Named the “Fortunate Islands” and for good reason, the Canary Islands attract millions of UK holidaymakers every year, particularly during winter.
Find out why so many Brits are escaping to the Canary Islands this winter.
1 – Winter Sun
The temperatures in the Canary Islands are far from the extreme temperatures of mainland Spain. The sun is almost always shining in the Canary Islands making it a welcome winter escape for UK tourists. The average water temperature is between 18ºC and 22ºC and the archipelago’s 3,000 hours of sunshine per year ensure plenty of lovely warm days, with average daily temperatures between 18 and 24°C.
2 – Christmas in the Canaries
Experience some of the islands’ pretty and curious Christmas traditions. Gran Canaria welcomes Christmas with a spectacular nativity scene sculpted out of sand by various international artists on the fabulous Las Canteras Beach.
‘Ranchos de Pascua’ is a beautiful four-century-old tradition that transports us back to the past. Still celebrated in Lanzarote to the rhythm of tambourines and castanets played by various groups of people as they wander the streets singing songs to remember the dead.
On the 5th January visitors can experience a major Spanish tradition: the parade of the Three Wise Men. Melchior. A colourful spectacle with characters from stories, musical bands and dancing groups parading through the streets of the islands’ main cities and towns before giving gifts to children.
A little more serious but solemnly beautiful are the ‘Autos de Reyes’, which tell the tale of the Wise Men’s journey to Bethlehem and are acted out on the same night in towns such as Agüimes, in Gran Canaria; El Sauzal and Tejina, in Tenerife; and Garafía, on La Palma.
3 – Winter Sports
The beaches of the Canary Islands never close in winter, nor its mountains, nor its volcanic landscapes, all of which are ideal for training for extreme and long-distance races. It’s for good reason that the islands host world races, including the Transvulcania in La Palma, the Transgrancanaria and the Canary Islands Winter Track and Field Championships.
Athletes from all corners of the world, including the UK, continue to train through the winter outdoors in the Canary Islands. Athletes in multiple fields, including running, cycling, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving choose the Canary Islands as their winter training base year after year.
More information on sports in the Canary Islands here.
4 – Unique Hiking Trails
The archipelago is home to an abundance of incredible hiking routes suitable for all levels. Cross the forests of the Tertiary Era in Garajonay, La Gomera, or discover the volcanic calderas boasting incredible sea views in Anaga Rural Park, in Tenerife.
The archipelago is part of the E7 Route, a path which starts in the Pyrenees and travels through the interior of Spain, Portugal right down to the Canary Islands, boasting breathtaking views of nature with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Canary Islands are also part of the Camino de Santiago with the Camino de Santiago entre Volcanes, which has approved trails in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro.
Click here for a selection of fantastic hiking routes.
5 – Nature
It is very difficult to find a place in the world that gathers so many natural areas with national, European and international marine and terrestrial protection that can also be enjoyed in winter. World Cetacean Heritage, UNESCO has declared five biosphere reserves and four World Heritage Sites in the Canary Islands. In addition to these, the archipelago has 147 protected natural landscapes in different categories.
The Canary Islands is home to nature in its purest state also for international research in astrophysics and oceanography with the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canaries and the Institute of Oceanography of the Canaries. It has one of the clearest skies in the world to enjoy the stars and the quality of its waters for bathing is guaranteed.
6 – Winter Carnival
In the Canary Islands, winter is synonymous with Carnival on all the islands. From the famous and original celebration of the Día de los Indianos in La Palma, a unique carnival in the world, to the international queen and drag queen selection galas and their impressive street parades full of light, colour, art and joy in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
The Canary Islands carnival is colour, joy, floats, singing groups, spectacular parades and more. And all to the beat of salsa and batucada. It is a unique carnival, not just because it transforms the streets into a huge party, with a safe, fun and relaxed atmosphere. The mild Canary Islands temperatures let you experience it outdoors without worrying about the cold, even though it takes place in February and March. Each island experiences carnival in its own way and each has its peculiarities. They are all special.
7 – 1500 kilometers of beaches
The Atlantic Ocean in the Canary Islands washes 1500 kilometers of beaches and coves in the sun. And there are countless species of cetaceans! Sailing in the open sea also allows a unique view of the coastline created by the fire of the volcanoes’ life.
The Canary coasts have every beach imaginable: from the secluded and small virgin coves of La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro to the urban or extensive and familiar beaches, with all the comforts, of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Not to mention the paradisiacal white sand beaches of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote such as El Cofete, in Jandia, 14 kilometers long.
