Canary Islands 2023 Holiday Thread

[oilslick]

fourstardan said:

I should go up here next time I visit!

I seem to recall someone passed away climbing up here!

Walked up there last year, I recall having to stop more than once to catch my breath!

[pincher]

fourstardan said:

I seem to recall someone passed away climbing up here!

I only did it because it’s fairly near my hotel. Not a particularly long or difficult walk - just uneven underfoot.

Was nice to do though.

[Jcwjosh]

GreatGranny said:

Turkey?

I’m not a big fan of the country or the people which puts me in a difficult spot for autumn/winter sun closer to home I know

[Carl_Manchester]

Just did a quick look.

Flights for a family of 4 this easter, flying return from Manchester to Tenerife, standard economy seats, 2,500 pounds. Just for the flights.

Same seats outside of the school holiday, same day of the week though, 560 pounds.

Edited by Carl_Manchester on Wednesday 22 March 14:06

[LuS1fer]

Carl_Manchester said:

Just did a quick look.

Flights for a family of 4 this easter, flying return from Manchester to Tenerife, standard economy seats, 2,500 pounds. Just for the flights.

Same seats outside of the school holiday, same day of the week though, 560 pounds.

Edited by Carl_Manchester on Wednesday 22 March 14:06

Flights have flown up. I used to be able to get flights from Bristol to Fuerteventura for under £200 for two. easyJet are currently on nearer £600 - had to book Jet2 with their discount but it was still around £320.

I think it's all the bank holidays and coronation in April, inflating prices as I got two return flights in June for £182 with EasyJet.

[Fryup]

Thanks to all for their input on this thread.

Currently in the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora (Tenerife west coast) based on recommendations here and (ludicrous water policy aside) it’s been great. Very peaceful, lovely hotel and surroundings, 25 and sunny every day. Not too pricey and very slick all the way on the Jet2 app.

It’s my first time in the Canaries and I honestly don’t know what the fk I’ve been doing battling through UK winters without a break here for god knows how long.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

I know this is the Canaries thread but I've recently come back from Cap Verde which I think is a winter sun alternative. The weather is lovely and the food at our place was excellent. The downside for active travelers is that there's nothing there apart from the beach and pool so it lacks the diversity of activity options the Canaries offer. Glorious weather though! I'm not sure how costs compare from UK.

[LuS1fer]

Don't tell everyone, though...the flights seem to be creeping up.

I am returning to Fuerteventura for the 21st time in April although flights were pricier than usual because of all the Bank Holidays, I assume. So the bargain £200 apartment I bagged was a bit offset. Meh!

Booked another in June, giving Lanzarote another look, after 12 years absence, to alleviate the repetitiveness plus the flight was cheap and more frequent flights meant I could get 8 days instead of 7.

[Kingdom35]

Hi
Whats everyones thoughts on Gran Canaria - abora catarina by lopesan hotels for a family with 2 kids aged 4 and 6. In August (first 2 weeks)
I think theres plenty to do there like the Aqualand and Palimto Park

But im also looking at Tenerife and Lanzarote as Alternatives around that time. Budget waving around the £4k for all inclusive and 10 nights.
Majorca also is a contemplation.

Probably asked these questions before, just seem to be going round in circles a bit.

[Tomanybikes]

Kingdom35 said:

Hi
Whats everyones thoughts on Gran Canaria - abora catarina by lopesan hotels for a family with 2 kids aged 4 and 6. In August (first 2 weeks)
I think theres plenty to do there like the Aqualand and Palimto Park

But im also looking at Tenerife and Lanzarote as Alternatives around that time. Budget waving around the £4k for all inclusive and 10 nights.
Majorca also is a contemplation.

Probably asked these questions before, just seem to be going round in circles a bit.

With young kids temperature should be a consideration.

[LuS1fer]

Kingdom35 said:

Hi
Whats everyones thoughts on Gran Canaria - abora catarina by lopesan hotels for a family with 2 kids aged 4 and 6. In August (first 2 weeks)
I think theres plenty to do there like the Aqualand and Palimto Park

But im also looking at Tenerife and Lanzarote as Alternatives around that time. Budget waving around the £4k for all inclusive and 10 nights.
Majorca also is a contemplation.

Probably asked these questions before, just seem to be going round in circles a bit.

Gran Canaria, for me, is the interior. Lovely scenery with much of the resort fodder being either meh or expensive.

Apart from the dolphins, which I disagree with anyway, Palmitos Park is a lovely zoo, set in a valley. The birds of prwey free flight is fabulous to watch and there are plenty of lizards, big and small, to watch. However, it is expensive and if you use those vouchers, read the small print.

[Chicken Chaser]

Keep coming back to the idea of Canaries in late October for half term. Last year we did Side in Turkey and it was absolutely beautiful. The hotel was 4 star all Inclusive right on the beach with good food and plenty choice, pools were a bit cool but the sea was warm. Daytime temps were between 26 and 28 degrees which was ideal to see some of the ancient sites but also to have a lazy day by the beach.

At the time we couldn't decide where to go in the Canaries, last experiences were Gran Canaria about 20 years ago and Playa De Las America's 15 years ago. I've seen a few videos on YouTube and it still seems to be concrete shopping centres and bars on top, not my idea of a nice place to visit.

Fuertaventura is appealing to us as a less busy option, but I'm looking for somewhere that is looked after, plenty greenery (planted as I know it's pretty rocky) not full of pissed up Brits or geriatrics riding around on mobility scooters. I'm happy for it to be busy but not rowdy with 2 young kids. Good all Inc or somewhere with good restaurants for variety on a self catered or B&B option.

[LuS1fer]

Chicken Chaser said:

Keep coming back to the idea of Canaries in late October for half term. Last year we did Side in Turkey and it was absolutely beautiful. The hotel was 4 star all Inclusive right on the beach with good food and plenty choice, pools were a bit cool but the sea was warm. Daytime temps were between 26 and 28 degrees which was ideal to see some of the ancient sites but also to have a lazy day by the beach.

At the time we couldn't decide where to go in the Canaries, last experiences were Gran Canaria about 20 years ago and Playa De Las America's 15 years ago. I've seen a few videos on YouTube and it still seems to be concrete shopping centres and bars on top, not my idea of a nice place to visit.

Fuertaventura is appealing to us as a less busy option, but I'm looking for somewhere that is looked after, plenty greenery (planted as I know it's pretty rocky) not full of pissed up Brits or geriatrics riding around on mobility scooters. I'm happy for it to be busy but not rowdy with 2 young kids. Good all Inc or somewhere with good restaurants for variety on a self catered or B&B option.

Late October will be warm, in general. I went last year, 6 times, including October and Dedcember and December was probably the hottest (may not always be).

My favourite place is Caleta de Fuste. Sure, it's very "British" but it is never filled with p*ssed up Brits and remains relatively quiet (save the Flower of Scotland perhaps, very late at night). You won't find too much greenery, save on the golf course but it's all largely low-level self-catering apartments or not very tall hotels. All the little apartment complexes are clean and secure and usually have their own pool (often unheated though). I've stayed in most of them and never had any complaints.

Safe swimming in the cove, plenty of decent restaurants, hours of cheap fun feeding the ground squirrels for peanuts (you're not supposed to but everyone does). Geta cheap hire car from the sirport (Autoreisen) and the island is your oyster.

Down south is Costa Calma. Stunning world-class beaches but largely quiet and far less in the way of entertainment.
Some like Corralejo, right at the top which has dunes stretching down the coast but it's bigger than Caleta, taller buildings and, for my money, is not as good but others may disagree.

I have been to Tenerife, about 4 times, in quieter places like El Medano (La Tejita) so have avoided the busier places as it never really appealed but that's pretty quiet.

I have been to Gran Canaria but found the entertainment lacking and 4 visits later, I am not that inclined to return.

I have been to Lanzarote 3 times and have booked for June, just to break the repetition of over 20 visits to FV but I may yet regret that and lots of people seem to like it - Playa del Carmen for a busier nightlife, Playa Blanca for a quiter family experience.

One thing I will say ids that in FV, I see far more people who keep going back there, time and again, young and old. I find Caleta a decently compact resort, flat in the lower reaches and not rowdy in any way but the only way people will ever know if they like a place is to go there.

[Carl_Manchester]

Kingdom35 said:

Hi
Whats everyones thoughts on Gran Canaria - abora catarina by lopesan hotels for a family with 2 kids aged 4 and 6. In August (first 2 weeks)
I think theres plenty to do there like the Aqualand and Palimto Park

But im also looking at Tenerife and Lanzarote as Alternatives around that time. Budget waving around the £4k for all inclusive and 10 nights.
Majorca also is a contemplation.

Probably asked these questions before, just seem to be going round in circles a bit.

Majorca is too hot for kids in August imho.

the abora Catarina looks nice but as stated earlier in the thread, you'll be lucky to get change out of 6k for a four star in Spain this August, 4 star, all inclusive, for a family of four, that's without flights.

[Carl_Manchester]

Chicken Chaser said:

Keep coming back to the idea of Canaries in late October for half term. Last year we did Side in Turkey and it was absolutely beautiful. The hotel was 4 star all Inclusive right on the beach with good food and plenty choice, pools were a bit cool but the sea was warm. Daytime temps were between 26 and 28 degrees which was ideal to see some of the ancient sites but also to have a lazy day by the beach.

At the time we couldn't decide where to go in the Canaries, last experiences were Gran Canaria about 20 years ago and Playa De Las America's 15 years ago. I've seen a few videos on YouTube and it still seems to be concrete shopping centres and bars on top, not my idea of a nice place to visit.

if four star I usually look at the 4 star Riu Maspalomas first and then go from there. it should be open after it's summer refurb.

if beach day, get minibus direct to Anfi del mar.

rinse repeat.

[worldwidewebs]

We're flying out to FV on Saturday, staying near Morro Jable. What are the evening temperatures like at the moment? Shorts and t-shirt or jacket needed? Not been on holiday for 4 years and have forgotten how to pack!

[Carl_Manchester]

looks like a heat wave to me (looking at the weather chart). I would pack factor 25 and a 50 in reserve.

[LuS1fer]

worldwidewebs said:

We're flying out to FV on Saturday, staying near Morro Jable. What are the evening temperatures like at the moment? Shorts and t-shirt or jacket needed? Not been on holiday for 4 years and have forgotten how to pack!

Record highs of 37 due to cool again on Friday.

[surveyor]

LuS1fer said:

Chicken Chaser said:

Keep coming back to the idea of Canaries in late October for half term. Last year we did Side in Turkey and it was absolutely beautiful. The hotel was 4 star all Inclusive right on the beach with good food and plenty choice, pools were a bit cool but the sea was warm. Daytime temps were between 26 and 28 degrees which was ideal to see some of the ancient sites but also to have a lazy day by the beach.

At the time we couldn't decide where to go in the Canaries, last experiences were Gran Canaria about 20 years ago and Playa De Las America's 15 years ago. I've seen a few videos on YouTube and it still seems to be concrete shopping centres and bars on top, not my idea of a nice place to visit.

Fuertaventura is appealing to us as a less busy option, but I'm looking for somewhere that is looked after, plenty greenery (planted as I know it's pretty rocky) not full of pissed up Brits or geriatrics riding around on mobility scooters. I'm happy for it to be busy but not rowdy with 2 young kids. Good all Inc or somewhere with good restaurants for variety on a self catered or B&B option.

Late October will be warm, in general. I went last year, 6 times, including October and Dedcember and December was probably the hottest (may not always be).

My favourite place is Caleta de Fuste. Sure, it's very "British" but it is never filled with p*ssed up Brits and remains relatively quiet (save the Flower of Scotland perhaps, very late at night). You won't find too much greenery, save on the golf course but it's all largely low-level self-catering apartments or not very tall hotels. All the little apartment complexes are clean and secure and usually have their own pool (often unheated though). I've stayed in most of them and never had any complaints.

Safe swimming in the cove, plenty of decent restaurants, hours of cheap fun feeding the ground squirrels for peanuts (you're not supposed to but everyone does). Geta cheap hire car from the sirport (Autoreisen) and the island is your oyster.

Down south is Costa Calma. Stunning world-class beaches but largely quiet and far less in the way of entertainment.
Some like Corralejo, right at the top which has dunes stretching down the coast but it's bigger than Caleta, taller buildings and, for my money, is not as good but others may disagree.

I have been to Tenerife, about 4 times, in quieter places like El Medano (La Tejita) so have avoided the busier places as it never really appealed but that's pretty quiet.

I have been to Gran Canaria but found the entertainment lacking and 4 visits later, I am not that inclined to return.

I have been to Lanzarote 3 times and have booked for June, just to break the repetition of over 20 visits to FV but I may yet regret that and lots of people seem to like it - Playa del Carmen for a busier nightlife, Playa Blanca for a quiter family experience.

One thing I will say ids that in FV, I see far more people who keep going back there, time and again, young and old. I find Caleta a decently compact resort, flat in the lower reaches and not rowdy in any way but the only way people will ever know if they like a place is to go there.

The one thing I found slightly disconcerting in FV was the bks. I saw far more of them than I am accustomed to. On one pretty busy beach with sunbeds etc, there was a chap jogging up the surf, with his donger bounding around. Beware where you tred in FV!

[LuS1fer]

surveyor said:

The one thing I found slightly disconcerting in FV was the bks. I saw far more of them than I am accustomed to. On one pretty busy beach with sunbeds etc, there was a chap jogging up the surf, with his donger bounding around. Beware where you tred in FV!

Lanzarote has a nudist area around by the airport.

Gran Canaria in the dunes.

You see nudists in places like the beaches alongside the dunes and down Jandia but the main beaches in Corralejo and Caleta are usually nudist-free but overall, it:s not particularly unusual.