A GUIDE TO The

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Introducing the Canary Islands 4 Interesting Facts 5 Flavours of The Canary Islands 6 Spending Money 8 TC Recommended 9 Experiences 10 11 The Ritz Carlton, Abama 12 Royal Hideaways (Corales Beach & Suites) 13 Baobab Suites 13 Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa 14 Bahía del Duque 15 Gran Canaria 16 Seaside Grand, Hotel Residencia 18 Seaside Sandy Beach 18 Seaside Palm Beach 19 20 Secrets Bahía, Real Resort & Spa 21 Alua Suites 21 Lanzarote 22 Seaside Los Jameos 23 Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort 23

3 Introducing the Canary Islands

his much-loved Spanish destination in the Atlantic off the west coast of Africa is blessed with a Tgorgeous year-round climate, is quick and easy to reach and has masses to offer everyone from solo travellers or couples to families. And as often as you may come, there’s always something to discover and to delight you, whether its unspoilt beaches, thrilling water sports, dramatic volcanic landscapes or delicious regional cuisine.

Accommodation on the major Canary Islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote comes in all shapes and sizes, with something to suit everyone, whether that be tranquil boutique offerings nestled in lush gardens or expansive bells-and-whistles resorts with facilities and amenities to keep all ages happy. You’ll find some favourites on the following pages.

4 Interesting facts

• The Canaries’ average temperature of 18 to 24°C across the year has earned them the nickname the ‘Islands of Eternal Spring’ • The islands have more than 140 protected nature areas in total, many of them desert-like, and in excess of 540 endemic plant species • The Canaries probably derive their name not from birds but from the Latine Canariae Insulae or ‘Canine Islands’, possibly because large dogs or seals (‘sea dogs’) lived here

• Tenerife holds the world’s second-biggest Carnival each February, attracting more than 400,000 revellers • Pico del is Spain’s highest peak and also the third-highest volcano in the world after Hawaii’s Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea when measured from its ocean-floor base • Bananas account for a third of the islands’ agricultural output – mainly the Dwarf Cavendish variety, but also rarer types such as Dwarf Curare Plantain, Dwarf Red and Manzano

5 Flavours of the Canary Islands

Mojo Picón Pollo/Conejo al Sal- morejo A spicy made with ‘Wrinkled potatoes’, with a , , pepper, A garlicky marinated unique texture and taste and , eaten chicken or rabbit dish due to being grown in with a huge number of with white wine, cumin, volcanic soil, often served dishes on the islands. oregano, and -style with Mojo thyme. Picón.

6 Ropa Vieja Queso Bienmesabe

Not ‘old clothes’, as it Queso Majorero is A sweet, soft purée that translates, but a hearty a semi-hard cheese translates as ‘tastes good traditional stew made made from the milk of to me’, made with ground with shredded beef, pork the Majorero goat. It is almonds, egg yolk, sugar, or chicken, chickpeas, traditionally produced lemon zest and cinnamon, peppers and tomatoes. in Las Palmas de Gran often served with cream Canaria. or ice cream.

7 Spending Money

Here’s a little look at some of the things you might be spending money on whilst you’re in the Canary Islands.

€30 €55

Maspalomas Water Park Gran Canaria Buggy Tour entry fee

€50 €1.35 €50

Three course meal for Local beer in Fuerteventura Tenerife Whale Watching Tour two in a Lanzarote Restaurant

8 TC Recommended

In December, I visited Puerto Mogan in Gran Canaria. The sun shone and temperatures reached into the mid to high 20s. The holiday was actually a twin-centre trip as I split my stay between Puerto Mogan and Maspalomas. I got to see two very different sides of the island as Maspalomas is very much about the beach backed by sand dunes.

Travel Counsellor Natalie recommends a December trip to Gran Canaria

I would recommend Lanzarote and Playa Blanca for a holiday at any time of year as its climate means that it’s pleasantly warm, even in the depths of winter and it’s really convenient to get to for a relaxing holiday.

Advice on when to visit Lanzarote from Travel Counsellor, Mark

We went for a trip to Siam Park, voted the best waterpark in the world on Tripadvisor. It’s certainly impressive! I was a bit concerned that there wouldn’t be enough for my three-year-old, but I needn’t have worried. She loved the Lost City which is tailored towards younger children. There are some incredible adrenaline rides and slides too, so well worth a visit.

Make a splash in Tenerife says Travel Counsellor, Cornel

Visit Flag Beach – it’s the beautiful beach looking out over Los Lobos Island, it’s also great for watersports! A taxi from Corralejo costs about €10. Take some food and a drink as there isn’t much there if you get hungry. I’d also recommend arranging a return pick up time with your taxi driver as some phone operators don’t get signal there.

Travel Counsellor, Stephanie’s pick of the beaches in Fuerteventura

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9 Experiences

Tenerife Wine & Tapas Tasting

This mouthwatering experience begins with a guided tour of the Bodegas Monje, one of the island’s historic wineries, where you’ll learn about the traditions and techniques that go into producing its vintages, from the ploughing of the ground and the pruning of the vines to the grape harvesting and barreling. You’ll then sit down to feast on five tapas dishes crafted by the bodega’s renowned chef, each complimented by a hand- picked wine.

Tenerife Surfing Holiday

It’s a little-known fact that the Canaries are an excellent surfing spot, but this seven-night trip gives you the chance to discover that for yourself – whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wave rider. As well as surf lessons, you can enjoy free time relaxing by the pool in a typical Canarian house, with its sociable barbecues, outdoor cinema and bike hire for exploring the island.

10 Tenerife

he most-visited of the Canaries still holds some surprises beyond the year-round sunshine Tand blissful beaches. Almost 50% of this island is protected territory, and among these pristine landscapes is the otherworldly, unmissable Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Spain’s highest peak and its own observatory to make the most of the famous star-gazing in this area of low light pollution. Hikes and cyclists also flock to Tenerife to make the most of the lunar-like landscapes, ancient forests and dramatic coastlines. Then there’s the magnificent whale and dolphin watching off the south-west coast, where more than 21 species make their home. Foodies also love Tenerife – not only for its several Michelin-starred restaurants but for its authentic local cuisine in fincas and other venues.

11 The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

his landmark resort inspired by Moorish palaces in an unspoilt, fairly remote setting yet on hand Tfor all manner of fantastic activities, including running and hiking on trails through the resort’s own 160-acre estate, personalised GPS bike routes courtesy of its cycle centre, boat trips to spot whales and dolphins, and even helicopter tours around the summit of Teide. There’s an outstanding kids’ club and spa, but time together is what it’s really all about here, whether it’s in one of the seven pools, at the neighbouring clifftop, ocean-view championship golf course or tennis academy, or splashing about at one of the world’s most highly rated water parks, nearby Siam Park.

12 Royal Hideaways (Corales Beach & Suites)

ringing together adult-only and family-friendly properties, Bthis two-wing hotel with its design inspired by ocean liners combines a sleek spa with a rooftop infinity pool, yoga, dance classes and a running club, and a kids’ club. Some of Corales Beach’s ultra-contemporary suites have outdoor hot tubs, while the apartment-style Corales Suites have kitchens and sometimes private heated pools or hot tubs, with the largest sleeping up to six.

Baobab Suites

15-minute stroll from Playa del Duque, this minimalist A all-suite hotel has a hilltop setting that gives it a feeling of seclusion. Some suites have hot tubs and/or private pools; the largest have three bedrooms, making them ideal for families who don’t want to stint on style. There’s also a kids’ club, while yoga, Pilates, running and swimming training and a spa make this a great place for some self care.

13 Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa

ith direct access to the seaside promenade at the quieter end of Costa Adeje, this is a stylishly Wunderstated option with a subtly colonial feel and architecture inspired by Tenerife’s proximity to North Africa, including sandstone turrets. A little world unto itself, it has four restaurants (including tapas and Mediterranean), kids’ clubs and two lush palm-fringed pools, one heated and one saltwater. The spa is extensive, with both outdoor and indoor areas with plunge pools, a state-of- the-art thermal circuit, an ice igloo, 10 treatment cabins for individuals or couples and a whole array of therapies including family experiences. Outdoor yoga and Pilates with sea views are among the fitness offerings, including family yoga sessions.

14 Bahía del Duque

his exceptional resort set the standards for luxury in Tenerife, combining full-on luxury with local Tcharm. Designed to resemble a Spanish colonial village and with bell boys in island costume, it brings together Michelin-starred dining, a vast spa with an outdoor thalassotherapy circuit, five outdoor pools, a kids’ club and teen lounge, and even its very observatory. Most of its classically elegant rooms and suites come with glorious Atlantic Ocean views; those in the Casas Ducales quarter come with access to an exclusive breakfast lounge and butler service. There are also The Villas with their own gardens and pools, along with access to a tea and reading room and a spectacular pool, plus other benefits including the option of a private chef and floating brunches.

15 Gran Canaria

olden sands, the famed Maspalomas Dunes, the mountain landscapes of the rural interior, Gthe bewitching architecture of atmospheric cities, towns and villages including the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, wonderful cuisine, year-round sunshine… The third-largest of the Canary Islands – almost half of which is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – really does have something to offer everyone: beach lovers, those who want an escape into nature and or opt for more adrenaline-fuelled activities in the great outdoors, keen golfers, families, foodies, stargazers, surfers and spa seekers. And of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to mix it up too, with a twin-centre holiday – enjoy a beach break, for instance, followed by a city break in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or a few days’ hiking inland.

16 Not to miss • Visit Finca La Laja in Agaete, to see the tropical fruit plantation and the only coffee plantation in Europe, then try the local wine and cheese. • Head to the natural pools of Las Salinas. Used for centuries to harvest salt, the pools now make for the perfect bathing spot sheltered by rock barriers from the crashing waves. • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the boundaries of the Gran Canaria Risco Caído and Sacred Mountains Cultural Landscape, where over a thousand ancient cave etchings depict symbols of fertility.

• Go stargazing at Degollada de las Yeguas where all of the stars of the Northern Hemisphere can be seen as well as 80% of those in the Southern Hemisphere. • Go for a guided tour of the Ron Arechucas distillery and learn of the history, tradition and expertise that goes into creating its rum. • Step back in time with a visit to the authentic Canarian town of Teror to see the Basilica and La Plaza de Teror with its traditional architecture.

17 Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia

he only member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of Tthe World portfolio in Gran Canaria, this is an exclusive and tranquil option just steps from the famous beach and sand dunes of Maspalomas. Designed in the traditional Spanish-colonial style, it’s a popular choice among foodies, with authentic Canarian specialities in the award-winning restaurant and home-made tapas in the pool bar. There’s also an elegant piano bar with a terrace with pool views.

Seaside Sandy Beach

ocated in Playa del Inglés, this Moorish-inspired four-star Lis centred on a large pool nestled within sub-tropical gardens. You’ll find something here for all ages, including baby and kids’ pools, diving taster lessons in the pool, and a mini club in the school holidays. Where grown-ups are concerned, there are Pilate sessions, indoor and outdoor gyms, and a spa with hire of a private terrace with a hot tub. The hotel’s All-inclusive package comes with a great selection of international drinks.

18 Seaside Palm Beach

n a bold 1970s building by renowned Parisian architect Alberto Pinto, this luxury hotel is, like the Inearby Maspalomas Dunes, an island icon. Set inside a nature reserve, it has five lovely heated pools (freshwater, saltwater, wellness, and kids’ and baby pools), an inviting spa including a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, a steam bath and a salt cave, and wellness activities including meditation, yoga, tai chi and qigong in the lush gardens. Kids are treated like royalty here, with a kids’ club, a pool waterslide and water polo, a playground and outdoor games such as chess and table tennis. The international dining on offer includes thrice-weekly barbecues with plenty of local seafood.

19 Fuerteventura

his second-largest of the Canaries but also one of the least populated offers mile upon mile of Twhite sandy beaches, sheltered coves and a fairly constant, cooling wind that brings a constant trail of surfers and windsurfers to its shores. Highlights of any trip to Fuerteventura are the dazzling white dunes of Corralejo in the north of the island – a protected National Park, but one where you can sand- and wind-board – and the Jandia peninsula, especially the stunning Sotavento de Jandia beaches with their wonderful swimming and windsurfing. For the best views, head up to the Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre to look back down over the island’s Mars-like landscapes of copper- coloured ravines, valleys and hills – or to star-gaze after dark.

20 Secrets Bahía Real Resort & Spa

ne of the first Secrets Resorts & Spas in Europe, this Oadult-only retreat is perfect for rejuvenation, with an outstanding spa and sophisticated Neomudejar-style rooms and suites. It’s run on Secrets’ Unlimited-Luxury® plan, which embraces meals, snacks, 24-hour room and concierge services, premium-brand drinks, a daily-restocked mini-bar, pool service, daytime activities and live evening entertainment; there are also Preferred Club upgrades for those looking for extra VIP touches.

Alua Suites

esigned for couples and families alike, this breezy all- Dinclusive on Butihondo Beach has facilities and amenities for all ages, tastes and moods, including two outdoor pools, a kids’ pool and a heated pool in the spa, where you’ll also find a Turkish bath, two saunas and a hot tub. There’s a brightly painted play area and a school-holiday mini-club, too. My Favorite Club upgrades bring access to a lounge and other exclusive areas.

21 Lanzarote

his whole island with its volcanic terrain is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and you can learn Tmore about it in Timanfaya Park with its more than 100 Montañas del Fuego (‘Fire Mountains’ or craters) – and even eat at its restaurant using geothermal heat for cooking. The other big draws are the island’s plentiful beaches (more than 90, with both white and black volcanic sand), but the interior is also well worth exploring, with a unique flavour and characterful villages to happen upon. And then there are an array of activities brilliant for all ages (Lanzarote is a great place to bring kids), including whale- and dolphin-spotting trips, surfing and windsurfing, catamaran-sailing and touring volcanic vineyards and sampling their wares.

22 Seaside Los Jameos

ith a natural design inspired by local artist and architect WCesar Manrique, including high shutters, whitewashed walls, wooden balconies and a light-flooded inner courtyard, this low-rise four-star beach hotel lures foodies with its fantastic dining and All-inclusive options. At the Main Restaurant, enjoy a daily changing menu, regular gala dinners and buffets themed on international cuisines such as Mexican, Italian and Asian. There’s even al fresco live cooking experiences and barbeques hosted on the terrace. Families love the hotel for its child-friendly facilities and entertainment programme.

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort

enowned among families for its vast Kikoland ‘fantasy Rworld’ for children from birth up to 18 years of age, this all-suite property also offers six swimming pools, nine restaurants (think everything from poolside paella to Japanese teppanyaki) and a thalassotherapy spa. Personalised excursions from more than 10 multi-lingual concierges include boat-trips and visits to Timanfaya National Park, Janubio salt works and other island highlights.

23 www.travelcounsellors.ie Travel Counsellors Ireland Ltd, Unit 1, NSC Campus Mahon, Cork, Ireland.

Registered in Ireland 396139 Travel Agent Licence No. 621

*All information in this guide was verified and correct at the time of publishing. Some changes in services and customs may have occurred due to covid-19 restrictions. Please check for latest information with your Travel Counsellor before booking.

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