Canary

Emigrating to sun-kissed Lanzarote might sound like a dream come true, but one British couple have confessed that they miss quite a few things from back home – including the weather!

Taking early retirement and leaving the soggy British winters behind forever is an impossible dream for many of us. But designers Richard and Tarnya Norse-Evans managed to do just that when they sold their business and relocated to the Canary Islands.

While they don’t regret making a new home for themselves in balmy Lanzarote, where the temperatures rarely drop into single figures, Richard and Tarnya say there are a few things they miss about chilly, rain-lashed Britain.

“When you live on a small island you need to see and do something different, because here you don’t get to go to the art galleries, visit people, go to the city or eat in different restaurants,” Richard told the i Paper.

He added that, while Lanzarote’s weather makes for a nice easy life there’s something to be said for a good old-fashioned chilly day. He said he sometimes feels nostalgic about the idea of “putting on a coat and Wellingtons and getting out in a forest for a good stomp and an English pint in a pub”.

While that’s a rare treat these days, it’s still a possibility. Because the cost of living in Lanzarote is much lower than in the UK, Richard and Tarnya can afford to splash out on an occasional flight back to Blighty for a taste of what they missing.

The pair also noted the struggles with the language barrier, and highlighted challenges in Spain with paperwork that meant long wait times for permits.

According to the most recent figures, between 6,200 and 6,500 British people are officially registered as residents in Lanzarote, making them one of the largest foreign populations on the island.

That number’s swelled massively in the summer, of course, when thousands more flock to the sun-kissed islands. Because the climate is so mild, there’s no real “low season” on Lanzarote, and holidaymakers are arriving at the island’ airport at any time of year. Tourism is the single biggest of the island’s economy.

Holiday rentals on Lanzarote grew by by 113% between June 2023 and December 2025. While there have been a few reports of extreme, violent anti-tourist hostility, they tend to be exaggerated, and the island remains generally welcoming to holidaymakers.

Richard and Tarnya have become part of that thriving industry, with a luxurious-looking Airbnb to supplement their lifestyle. “We certainly do not live a permanent holiday,” Richard said. “Work life still goes on regardless of the weather.”

They also own a vineyard that produces around 7,000kg of grapes a year, which they sell to a local wine producer.

And there are many kinds of business that simply aren’t available on Lanzarote – with Richard bemoaning the lack of variety when it comes to the arts and entertainment.

But luckily, he says there’s always the option of popping home for a taste of what he’s missing. He added: “With a four-hour flight we can be back in London quickly and enjoy the best of both worlds.”

The islands are becoming the go-to winter sun destination for UK travellers, with easyJet launching direct flights from London Gatwick and some regional airports

Many of us are well and truly fed up with the January weather, and with warmer days in the UK still a long way off, it may be time to spoil yourself with a winter sun holiday.

Luckily, you don’t have to go long haul to get some warm weather this time of year. Options such as the Canary Islands are popular, but if you want somewhere a bit more off-the-beaten track, then another set of islands are becoming increasingly popular.

Cape Verde has warm weather year-round, and in the next couple of weeks, daytime highs will reach 24C, making it warmer than Tenerife at 20C. With flights clocking in at around six hours, you don’t need to spend an entire day on a plane to enjoy its long days of sunshine.

The islands that make up Cape Verde include Sal and Boa Vista, with the largest airport where most Brits arrive on Sal. Budget airline easyJet launched flights to the archipelago back in March 2025, with the route marking the airline’s first foray into Sub-Saharan Africa. It also became easyJet’s longest route at the time. The airline went on to launch a route from Manchester, and from May 1, passengers will also be able to fly from Bristol.

TUI also flies to the island from the same airports and also offers routes from Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. A seasonal service from the East Midlands is also available to book on dates from April 29.

The islands, positioned off Africa’s west coast, attracted roughly 1.2 million tourists in 2024. However, this figure pales in comparison to the Canaries’ visitor numbers. Tenerife alone drew approximately seven million holidaymakers during the same period, giving Cape Verde a decidedly less crowded atmosphere.

The islands’ biggest selling point is undoubtedly the delightful climate. While February is still winter in Cape Verde, temperatures routinely reach 27 °C during the day, with six to eight hours of sunshine and minimal rainfall. In contrast, Tenerife hovers between 17C and 22C during this period, enjoying roughly six hours of sun, but conditions can be overcast with brief showers.

Flying with easyJet will land you in Sal, an island characterised by its volcanic desert terrain. The majority of holidaymakers stay in Santa Maria on the southern coast, famed for its expansive golden beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. The resort town has a laid-back atmosphere, with streets adorned by swaying palm trees.

After dusk, the area comes alive with vibrant nightlife featuring live performances and beachfront bars. Travellers can enjoy windsurfing, take boat trips to look for sharks, or explore the disused Pedra Lume salt mine nestled within a dormant volcano. Guests can explore the historical mining site before indulging in a rejuvenating mud treatment and float in the salty pools, which are reputed to leave skin feeling wonderfully soft.

Of course, there’s no obligation to remain on Sal throughout your holiday. A three-hour ferry journey connects you to Boa Vista, home to a selection of resorts. This quieter island boasts stunning, pristine beaches where lucky visitors might see turtles emerging from the ocean.

Take a quad bike expedition across the arid wilderness, or set sail aboard a catamaran to discover the finest coastal spots. On the island’s northern tip, you’ll also find the wrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, which has remained grounded in these waters since 1968, providing a fascinating backdrop for photographs.

EasyJet Holidays‘ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Bixby, previously said in a statement: “Cape Verde is a fantastic destination, providing year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches. That’s why we’re thrilled to be offering our brilliant package holidays, whether it’s a family looking for a resort to enjoy with kids, or a couple looking for adults-only luxury, we have a great range of fantastic resorts across the island of Sal.”

Accommodation options vary from budget-friendly basics to luxurious all-inclusive properties. The Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa, an adults-only venue with all-inclusive packages, boasts outstanding reviews. One satisfied guest said: “The resort itself is beautiful, a true oasis of tranquillity and style.” The property also features swim-up rooms for a luxury stay.

For families, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort sits in an enviable spot on the vibrant Ponta Sino, a popular destination for kitesurfers. A guest praised their experience: “A lovely stay at Hilton Sal Cabo Verde and would certainly return again. Great location and friendly staff. Extremely clean and good choice of food. Rooms are a great size with comfy beds.”

EasyJet operates flights from London Gatwick to Sal three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with February fares starting from £148.99 one-way. Current holiday packages feature a seven-night all-inclusive getaway at Sol Dunas Family Fun, departing February 3 from Manchester, priced from £737 per person, based on two adults sharing a double room and using code BIGSALE.

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