Canaries Holidays

Tenerife

Tenerife has everything you need for a feast of fun in the sun, from pristine sandy beach for relaxing and catching some rays during the day to pulsating night clubs where you can dance from dusk till dawn.

Crystal-clear waters, fabulous restaurants, top-class shops and boutiques, and a myriad of sports and leisure attractions make Tenerife the perfect place for a phenomenal holiday.

There’s a resort to suit all tastes on the island – Playa de las Americas is a bustling hive of activity which is a popular choice with people who like to party, but if you want a more laid-back and peaceful getaway you’ll find plenty of places which fit the bill perfectly such as Costa Del Silencio, the ‘Silent Coast’

The island has wonderful attractions for the little ones including Siam Park, Aqualand and Loro Park which is an amazing zoo near Puerto de la Cruz. Jaw-dropping natural attractions include an incredible underground cave complex in Icod de los Vinos and Teide National Park where you’ll discover Mount Teide, the volcano on the highest peak in the Atlantic Islands.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, oozes charm and beauty with its magnificent ancient towns, hidden mountain villages, picture postcard coastline and enchanting port settlements.

The island’s main resorts include Playa de las Americas, Puerto de la Cruz, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes, Costa del Silcencio and Costa Adeje.

Fuerteventura

Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Fuerteventura, an awe-inspiring island where you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience.

Long sandy beaches, tranquil secluded coves, towering cliff faces, glistening waters, and rugged volcanic mountains create a magical setting for a sunshine adventure.

There’s no shortage of sensational restaurants on the island, serving up mouth-watering culinary delights, and anyone fancying some retail therapy will be impressed by the glitzy boutiques, bustling markets and fantastic shops selling everything from jewellery to electronic goods.

Fuerteventura’s beaches are truly spellbinding, with white powdery sands, rolling dunes and crystal-clear waters. If you want to get an all-over tan, many of them have nudist areas where you can sunbathe ‘au naturale’. There’s also plenty of thrilling water sports action, boat excursions and snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Water parks and wildlife parks will keep the little ones entertained, sport and leisure enthusiasts will be impressed with the huge range of activities available and history buffs will marvel at many ancient wonders including the enthralling 13th century old town of Betancuria.

Fuerteventura’s main resorts include Caleta de Fuste, Corralejo, Jandia, Playa Barca and Costa Calma.

Lanzarote

All year-round sunshine, magnificent sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and a host of wonderful sports and leisure attractions make Lanzarote a compelling destination for a dream holiday.

Glistening waters, whitewashed villages, water sports galore and incredible moon-like landscapes peppered with amazing craters further add to the appeal of this captivating getaway in the volcanic Canary archipelago.

From lively fun-packed resorts with luxurious hotels to charming and secluded seaside retreats, you’ll find something to suit the taste of every type of holiday. Families, couples, solo travellers and groups of friends will all discover their ideal escape in Lanzarote.

Key attractions such as Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park and Aquapark Costa Teguise will keep children fully entertained, while an abundance of vibrant nightclubs and beach bars will cater for those who like to party.

Timanfaya National Park is an awe-inspiring must-see attraction while you can wallow in the island’s history and culture with visits to enchanting old towns, temples, palaces and museums.

There’s no shortage of excellent cafes and restaurants serving scrumptious local delicacies, and Lanzarote is also home to designer boutiques, busy markets and huge shopping malls.

The main resorts in mesmerising island of sun, sea and sand include Puerto Del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Matagorda.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria hits the bullseye when it comes to delivering the holiday of a lifetime to families, couples and groups of friends.

The island can cater for all tastes – whether you want to relax and unwind on a laid-back holiday in the sun or you want to get out and about for a thrilling adventure, visiting the island’s attractions and partying from dusk till dawn.

Superb sandy beaches, blue azure waters, imposing monolithic rock formations, rolling dunes and almost 150 miles of picturesque coastline await in this island of dreams.

You also discover luxurious hotels which are packed with wonderful amenities, excellent boutiques and shops, lively beach bars and fabulous restaurants serving tasty local specialities.

Children are well catered for with fun-packed water parks and animal parks, while history lovers can explore the island’s past at the many captivating ancient sites and famous landmarks.

Camel rides, catamaran trips, buggy safaris, scuba diving, Segway rides and sightseeing tours, are just a few of the activities you’ll come across in Gran Canaria.

The major resorts in the sun-soaked island of Gran Canaria include Playa Del Inglés, Maspalomas, San Augustin, Puerto Rico, Playa Taurito and Mogan.

The Canary Islands are sun-kissed paradise escapes where you can enjoy a sensational beach holiday with your family, your partner or a group of friends.

There's a beach for everyone in the Canaries, from huge sandy expanses which are perfect for families craving some fun in the sun to more tranquil and remote coves and bays in the Neapolitan Riviera, with its incredible coastline, scenic harbours and inviting turquoise waters.

The coastline of all the islands features crystal-clear waters, picturesque promenades, scenic harbours and jaw-dropping landscapes.

You discover many golden sandy beaches while others, which have been created by volcanic lava sediment, will be grey or black in colour. But the unusual colour of the sand does nothing to deter children when you let them loose with their buckets and spades!

All the main resorts in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are home to luxurious hotels which are packed with top-class amenities and facilities to deliver the beach holiday of a lifetime.

The beaches in Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos are ideal for families seeking some fun in the sun. They feature long promenades, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. There's also plenty of water sport action going on.

If you want to get away from the crowds, Playa de la Tejita is a lovely sandy expanse which oozes tranquillity and seclusion, which makes it a popular choice with couples and naturists.

The sandy beach at Caleta de Fuste in Fuerteventura, which stretches for more than 800 metres, is a real family favourite, while El Pozo’s beaches are a popular choice for water sports fanatics. Cofete Beach is a laid-back and peaceful stretch of sand on the southern tip of the island.

Lanzarote is also home to many incredible beaches. It’s fun and excitement all the way at Playa Grande, a giant sandy expanse in the heart of Puerto del Carmen where you’ll find many bars and restaurants, as well lively beach parties and pulsating nightclubs.

The resort of Costa Teguise has a range of fantastic beaches including Playa Cucharas, Playa Bastian, Los Charcos and Playa Jablillo. Famara Beach is a secluded option if you want to get away from it all, but it can get very windy, making the waters there a magnet for surfers.

Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria is ideal for families with its rolling sand dunes, shallow waters, pedalos, shops and restaurants. Mogan Beach, which is next to a charming marina, is another great choice for families.

Pasito Blanco is a quiet and relaxing sandy beach in the south of the island where sailing and snorkelling are popular activities. Tufia is a beautiful cove on the island where the clear and calm waters make it a popular haunt for divers.

All of the Canary Islands are blessed with a plethora of superb restaurants, taverns and cafés where you’ll discover delicious local dishes which are certain to tantalise your taste buds.

Tapas, paella and Canarian potatoes are to be found everywhere, as you would expect – but there’s so much more to discover.

Freshly-caught fish is a popular choice on all the islands and it’s prepared by various methods including grilling, frying, boiling, baking and salting. Popular choices are tuna, swordfish, sea bass, octopus and parrot fish.

The gastronomic delights in the Canaries are heavily influenced by the cuisines of Africa, America and Europe.

A popular dish across the islands is Ropa Vieja Canaria, which has the unusual translation of ‘Canarian old clothes’. This hearty offering features shredded or pulled stewed beef, potatoes, chickpeas, peppers, garbanzo beans and onion.

Gambas al ajillo is found in many restaurants and consists of huge prawns cooked in olive oil, chilli, brandy and garlic. Puchero Canario is a scrumptious meat and vegetable stew consisting of beef or pork or beef, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, courgettes, cabbage and carrots.

A simple dish to be enjoyed in many tapas bars is Pulpo a la gallega which consists of boiled octopus, generously sprinkled with paprika and sea salt.

Savoured desserts in the Canaries include frangollo, a corn-based milk pudding which is flavoured with honey, cinnamon and brandy, while bienmesabe is a tasty treat made from almonds, eggs, cinnamon and sugar.

Ron Miel (honey rum) is a popular drink across the Canaries and the barraquito is a fabulous coffee cocktail which is served in many cafes and bars.

Oasis Park

This place offers a great day out for families holidaying in Fuerteventura. This is the island’s only wildlife park and features birds and animals from around the world. You’ll also enjoy parrot and sea lion shows.

Submarine Safari

Venture to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean in this exciting underwater adventure in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote, where a guide will put you in the picture about the range of amazing marine life you’ll witness through the large portholes. You’ll also come across two shipwrecks and receive a certificate for your dive.

Siam Park

A splashing time awaits families who visit this highly rated Thai-themed water park in Tenerife. A myriad of sensational slides and rides include the Mekong Rapids, Tower of Power, Naga Racer and the Wave Palace. There’s also a floating market and a sea lion show.

Sioux City Park

Enjoy the thrills of a Wild West shoot-out when the cowboys take on the bandits in a bank robbery. This popular family attraction in San Augustin in Gran Canaria also features lasso and knife-throwing displays, plus exciting wild horse shows.

Corralejo Natural Park

This is a must-see attraction during a holiday to the beautiful island of Fuerteventura. This enchanting coastal zone features magnificent sand dunes and jaw-dropping landscapes. You can also enjoy a 300m climb to the summit of the Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) volcano where you’ll be wowed by the amazing views of the islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.

Spa Experience

Treat yourself to an indulgent pampering session at one of the many luxurious spa and wellness centres in Lanzarote. Professional attendants will be on hand to ensure you and your partner enjoy the range or relaxing treatments and services on offer.

Moonlight Cinema

Enjoy a romantic evening watching a movie by moonlight at this wonderful outdoor cinema in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. You are even provided with a sofa and blankets for extra comfort as you settle down to watch some entertainment on the big screen.

Jeep Safari

An exciting safari in a 4x4 vehicle is a great way to discover areas of Tenerife which are off the beaten track. A popular option is the safari which takes in Teide National Park, Arguayo and Masca. Lunch is often included in the price of these thrilling jeep safaris.

Go karting

This is a fantastic activity for a group of friends who want to rise to the challenge of finding out who is the most skilled driver. Lanzarote Karting at San Bartolomé has two superb daredevil tracks which caters for all ages and abilities. The venue also runs a free shuttle service to and from most major hotels on the island.

Mount Teide

No holiday in Tenerife would be complete without a visit to Mount Teide, the towering volcano which is the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic. You’ll enjoy a cable car ride to the top of the volcano and be impressed by the incredible panoramic views of Tenerife.

Dolphin and whale watching

Take to the ocean in Fuerteventura for an exciting adventure on board a catamaran to watch the whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Your trip will also include a delicious lunch, a swimming and snorkelling session, and the chance to sail along the island’s volcanic south coast.

Poema del Mar Aquarium

This captivating attraction in Gran Canaria features a range of giant aquariums where you can get up close to the creatures of the deep. Among the delights you’ll see are sharks, marine dragons, giant manta rays, sea horses, turtles and jellyfish.

Timanfaya National Park

Gaze in awe at the spellbinding volcanic landscape in Lanzarote as you take a bus trip around this compelling national attraction. You also visit a restaurant where you’ll enjoy roasted chicken cooked on a barbecue powered by the volcanic heat and witness an instant volcanic geyser erupting when cold water is poured into a shaft in the ground.

Caving at Cueva del Viento

Journey into the maze of underground tunnels in the caves created by lava which erupted from the Pico Viejo volcano in Tenerife. You’ll be amazed by the stalactites, lava lakes, fossils and almost 200 species of insects living below the surface.

Finca Canarias Aloe Vera

The wonder herb aloe vera is widely acclaimed by health enthusiasts and you can get a chance to see how it is produced during a holiday in Fuerteventura. You’ll be taken on a guided tour of the aloe vera plantations in Gran Tarajal and La Oliva. Buying a sample may be a good idea as aloe vera is widely used for cooling the skin and treating sunburn.

Canary Gardens

Take a relaxing stroll through the spellbinding Guiniguada favine in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The spectacular gardens cover 27 hectares and are home to more than 500 species of indigenous plants and trees palms, dragon trees and huge cacti.

Of course, one thing that makes the Canaries so popular is that they enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year with temperatures regularly breaking into the high to low 30s at the height of summer. Read on for an overview of weather in the Canaries.

• In January and February, you can expect glorious temperatures of 17 and 18 degrees Celsius across the islands - a stark contrast to the UK’s freezing weather. There’s no such thing as winter in the Canaries!
• In March and April, the temperature increases a few figures to 19 degrees with the advent of spring. Easter is a popular time to visit the Canaries so book in far advance to get a good deal.
• May enjoys hotter weather again with average temperatures of around 20 degrees across the Canary Islands.
• In June, the Canaries welcome summer with average temperatures of 21 and 22, but don’t be surprised if the hottest days hit the mid 20s. Pack sunscreen and remember to stay hydrated.
• In July and August, the Canaries enjoy their hottest weather with the temperature fluctuating between the mid to high 20s. Fortunately, the cool sea breeze keeps things manageable.
• In September and October, you can expect much of the same with the temperature still firmly in the low to mid 20s.
• The Canaries cool down ever so slightly in November and December. 20 is common around this time of year but don’t be surprised if some days hit 24. Why not spend next Christmas on the beach?

There’s an endless list of activities for you to enjoy on your Canaries holiday. Test your skills on the sea with a fabulous selection of water sports, try your hand at mini golf or uncover more of this scenic beauty spot on a cycle ride.

Here are a few of our favourite things to do on a Canary Islands holiday.

Click on the links below for more details on some of the most popular Regions in Canaries

• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Lanzarote
• Tenerife

What holiday would be complete without water sports? From scuba diving to jet skiing, there’s plenty going on away from land! You’ll be spoilt for choice, with hundreds of dive centres and tour operators around the islands.

Travelling with the little ones? Make full use of your Canaries hotel kids’ club where you’ll find games and fun activities to make their stay truly memorable. Elsewhere, you’ll find everything from mini golf to horse riding.

From the rolling dunes of Fuerteventura to the golden sands of Tenerife, Canaries’ beaches provide a relaxing setting to top up your sun tan. If you’re planning to stay in Lanzarote, we highly recommend a visit to one the island’s black sandy beaches for a truly unique experience!

The Canary Islands are home to a number of spectacular national parks and nature reserves, where you’ll be able to experience the region’s unique natural landscapes first-hand. Look out for Tenerife’s Mount Teide volcano and geysers at the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote.

If nature isn’t your thing, plan a visit to one of the islands’ many towns and villages for a taster of local life on the Canaries.

It wouldn’t be a holiday without a visit to the water park! Fortunately, you’ll find a vast range of parks in and across the Canaries, with fun slides and attractions for holidaymakers of all ages.

Flights to the Canaries - most major UK airports operate flights to the Canaries, including Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, London Airports, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Doncaster Sheffield and more.