If you are more of a sun worshipper than a winter sports fan, you should put the Canary Islands at the top of your bucket list. For a visit to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro speak among others these 5 reasons:

Where are they located?

Warmth even when it is rare elsewhere in Europe: Welcome to the Canary Islands! © Maximilian Jaenicke

The Canary Islands belong to Spain. They are located off the northwest coast of Africa. Thus, the archipelago scores with spring-like temperatures. Also in winter. Even during the cold months on the mainland, the mercury column climbs up to 24 degrees. And the location of the Canaries is also an advantage in terms of accessibility. They can be reached in less than four hours by plane from mainland Europe.

The climate

Whether training camp, competition or hobby: active people are happy about the climatic conditions. © Tourismo de las Islas Canarias

The warm but not hot days offer the best weather conditions for sports. Both top athletes and hobby athletes appreciate the pleasant climate for training. In addition, racing bike and trail competitions as well as world championships take place here in winter. On La Palma one attends for example the Transvulcania, on Gran Canaria the Transgrancanaria. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, kiting, snorkeling and diving.

The nature

It's always the right season for a boat trip. At least on the Canary Islands. © Jorge Fernandez Sala

In addition to five biosphere reserves, four UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites are part of the Canary Islands' nature inventory. 147 protected natural landscapes complete the offer for nature lovers. Seemingly endless hiking routes stretch across the islands. On La Gomera, hiking enthusiasts appreciate the Garajonay National Park. In the Parque Rural de Anaga on Tenerife, volcanic craters and gorges await. The GR-131 long-distance hiking trail and the Camino de Santiago entre Volcanes are popular long-distance hiking routes. Thanks to the climate on the Canary Islands, they can all be discovered in winter under the best conditions.

Culture and fashion

César Manrique's first work, Jameos del Agua, serves as an information center about the architect. © Ferran Feixas

During the cooler months, one has the opportunity to indulge in the culture on the islands undisturbed. For example, Lanzarote invites you to discover the traces of the famous architect César Manrique on the island. The fascinating Jameos del Aqua is the ideal starting point for this. Fashion lovers go to the fashion shows Gran Canaria Moda Cálida and Isla Bonita Moda. These take place annually towards the end of the year.

Beach and sea

Dirt-covered cliffs, volcanic beaches and white, sandy beaches: they all score points with their very own beauty. © Fausto Garcia Menendez

Visitors to the Canary Islands have 1,500 kilometers of beach to choose from. The bays invite to extensive picnics, on the water you can enjoy the sun, boat trips and sailing adventures. The cliffs and the Dream beaches of the islands lose nothing of their charm even in winter. Significant advantage: At this time of year you have the Instagram-worthy beaches all to yourself...