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The end of the year is nearly upon us and it is time to take stock of the last twelve months and get to thinking about the upcoming year. If you are one of those people whose plans for the year are based on the trips and holidays you are going to take, you’re in the right place!

Renowned beaches and 22-degree average temperatures aside, here are 5 great reasons to spend your 2022 holidays in the Canary Islands, staying in one of our many Princess hotels throughout the archipelago.

Colonial neighbourhoods full of history

Photo by Pepelopex, Christopher Columbus House. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Gran Canaria) Islas Canarias, España. Licensed under CC BY-2.5

The capitals of the Canary Islands feature picturesque neighbourhoods that pulse with centuries of history and maintain the essence of the colonial era. The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was a mandatory stopover before crossing to the Americas, and the route was taken by Columbus and his fleet. The Vegueta and Triana neighbourhoods in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria certainly deserve a visit. The Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón are two essential stops in your discovery of the history and the origins of the city, which was the first city to be founded by the Catholic Monarchs outside of Europe, in 1478. Another colonial pearl is Santa Cruz de La Palma. Its cobbled streets, stately homes and wooden balconies filled with flowers offer a hint to the importance held by this capital in the sixteenth century.

Water sports all year round

The good thing about the Canarian climate is that its waters are also mild 365 days of the year, which means that you can try your hand at water sports all year round. The islands to the east, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, are famous for their winds and waves and are perfect for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

On Fuerteventura, the Pájara Windsurfing Championship is held every year, an event that brings together professionals from the sport in the crystal clear coastal waters. On Tenerife, the northern town of Puerto de la Cruz has always been a haven for surfers. This year, the La Marea Surf Contest returns to the famous Martiánez beach. More than 100 Canarian athletes will participate in the Sub18 men’s and women’s Surfing Championship which takes place over two days.

But if you prefer something a little more restful, in Gran Canaria and Tenerife you could rent a kayak or try snorkelling to check out some of the rich marine fauna.

The Botanical Gardens

All the islands have enchanting flora where cacti and dragon trees take over much of the landscape. The cactus garden in Lanzarote, designed by César Manrique, houses 4,500 types of cacti from countries as diverse as Morocco, Peru and Tanzania alongside other species which are endemic to the Canary Islands. On Tenerife, the Hijuela del Botánico in the La Orotava valley is another garden which you simply must visit. With more than 3,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants from South America, Central America, Africa and Australia, it is truly a unique place in the archipelago. 

In Gran Canaria, the Botanical Garden “Viera y Clavijo” is a must-visit.

This garden is dedicated to the conservation and management of Canarian flora and is the perfect place to take a pleasant walk amidst unique trees and plants. 
The Fuerteventura Botanical Garden is another green spot you simply must visit when staying on the island. Since 1980, this garden has been incorporating new species such as cacti, native plants like cardon and sage, and palm trees.

A superlative archipelago

The Canary Islands, specifically the island of Tenerife, are where you’ll find the highest peak in Spain: Teide. It is 3,718 metres high, making it the highest point in the country, and a tourist attraction for those who love high altitude and conquering peaks. The volcano was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and anyone who dares to conquer it will be rewarded with some breathtaking views. From the summit you can see the neighbouring islands of Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma. 

If we hop over to La Palma, we will find another record. The island is home to one of the world’s largest telescopes. It is internationally renowned for astronomy and astrophysics. 
Talking about nature, let us tell you that almost 40% of the surface of the archipelago has been declared as protected natural space. This recognition seeks to protect and maintain the biosphere by preserving nature, and the aesthetic and cultural value of each of these spaces.

Quality cuisine

The Canary Islands are synonymous with tropical fruits, cheeses, wines, black boar or goat’s meat and fish from the Atlantic waters. Its fertile land is perfect for planting banana trees that give the best bananas in the world, as well as high-quality avocados and mangoes. The soils also offer the ideal grape to make wines like those of the world-famous Abona DO. We cannot talk about food without mentioning one of the most famous Canarian dishes, one that is never missing from any table on the islands: papas arrugadas accompanied by a delicious mojo picón, the famous sauce made with spices, garlic, vinegar, oil and salt. It is also a great accompaniment to meat, particularly goat meat or the meat of the black Canarian boar, which have been present on the island from the days of the indigenous Guanche people, and is perfect cooked over a barbecue. You must try the delicious grilled fresh fish when you’re surrounded by the ocean!  
There are so many reasons to visit these fabulous islands, and we know that you’ll love your stay and want to come back! We are waiting for you at our Princess Hotels & Resorts in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and La Palma, and we’ll make sure that your Canarian experience is truly unforgettable.

Categories: Canaries, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Tenerife, Vacations, Travel