Britons seeking a winter escape don’t have to travel far for some sun. The Canary Islands, typically known for summer holidays, still offer pleasant weather in the winter months, along with festive activities.
Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, is just a four-hour flight from the UK and enjoys temperatures between 20 to 24 degrees Celsius in December. While it may not be warm enough for beach days, it’s perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying outdoor activities.
Despite the lack of traditional Christmas weather, Tenerife embraces the holiday spirit with the San Cristobal de La Laguna Christmas Market, running from December 10th to New Year’s Eve. The market features artisan stalls showcasing local crafts made from volcanic stone, banana fiber, and traditional Canarian embroidery, perfect for unique souvenirs or decorations.
Visitors can explore the UNESCO town-center’s winding streets, lined with affordable eateries offering local cuisine. The Christmas market also serves up classic Canarian dishes like bienmesabe, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and festive waffle ice cream, alongside the option for mulled wine in the sunny weather.
Several airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and British Airways, offer direct flights to Tenerife. For a different holiday experience, consider a cruise that includes a stop in the Canary Islands, such as Marella Cruises.
Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, notes the increasing popularity of Tenerife as a winter destination, especially during the festive season. Longer stays and back-to-back cruises in the Canaries have seen significant growth, indicating a rising preference for celebrating Christmas in the Canarian sunshine.
Travelers staying on the island post-Christmas should be aware of the local tradition on December 28th, where newspapers and locals play pranks resembling April Fools’ Day. Exercise caution and verify information during this time.
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