Famous for its black lava beaches and soaring Mount Teide, Tenerife is a relaxed island ideal for a fun family holiday, whilst Gran Canaria’s sweeping golden beaches offer both secluded afternoons and thrilling water sports. Lanzarote tempts with its incredible volcanic hikes and stargazing, and Fuerteventura boasts incredible flora as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

What ties these islands together isn’t just their location, but also their zest for life and the focus on enjoying colourful fiestas, snoozy siestas, delicious Spanish tapas and near-constant sunshine.

Why visit the Canary Islands

• The Canary Islands has a kaleidoscope of landscapes, from sandy beaches in Fuerteventura, lunar-like hills in Tenerife and mysterious lava fields in Lanzarote to deep gorges and emerald forest in Gran Canaria. What these landscapes do have in common is their near-perfect weather throughout every season, making the Canary Islands a year-round destination. These islands are some of our favourites for a winter-sun getaway for this very reason.
• Relax or get active – both are fabulous options in the Canary Islands. Soaring mountains, coastal trails and shady forests offer scenic hiking opportunities, whilst crystalline waters with colourful fish provide amazing snorkelling experiences. Some beaches are even popular with surfers and paragliders. More laidback excursions include kayaking, paddle-boarding, or simply settling down in a café with a pitcher of sangria.
• The Canaries are naturally beautiful, so it’s no surprise that the artwork and architecture is stunning here, too. You’ll find a great mix of architectural influences here, from Gothic and Renaissance churches, to Neoclassical buildings. There’s an impressive amount of art galleries for you to experience too, and you’ll find many charming restaurants choosing to showcase local artwork.