A weekend break in the Canary Islands for year-round sunshine

A weekend break in the Canary Islands for year-round sunshine

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Get your sunshine fix with a weekend retreat in the Canary Islands

There aren't many European destinations that offer year-round sunshine. Okay, the Canary Islands may not really count - these subtropical isles are actually far closer to Africa - but they do have great weather at any time of year, and they're fewer than five hours from London by flight. If you're craving a dose of Vitamin D, there's no better place to go. Relax on the beach, lose yourself in an otherworldly volcanic landscape, or join in the fun at some of the world's best carnivals. It's all waiting for you on a weekend break in the Canaries!

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Planning a weekend break in the Canary Islands

Why should I go to the Canary Islands for the weekend?

The Canary Islands are packed with things to see and do, and truly have something for everyone. Some visitors are content to spend their days relaxing on the beach, while others want to explore nature; you may like to visit the stunning Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, during your weekend retreat in the Canary Islands. The laid-back island vibes are just perfect if you want to get away from it all. Whether you want to ride a camel across Gran Canaria's Maspalomas beach or explore the unique, UNESCO-recognised architecture of Tenerife's San Cristóbal de La Laguna, there's always something to do on a weekend break in the Canary Islands. Best of all? There are eight different islands, so you'll have a completely different experience each time you visit.

Where should I stay for a weekend retreat in the Canary Islands?

For a weekend break, you'll probably want to stay in one of the three most popular Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. These are the easiest to get to, with the most flights. On a longer trip, you could visit the smaller islands too - there are holiday lettings in the Canary Islands on every island, after all. Each isle has its own distinct character. Tenerife is ideal for a natural weekend retreat in the Canary Islands, as its mountainous interior is perfect for hikers. It also has the beautiful city of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, with an historic old town that is simply magical. Gran Canaria is known for its lively nightlife and gives a warm welcome to the LGBTQ+ community, with the area of Maspalomas being well-known as one of Spain's top gay destinations. Lanzarote is quieter and boasts an eerie volcanic landscape that adventurous travellers will love the chance to explore on foot.

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FAQs: Weekend Breaks & Getaways in the Canaries

What's the best time of year to visit the Canary Islands?

As the Canary Islands are so far south, they enjoy a subtropical climate, with great weather all year round. July and August are the busiest months, and prices rise accordingly. You may prefer to visit at other times if you want to steer clear of crowds. Spring and autumn are a good time to travel to the Canaries. The weather is generally mild and pleasant (although Lanzarote is known for its strong winds), so you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities. The Canaries are well-known as a destination for winter sunshine, but remember that some inland, mountainous areas, such as Mount Teide, do get chilly at night.

How should I get to the Canary Islands?

The most important airports can be found on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. Tenerife has two airports; Tenerife North is mostly used by locals, with tourists usually flying to Tenerife South. The smaller islands have airports, too, but routes are very limited; it can be difficult to get to one of the minor Canary Islands for a short trip. Most major UK airports fly to Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, but routes are often seasonal. In the low season, there may be fewer flights available.

How can I travel around the Canary Islands?

For a weekend trip, you'll probably want to stay in one particular area. All islands have their own public transport systems that mainly consist of bus routes. However, some areas - particularly scenic natural zones - can be difficult to reach on regular public transport, and you may need to rely on organised tours instead.

What annual events are worth seeing in the Canary Islands?

The Canaries are particularly well-known for their annual carnivals. There's a fierce rivalry between Tenerife and Gran Canaria over which island has the best carnival; in general, the Tenerife processions are more spectacular to watch, with carefully choreographed dancing and stunning displays, while the Gran Canaria parades are livelier, with more audience participation. Gran Canaria's carnival is also known for its Drag Queen Gala, which has become a major event in recent years. Each island has its own annual celebrations throughout the year, but everyone comes together to celebrate the Día de Canarias on 30 May. This is a great day to see some unique Canarian traditions, including displays of the special Canarian style of combat, which resembles sumo wrestling.

What food and drink should I try in the Canary Islands?

One of the most popular dishes in the Canary Islands is papas arrugadas, or small potatoes with wrinkled skin, usually served with a mojo dipping sauce. Mojo, the most popular Canarian condiment, can be green (verde) or red (rojo); the former is fresh and herbaceous, while the latter has a smoky flavour thanks to lashings of paprika. Rabbit in tomato sauce is another popular local dish. As the Canary Islands have a large Latin American community, they're a great place to tuck into ceviche, arepas, and other South American favourites.

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