THE Canary Islands are a hit with Brits offering everything from high octane activity breaks to spots with pretty beaches for relaxing – but which is best for your holiday?
Well, one TUI expert, Jack French, knows exactly which is best and gives his top tips for each location.
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Jack has already booked hundreds of holidays to the Spanish hotspots and says: “People often talk about the Canary Islands as if they’re all identical, but in reality each island has a completely different feel.
“Choosing the right island, and the right hotel on that island, can be the difference between a good holiday and an incredible one.”
Tenerife – The best all-rounder
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canaries and Jack believes is the best all-rounder thanks to it having “so much variety.”
He says: “You can combine beaches, scenery, local towns and family attractions all in one place.”
The island has golden-sand beaches like Playa de las Teresitas and Playa del Duque for those who want to relax on the shore or take a paddle in the waters.
For those who want more of a thrill, head to Siam Park which is ‘often described as one of the best waterparks in the world’.
Jack adds: “It’s got a bit of everything with those big adrenaline drop slides as well as kid-friendly water playgrounds.
“Even couples without children enjoy it. There are calmer areas like the lazy rivers, so it’s not just about thrills.”
Other must-visit spots are Teide National Park which has volcanic scenery and shows off a different side to the island.
When it comes to eating, Jack recommends heading away from busy promenades and towards villages like La Orotava to try out local restaurants.
He says to try fresh fish and papas arrugadas, which is a traditional boiled potato style Canarian dish.
When it comes to hotels the TUI BLUE Los Gigantes is a good spot for coupes because it’s peaceful, spacious with clifftop views which you can book from £607pp (per person based on two adults sharing a Double Room with Balcony or Terrace on a half-board basis).
Or, TUI offers seven-night breaks to TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical in Tenerife from £464pp (per person based on two adults and two children sharing a studio on an all-inclusive basis).
Gran Canaria – Best for families
Jack says that the island of Gran Canaria “surprises a lot of people”, particularly those who come for the beach “but end up loving how diverse the island feels.”
When it comes to exploring the island, some must-visit spots include the sand dunes of Maspalomas which are one of Gran Canaria’s highlights.
Try to visit either early morning or sunset when you’ll get the best views across the dunes.
Make sure to head inland too where you’ll find mountain villages and winding roads which have beautiful views.
Jack’s recommendation is heading to Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice‘ also known as Puerto de Mogan.
The town has its nickname thanks to its canal, and pretty blue-and-yellow-trimmed white cottages.
TUI Musement offers a Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice’ – visit Puerto de Mogan by boat experience from £43 per adult.
When it comes to hotels, check into the TUI BLUE Playa Feliz which suits families with younger children thanks to its splash park and big entertainment stage.
TUI also offers seven-night breaks to 4T TUI BLUE Playa Feliz in Gran Canaria from £482 per person (including a free kids’ place).
For more breaks – here are our favourite TUI holidays…
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Globales Montemar, Ibiza
This hotel sits on a quieter side of Ibiza, so you can soak up the island’s natural beauty away from the party crowds. This family-friendly option has a large pool that curves around the resort, surrounded by plenty of sunbeds, plus a kids zone. Here you’re just a 10-minute stroll from a horseshoe-shaped bay with clear waters.
Hotel Club Jandia Princess, Fuerteventura
This resort is set up like a small village, with low-rise buildings set among palm trees and six different swimming pools. Entertainment spans from DJ nights to bingo and live sports screenings, plus sports on offer include water polo, rifle shooting and shuffleboard.
Gavimar Cala Gran Costa Del Sur, Majorca
This hotel sits on Majorca‘s Cala Gran Beach, a beautiful cove just a short drive away from the coastal town centre, with its trinket shops and relaxed bars. The hotel itself has all the activities and entertainment you’d expect, including bingo and live music – as well as some unique extras like mini golf and archery. Week-long breaks start from £478pp.
Riu Baobab, Senegal
The Riu Baobab is the only TUI hotel in the country, sat on the Pointe Sarane coastline. There are the four huge pools overlooking the beach, swim up pool bars and a copious amount of sunloungers to choose from. The sushi at the Asian Dorayaki and the pasta dishes at Veneto are the highlight meals of this standout hotel. Week-long breaks start from £883pp.
Lanzarote – Best for scenery
For those who want a quiet and laid-back holiday, head to Lanzarote.
Jack advises it’s much “more about scenery and atmosphere than ticking off attractions.”
Along with its black-sand beaches, other must-sees include the Timanfaya National Park which has red hues thanks to its volcanic landscape.
When it comes to food, you can find hidden gems everywhere – especially at small seafront restaurants.
They serve up simple dishes and fresh local food so make sure to take a long lunches by the sea.
Jack’s top hotel pick is RIU Paraiso which is 30-meters from a Blue Flag beach.
It’s a great spot for those who want to take coastal walks and long lunches, for families, here’s an on-site kids’ club and children’s pool.
TUI offers seven-night breaks to 4T Riu Paraiso Lanzarote from £778pp (based on two adults and one child sharing a twin room).
Fuerteventura – Best for activities
When it comes to Fuerteventura, Jack says it “feels much more open and unspoilt than the other islands”.
Here, the beaches are the gem of the island, they’re miles long and usually aren’t too crowded.
So it’s no surprise that those heading on holiday here love long coastal walks at sunrise or sunset before the island wakes up.
If you’re heading to the island with all the family, Jack often recommends TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura.
There’s lots to do for teens and is ideal for active families and couples who love sports and being outdoors, with the likes of mountain biking, volleyball and trampolining all forming part of the activity list.
TUI offers seven-night breaks to 4T TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura from £665pp (based on two adults and one child sharing a one bedroom family room with balcony or terrace on an all-inclusive basis).
Hear more about the Canary Islands from one man who has visited 100 countries but always goes back to them.
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