Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth

An important maritime city for centuries, Vigo is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and has one of the best natural ports in the world. The port area was heavily influenced by the sea, and has many old fishing houses and markets selling locally caught seafood. A neoclassical Cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Santa Marta is built on the site of a gothic church that was burnt down by Francis Drake; and there is an impressive statue dedicated to literary author Jules Verne.

Las Palmas is perhaps the most popular destination in the Canary Islands, loved by those who enjoy year-round sunshine. The island was originally occupied by the Canarii people, from the 5th century BC, whose cultures and lifestyles can be discovered at several sites around Gran Canaria, including the ancient burial ground of El Maipés Necropolis. The twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral stand tall in the centre of Las Palmas, a unique combination of Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical styles.

The winter sun in the Canaries makes this the perfect time to explore Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Puerto de la Cruz.Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates Tenerife’s skyline, and its summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The renowned “guachinches”, small, family-run restaurants, offer hearty Canarian food and are well worth discovering.

The landscapes of La Palma were formed around 2 million years ago, resulting in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park being formed by erosion from the volcano’s original crater, and now classed as a Biosphere Reserve. At sea level, the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, is a small city with colonial style architecture and edged with volcanic black sandy beaches. The historic quarter of the city is steeped in history with buildings erected during the reign of Phillip II, and is widely regarded as one of Spain’s Historic-Artistic sites.

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During January, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girão, standing 580m above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

The vibrant 9th-century port town of La Coruña offers a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with shimmering glass modern buildings contrasting with the deeply historical medieval district. You can immerse yourself in local life by sampling traditional Galician dishes like ‘pulpo a la gallega’, octopus with paprika and olive oil or ‘empanada gallega’, a savoury pastry filled with meat or seafood. After ascending the hillsides of Monte de San Pedro Park for remarkable vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, discover rocky Costa da Morte, a rugged stretch along the coast of Galicia which tempted ships to run aground, creating a storied and legendary past. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the spiritual heart of Spain at Santiago de Compostela with its beautiful mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic buildings.