Sun all year round and only a five-hour flight from Poland. Pre-Christmas trips are there at great prices

The Canary Islands archipelago in the Atlantic is visited every year by millions of tourists from all over the world. They are attracted here by excellent weather conditions, colorful beaches, fantastic views, great hotels, ideal conditions for water sports and numerous attractions. It is simply a tourist paradise, perfect for relaxation at any time of the year and for everyone, regardless of age. It is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, because the Atlantic winds create great conditions for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The Canary Islands are also perfect for all-inclusive holidays for families with children. Numerous attractions available in resorts, on beaches and prepared by hotels will keep anyone from getting bored, regardless of age. The most popular islands are Fuerteventura, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Each of them is different and delights in a different way.

Warm, cheap, close to…

The average air temperature in the Canary Islands in November and December is approximately 20-25 degrees. It’s the perfect time for both sightseeing and sunbathing. Additionally, you can easily swim in the ocean, and the water temperature is much more pleasant than in the Baltic Sea in the warmest months.

From Poland, you can fly directly to Tenerife from Krakow, Katowice, Warsaw and sometimes Wrocław. We will fly to Grań Canaria from Warsaw, Krakow and Katowice. Since the end of October, connections to Fuerteventura from Warsaw and Katowice have resumed (departures are twice a week from each airport). This connection is operated only in the winter season, flights are operated between November and March. Ticket prices in November or December (excluding the holiday season) are approximately PLN 500 for a round-trip flight. Depending on the island we are going to, a direct flight takes from 5 to 6 hours.

When cutting costs, it is also worth looking for apartments for rent. On average, a week’s stay for two people costs from PLN 2,500 to PLN 3,500. The prices of fruit, vegetables and fish are similar to Polish prices, and alcohol can be purchased even cheaper. Prices in restaurants are also not excessive. In the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, you can drink coffee for 2 euros, and dinner for two with drinks for 30 euros.

In November and December you can also get cheap trips from travel agencies. Prices start from less than PLN 2,000 per person, and in the all-inclusive option from PLN 3,000.

Hot Tenerife

Tenerife is the warmest place in Europe in November and December. You can expect temperatures of up to 25 degrees Celsius. In December it is usually slightly warmer than in other Canary Islands, such as Lanzarote. The south of Tenerife is very dry, which is an additional advantage because it means that rain is unlikely. The water in the ocean is pleasant and you can swim in it. When it comes to swimming pools, many hotels heat the water in them to increase the comfort of bathing.

Tenerife in the autumn and winter is not only about lounging by the pool. It is also perfect weather for hiking and discovering the unique nature of the island. Tenerife is a volcanic island offering natural beauty to discover. The most famous place is Teide National Park, home to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. When hiking to Mount Teide, you should assume that temperatures will drop as you increase in altitude. In fact, Teide is practically the only place where you can experience snow in Tenerife in December and throughout the winter. There are also many other hiking trails in Tenerife. The Anaga Mountains are particularly picturesque, with beautiful viewpoints and wonderful nature. It is also worth taking a walk to Cueva del Viento, a lava cave near Icod de los Vinos in the north of the island.

Autumn and winter are ideal conditions for exploring the island: from mountain wineries to lava caves, through cities and towns scattered along the coast. The cliffs of Los Gigantes and Loro Park are very impressive, with various animals, an aquarium and fabulous types of plants. It should be especially visited by families with children. Boat trips to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, which do not hide from tourists in winter, are also dedicated to them. The strait between Tenerife and La Gomera is ideal for observing them.

Paradise Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a beautiful island located just 100 km from the African coast. It is famous for its pristine nature, breathtaking landscapes and diverse beaches. It is truly a paradise there, and the wonderful views guarantee an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the mercury during the day, even in winter, rarely falls below 19 degrees there.

Fuerteventura is often called the “beach of the Canary Islands”. Its coastline is approximately 340 km long. There are over 150 beaches there, so there is plenty to choose from. Each of them has its own charm and can delight you with the beautiful views surrounding it. The two most spectacular and beautiful beaches are located in the southern part of the island. These are the famous Playa de Cofete and Playa de Sotavento. In the north, there are beaches in the surfing towns of Corralejo and El Cotillo. There are no sun loungers or umbrellas on the vast majority of Fuerteventura’s beaches. However, there are nudists who are particularly fond of this island and can be found on every beach.

Many travel agencies organize trips to Cofete, one of the most magical beaches in the world. There is often fog and partial cloud cover, which gives the beach a very mystical character. For those who like to explore, a cruise to Lobos, an island that is entirely a biosphere reserve, is also recommended. In Rico Canarias, you can go on a cruise combined with sightseeing in the northern part of Fuerteventura. Its route includes, among others: Popcorn Beach and Playa del Aquila, which has been hailed as an Instagram beach due to the stairs attached to the cliff, where almost every tourist takes photos.

Surprising Gran Canaria

Canaria Ridge is the island least known by Poles, but eagerly appreciated by the British, who often refer to this place as their second home. And indeed, there is a very friendly, warm and family atmosphere, and the inhabitants of the island are known for their openness and tolerance.

Like other islands, Gran Canaria has a climate favorable for sunbathing all year round. However, it must be remembered that the south of the island is warmer, where rains are rare. When you cross the mountains, especially in autumn and winter, the temperature drops by a few degrees and you may be surprised by rain. However, it is worth going on a trip and visiting the entire island, because it is extremely diverse.

Being on the island, you must see the capital. Las Palmas, in addition to historic gems, an atmospheric old town and the iconic residence known as the Columbus House, boasts one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe – Playa de las Canteras. The capital is also a mixture of Spanish, African, Chinese and Indian culture. To feel its atmosphere, you need to visit the historic district of Las Palmas – Vegueta. The oldest part of the city hides many monuments and beautiful cobblestone streets, which in themselves create an amazing atmosphere.

Mountain lovers will love Gran Canaria because of the network of hiking trails that run along the length and breadth of the island. Gran Canaria is also a paradise for cycling enthusiasts who can admire its breathtaking landscapes. Those who prefer the sea can choose from a wide range of activities: surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing, as well as diving trips.

Another place that makes an impression is Maspalomas. There are many hotels and apartments in the town, but the biggest attraction here are the sand dunes in the West African atmosphere. A walk along their hills is a real treat, and sometimes a reason to laugh (it’s easy to sink into the soft sand). However, above all, the place delights with its view: you can feel like you are in the Sahara. It is the perfect place for unforgettable photos, which is why many couples choose this place for a wedding session. Please remember that you can only navigate the dunes along designated routes. Behind the dunes there is also the black sand beach Playa de Meloneras.

Puerto de Morgan is also a romantic place. In this port town, time has stopped. Colorful streets, low-rise colonial buildings, barges and boats moored in the port create a very romantic atmosphere. It is a gem of Canarian architecture and one of the greatest attractions of Gran Canaria. It is worth stopping here for lunch in one of the fishing pubs that serve delicious seafood.

Gran Canaria is also famous for its rum. Local pub owners often offer the so-called “chupito”, a glass of Canarian rum, after dinner. The town of Arucas is the perfect place to try a local product – it is produced here. White rum with honey is renowned all over the world, and its production on the islands dates back to the times of sugar cane production. Special tastings are organized at the distillery, and you can try various rums with tapas throughout the Canary Islands.