Named the ‘Fortunate Islands’ and for good reason, the Canary Islands attract groups every year. Here are seven reasons why a visit over the winter months might be ideal for your members.
1. Winter sun
The temperatures in the Canary Islands are far from the extreme temperatures of mainland Spain. The sun is almost always shining, 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 18ºC and 24°C over the winter months.
2. Winter sports
The beaches of the Canary Islands never close in winter, nor its mountains or its volcanic landscapes, all of which are ideal for those searching for extreme or long-distance walking and running opportunities. There is ample space for water sports too. Sports fans can also enjoy the Transvulcania in La Palma, the Transgrancanaria and the Canary Islands Winter Track and Field Championships.
3. Christmas in the Canaries
Experience some of the islands’ 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 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.
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.
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 islands are 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.
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.
6. Choose from 1,500 kilometres of beaches
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 which stretches along 14 kilometres.
7. 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 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.
