Canary Islands Christmas & Cádiz New Year

The sun-kissed island of La Palma offers many opportunities to discover its magnificent landscapes, including strolling through the beautiful old town with its cobbled streets and colourful wooden-balconied houses or the spectacular views, hiking trails, and waterfalls of Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Meanwhile, volcanic black sand beaches beckon as the warm sea laps against the shore, and local restaurants tempt you to sample delicious local food like “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes) with spicy Mojo sauce and La Palma wine, produced on the island from vineyards perched precariously on steep volcanic hills.

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. As you stroll through the streets of Santa Cruz, they will still be adorned with festive decorations to admire.

Las Palmas combines the vibrancy of a modern city with a rich maritime history, as well as perfectly clear waters lapping against golden beaches. At Christmas time, you can explore the charismatic Historic Quarter, home to the twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral, built in a unique combination of Renaissance, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles, before discovering picturesque plazas and authentic tapas bars offering delicious dishes like “papas arrugadas” (wrinkly potatoes) with spicy majo sauce. Meanwhile, you could visit nearby Maspalomas, home to the renowned sand dunes that create a desert-like landscape or wander through its festive market for sweet treats and handmade products.

Fuerteventura in November offers a balmy temperature and winter sun, which are perfect for exploring the capital city of Puerto del Rosario. As you wander through its streets, you’ll see over 100 sculptures, each with significant meaning to the island’s links with the sea. Meanwhile, the spectacular sand dunes at Corralejo Natural Park offer coastal desert views that contrast beautifully with the turquoise seas surrounding Fuerteventura and the backdrop of the Montaña Roja volcano. There will be opportunities for you to visit the nearby old colonial town of Betancuria, offering a glimpse into the past, or relax on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches.

One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cadiz is well-known for the golden dome atop the cathedral, which gleams in the December sunshine. You will be perfectly placed to wander through the narrow streets of the old town or ascend the 173 steps of the former watchtower, Torre Tavira, for outstanding views across the city. There will be opportunities for you to witness a traditional Flamenco show in its place of origin and dine at authentic tapas bars, offering delectable small plates like fried anchovies, garlic prawns, and shrimp fritters, accompanied by local wines or the famously sweet and nutty-tasting Jerez sherry.

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.