Five of the Best Things to Do in Puerto Banus

April 5, 2012 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

If it’s sun, sea, sand mixed with a healthy dollop of glamour and glitz you’re after this summer, not many places in the whole of Europe do it quite like southern Spain’s most upmarket enclave. Here, then, are a few ways to really get the best of the place with a pick of a few of the best things to do in Puerto Banus…

Shop till You Drop

Gucci? Check. Prada? Check. D&G and Armani? Check and check. Largely centred around the front line of the port, if Puerto Banus doesn’t have an outpost of a designer store, then nowhere else will. And if the credit card can’t quite take the strain? You can always just resort to that time-honoured holiday activity – window-shopping. Alternatively, for something a bit more relaxed (and purse-friendly) there’s a street market every Saturday at the Centro Plaza.

Spot a Celebrity

While you’re doing the rounds, it’s worth keeping an eye out for a famous face or two. It all started off back in the 60s with the Marbella Club – Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn used to go there, as did Cary Grant and Laurence Olivier – and since then come summer, every summer, the A-list celebrities still come thick and fast and fill up the swankiest hotels in Puerto Banus.

Last summer the cast of The Only Way is Essex made for ‘Marbs’, while Lord Alan Sugar and fellow Apprentice star Karen Brady both have places in Puerto Banus, and a roll call of well-known international figures, from P Diddy and Simon Cowell via local boy Antonio Banderas, are all regularly spotted there.

Soak Up Some Rays

Unusually for a city beach, Playa Levante, the main strip of sand at Puerto Banus is a great, clean place to lay out your towel and stretch out in the sun for the day. Throw in a year-round sunny climate – with October and March highs well into the 20s – and you’ve got a recipe for some of the best beach action in southern Europe. And if it gets a little crowded in high season, just outside Puerto Banus, Puerto Cabopino is one of the Costa del Sol’s best beaches.

Party like a Rock Star

Beach-bound activity isn’t limited to daylight hours, either. At night, beach bars like The Ocean Club or Buddha Beach are where much of the most glamorous action goes on (with Pedro Beach and Mistral Beach not far behind). Nightlife in Puerto Banus is hardly in shorter supply further ‘inland’, either: Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss have both been spotted in Olivia Valere at one time or another, while the place to wind up in till late this summer is still likely to be Funky Buddha.

Hit the Course

The golf course, of course. Between Puerto Banus and neighbouring Marbella, there are said to be more golf courses per head than anywhere else on the planet. A couple of the best include Los Naranjos, Santa Clara, La Quinta and the Marbella Golf & Country Club, but there’s any number of other decent places to choose from.

Why Go on a Skydive Holiday in Spain?

April 2, 2012 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

A skydive holiday can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a passion that has hooked you for life. Whether you’re a thrill seeking fanatic or dipping you toe into something you’re not sure you’ll all together like, there’s simply no better place to do it than in Spain.

Let’s face it, a skydive holiday in Spain – or anywhere else for that matter – isn’t for the package deal sorta guy or gal; it’s for the adventurer. Who else manages to be so reckless (legally) on their holidays? Here, then, are five more reasons to get a group of friends together sharpish for a long weekend with a difference – a weekend of eating, drinking and jumping Spanish-style…

1. The Weather

There’s no two ways about it, the weather is pretty conducive to jumping. Compared with the UK or northern Europe, there’s precious little chance of a jump being called off because of bad weather in Spain. Also, because of the near 365 days of clear blue skies, it’s a whole lot warmer all year round – which makes for a much more pleasant jumping experience altogether.

2. Develop Your Skydiving Skills

If skydiving is your thing and you want to develop your skills, then a skydive holiday in Spain will give you the opportunity to jump more often. You want to become an experienced jumper and knock out some awesome formations? Or learn how to freefly? Then the sheer number of jumps you can fit in has got to be high on the agenda.

3. The Jump Drop

In some countries it’s difficult to get the choice of drop heights. In Spain, you can get some serious jump points by taking a huge 15,000-foot drop. Alternatively, for anyone who’s a little less vertically confident – or a virgin skydive jumper – a 10,000-foot drop is always an option if you choose to skydive in Spain.

4. The Views

From the never-ending rolling plains to mountains that soar up to the sky from out of nowhere, Spain offers some of the most dramatic landscape in Europe. And over the course of a skydive drop of 10,000 feet you’ll have around five minutes to take those mind-blowing views in, and secure a truly unique snap shot that’ll be sure to make you smile from time to time.

5. It’s a Genuine Mix of ‘Holiday’ and ‘Skydive’

Who wouldn’t want to visit Spain? The sun. The food. A little bit of culture, too. It all adds up to a pretty heady mix. As well as being perfect for the thrill junkie, skydive holidays are a mix of late-night drinking and eating good food, as well as relaxing, jumping or sightseeing. Plus if you’re in Spain, it’s never a bad idea when you’re kicking back after a jump to top up that tan and those Vitamin D levels, so you’re all bronzed and glowing for the return home.

Avatar of Bart

by Bart

A guide to the beaches in and around Los Cristianos

February 8, 2012 in Spain by Bart

Playa Los Cristianos

Beaches in and around Los Cristianos

With modest beginnings of a small fishing village delivering fresh seafood to the surrounding area, the resort of Los Crisitianos has quickly developed into a sun, sea and sand destination that’s popular with the masses. When you step out onto the warm golden sands and take in the refreshing sea air, it’s easy to see why the town has become one of the busiest on the island of Tenerife. Holidays in Los Cristianos can revolve around the array of clubs or be spent sampling the wide range of restaurants. However, the biggest appeal of this vibrant resort is its beautiful and unbeatable beaches. Whether you want an action-packed beach adventure or want to relax in a secluded bay, a holiday in Los Cristianos lets you do both.

Playa de Los Cristianos

As the name suggests, Playa de Los Cristianos is the resort’s biggest and best and carries with it a world-class status. A long stretch of golden sand lines the majority of the coastline and is packed with facilities. Novices and pros can take to the water with a variety of water sports, the warm sea is perfect for snorkeling and the waves further out are a surfer’s paradise. If you’d rather keep your feet on land the sand is scattered with volleyball nets and family entertainment. Head along the recently developed promenade to stock up on drinks, ice creams and those tacky souvenirs everyone loves to hate. The sea here is very calm and shelves gently, making it ideal for families with children and weaker swimmers. Being the resorts main beach it is within easy reach of the most popular hotels in the area, such as Hotel Paradise Park so you can have as much fun on the beach as by the hotel pool.

Las Vistas Beach

A big contender to be the best in the area, Las Vistas is also a world-class beach that is brimming with things to see and do. You’d never believe, from looking at it, that the beach is actually manmade and the snippet of coastline is well protected from barriers. Located on the other side of the harbour, Las Vistas Beach also offers an array of water sports and other activities that mean your sun, sea and sand holiday can be spent doing as much, or as little, as you want. Moving back towards the harbour, Los Cristianos runs a number of boat trips that takes visitors across to the neighbouring islands of La Palma and La Gomera. If you don’t fancy heading out that far, the harbour also offers dolphin spotting trips as well as whale watching.

Playa Callao

A bit further away from the main resort the crowds thin out and eventually you reach the small beach of Playa Callao. A secluded spot along the coastline, this beach is one to escape to when you’re searching for a bit of peace and quiet. The trek is particularly worth it if you’ve been taking advantage of the Los Cristianos nightlife the evening before!

But you don’t just have to remain in Los Cristianos, a short distance to the west along the coast you’ll find the resort area of Costa Adeje. Holidays to Costa Adeje are becoming ever more popular with the offer of a slightly newer resort. The beaches here are plentiful and varied, you can find quiet spots if you want to escape for a relaxing time in the sunshine, but equally you can find beaches with plenty of sea side activities and entertainment, ensuring you have a lively time in the sun.

Holidays to Tenerife are all about the beach, so whatever type of beach you’re searching for on your Los Cristianos holiday, the warm inviting sands of this busy resort in Tenerife have it all. Take your pick from the extensive selection and secure your space on the sand – get there early to avoid the spot by the bins!

Thanks to DardoEloy for the photo from Flickr!

Where should you stay in Majorca? – The Top 5 Regions.

January 1, 2012 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

Majorca, or Mallorca as it is sometimes known, is the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands found in the Mediterranean Sea. So if sunshine and beaches is what you’re looking for then Majorca is the place. Holidays to Majorca guarantee sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and beautiful natural scenery, making it one of the most popular regions in the med. Each region of Majorca has its own charms and attractions to offer, whether it’s the winding streets of Palma City filled with designer shops, the seafood restaurants of Puerto Pollensa or the late night bars and clubs of Magaluf and Palma Nova. Here are Majorca’s Top 5 regions and a brief description to help you chose the right area for you.

  1. Palma City. The city of Palma is the capital of Majorca and all the Balearic Islands. This ancient city has been modernised while still maintaining its historic feel, with old buildings standing side by side with newer modern facilities. Palma is the commercial centre of Majorca and as such is full of boutique and designer shops, which can be found on the main streets such as La Rambla, but also tucked away in the winding side streets of the city. Unfortunately the Palma doesn’t have its own beach, though there are beaches only a few miles down the road if you want soak up some rays.
  2. Magaluf. Magaluf is possibly the most well-known region in Majorca, popularised by its internationally renowned nightlife. Magaluf has its own sandy beach where you can enjoy a whole range of water-sports. Summer Holidays to Magaluf are for those looking to party and experience some unforgettable nights. BCM is Europe’s biggest club and plays home to some of the best DJ’s in the world. Mallorca Rocks is a dedicated festival within a hotel, giving visitors the chance to live the rock and roll lifestyle in Majorca.
  3. Alcudia. Alcudia is a more relaxed area than Magaluf and as such is more suitable for couples and families who are looking for a relaxing Spanish break. This historic town is split into two parts, the old town and the port. The town is on a long stretch of coastline made up of miles of sandy beach and clear warm waters making the resort a popular family destination. There are plenty of restaurants serving traditional local dishes as well as a range of international options. The town also has the largest concentration of specialist all inclusive hotels in Majorca, so is fantastic location for the cheap Majorca Holidays.
  4. Puerto Pollensa. The pace of life in Puerto Pollensa is far more relaxed and quieter than other areas of Majorca, even in the summer months the resort is still reasonably calm. Puerto Pollensa is an ideal resort for families or couples looking to get away and relax on stretches of sandy beach. There is a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from, where you can sit and have a bite to eat watching the world go by. The restaurants here serve some of the islands best seafood, fresh from the sea, but if you don’t fancy seafood there is a wide range of cuisines available. This is a picturesque Spanish seaside town, perfect for those who want a peaceful break in the sunshine.
  5. Palma Nova. Palma Nova is the sister town to Magaluf, in fact over the years the two towns have practically joined together as they are so close. Palma Nova does have its fair share of late night bars, but is probably marginally quieter than Magaluf and so maybe more preferable for families. Palma Nova has slightly more in the way of varied cuisine than Magaluf, there being more restaurants serving traditional Spanish food. Similar to Magaluf, Palma Nova has a sandy beach, perhaps a little more suited for sunbathing, but it also has a large range of water based activities available.

Five Foods to Try in Spain

October 6, 2011 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

  • Spain is a gorgeous country with a rich and complex history and culture, and one that I couldn’t wait to visit. One of the most fantastic things about Spain’s vibrant culture is its food, which is deep in flavor and just downright delicious. As a third year student at a Boston law school, I hadn’t had much time to travel in the previous couple years, but the first thing I did after graduation was hop on a flight to Spain for some intense flavors, and incredible experiences. I was extremely excited about the culinary adventures that awaited me upon my arrival, and the trip turned out to be a huge success. Here are my top five favorite things that I ate in Spain.

1. Spanish Paella

Paella is a wonderfully flavorful dish filled with rice, vegetables and a lot of different meats. Traditionally, it features shrimp, scallops, muscles, chicken and any other meat or vegetables you would like. This could possibly be considered the most famous dish of Spain, so you most definitely can’t miss it!

2. TortillaEspanola

While it shares the same name, tortilla in Spain refers to an egg dish much like an omelet. It can contain a variety of different ingredients, such as potatoes, cheese, or even vegetables. This dish is extremely popular and very common to see in most restaurants, and definitely in most homes.

 

3. Queso Manchego

Manchego cheese is a delicious cheese variety that has a deep, rich, nutty flavor. It is wonderful served with warm bread, on a sandwich or even in a quesadilla. Manchego cheese comes from the La Mancha region of Spain, and is a fabulous melting cheese!.

4. Patatas Bravas

A flavorful potato dish, patatas bravas are typically served as tapas, or a snack, in between meals. The dish consists of fried potatoes served with a warm, spicy tomato sauce. They are simply delicious and a wonderful example of the simple, yet flavorful, dishes of the country of Spain!

5. Gambas al Ajillo

This dish is basically shrimp in a garlic sauce, and is one of the most beloved seafood dishes in the entire country. Shrimp is sautéed in olive oil with garlic, red pepper flakes and a tomato-based sauce is added to complete the dish. It is a delicious dish where the sauce is best mopped up with a crusty piece of bread.


Save & Enjoy: 6 Ways to Save When You Travel to Spain

September 7, 2011 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

Toro Osborne Valmojado

Spain is the second largest country in Europe and is known for its bullfighting, arts, music and delicious food. Millions of people each year choose Spain for their holiday destination, as the country is rich with history and will offer an exciting cultural experience. However, travelling to Spain can get expensive; therefore, in order to enjoy the country, below are six ways that you can save when travelling to Spain. Before looking at these tips, make sure your car is properly covered with auto insurance. If not, you could be in trouble when traveling around Spain. Now, take a look at the following six ways to save money while traveling in Spain:

 

1. Book in the Off-Season

 

Summer is the peak season in Spain; therefore, you can save a significant amount of money, especially on airfare, when you book in the winter. Spain has a nice climate, so the weather is still pleasant in the winter months. The off-season is normally from October to May, with the cheapest travel months being October to November and January to April.

 

Prices are also more inexpensive for lodging during the off-season. You should research your options online to see what accommodations meet your needs. However, even if you visit during the off-peak months, it is still wise to make reservations in advance.

 

When booking your trip to Spain, make sure you are covered by the proper amount of travel car insurance. A trip can be completely ruined if you are not under the right travel car insurance!

 

2. Visit Free Attractions

 

There are many museums and other attractions in Spain that are free to visit. Here are some of the most popular free attractions in Spain:

 

  • Mosque of Cordoba- free from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
  • Mass at one of the beautiful cathedrals
  • Museo de Reina Sofia in Madrid- This famous art gallery offers free admission on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7-9 p.m, Saturday afternoons after 2:30, and Sundays until 2:30
  • Museo del Prado in Madrid- This popular art gallery is free from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m and until 8 pm on Sundays
  • The Liria Palace- This is residence of the Duchess of Alba, and it is also home to a fascinating collection of Spanish Art.
  • Spain’s amazing beaches- Spain beaches are some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, so you can spend an afternoon on the beach without spending any money

 

You can look in the newspapers or call in advance to see what attractions offer free admission.

 

3. Save Money on Food

 

You can easily find a grocery store, and buy some food for a picnic. The weather and atmosphere in Spain is very inviting, so you can find a local park or recreation area to relax while eating lunch.

 

Lunch in Spain is much more inexpensive than dinner, so you need to splurge at lunch and eat a light dinner. There is a law in Spain that says restaurants are required to provide a menu of the day at a discounted price; therefore, you should take advantage of that.

 

One of the most popular foods in Spain is Tapas, which could be great for a cheap, midday snack. Make sure you do not tip too much as most restaurants already include a little extra for a tip.

 

4. Save on Lodging

 

You can find a cheap hostel in Spain that offers excellent accommodations. You need to make sure you book in advance and look at the age requirements and time that you can stay. Some of the best hostels in Spain include:

 

  • Indigo Hostel
  • Barcelona Mar Hostel
  • Cat’s Hostel

 

These hostels are arranged much like a dorm room, and are the most inexpensive form of lodging that you can find.

 

Another way that you can save on lodging is to couchsurf with the locals. There are some very friendly people in Spain, so you can find a nice family that will allow you to stay in there home. Many people put notices in the newspaper or online, so look around and see what you can find.

 

5. Take the Bus

 

The bus is the cheapest form of transportation in Spain. The train is faster, but it is more expensive. Therefore, you need to allow plenty of time to get to your destination, and use the bus. The bus is also very comfortable; however; leg room might be limited on the bus. Research online and find a phone number that you can call to find out information about the busses in Spain.

 

6. Purchase City Passes

 

If you are a tourist who loves to go sightseeing, a city pass can help you save money. With city passes, you can receive discounts on many of the major attractions. Transportation is also included with a city pass. Some of the most popular cities in Spain in which you can purchase a city pass include:

 

  • Madrid
  • Barcelona
  • Seville

 

Travelling to Spain does not have to cost you a fortune. You can have a great time in any Spanish city without having to worry about your finances. You just need to budget wisely and plan in advance. You can then concentrate on having the time of your life in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

 

 

 

TravelReflex’s Writer: this article was written by carsense


 

Thanks to -Merce- for the photo from Flickr!

8 Must-See Cultural Sights in Spain by Erin Schmidt

September 5, 2011 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

Toledo Cathedral

  1. The Palacio Real (Madrid). Madrid’s royal palace, used by King Juan Carlos for ceremonial occasions, is open to the public, though only about 50 of its 2,800 rooms are on public display. (It’s owned by the people of Spain, not the family of Juan Carlos, and hasn’t been used as a royal residence in centuries.) The largest royal palace in Europe, it’s decorated in a wide range of styles. The palace contains collections including the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quartet.
  2. The Museo del Prado (Madrid). The Prado is Spain’s answer to the Louvre. The art museum focuses on European painting and sculpture from the 12th-19th centuries. It houses works by Spanish painters Velazquez, Goya and El Greco, as well as Rembrandt, Bosch, Caravaggio, Titian and Rubens. The European country most underrepresented at the Prado is England, owing to years of bad blood between the two countries. Anglophiles should visit Torremolinos, a suburb of the Costa del Sol city of Malaga. The resort town is a favorite destination of U.K. and Irish tourists and a great place to find a pub for a pint and a football—soccer—game.
  3. Toledo Cathedral. The 13th-century Gothic-style cathedral was built on the site of a great mosque during Spain’s Islamic period, which itself had been built on the site of a church. The magnificent structure contains 20 chapels. Its features include a 17-ton bell, a 295-foot spire and a magnificent painting of Jesus Christ by El Greco, considered controversial in its day.
  4. The Mezquita (Cordoba). The city of Cordoba is located in Andalusia, a charming southern region of Spain. Its cathedral is known formally as Our Lady of the Assumption, but is informally known as La Mesquita, or The Mosque. Its history is similar to that of Toledo Cathedral, though the architecture is vastly different; the Mezquita is in a decidedly Moorish style. It was inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, Syria.
  5. The Alcazar (Sevilla). The Alcazar was originally built in the 1100s as a Moorish fortress and today is used as an official residence by King Juan Carlos and his family. It consists of an elaborate façade and three walls surrounding a courtyard referred to as “The Courtyard of the Damsels.” Its design includes a stuccoed arcade decorated with elaborate Islamic-style carvings.
  6. The Alhambra and the Generalife (Granada). Although originally built as a fortress by Spain’s Islamic rulers, the Alhambra is built in a distinctly different style than the other Moorish buildings in Spain. Its original architecture was made largely of red clay, so it was given the name “Alhambra,” meaning “red fortress.” It inspired the American author Washington Irving to write Tales of the Alhambra. The Generalife, or “Garden of the Architect,” is one of the outlying buildings of the Alhambra, renowned for its magnificent garden. Its many fountains represent the Persian style of garden design, thought to replicate the Islamic concept of heaven on earth.
  7. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona). Barcelona is located in the northern region of Catalonia, and the architect of Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) church, Antoni Gaudi, was a Catalan native. Gaudi began working on the project in 1886, yet it was only a quarter of the way finished when Gaudi died in 1926. Its construction was further interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, and it remains unfinished. Its design was originally inspired by the many-towered church of Loreto in Italy. The finished design was intended to have 18 spires. Its unusual style is often referred to as Art Nouveau or Catalan Modernist.
  8. Picasso Museum (Barcelona). The museum, dedicated to the early years of the Catalan-born artist, owns about 4,000 of the prolific artist’s works. The collection is housed in five Catalan-style townhouses dating from the 14th century that open to a common courtyard. It includes drawings, etchings, paintings, ceramics and a variety of other works from Pablo Picasso’s Cubist and pre-Cubist periods, allowing visitors to trace the progression of the artist’s work.

Thanks to sarhaynes for the photo from Flickr!

10 Best Beaches in Spain

September 2, 2011 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

Spain has many truly fabulous beaches to spend your summer holidays on, with over 5,000 miles of stunning coastline, but here’s a roundup of the top ten beaches to check out if you’re nearby! We haven’t ranked them in any particular order because each offers different qualities but these are ten beaches you’ll find on holidays in Spain that really won’t disappoint:

Playa de Estorde – La Coruña

This beach measures approx. 500km long and has plenty of wonderful clean white sand to enjoy. The water is shallow and calm and makes a lovely spot to take a dip in a tranquil atmosphere. It is never overly crowded here but on Sunday’s it is a popular spot for locals to soak up the sun.

Playa de Conil de la Frontera – Cadiz

Another stretch of clean, unspoilt and peaceful Spanish sand; here you can sun bathe in peace and quiet. Other nearby beaches to visit include: Sanlucar de Barrameda, Chipiona and Chiclana.

 

Playa de Sotavento – Fuerteventura

If you’re heading to the Spanish island of Fuerteventura then spend an afternoon on its finest island, Playa de Sotavento. It is a beautiful corner of the island which is paradise created by nature! It is known to be a popular haunt with both nudists and those who’d rather keep their swimming costumes on; plus it’s a really nice place to go snorkelling and scuba diving and discover the underwater scenery!

Playa de Somo – Cantabria

If windsurfing is your thing, head to Playa de Somo in Cantabria. This beach covers 6kms and is a sheltered beach area which brings in some fabulous waves! It can get a little crowded but if you like that holiday buzz it’s a nice place to unwind and admire the surroundings.

Playa de Mataro – Barcelona

Staying in Barcelona? If you’ve got time spend a couple of hours on the golden sands of Playa de Mataro. It’s one of Barcelona’s finest attractions and is an excellent place to enjoy the sunshine and look out over the stunning Mediterranean Sea; city breaks in Barcelona don’t have to be all about culture and shopping!

Cala de Algaiarens – Menorca

The Algaiarens beach is a gorgeous Menorca stretch of coastline to visit if you’re holidaying in the area. Expect incredible blue waters, golden sands and distant yachts; a great place to go swimming.

Playa de Mazagon – Huelva

The pride of the Costa de la Luz, Playa de Mazagon has over 36kms of sands and a fantastic stretch of sea to dip in. You won’t ever find it crowded here so if you like to sunbathe or build sand castles in a chilled out setting then this is the place to be.

Playa de las Americas – Tenerife

This is one of the finest purpose-built Spanish beaches you’ll find, located between Adeje and Arona in South Tenerife. Its golden sands are imported from Africa and the resort is designed specifically for a fantastic holiday in the sun! If you’re planning holidays in Tenerife it’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying nearby.

Playa de Bayas – Asturias

If you’re looking for a beach that is surrounded by magnificent natural scenery try a day on the Playa de Bayas which is surrounded by vast natural forest. This beach is known for its ecological diversity too with many plant species found in the locality.

Playa de A Langosteira – La Coruna

See the crystal waters and pure white sand of this 2km beach. The ideal place for a tranquil afternoon lounging in the sunshine or taking to the calm waters for a swim; this beach has an odd attraction nearby too; the Cruz de Baixer is an old cruise liner which has run aground.

About the Author

Saskia is a travel writer for the easyJet Holidays website, she writes about many destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.


 

 

The best windsurfing spots in the Canary Islands

May 26, 2011 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

 

The Canary Islands are a year round haven for all things associated with the perfect holiday. Not only do they boast sunshine almost all year round with great temperatures at any time of the year, the water temperature rarely falls below 19°C even in winter. The water may sound good for water sports but when coupled with the fact the Canaries boast ideal conditions year round for fun in the water you start to see why so many people flock here.

 

 

 

Tenerife

 

Windsurfing is an extremely popular sport across the big four Canary Islands. Tenerife boasts a world cup windsurfing site in El Medano making this one of the best spots for windsurfing anywhere in the Canaries. Here, experienced windsurfers can enjoy excellent wave riding and bump and jump but the shear strength of the wind means it is not an ideal spot for beginners to try out their skills. Boasting two bay areas, both good for windsurfing, the North Bay is for the most experienced with the South Bay the best place for intermediates.

 

 

 

Fuerteventura

 

If you’re holidaying in Fuerteventura and want to incorporate some high level windsurfing into your holiday then make sure you make a trip to Sotavento where the winds are strongest. This may be the best spot, but windsurfing in Fuerteventura is in no way confined to the waters of Sotavento. Other good sites include the beaches around El Cotillo, some at Corralejo and some at Caleta de Fuste; the largest resort on the island.

 

 

 

Lanzarote and Gran Canaria

 

Not to be outdone by their neighbours there are also some great windsurfing sites on both Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. If holidaying in Lanzarote don’t be put off by the popularity of surfing and check out Costa Teguise and Papagayo where you’ll find ideal conditions for windsurfing. For those enjoying the conditions in Gran Canaria make sure you head to Pozo Isquierdo which is a fantastic spot as is Playa de Vargas where the big windsurfing Grand Prix is held annually. If you time it right you might just get to see the professionals in action!

 

 

 

With so much on offer, not just for windsurfing, but for all things associated with fun in the water, it’s no wonder Canary Islands holidays are so popular.

 

 


The 7 Canary Islands: Perfect for a Holiday

May 26, 2011 in Spain by TravelReflex Team

 

As part of Spain, but geographically located much closer to Africa than the Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands are a haven for all things associated with the perfect holiday. The seven islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, 1,350 kilometres south of the Iberian Peninsula, with the nearest neighbour being Morocco. The location immediately makes you think of great weather and the islands certainly don’t disappoint with temperatures in winter rarely falling below 18°C and rising above 24°C in summer: perfect for a holiday at any time of the year.

 

 

 

The Canaries have been nicknamed “The Land of Eternal Spring” as the sub-tropical climate is regulated by the Gulf Stream and Trade Winds adding to the fact that a holiday here can be perfect whatever time of year you decide to come as sunshine will be guaranteed along with virtually no rainfall. There are not many places in the world which can offer such great conditions year round making Canary Islands holidays some of the most popular amongst British holidaymakers.

 

 

Five of the islands, La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura boast booming tourist economies whereas the remaining two, La Gomera and Hierro offer more of an unspoilt rugged terrain. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are home to some of the liveliest resorts in the region with Playa de las Americas (Tenerife) and Playa del Ingles (Gran Canaria) boasting some great nightlife and everything you would want for a hedonistic holiday.

 

 

That doesn’t however, mean that’s all each island has to offer with both being home to some quieter resorts and some wonderful towns full of the throbbing and vibrant culture of the Canaries. The region has suffered much volcanic activity meaning much of the landscapes across the islands has been affected by this creating some sublime scenery and places of interest. At the top of this list is Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, located in Tenerife and the vast volcanic lands of the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote.

 

 

 

If your perfect holiday consists of lounging on a different beach every day soaking up the rays then a trip to Fuerteventura, home to over 150 beaches, should be a must for you. Of the “big five” La Palma is arguably the most unspoilt, however, the climate is often not as good. Whereas if you really want something a little more unspoilt for that perfect holiday discovering new lands then a trip to either La Gomera or Hierro to do some trekking may be the ideal option.