Canary Islands – A Traveler's Dream
The Canary Islands are a paradise for travelers seeking warmth, culture, and year-round experiences. The archipelago consists of seven main islands, each with its unique landscape and charm. Explore beautiful beaches, dramatic nature, local cuisine, and exciting activities. NB! There is also a fantastic rainforest on one of the islands – an experience even for sunseekers!
Gran Canaria: Variety and Diversity
Gran Canaria, known as "a continent in miniature," has something for everyone – from adventurers to sun worshippers.
Gran Canaria: Variety and Diversity
Gran Canaria, known as "a continent in miniature," has something for everyone – from adventurers to sun worshippers.
Experiences
Beach Life: Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas offer miles of sandy beaches and dunes reminiscent of the Sahara.
City Life: Explore Las Palmas, the capital, with its historic Vegueta district, modern shops, and Las Canteras beach.
Hiking: Roque Nublo offers spectacular views and is a popular hiking route.
Market in Teror: Visit the weekly market featuring local delicacies like chorizo de Teror.
Food and Drink
Restaurants:
El Herreño in Las Palmas for authentic Canarian dishes.
La Aquarela near Arguineguín for exclusive Michelin-recommended cuisine.
Specialties: Try papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and a traditional gofio dessert.
Tips
Rent a car to explore mountain villages like Tejeda.
Enjoy the sunset at Puerto de Mogán.
Opplev solnedgangen ved Puerto de Mogán, som kombinerer romantisk atmosfære med nydelige restauranter ved vannkanten.
Tenerife: Volcanoes and Adventure
Tenerife is perfect for families and adventurers, with volcanoes, luxury hotels, and natural parks.
Experiences
Mount Teide: Visit Spain's highest mountain, perfect for hiking and stargazing.
Whale Watching: See pilot whales and dolphins from Los Cristianos.
Loro Parque: Award-winning zoo popular with families.
Anaga Mountains: Lush forests and hiking trails for nature lovers.
Food and Drink
Restaurants:
Kabuki at Ritz-Carlton Abama for Japanese and Canarian flavors.
Guachinches for affordable, homemade meals.
Wine: Visit wineries in the Tacoronte Valley.
Tips
Combine a Teide visit with stargazing.
Explore Garachico and its natural lava pools.
Lanzarote: Art, Culture, and Volcanoes
Lanzarote impresses with its volcanic landscapes and artistic touches, thanks to César Manrique.
Experiences
Timanfaya National Park: Volcanoes that still "breathe."
Jameos del Agua: A mix of art, nature, and architecture.
La Geria: Unique vineyards in black volcanic soil.
Cueva de los Verdes: Underground tunnels with guided tours.
Food and Drink
Restaurants:
El Diablo grills food using volcanic heat.
La Cabaña serves gourmet dishes.
Drink: Taste Malvasia wine.
Recommended – La Gomera: Nature's Sanctuary
La Gomera is known for its pristine nature, lush forests, and unique culture.
Experiences
Garajonay National Park: UNESCO-listed park with laurel forests.
Valle Gran Rey: Beautiful valleys and charming villages.
Los Órganos: Natural basalt formations best viewed by boat.
El Cedro-skogen: En frodig skog ideell for rolige turer og piknik i en fredelig setting.
Silbo Gomero: Experience the island's unique whistling language.
Food and Drink
Restaurants:
Mirador de Abrante with panoramic views and local dishes.
La Montaña Casa Efigenia for traditional vegetarian dishes.
Specialties: Almogrote – a thick cheese dip with chili and garlic.
Tips
Rent a car to explore steep roads and hidden villages.
Visit Agulo, called "the most beautiful village" on the Canary Islands.
Watch the sunset from Mirador de Vallehermoso.
Tips
Recommended: Rent a car or join guided tours to explore the steep roads and hidden villages. Driving along the narrow mountain roads can offer magical experiences—especially if you are lucky with the weather and atmosphere.
Explore small villages like Agulo, known as "the most beautiful village in the Canary Islands," with its cobblestone streets and traditional houses.
Accommodation Recommendations
La Gomera offers many charming accommodation options, including small family-run hotels and rural casas rurales, providing an authentic experience. We visited this place over 20 years ago, yet we still think about its breathtaking nature. It simply must be experienced.
Fred. Olsen has a hotel on La Gomera called Hotel Jardín Tecina. This 4-star hotel is located on a cliff in Playa de Santiago and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide on Tenerife. The hotel is surrounded by a 70,000-square-meter botanical garden featuring over 50 plant species from around the world.
We stayed here around 2002 with friends and had a fantastic experience with delicious food, friendly service, and even a "private" golf course. At the time, this place wasn’t very well-known, and there weren’t many guests playing golf, so we had the entire course to ourselves for several days.
There is an 18-hole golf course called Tecina Golf.
FACT! This is one of the most unique golf courses in the Canary Islands, offering a spectacular experience for golf enthusiasts.
About Tecina Golf:
Location: The golf course is situated on a cliff with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide on Tenerife. The location provides an unforgettable combination of sport and nature.
Design: The course was designed by renowned architect Donald Steel, who focused on integrating it naturally into the island's landscape.
Utrolig flott golfbane Experience:The course is renowned for its concept, where players start at a higher elevation and gradually move down towards the sea. This provides both a unique challenge and an enjoyable playing experience.
Facilities:
Driving range and putting green.
Golf academy with instructors for all skill levels.
Pro shop offering equipment and clothing.
Golf restaurant to enjoy food and drinks after a round.
Environment and Sustainability:Tecina Golf is recognized for its focus on sustainability, including the use of recycled water for irrigation and incorporating local plants and landscapes into its design.
For golfers staying at Hotel Jardín Tecina, this course is an ideal activity that combines sports, views, and luxury.
Hotel Facilities and Services:
Accommodation: The hotel offers various room types, including standard rooms, junior suites, and villas—many with ocean views.
Dining: Several restaurants and bars serve a wide variety of local and international dishes.
Activities: Guests can enjoy five swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa.
Sustainability: The hotel emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including the use of solar energy and organic farming.
For more information or to book a stay, visit the hotel's official website.
Tips:
Rent a bike or an electric car to explore the island in an eco-friendly way.
Take a boat trip to La Graciosa, a car-free island known for its pristine beaches.
Fuerteventura: Beach Paradise
Fuerteventura is famous for its stunning beaches, sunny climate, and relaxed atmosphere.
Experiences
Water Sports: The beaches in Corralejo are perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and snorkeling.
Corralejo Natural Park: Explore the sand dunes and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Betancuria: Discover this historic town, which was once the island’s capital.
Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura: A family-friendly zoo offering interactive experiences.
Food and Drinks
Restaurants:
La Vaca Azul in El Cotillo serves seafood with stunning ocean views.
Casa Santa María in Betancuria blends traditional Canarian dishes with a modern twist.
Cheese: Fuerteventura is famous for its Majorero cheese, made from goat’s milk—try it with local honey!
Tips
Take a day trip to Isla de Lobos, ideal for hiking and tranquil beaches.
Visit the Ajuy Caves in the evening to experience dramatic coastal landscapes.
General Tips for the Canary Islands
Best Travel Time:The islands enjoy a pleasant climate year-round, but winter is especially popular. Temperatures stay between 20–25°C, making it perfect for escaping the cold.
Travel Safely and Sustainably:
Choose hotels with eco-certifications like Travelife or Green Key.
Explore the islands on foot, by bike, or with public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The Canary Islands are a dream destination with something for everyone. From luxurious resorts to authentic villages, from beach life to nature adventures—this is the place for both relaxation and exploration. Plan your trip well and enjoy a holiday filled with unforgettable experiences.
Several travel operators and airlines offer tours and flights from Norway to the Canary Islands. Here are some of the most prominent options:
Travel Operators:
Ving: Offers both charter trips and flexible package holidays to islands like Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.Ving
Apollo: Specializes in package tours to the Canary Islands, including long-term stays and themed vacations.Apollo
TUI: Provides a wide range of trips to the Canary Islands, from all-inclusive stays to flexible packages.TUI Norge
Norwegian Holidays: Combines flights with hotel stays to create complete travel experiences to the Canary Islands.Norwegian Holidays
Airlines:
Norwegian: Offers direct flights from several Norwegian cities to various destinations in the Canary Islands.
SAS: Operates seasonal direct flights to the Canary Islands from selected Norwegian airports.
Ryanair: Provides low-cost flights to the Canary Islands from certain Norwegian cities, depending on the season.
Binter Canarias: A regional airline based in the Canary Islands, offering flights between the islands and selected destinations in Europe.
Canaryfly: Another regional airline operating within the Canary Islands, ideal for inter-island travel.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals:
Compare prices and schedules on websites like Skyscanner and Momondo, which compile information from multiple airlines and travel agencies.
Bon voyage!
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