When it comes to the festive season, do you prefer to take part in traditions and be surrounded by your loved ones, or do you prefer to take all the hassle out of it and be pampered in another part of the world instead? In 2018, my parents and I decided to try out the latter and spent Christmas in the Canary Islands – Fuerteventura to be exact.
If you’re thinking it’s time to shake things up or are simply looking for a new destination to spend ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ in – let me tell you why you should consider spending Christmas in the Canaries!
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Distance from UK
The average flight time to any of the Canary Islands from the UK is just over 4 hours. This is perfect if you only have a few days to spare or are looking for some warmth closer to home. Plus, if it's important that you're at your destination by Christmas morning, with it being a short flight, you can leave the UK and arrive right in time to spend Christmas in the Canaries!
Top tips:
Christmas Eve is typically the least-crowded and cheapest day to travel on out of the 7 days before Christmas day.
If you’re not too fussed about travelling on Christmas day itself, flight prices are likely to be cheaper than the rest of December too!
Temperatures
As I hinted above, the general temperatures of the Canary Islands during December range between 19°C and 26°C during the day, falling to around 17°C at night.
With an average of 20°C during the day, the weather in Fuerteventura in December is more than appealing when compared to the potential single figures we receive in the UK! So, if you’re a sunshine seeker like me, the real question is – why wouldn’t you spend Christmas in the Canaries?!
Top tip:
If you’re looking to spend a few days sunbathing on the beach and frolicking in the sea, you may want to search for hotter destinations. I personally found the sea and swimming pool to be a little too chilly to spend time in. Spending Christmas in the Caribbean could be a great island alternative if a long-haul flight is an option!
Holiday Feels
Okay, so obviously the fact that you are of course on holiday, alone brings the sweet smell of freedom from the mundane reality at home; especially if you’re in an all-inclusive hotel, not having to lift a finger – except to feed yourself – that is what Christmas is all about, right? Indulging…
But when I say holiday feels – I mean the festive Christmas feels!
Just like many countries across Europe and the UK, expect to find festive markets in the Canary Islands too! Visit the nativity scenes, try some Canarian Christmas sweets and listen to the Ranchos de Pascua - local groups of musicians filling the streets with traditional melodies to get into the jolly spirit that Christmas brings!
In Fuerteventura, the Christmas market in Corralejo found in Plaza Patricio Calero is where you’ll be able to taste the traditional Christmas sweets: queso con almendras (cheese with almonds) and bienmesabe (creamy, almond frosting).
Traditions
It’s safe to say that each family has their own Christmas traditions – ours usually revolves around food! If you want to really experience the Canarian culture, book ahead for a festive seafood dinner on the 24th of December.
Why on the 24th? The biggest Christmas celebration in the Canary Islands actually takes place on Christmas Eve, which is known as Nochebuena (the Good Night) rather than on the 25th of December.
Father Christmas – also known as Papa Noel visits children on Christmas eve, as we are accustomed to. The difference in the Spanish traditions however, include children leaving their shoes outside filled with hay or carrots for the camels, rather than milk and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. They also have to wait a little longer to receive their gifts - until the early hours on 6th January - Dia de los Reyes or Kings Day. This is the day when the three kings arrived to give their gifts to baby Jesus.
Spending Christmas in the Canaries with kids especially will not just be a holiday, but can also be a great cultural experience too!
2 islands for the price of 1
During our week in Fuerteventura, we caught the ferry for a round trip to Lanzarote. Talk about killing 2 birds with 1 stone and all! Below is a brief outline of how we spent Christmas exploring the Canaries.
Top tip:
We booked these day trips at different times during our stay and there was plenty of availability – but do check excursions in advance of your trip during peak season!
Fuerteventura & Lanzarote Itinerary
South Island tour
El Castillo
Antigua – goat farm
Betancuria
Ajuy caves and beach
La Pared
North island tour
Aloe vera farm
Corralejo sand dunes
La Olivia castle
Corralejo to Lanzarote Ferry
Timanfaya national park (volcano)
Aloe vera farm
Vineyard
El Golfo, green lagoon
Salinas de Janubio, salt flats
In need of some more inspiration for the rest of the Canary Islands?
If you haven’t already spent a Christmas abroad, I hope this brief insight into the Canary Islands – specifically Fuerteventura and Lanzarote will make you consider spending Christmas in the Canaries!
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