Britons seeking a winter escape can find sunny getaways closer to home without the need for long-haul flights. The Canary Islands, although most popular in the summer, still offer pleasant weather during the winter months, along with festive attractions.
Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, is just a four-hour flight away from the UK and enjoys temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees in December, providing a welcome respite from the gloomy British climate. While not quite beach weather, it is perfect for exploring scenic walks or enjoying a drink outdoors.
Despite the lack of a traditional Christmas feel due to the climate, Tenerife embraces the festive spirit with the San Cristobal de La Laguna Christmas Market, running from December 10th through New Year’s Eve.
The market features a variety of artisan stalls showcasing local crafts made from volcanic stone, banana fiber, and traditional Canarian embroidery. Visitors can pick up unique souvenirs or add a special touch to their Christmas decorations back home.
For those seeking culinary delights, the market offers classic Canarian dishes such as bienmesabe (a sweet almond dessert), papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and festive waffle ice cream. Additionally, the UNESCO-recognized town-center where the market takes place offers charming streets lined with budget-friendly eateries serving local cuisine.
Several airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and British Airways, offer direct flights to Tenerife. Alternatively, travelers looking for a different experience during the festive season can explore cruise options with companies like Marella Cruises that include stops in the Canary Islands.
Marella Cruises CEO, Chris Hackney, notes the increasing popularity of Tenerife as a winter destination, especially around Christmas, with a significant rise in bookings year-on-year. Longer stays and back-to-back cruises in the Canaries are also on the rise, indicating a growing preference for celebrating the holiday season in the Canary Island sun.
Travelers should be cautious when staying on the island post-Christmas, as December 28th is akin to April Fools’ Day, with locals and newspapers engaging in playful pranks. Visitors are advised not to believe everything they hear or read during this time.
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