The Canaries

Thirteen islands make up this popular archipelago with over 12 million people visiting each year. The main attraction is the warm climate for those wanting some winter sun but the 4 main islands draw tourists all year round. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the most popular destinations and have an abundance of hotels from pure luxury to the most basic.

While the climate is the major draw, accessibility from most regions of the UK makes a huge contribution to the popularity. Flights are available to all 4 islands almost daily from Gatwick and varying days from other regional airports. The Canaries have a notorious reputation for being budget party locations but there are many high end family resorts as well.

Other than the obvious beach and pool options, the islands offer many opportunities for excursion from quad biking to star watching. In fact, there are 2 major observatories on Tenerife and La Palma perched on high mountains and benefit from the dark night skies.

If you’re after a good value holiday, and an opportunity to flex your Spanish, then these islands may be for you. Please get in touch for further information and, also, I’d be happy to provide brochures if needed…I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Lanzarote

We present to you the eastern-most and arguably the most captivating of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote. It is without a doubt the youngest, having been reformed by volcanic eruptions in the 18^th century.

The rich black volcanic soil that is seen throughout the isle is testimony to its amazingly recent birth. It offers eager holidaymakers plenty to facilitate their pleasure and relaxation as well as many astounding sites; a true all-in-one destination.

Sightseeing and activities

One of the most intriguing features of Lanzarote is the lunar landscape of the Timanfaya National Park that is covered with pieces of solidified lava and ash. Believe it or not, there are places that are still warm from the volcanic activities of centuries ago.

It’s therefore not surprising that locals claim that their beloved island was the last piece in the creation puzzle that God left till late. The volcanic soils have proved highly conducive for agriculture as is evidenced by the large number of fruit plantations and vineyards that dot the hinterland.

In Geria the sight of vineyards blossoming while sandwiched in between two volcanic craters continues to mesmerize visitors. Surrounded by their low, whitewashed walls and forming beautiful curvy green-white patterns, they are indeed a wonder to behold.

A number of monuments can still be found on the island’s former capital Teguise though the majority of them were destroyed by pirates. These include the Castillo de Santa Barbara and a couple of grand manors.

These distractions aside, what visitors to Lanzarote are mainly after is an afternoon of basking in the abundant Mediterranean sun on the island’s delicious beaches. At the Las Playas del Sur beach they will find just what they’re after with 20 kilometres of soft sands. Papagayo Beach serves up some mouth watering scenery comprising of the Hacha Grande and steep cliffs.

Playa Blanca offers pure white sands and waters clear enough to see through. For those who can’t resist reaching for a surf board whenever they’re near sea water, the beaches of Arrieta offer some magnificent waves for their enjoyment. La Santa, off the village of Tinajo is also ideal for surfing. Other activities you can indulge in while here include yachting and sailing the Mediterranean aboard a luxury cruiser.

Those into fishing as a sport as well as divers are encouraged to make their way to the coast of La Isleta, a tiny island next to Lanzarote. Want to completely relax in a thermal spa? A visit to Peurto del Carmen is just what you need.

Other must-see sites include the volcanic cave of Cueva de los Verdes, the cactus garden with more than 10,000 species of the plant called simply Jardin de los Cactus and Jameos del Agua, a transformed lava tube.

These two features are the creations of renowned architect Cesar Manrique who is fondly referred to as the father of Lanzarote. If you’re into fine art or simply want to get better acquainted with local culture, you might want to pass by the Castillo de San Jose, an international museum of modern art.

With a seafront packed with modern hotels and apartments, you will not need to look far to find comfortable accommodation to suit your individual needs.