An archipelago of seven sun-drenched islands 100 miles off the north-west shoulder of Africa make up the Canary Islands on the Atlantic Ocean.
Chiefly celebrated for year-round vitamin D and playas that rival the Balearics, a geology lesson of landscapes inland transcend even the bright lights of the string of coastal resorts.
The Spanish islands, each as dynamic as the next, offer endless active pursuits, beaches from which to bathe in the sea and cultural adventures to cement their popular position as the place to get away for Brits – five are even listed as Unesco biosphere reserves for their unusual flora and fauna.
Whether tucking into elevated plates of tapas, hiking steep lava fields or doing some serious stargazing, the Canaries masterfully balance budget travel with Michelin-quality luxury for trips that are sure to surprise you.
From holiday hotspot Lanzarote to under-the-radar La Gomera, here’s where and how to find winter sun and summer holiday getaways on the Canary Islands – just over a four-hour flight from the UK.
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Tenerife
Tenerife is sandwiched between the Sahara and the Atlantic and sunny days are the default
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Tenerife is sandwiched between the Sahara and the Atlantic, with tropical forest trails in Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide, journeys into the arteries of a dormant volcano, Mount Teide and Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site, home to 28 species of cetacean. All can be explored during four seasons of sun.
Though well-catered for budget-friendly package holidays, the Canary Island disputes its sour rep as a cheap spot primed for British pubs and tomfoolery with its leafy canopy and wild west coast that remain relatively untouched by tourism. It’s also the ideal spot to see the stars, with clear skies, clean air and high altitudes. Tenerife knows how to attract Brits, with golden sands imported from Western Sahara for sprawling beach fronts, and the popular Siam Park even opening in winter for sun seekers visiting the largest of the Canaries.
Where to stay
Royal Hideaway Corales Suites offers a home from home for holidaymakers in the fishing village of La Caleta. The resort has luxe suites on the beach, three heated saltwater pools and Michelin-starred restaurant El Rincón de Juan Carlos – all designed by local architect Leonardo Omar to mimic a…
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