Travel

Best ways to see the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have been attracting enthusiastic holidaymakers for over fifty years and with their blend of temperate climate, intriguing volcanic landscapes and flavoursome local culture, it’s easy to see why. There are several ways to catch the highlights of the Spanish archipelago and there are benefits to each method of travel, whether you choose to go by land, sea or air. Here’s a quick rundown of the best options.

With flight times from Northern Europe averaging around four hours, most people arrive directly on the islands by air. All seven islands – including tiny El Hierro – now have their own airport, making air travel a convenient way to get around on arrival as well, even if you’re planning on visiting several islands. The cost of flights between places like Tenerife South and Santa Cruz on La Palma is often just a little more than a ferry crossing and will take around half an hour.

For a more leisurely feel, Canary Islands cruises are an increasingly popular way to see the best of the island group. Many 7-9 night trips take passengers all the way from ports like Southampton without passing through a single airport. Typical stops include Arrecife on Lanzarote, Santa Cruz de La Palma and Las Palmas on Gran Canaria and there are usually plenty of excursions allowing you to explore places like Mount Teide National Park on Tenerife or the rich wine villages of La Palma.

More adventurous visitors might like to try cycling as a great way of getting out into the gorges, mountains and vineyards that make these islands such a visual treat. Routes around the Valle Gran Rey on La Gomera are some of the most naturally striking – and challenging – in Europe. Tour groups can be organised or you can set out independently, with bike hire available from all major resorts. For something a little different, some companies on Tenerife offer the chance to traverse the coastline on the back of a motorbike.

It’s also possible to combine your travel and get the best of both worlds. Holidays organised by groups like the Ramblers in the UK often combine cruising with a walking tour, or many visitors simply fly in and use the ferry services to island-hop from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura and beyond. Car hire is another useful way to get about and generally inexpensive, although it’s worth checking that you can take your vehicle between islands. It’s fair to say that all options here have their merits, and the rewards of this beautiful destination are sure to make every kind of travel experience worthwhile.

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