The Canary Islands…known as Europe’s ‘sunshine center’ and its gorgeous natural, undisturbed environment. Amongst the islands, there are 4 national parks which make for some excellent exploring. These islands are a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa. Most of the travelers here are from the U.S. and UK which means speaking english is common. A family member of mine travelled here to get away and relax on the island of Gran Canaria.
The Canary Islands are a top destination for those looking for natural preserved rainforests and island terrain. There are 14 islands ready to explore here…but the main tourist islands appear to be Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. If I had to choose my island, it would be Fuerteventura, known for its white sand beachers and turquoise water (yes, please!). The Canaries were formed by volcanoes and are comprised of mountains, desert, beaches, and rainforest. Bananas, oranges, sugarcane, and coffee are grown here which sounds exactly like the Caribbean. These beautiful islands have a multitude of activities and places to experience, not to mention stunning accommodations. A destination like this seems quite amazing. For us to make this journey from Chicago, we would likely fly to Dublin and then on to the island of Tenerife, a 16 hour flight total. I would stay long enough to island hop which is something one should consider as I hear that each island is very different.
Thinking of planning a trip of a lifetime? The Canary Islands certainly qualify! Below is a helpful list to consider for planning your tropical Spanish getaway including a resort recommendation…
Tours
The Canary Islands have some of our most favorite things to do available as tours! An incredible adventure always includes incredible tours… whale watch, gaze at the stars, or visit other islands:
- Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife
- Stargazing
- Explore Mt. Teide and the towns of Icod, Garachico, and Masca
- La Gomera Day Trip from Tenerife
What surprises me about the tours offered in the Canaries is how INEXPENSIVE they are! It’s easy to plan adventurous days with such a wide breadth of tour options at reasonable prices. We’ve always been good about exploring areas anyways without paying for the tour if prices are high, but the tour guide and education they provide is always missed. I prefer to book tours because I get so much more information and usually great stories. We recently traveled to Sintra, Portugal and our guide was so amazing that we all went to lunch together and had the absolute best day! After many adventurous hours together, it felt like we all knew each other quite well 🙂
The Resort
The Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity…with a name like that, you know exactly what you’re getting. Relaxation was priority…these beautiful accommodations did not disappoint. The terrain surrounding the resort is reminiscent of Arizona…my kind of place! Desert, cactus, and palm trees are abundant. This place is a 5-star resort in south Gran Canaria. The website proudly promotes a ‘total disconnect’ from your world. Yes, please!!! There’s lot of relaxation to be experienced on property. For me, the spa would be my ultimate destination. My brother’s moment of total peace and serenity was drinking champagne every night on their private patio watching the sun set. Sounds incredible.
He sent me a few pictures taken around the resort… the website has a full gallery of beautiful photos here.
The Food
What kind of food can you expect in the Canaries? Meat stews, lots of seafood, and potatoes. Enjoy dishes like Pescado Seco, fish dried in the ancient Canary tradition. Way back when, fish was dried in order to salvage it and keep it for long periods of time. In Portugal, we experienced the same traditions with Cod. It is everywhere. A traditional local stew called Canarian Ropa Viejo should be on your menu. It comprises of vegetables and beef, pork or chicken. On the island of Gran Canaria, there is a puree of cinnamon, honey, egg yolk, almonds and sugar syrup that should be experienced! Sounds amazing…
I say this a lot about our own adventures…the food makes the trip. It is the best part to any new exploration and Nate and I carefully plan our foodie experience to ensure that we’ve tried the local and cultural foods and dishes.
Why the Canary Islands?
Because it is NOT on the usual list of trip suspects, because it is Island Life at its finest, because it is affordable (once you are there), because it is what I consider an ultimate getaway from the routine. Go to explore, go to eat and enjoy amazing flavors, go to decompress.
We hope you consider this island destination! Live adventurously…
Heather and Nate
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