Plan your escape to the Canary Islands.
Seasons may be a foreign concept to the Canary Islands, but spring is an excellent time to visit— and not just because the weather is even more pleasant than usual. At this time of year, the islands’ cultural programme and sporting calendar are overflowing with fun events for everyone.
For instance, the Ironman race takes place on the 25th of May on Lanzarote—an island that’s made for extreme adventures. With 3.8 km to swim, 180.2 km to cycle and 42.5 km to run, the event is only suitable for
the superhumans among us. On the 9th and 10th of March, the Eighth Island Challenge took place on Graciosa Island, including cross triathlon and trail categories as well as a trail for kids. Other scheduled sporting events include the sailing regattas
XII Copa S.A.R. Princesa Alexia (the HRH Princess Alexia Cup regatta) on the 6th of April, and the X Copa de Canarias J80 (the J80 Canary Islands Cup), in the Marina Rubicón harbour on the 10th of May.
Up until the 27th of April, the public will be able to experience César Manrique’s most famous work—the Art, Culture and Tourism Centre ‘Los Jameos del Agua’—in an entirely new way with Jameos Nights, which include dinner and a concert in this impressive natural auditorium. The events will take place every Tuesday and Saturday at 7:00 pm.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE MELIÁ SALINAS
The wonderful garden at the Meliá Salinas hotel was also designed by Manrique, and is visible from the hotel’s Casa Nostra restaurant. The
garden is one of the best places to dine on the island, and the Meliá Salinas’ Sunday brunch has become a classic weekend activity in Lanzarote. The buffet features sweet and savoury appetisers, and an à la carte menu with more than 10 options to choose from, including select meat, fresh fish and eggs. A DJ playing chill-out music sweetens the deal, and brunch-goers might even end up taking a dip in the water.
EVEN MORE TO DO IN TENERIFE
The springtime events calendar for the island of Tenerife is also jampacked. The established international art festival Mueca will occur on the second weekend of May, filling the Calle de Puerto de la Cruz with theatre, circus acts, music, dance, plastic arts and more. The Tenerife Bluetrail takes place one week later, in June. This mountain run is one of the most important sporting events on the Canary Islands, open to anyone: athletes of all levels, with and without disabilities. It’s the highest-altitude run in Spain and the second highest in Europe, with one stretch through the Teide National Park reaching the same heights as La Rambleta (3,555 m). Now is the
THE WONDERFUL GARDEN AT THE MELIÁ SALINAS HOTEL WAS ALSO DESIGNED BY MANRIQUE.
THANKS TO THE HOTEL’S MAGNIFICENT LOCATION, GUESTS CAN ENJOY A PRIVILEGED VIEW OF SOME OF THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS ON THE ISLAND.
perfect time to visit the Teide, with great weather guaranteed.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR IN THE GRAN MELIÁ PALACIO DE ISORA
Red Level at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, the most exclusive area at the hotel, is ushering in the new season with a Brand-new refurb. Ten years after it first opened, the hotel has given its common areas—such as the Lounge, where guests can spend their downtime—a makeover. The ceiling beams have been painted white for added freshness and to enhance the natural light that pours in through the windows. Trendier tones like blue and beige also make an appearance.
The La Terrace restaurant—a pavilion with sea views and an à la carte dinner menu—has a new look too, complete with silvery grey tables and white chairs. As does Liquid Garden, the à la carte breakfast area, where antique and modern furniture come together to create a contemporary feel.
THE BEST SUNSETS AND SHOW-STOPPING SKIES
Thanks to the hotel’s magnificent location, guests can enjoy a privileged view of some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. Take in the surroundings and accompanying live music with a drink, cocktail or snack. Extra events are sometimes also organised, like magic shows and art exhibitions featuring painters and sculptors from the island. The astronomy evenings are another of the most popular activities. Led by an astronomy expert and set in one of the hotel’s most impressive gardens, they begin at sundown and continue with an exclusive dinner—the finishing touch for a perfect evening of stargazing.