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The Canary Islands in Winter

mod

mod

A modernist
Has anyone been to the the Canary Islands in Winter? Thinking of going for Christmas.

According to this site...

http://www.casa-mariposa.co.uk/climate.htm

the weather is in the early 20s at in December. Is it warm enough for a beach holiday and swimming in the sea?

I'm expecting a very touristy/British holiday but fancy some winter sun with the missus and the baby (who will be 6 months old then).

Any tips of good places to stay that are not 'too' crowded and touristy would be excellent!

thanks
 
I went early Jan once, and tbh it was 'okay' but more like sitting on an English beach pretending it was hot.. i went November last year, and it was great.
 
Hollis said:
I went early Jan once, and tbh it was 'okay' but more like sitting on an English beach pretending it was hot.. i went November last year, and it was great.
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But it was hot enough to sit on a beach though!? Did you swim in the seas? Where did you go?
 
We was at Lanzarote - tbf I think people were sitting out eating meals and stuff.. so it must have been okay - just not goa or tropical.. I guess it'd be abit like going to the med end of Sep/early Oct..
 
But please don't let me put you off.. when I go on a beach holiday - I like it really hot and sunny.. La Gomera, 7th - 15th November was fine.
 
Hollis said:
Yeah - hang loose maan.. ;) :facepalm:

Got an excellent little apartment 2 minutes from the beach..
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By the harbour? There are only two little beaches in Valle Gran Rey. I stayed in a cheap place facing the sea, beautiful views but loud as fuck all night with the waves crashing onto the rocks below. Beautiful during the day though, got loads of good maths work done.
 
Yes - it was the harbour end. I spent the morning and evenings reading stuff about the war, and the afternoons at the beach.. not bad really.. might go back.
 
Slight issue with Gomera is you've gotta get a ferry over there. Did a week in Gomera end Jan, for a couple of (rough weather) days the ferry wasn't moving.
 
Hollis.. did you go on your own? Who did you book with etc? Am thinking of going on my own next month....

Everything I've seen is fucking extortionate with single supplements etc, or in a complex where I'd look like a paedo on my own!
 
Is Lanzarote as bad as I seem to think it is (ie pissed, lobster red Brits everywhere and neoned signed bars with the football showing) or have I got that completely wrong?
 
Depends where you go. There's a fairly large expat population on the Canaries and they vary from the lobster mob to m/c appartment owners who rent to retired couples. It's like anywhere around that part of the world, a mixed bag.
 
Kanda said:
Hollis.. did you go on your own? Who did you book with etc? Am thinking of going on my own next month....

Everything I've seen is fucking extortionate with single supplements etc, or in a complex where I'd look like a paedo on my own!
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Just book a flight to Tenerife and get the ferry over to La Gomera. You can google the ferry times. I've been three times and never booked a room in advance, it's pretty easy to find cheap rooms on the island and more expensive ones if you want a bit more luxury. The seas can get a bit choppy so its best to head on back to Tenerife at least a day before your flight if it looks like the ferry may not fun. Gomera is great for cycling, you can cycle all the way up the valley to the silver laurel forest on top of the island. Then back down at break neck speed. Great fun.
 
mod said:
Is Lanzarote as bad as I seem to think it is (ie pissed, lobster red Brits everywhere and neoned signed bars with the football showing) or have I got that completely wrong?
Click to expand...

Its pretty grim - though there was one resort in the north of the Island that seemed okay. The few hours I spent in Tenerife were as you say - good for fried breakfasts though.. wouldn't want to go there on holiday.
 
Kanda said:
Hollis.. did you go on your own? Who did you book with etc? Am thinking of going on my own next month....

Everything I've seen is fucking extortionate with single supplements etc, or in a complex where I'd look like a paedo on my own!
Click to expand...

Err. no! I went with some Uni mates.. booked through Thompson or summat. If you wanna go by yourself then La Gomera might be an option.
 
Yeah, La Gomera looks like a good option. Just chill for a week with books/camera.

goldenecitrone - did you hire bikes or take your own??
 
I've been to Lanzarote in December and the weather was banging, really hot shorts and t-shirt jobby.

It's actually a really nice island and if you avoid Puerto del Carmen you'll miss most of the lobster Brits.


Do it, I'd say.
 
Right, I've think we've decided on Lanzarote. Rajjle advises to avoid Puerto del Carmen. Can anyone recommend quieter, family friendly resorts away from the *football loving lobsters?



* Don't take offence. I am actually a big, big football fan and do burn myself if left too long in the sun. I just don't want a this kind of holiday. I'm fully aware this may be a big ask on a Spanish Island at peak season!
 
My in-laws went for Christmas and New Year last year, and really enjoyed it, especially New Year. They're going again this year, a couple of days after Christmas this time. They are the sort who are very "stick to British areas"* though, but I'm sure there are plenty of places not like that.

*They're going back to Cuba for the 3rd time in a couple of weeks. They hardly ever leave the hotel complex.
 
Vintage Paw said:
My in-laws went for Christmas and New Year last year, and really enjoyed it, especially New Year. They're going again this year, a couple of days after Christmas this time. They are the sort who are very "stick to British areas"* though, but I'm sure there are plenty of places not like that.

*They're going back to Cuba for the 3rd time in a couple of weeks. They hardly ever leave the hotel complex.
Click to expand...

We stayed in a German part of Valle Gran Rey in La Gomera. Nice and reasonably quiet (end of November) and not just populated with Germans.
 
Went to Lanzarote for New Year 4 years ago, was pleasantly warm, the pool was heated, would have been very cold if it wasn't. Was fairly warm in the sun during the day, a light jumper was needed at night. The only way to get real heat at that time of year would be 8 hours+ flying, so it's OK...
 
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