Guide to Canary Island Hotels

Canary Islands: A Paradise for Holiday Seekers

The Canary Islands, nestled off the northwest coast of Africa, stand as an idyllic holiday destination, captivating travelers with their diverse landscapes, temperate climate, and rich cultural offerings. Comprising seven main islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, each island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Breathtaking Landscapes: From the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote to the lush greenery of Garajonay National Park in La Gomera, the Canary Islands boast a diverse range of landscapes. Towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming villages provide a picturesque backdrop for a memorable holiday experience.

Year-round Sunshine: Renowned for their pleasant climate, the Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, making them an ideal escape for sun-seekers. Whether basking in the warmth of the golden beaches or exploring the rugged mountain terrain, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in any season.

Cultural Riches: Each island has its own unique cultural identity, influenced by a blend of European, African, and Latin American heritage. Traditional festivals, vibrant markets, and historical sites showcase the islands' rich history and cultural diversity, providing immersive experiences for travelers.

Water Activities: Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands are a haven for water enthusiasts. Snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and sailing opportunities abound, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant marine life and enjoy the refreshing waters.

Gastronomic Delights: The Canary Islands offer a culinary journey, with a fusion of Spanish, African, and Latin American flavors. Local specialties, such as "papas arrugadas" (wrinkled potatoes) and "mojo" sauces, delight the taste buds, and seafood lovers can indulge in fresh catches from the Atlantic.

Family-Friendly Attractions: Families find joy in the numerous attractions, including water parks like Siam Park and educational experiences in museums and botanical gardens. The islands' welcoming atmosphere and diverse activities cater to travelers of all ages.

In essence, the Canary Islands present an enchanting blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and recreational opportunities, making them an irresistible holiday destination for those seeking a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Tenerife, the largest and highest of the Canary Islands, spans an expansive 2034 square kilometers and boasts the towering peak of Mount Teide, standing at an impressive 3718 meters, making it Spain's highest mountain. Renowned as a tourist haven, Tenerife offers a diverse range of attractions, catering to varying preferences.

The island is a paradise for sun-seekers, with its southern region, especially Playa de las Americas, earning fame for its vibrant nightlife scene. The southern coast is adorned with both stunning dark volcanic sand and golden beaches, creating an ideal setting for relaxation and recreation. In contrast, the northern part of the island is characterized by a more thriving city atmosphere.

Tenerife's estimated population of 655,656 contributes to the dynamic blend of cultures and lifestyles. The island's unique geography and climate create a distinct 'north-south' divide, both in terms of topography and the preferences of its visitors. The southern part, with Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, has transformed into a lively hub, merging into one bustling playground, adorned with bright lights and a plethora of bars, catering to the younger, more party-oriented crowd.

On the other hand, the northern city of Puerto de la Cruz offers a lush, quieter, and cooler environment. Popular among the older demographic, it provides a serene escape with its charming atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and a more relaxed pace of life. Tenerife, with its dichotomy of landscapes and atmospheres, stands as a testament to the diverse offerings of the Canary Islands, appealing to a broad spectrum of tourists.

e is made up of Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera and Hierro. All of these islands are ideal for package holiday breaks All the islands are of volcanic origin and the climate is subtropical. The landscape is varied, and includes mountain ranges, valleys, deserts, cliffs, craters and forests. The Canary Islands; Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and other popular destinations with European and UK holidaymakers.

Los Cristianos is a vibrant resort town situated on the southern coast of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. Originally a small fishing village, it has evolved into a bustling tourist destination, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a diverse range of entertainment options.

The town's focal point is its picturesque harbor, where fishing boats coexist with modern ferries that transport tourists to the neighboring island of La Gomera and beyond. The harbor area is lined with promenades, shops, and restaurants, offering a pleasant environment for leisurely strolls.

Los Cristianos is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, such as Playa de Los Cristianos, where visitors can enjoy the sun, sea, and a variety of water activities. The beachfront is dotted with cafes and bars, creating a lively seaside ambiance. It's common to see families, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts enjoying the coastal amenities.

The town is well-known for its diverse dining scene, offering a wide array of international cuisines alongside traditional Canarian dishes. The presence of numerous restaurants, ranging from casual beachfront eateries to more upscale dining establishments, caters to the varied tastes of both locals and tourists.

As the day transitions into evening, Los Cristianos comes alive with a vibrant nightlife. The streets are illuminated with the glow of neon lights from bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Visitors can find a mix of live music, DJs, and dance floors, making it a popular destination for those seeking an energetic and lively nightlife experience.

Overall, Los Cristianos successfully blends its historical roots with the demands of modern tourism, offering a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere for visitors looking to experience the best of Tenerife's southern coast.

Playa de las Américas: A Dynamic Resort Town

Nestled on the southern coast of Tenerife, Playa de las Américas is a pulsating resort town that epitomizes the vibrant spirit of the Canary Islands. With its golden sandy beaches, including the famous Playa de Troya and Playa de las Vistas, the town draws sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Come evening, Playa de las Américas transforms into a nightlife hotspot. The Veronicas Strip and Starco Commercial Centre illuminate with neon lights, hosting a myriad of bars and nightclubs that resonate with music and lively crowds. It's a playground for those seeking energetic entertainment after dark.

The town's commercial hubs, like Safari Shopping Centre and the Patch area, are a shopper's delight. Exploring these bustling areas, visitors encounter a mix of shops, boutiques, and street performers, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Culinary enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Playa de las Américas. From beachfront cafes offering casual bites to upscale restaurants serving international and Canarian cuisines, the dining scene caters to diverse palates.

For family-friendly fun, Playa de las Américas is home to Siam Park, a renowned water park with thrilling slides and attractions, offering a refreshing alternative to the coastal activities.

Accommodation options abound, ranging from luxurious resorts with stunning ocean views to budget-friendly apartments, ensuring that visitors find a comfortable haven for their stay.

In essence, Playa de las Américas encapsulates the essence of a sun-soaked, lively, and memorable vacation experience, making it a must-visit destination in Tenerife.

The Canary Islands offer a special kind of holiday for visitors, one in which leisure time may be spent in a myriad of different ways. The main island is Gran Canaria and, termed a 'continent in miniature', it contains a bit of everything, one of the largest cities in all of Spain, great historic sights, a diverse and dramatic volcanic landscape and of course some of the best beaches imaginable. The capital city of Las Palmas, on the northern side of the island, is certainly where most of the population live but when people come for the beaches they head south and invariably to Playa del Ingles. Translated as the 'English beach', it is a resort city which has grown out of beach life and the local hotels are at the heart of its enduring success and popularity.

The beach itself is the longest on the island and contiguous with a 4km stretch to Melonares, a part of which is a serviced nudist beach. Maspalomas is also close by, famous for the stunning sand dunes and also home to Palmitos Park, a popular visitor experience with exotic plants and animal shows. For most people however the beach will be all about topping up the tan and cooling off in the sea though various fun activities. The beach is fully serviced with all amenities, drinks and dining opportunities without straying too far from your prized spot and there are many hotels right on the beachfront, with many more within easy walking distance.

If there is one seagoing activity which must be attempted it is surfing. The surfing in Gran Canaria is world class, especially on the northern shores but for those who want to try their hand there are surf schools and instructors on the south shore beaches. For those who find their time is spent under the water rather than riding the waves then perhaps scuba diving is the best way to make the most of the underwater sights and environments. There are dive centers and great dive locations dotted along the south coast and boat tours can be arranged for artificial reef diving, and wreck diving, with all training and equipment provided.

Other tours and excursions will be available too and a trip to Las Palmas will be top of many peoples list of things to do, if even just to sample some superb fish dishes within the best restaurants. It is a big city with plenty of shopping and cultural experiences to be had and a visitor to Vegueta will open up all the great historic architecture of the old town. The city has a beach too and this is where the hardcore surfers show off their skills, often as organized events for the benefit of the tourists. There are festivals and carnivals and a whole vibrant canvas of sights, sounds and fun ways to pass the time. For those who just want to take in the sights and the cityscape vistas there are regular tour buses providing the ideal way to spend a day out on the island.

Closer to home, in Playa del Ingles itself, there are enough shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs within the Yumbo Centrum area to keep most people happy and the local hotels will be well placed to join in the fun. Most hotels, and especially the larger resort style developments, will have their own set of entertainment options, choices of bar and lounge areas, and ample restaurant environments whether for an evening meal or a snack by the pool. Swimming pools are often just the start of the leisure features available, with many resort hotels providing a full range of kids activities and in the luxury establishments a more grown up slant in spas, gyms, sports courts and other ways to work up an appetite for some fine dining in truly superb restaurant