Canary Islands 2023 Holiday Thread
Discussion
Jaguar steve said:
I'd vote for FV too.
Way less populated and far more laid back with a hippy/surfer vibe out of the resorts and stunning beaches compared with the other islands, but it's pretty much a bare desert rock and lacks the lush and varied inland scenery variety you'll find Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Probably enough to do on any island with watersports, boat trips and jeep safaris on offer but they ain't cheap.
Worth having a car and exploring wherever you go.
We're thinking of a week in FV in Feb. Where is it best to go for food/nightlife. We go to Tenerife a lot for winter breaks and like walking down the Playa de Las Americas promenade to grab something to eat of an evening. We're not pub/club/karaoke people though, we just like a bit of holiday vibe and a meal out.Way less populated and far more laid back with a hippy/surfer vibe out of the resorts and stunning beaches compared with the other islands, but it's pretty much a bare desert rock and lacks the lush and varied inland scenery variety you'll find Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Probably enough to do on any island with watersports, boat trips and jeep safaris on offer but they ain't cheap.
Worth having a car and exploring wherever you go.
We will have a car so traveling isn't an issue.
98elise said:
Jaguar steve said:
I'd vote for FV too.
Way less populated and far more laid back with a hippy/surfer vibe out of the resorts and stunning beaches compared with the other islands, but it's pretty much a bare desert rock and lacks the lush and varied inland scenery variety you'll find Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Probably enough to do on any island with watersports, boat trips and jeep safaris on offer but they ain't cheap.
Worth having a car and exploring wherever you go.
We're thinking of a week in FV in Feb. Where is it best to go for food/nightlife. We go to Tenerife a lot for winter breaks and like walking down the Playa de Las Americas promenade to grab something to eat of an evening. We're not pub/club/karaoke people though, we just like a bit of holiday vibe and a meal out.Way less populated and far more laid back with a hippy/surfer vibe out of the resorts and stunning beaches compared with the other islands, but it's pretty much a bare desert rock and lacks the lush and varied inland scenery variety you'll find Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Probably enough to do on any island with watersports, boat trips and jeep safaris on offer but they ain't cheap.
Worth having a car and exploring wherever you go.
We will have a car so traveling isn't an issue.
All have a good choice of world restaurants serving pretty much mainstream food but you'll struggle to find Michelin stars or high end cuisine anywhere.
Corralejo in the north is close to the sand dunes and wild beaches at El Cotillo and has the most shopping opportunities for luxury goods like perfume and watches.
Caletta is in the middle of the east coast close to the airport and has a man made beach that's very child safe and Jandia right down in the south is near the endless Sotoviento beaches that stretch for some 30km. Playa de Corfette on the western side is down an hours worth of rutted dirt track but the beach is incredible.
We self cater in a remote villa and stay well away from the main resorts and don't do touristy stuff like organized trips so Google and Trip Advisor are your friends here. I have no idea what the nightlife is like. If we do have a meal out then we usually go to La Playita in Corraejo. You'll need to book.
Strong offshore currents exist on some beaches but unless you've got balls of steel you won't be spending much time in the sea in Feb. North of the island is sheltered from the trade winds by the Papagayo mountains on nearby Lanzarote and there's a micro climate there which can mean better weather there than the rest of the island. Inland road are incredible. Drive up the west coast from La Pared to Pajara then Bentancura then onto La Oliva in late afternoon for the best views.
Gratuitous random pic.
Nothing really like Playa de Las Americas in FV. The promenade in Caleta is pretty deserted after dark though it is lit but the resort is set a little behind it.
Caleta is a booze, karaoke, wandering entertainers and sports bar place with several good restaurants. I like it but it's far from posh.
Corralejo may be a better bet with its more touristy promenade and port and shops etc. I'm not a fan and accordingly have never stayed there though so can't honestly say. Morro Jable down in the deep south, y'all, might also be more your thing but again...
Overall, FV is a more bohemian place and maybe Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote MIGHT be more your thing. One man's meat is another man's poison.
Caleta is a booze, karaoke, wandering entertainers and sports bar place with several good restaurants. I like it but it's far from posh.
Corralejo may be a better bet with its more touristy promenade and port and shops etc. I'm not a fan and accordingly have never stayed there though so can't honestly say. Morro Jable down in the deep south, y'all, might also be more your thing but again...
Overall, FV is a more bohemian place and maybe Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote MIGHT be more your thing. One man's meat is another man's poison.
ChocolateFrog said:
We're looking to book a last minute week away in the next few days.
Is Lanzarote noticeably colder being a bit further North than the other islands? Or is there nothing in it.
I've stayed in the North of Tenerife in Feb and it was a good 10 degrees colder than the southern resorts although I imagine a lot of that is due to geography/topology.
I'm in Lanzarote right now and will be for the next 8 weeks! Woo hoo.Is Lanzarote noticeably colder being a bit further North than the other islands? Or is there nothing in it.
I've stayed in the North of Tenerife in Feb and it was a good 10 degrees colder than the southern resorts although I imagine a lot of that is due to geography/topology.
LuS1fer said:
Overall, FV is a more bohemian place and maybe Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote MIGHT be more your thing. One man's meat is another man's poison.
Definitely more bohemian. FV is popular with Germans and Scandinavians as well as old hippies - some of whom have quite possibly been on one trip too many - artists, surfers, musicians, motor home travelers and naturists who all bring a very laid back vibe to the whole island.
Some will love that whilst others might not.
As always ya pays ya money...
We go to Matagorda in Lanzarote a couple of times every winter just to get away from our vile weather, we were there the last week in November and we’re back first week in February.
Always go in a villa and spend our week walking along the beach all morning and watching the planes take off and land, then back for some lunch and sunbathing round the pool.
There’s just enough decent restaurants there to make it work for a week, including just about the best decently priced curry house we’ve ever eaten in. Called the Pride of India, and it’s exquisite food for not a lot of money.
Jaguar steve said:
LuS1fer said:
Overall, FV is a more bohemian place and maybe Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote MIGHT be more your thing. One man's meat is another man's poison.
Definitely more bohemian. FV is popular with Germans and Scandinavians as well as old hippies - some of whom have quite possibly been on one trip too many - artists, surfers, musicians, motor home travelers and naturists who all bring a very laid back vibe to the whole island.
Some will love that whilst others might not.
As always ya pays ya money...
We've been to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife and was able to find a nice balance. A private villa to relax, a bit of day time sight seeing, then a bit of life in the evenings.
FV maybe too laid back for us.
akadk said:
Last day here after a week at Playa Blanca Lanzarote , staying at the Iberostar.
100% recommended- outstanding hotel, great for 5yr old son. Outstanding food etc. 10/10 from me
Great weather all week - low 20’s on the forecast, but sunny all day so has felt high 20’s in the sun, hot enough to burn!
We looked at the Iberostar but it was more than we wanted to spend for what we wanted as a cheap week in the sun, and our hotel throws in free waterpark passes. Which is probably where we'll spend about half the week.
98elise said:
Maybe we should go back to one of the other islands.
FV maybe too laid back for us.
Could be. We've been to all the Canary island many times over the decades and they're fairly different in character and scenery and if you want a party destination then maybe GC or Tenerife would be a better choice. FV maybe too laid back for us.
FV is the go-to one for us though because of the relaxed chilled vibe and stunning beaches and how quiet everywhere is outside the big resorts
Jaguar steve said:
98elise said:
Maybe we should go back to one of the other islands.
FV maybe too laid back for us.
Could be. We've been to all the Canary island many times over the decades and they're fairly different in character and scenery and if you want a party destination then maybe GC or Tenerife would be a better choice. FV maybe too laid back for us.
FV is the go-to one for us though because of the relaxed chilled vibe and stunning beaches and how quiet everywhere is outside the big resorts
GC, Tenerife and Lanzarote were fine when we went so was hoping for similar.
98elise said:
We want something inbetween. We're definitely not party people, just like a bit of a holiday vibe with bars and restaurants for the evening. Mostly for a meal though, not beer and karaoke!
GC, Tenerife and Lanzarote were fine when we went so was hoping for similar.
Well if you're not up Clubbing all night then FV is fine for a choice of bars and restaurants just like any of the other islands.GC, Tenerife and Lanzarote were fine when we went so was hoping for similar.
I thought you were after something like San Antionio in Ibiza...
Jaguar steve said:
98elise said:
We want something inbetween. We're definitely not party people, just like a bit of a holiday vibe with bars and restaurants for the evening. Mostly for a meal though, not beer and karaoke!
GC, Tenerife and Lanzarote were fine when we went so was hoping for similar.
Well if you're not up Clubbing all night then FV is fine for a choice of bars and restaurants just like any of the other islands.GC, Tenerife and Lanzarote were fine when we went so was hoping for similar.
I thought you were after something like San Antionio in Ibiza...
Jaguar steve said:
98elise said:
We want something inbetween. We're definitely not party people, just like a bit of a holiday vibe with bars and restaurants for the evening. Mostly for a meal though, not beer and karaoke!
GC, Tenerife and Lanzarote were fine when we went so was hoping for similar.
Well if you're not up Clubbing all night then FV is fine for a choice of bars and restaurants just like any of the other islands.GC, Tenerife and Lanzarote were fine when we went so was hoping for similar.
I thought you were after something like San Antionio in Ibiza...
I'm not sure I was ever an San Antonio person (and have never been)!
okenemem said:
Was in Lanzarote end of last year and i was surprised how hot it was. the one thing that agitated me the most is that its such a long flight but yet there is no time difference with the uk. great experiance with rentals as no deposite needed and you can pay cash.
I count the time zone as a bonus. Jet lag is a pain in the arse.okenemem said:
Was in Lanzarote end of last year and i was surprised how hot it was. the one thing that agitated me the most is that its such a long flight but yet there is no time difference with the uk. great experiance with rentals as no deposite needed and you can pay cash.
It's the same longitude, that's why and no changing of watches bar a temporary errant leap of an hour, halfway, depending on your flight route.You're right about the car rentals - I have literally scrapped trips to other countries, even Spain's mainland because the car hire prices are so much more expensive.
LuS1fer said:
Caleta on a Sunday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWBFU9SfXI0
Is it just me, or does that look particularly grim? :| 
FWIW said:
LuS1fer said:
Caleta on a Sunday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWBFU9SfXI0
Is it just me, or does that look particularly grim? :| Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff