Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife have long been favourites among holidaymakers. Because of the islands’ location, they experience warm weather all year round, making it a perfect destination for a winter sun holiday. The islands all boast some beautiful scenery, namely dormant volcanoes, and some terrific beaches and incredible resorts. Each island has something different to offer, depending on what type of holiday you’re after. So we’ve selected our top resorts for each destination to help you decide where is best for you to spend a week in the sun.
Tenerife
Starting with the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has been top of British holidaymakers’ go-to destinations for decades. Scale the top of El Teide, the highest mountain and volcano in Spain, hike around Parque Rural de Anaga and relax on one of the many beaches, Tenerife has it all.
Costa Adeje – a hugely active resort, Costa Adeje is ideal for the outdoorsy holidaymaker. Be it windsurfing, jet skiing or scuba diving, you won’t be stuck for a fun activity. Ideal for families as well with a number of water parks close by and it stays above 20 degrees C even in the winter months.
Playa de las Americas – a great resort for the family with plenty to see and do. With a Submarine Safari, the Camel Park and regular dolphin spotting tours, the kids will be in for a wondrous time.
Puerto de la Cruz – surrounded by rugged landscape and the glorious El Teide, Puerto de la Cruz is an adventurer’s paradise. Spend days exploring rocky coves and enjoying water sports and nights relaxing at the port.
Los Cristianos – a place for ocean lovers, Los Cristianos revolves around the water. From whale watching to dolphin spotting to game fishing, every need is catered for in this beautiful coastal town.
Playa de la Arena – a much quieter resort, Playa de la Arena is great for simply relaxing on the beach and enjoying some delicious tapas.
Gran Canaria
Hopping across the smaller sliver of the Atlantic to Gran Canaria, you will discover a beautiful island steeped in culture. While there are the long stretches of white sands and turquoise waters, there is also the metropolitan capital of Las Palmas, one of the biggest cities in Spain.
Maspalomas – the total beach resort with six kilometres of coastline with Saharan-style rolling dunes. Great for couples looking for a relaxed break and golfers wanting to try out some excellent courses.
Playa del Ingles – a lively resort, Playa del Ingles is the biggest and most bustling area of Gran Canaria. Boasting a party atmosphere there are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy while the nightlife is equally boisterous, even in the winter months.
Puerto Rico – beautiful scenery combined with year-round sunshine, Puerto Rico is a truly stunning place. With hotels set into the steep cliffsides it provides a perfect view of the golden sands and blue waters below.
Playa de Taurito – a purpose-built resort, Playa de Taurito is a great destination for a lazy beach holiday. Ideal for all ages, lagoon-style swimming pools, tranquil beaches and great restaurants make it a treat for any holidaymaker.
San Agustin – a peaceful resort, despite being close to the party town of Playa del Ingles. With a restaurant-lined seafront and black sand beach, it is a great place for couples to unwind.
Lanzarote
Like Tenerife, Lanzarote has grown in popularity substantially over the years for its scenery, sunshine and, of course, the beaches. The nearest of the Canary Islands to Europe, it is a great place to mix trekking with relaxation.
Costa Teguise – the party destination of Lanzarote, Costa Teguise is geared around younger holidaymakers. Water sports by day and clubbing by night, it is the ultimate for the 20-somethings among you.
Puerto del Carmen – more of your typical tourist resort, Puerto del Carmen offers new and old towns to explore as well as plenty of activities for the kids. It is also home to a number of scuba diving centres.
Playa Blanca – a great family-friendly beach resort, you can take your pick of the white sands across Playa Blanca. Gaze out on to the nearby Fuerteventura or even go hiking at the Timanfaya National Park.
Puerto Calero – with a marina and plenty of opportunities for retail therapy, Puerto Calero is a more upmarket resort in Lanzarote. Go sailing on the giant catamaran in Catlanza or head to Papagayo for the amazing beaches.
Playa de los Pocillos – another beach resort, Playa de los Pocillos is a great place to relax. Perhaps take the kids to the nearby Rancho Texas theme park to have a day out inspired by the Wild West?
Fuerteventura
Despite being the second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura can often be overlooked when it comes to a spot of winter sun. With a landscape similar to its neighbour Morocco, it has a huge amount of diversity not to mention over 50 kilometres of coastline.
Costa Caleta – regarded as one of the most peaceful parts of Fuerteventura, Costa Caleta has a laidback atmosphere. Perfect for couples that want to lie by the beach until the sun goes down.
Corralejo – sun, sea and surf is what Corralejo is all about. Beautiful scenery and warm temperatures, even in the winter months, there are so many beaches to choose from as well as plenty of restaurants for evening meals.
Costa Calma – purpose built for the Sotavento beach, Costa Calma is a sun worshipper’s dream. Filled with pristine sands and only a short trip away from the dune of Jandia National Park for those wanting a bit more adventure.
Jandia – another gem of the Sotavento stretch of beach, Jandia is slightly more lively than its counterparts with a bustling harbour ideal for late night entertainment. With a national park nearby it is great for hikers and nature-lovers.
Costa Antigua – a quiet resort ideal for couples, Costa Antigua is a quaint town with a sleepy atmosphere. A picturesque square and a number of traditional cafes, bars and restaurants make it a real haven in the winter months.
A winter retreat to the Canary Islands is a great way to beat the gloomy weather of the UK when it finally sets in. So, have something to look forward to and book a winter sun holiday today.
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