Destination profile: Canary Islands
Instagrammable experiences, wildly diverse landscapes and a wealth of sporting options make the sunshine isles more than just a beach destination, says Clare Walsh
The Canary Islands have long been synonymous with sprawling resorts, busy beaches and a booming nightlife.
But while it is a fail-safe escape for sunstarved Brits, the glittering archipelago lazily strung off the coast of West Africa has a wildly different side to it.
The year-round sunny climate and gorgeous beaches are ideal for fly-andflop holidays, but scratch below the surface and the destination opens up to clients seeking more experiential holidays where they can create enriching and evocative memories.
From ethereal volcanic landscapes to UNESCO biosphere reserves, rainforests, and ravines, the Canaries offer an island escape for many different client groups.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the islands and has always been a popular all-rounder offering impressive family resorts, highend hotels, budget accommodation and everything in-between.
The tourist board is now concentrating its efforts on marketing the wild and dramatic landscape to target niche groups. Its recently launched adventure sports brand ‘Tenerife no Limits’ showcases hiking, mountain biking, surfing, stargazing and whale watching.
It has also began working more closely with specialist active tourism tour operators such as HF Holidays, which has a guided walking tour.
The tourist board has also recognised a trend of visitors combining their holiday with medical, surgical and wellbeing treatments. Its new ‘Tenerife Medical Destination’ brand targets health tourists, encouraging clients to get a tan while taking advantage of low prices of treatments.
Lanzarote
It’s no longer enough for millennials to just go on holiday. They need to show it off on social media – and Lanzarote has instagrammable shots in abundance.
Its sublime lunar-like landscape offers natural drama and was granted the title of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. There are several experiences sure to deliver likes on social media.
After touring the mighty Timanfaya National Park visitors can dine at the heart of the volcano at the El Diablo restaurant, where the earth’s intense heat is used to create a giant grill.
Also below ground is the recently opened Mueso Atlantico, Europe’s first underwater contemporary art museum. At 14 metres deep, scuba divers can view exhibitions such as the Raft of Lampedusa, a moving reference to the current refugee crisis.
Lanzarote also appeals to the wellness crowd with many resorts offering yoga, meditation and spa breaks, while the brutal Lanzarote Ironman tempts the seriously sporty.
Gran Canaria
Probably best known for its Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve, the wild desert-like protected area in Gran Canaria has been formed over thousands of years.
However, for clients looking to blend a little history and culture into their break, the island is abundant in ancient treasures. The old quarter of Vegueta in the capital Las Palmas showcases history and impressive architecture. The 15th century town is home to Casa de Colon where Christopher Columbus stayed on the island, while the Cathedral Santa Ana in Triana is a further highlight.
Weekly tapas trails take place in Vugueta with further foodie treats available at its local market. Visitors should sample the signature honey rum, while the Restaurant La Barra del Mercado entices customers to choose ingredients from the market stall, which are then created into a dish.
Fuerteventura
With the most impressive beaches in the Canaries, Fuerteventura is the island for clients in search of relaxation. But waterbabies also flock here, with kite surfers and windsurfers descending for the annual Watersports World Championships.
Corralejo, a former fishing village, has long sandy stretches and is a popular area for beach baskers to claim their patch. At the Parque Natural de Corralejo, the long white dunes are a must-see and visitors can immerse themselves in the volcanic landscape by climbing the 300 metres up the beautiful Red Mountain.
La Palma, La Gomera
and El Hierro
El Hierro is the best option for those looking for real escapism. The island has a zero crime rate, is undeveloped and boasts incredible diving at 46 sites.
La Palma is an island of colour and contrast, greeting visitors with a kaleidoscope of emerald hillsides, black lava fields and deep ravines. Laced with 600 miles of footpaths, it’s a favourite with walkers and features soul-stirring views.
Visitors to La Gomera can indulge in the silence and solitude of ancient rainforests and sleepy mountain villages. Suggest a visit to Garajonay National Park, where the rare laurel trees and sea fog combine to create a mystical and enchanted air.
What’s new?
Stella Canaris in Fuerteventura is in the midst of a refurbishment that will see it transformed into the biggest resort in Europe with seven hotels, restaurants and a water-park. Club Robinson Jandia Playa is also being refurbished and is planned to re-open in November 2018.
Aquarium Poema del Mar opened at the end of 2017 in Las Palmas, with the new Veitiuno Hotel following on this year. The Royal Hideaway Santa Catalina by Barcelo will open this winter.
Tenerife welcomed the Royal Hideaway Resort in January 2018 and GF Victoria in March. Hotel Fantasia Bahia Principe Tenerife opens in November and the H10 Atlantic Sunset will open in May 2019.
From winter 2018, British Airways is increasing its flights to seven per week from London Gatwick to Lanzarote. The island has also recently seen the opening of the new five-star star Hotel Fariones in Puerto del Carmen
“Weekly tapas trails take place in Vugueta with further foodie treats available at its local market.
Visitors should sample the signature honey rum”