Which Canary Island is for you?

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026emilycotterhill1

by Scott Crowe, Villa Plus Contributor

The Canary Islands are a true all-year-round destination. In terms of value for money and travel time, they are hard to beat. Warmth, sunshine and relaxation are assured for a destination that’s a relatively short flight time from gloomier pastures over Northern Europe’s colder months.

Choosing which Canary Island to head to in particular can be a challenge, albeit a welcoming one! Each of these islands have their own brand of allure, so deciphering which one is best for you requires a degree of research.

That’s where we can help. In this guide, we’ll break down the unique appeal of each island to help you decide which of the Canaries is for you. Add in our Signature villas, alongside our game-changing Best price finder tool and planning your next Canary Islands holiday is easier than ever.

1. Tenerife

A Tenerife villa holiday offers the widest range of experiences in one place, with a relatively large population of nearly 1 million people. An island of contrasts, it’s a place where golden beaches sit alongside volcanic landscapes, lively resort promenades and traditional mountain villages. Consider an extended winter stay here, given the sheer variety on offer!

The best things to do in Tenerife

Playa Del Duque Beach, Tenerife — Playa del Duque Beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

Climb Mount Teide

Spain’s highest peak dominates the Tenerife landscape, creating a dramatic natural centrepiece that appeals to any budding explorer. Winter is a fantastic time to undertake part of this challenge, in the absence of the stifling summer heat. On a clear day, the views of the volcanic landscape and the surrounding Canary Islands are breathtaking.

Play a round of golf

You’ll be awash with golfing options in Tenerife, making it a great choice for a group golf holiday. Two courses in particular stand out, both within a convenient distance of our villas in the southwest of the island. Golf Las Américas and Golf Costa Adeje are sophisticated courses that cater for all ability levels and tie in perfectly with the stunning scenery.

The best places to stay in Tenerife

Costa Adeje

Hugging Tenerife’s western coastline, Costa Adeje is known for its relaxed atmosphere, high-quality beaches and excellent dining choices. Centred around some of the finest beaches in the Canary Islands, stretches of sand like Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé are worth a winter holiday alone.

Coastal walkways link all of the amenities, and with a range of our Villa Plus villas nearby, you need not worry about getting from A to B.

Stay at: Villa Atenas in Costa Adeje, just 1.2km from Playa de Fañabé Beach

Playa de Fanabe Beach, Tenerife — Playa de Fañabé Beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

Callao Salvaje

Known for its relaxed pace and scenic ocean views, Callao Salvaje is the ideal choice for a winter escape that puts peace and quiet at the top of the holiday wishes.

You’ll enjoy elevated views of the Atlantic Ocean from its centre, often stretching west to neighbouring La Gomera. The resort’s volcanic sand beach, Playa de Ajabo, sits neatly beneath the towering cliffs.

Stay at: Villa Bonita Salvaje in Callao Salvaje, just 500m from Playa de Ajabo Beach

Playa de Ajabo Beach in Callao Salvaje, Tenerife

Pick Tenerife for:

A mix of beaches, scenery and activities
Comfort with convenience
Plenty of choice in one destination

2. Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s landscape has been shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, making its scenery dramatic, striking and beautifully preserved. With a much smaller population of just over 150,000 people, there’s a distinct laid-back atmosphere for a villa holiday here.

The best things to do in Lanzarote

The protected landscape of La Geria, Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park

The only National Park in Spain that’s entirely geological, Timanfaya perfectly represents the island’s volcanic foundations, being shaped by a series of eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Expect to see rusty red colours stretching as far as the eye can see, a barren sight that feels otherworldly.

The area is still volcanically active too and highlighted by demonstrations from park rangers, who’ll show you how intense heat still rises from the ground, producing huge jets of steam.

Go wine tasting

A distinct experience shaped by centuries-old traditions, the island’s vineyards are set amongst black volcanic ash, each protected by a stone wall and set within a shallow pit. This unusual method shields the vineyards from the wind, creating wines found nowhere else in the world.

Head for a La Geria vineyard for a great day out and the chance to bring a bottle or two back to your villa.

The best places to stay in Lanzarote

Playa Blanca

Occupying the southernmost part of the island, Playa Blanca looks over at Fuerteventura to the south. Once a fishing village, it’s developed into a calm resort that’s one of Lanzarote’s most popular places to stay.

Its beaches, Playa Dorada, Playa Flamingo and Playa Blanca, offer calm waters that are ideal for swimming, even in the relatively milder winter. Stylish restaurants and boutique shops give the area a charming, upmarket feel.

Stay at: Villa Santana in Playa Blanca, just 300m from Playa Flamingo Beach

Playa Flamingo Beach in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen

A Puerto del Carmen holiday is one of the greatest antidotes to the winter blues. It’s Lanzarote’s most popular resort for good reason, with a long scenic coastline parallel to the famous Avenida de las Playas.

This promenade hosts everything needed for a great holiday, leading conveniently to the traditional Old Town and harbour area, a throwback to the area’s roots. Playa Grande is the stunning main beach with cliff faces to the west, with the vast stretch of sand at Playa de los Pocillos offering a quieter, refreshing alternative.

Stay at: Villa Pocillos in Puerto del Carmen, just 120m from Playa de los Pocillos Beach

Playa de los Pocillos Beach in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Pick Lanzarote for:

Dramatic volcanic scenery
A calm, refined atmosphere
A villa holiday that blends culture, nature and relaxation

3. Fuerteventura

The closest of the Canaries to Africa, Fuerteventura is the island that feels most open. Its large area is home to only 120,000 people, giving it a slow rhythm that truly encourages visitors to switch off. This, combined with the fantastic Fuerteventura villas and beaches, makes it arguably the prettiest Canary Island.

The best things to do in Fuerteventura

Visit Corralejo Natural Park

Vast rolling sand dunes neighbour the northeast Fuerteventura coastline to create a beautiful natural sight in this protected area.

The landscape is perfect for scenic walks with plenty of space to admire the surroundings. Wonderfully open and remote, it personifies the relative sparsity of the island compared to its larger neighbours like Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Try your hand at watersports

Fuerteventura’s long stretches of open coastline make it a haven for watersports. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced enthusiast, conditions are perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and snorkelling.

Sailing, kite surfing and the quintessential holiday jet skiing are also immensely popular. There’s the infrastructure to match too, with equipment hire and tuition throughout the island. Corralejo is a great area to head to for all of these aqua adventures.

The best places to stay in Fuerteventura

Corralejo

Corralejo has the perfect blend of amenities and proximity to Fuerteventura’s most striking natural park attraction.

You’ll find everything you need for a perfect villa holiday here. There’s a mixture of beaches, bars and restaurants that lend themselves to the town’s beauty and casual charm. There are great connections north across the water to Lanzarote, too.

Stay at: Villa Bella Vista in Corralejo, just 20m from Popcorn Beach

Popcorn Beach, Fuerteventura — Popcorn Beach in Corralejo, Fuerteventura, famous for its white popcorn-like algae fossils!

Caleta de Fuste

Caleta de Fuste is in a fantastically convenient location close to the island’s airport. It’s made up of a curved bay that cuddles Playa del Castillo, a vast expanse of sand that forms one of Fuerteventura’s best beaches.

The resort’s compact centre has a great selection of restaurants, cafes and shops, and two of the Canary Islands’ finest golf courses are within touching distance. Fuerteventura Golf Club and Golf Club Salinas de Antigua attract players from around the world.

Stay at: Villa Maresia in Caleta de Fuste, just 1km from La Guirra Beach

La Guirra Beach, Fuerteventura — La Guirra Beach in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

Pick Fuerteventura for:

Outdoor adventures amongst untouched scenery
The slowest pace and a strong connection to nature
A true winter escape away from busy resorts

Why choose a villa for your next Canary Islands holiday?

Staying in a Canary Islands villa is the best way to experience Tenerife, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura. Our home-from-homes are in handpicked places throughout these sun-kissed islands.

Whatever time of year you intend to travel, by choosing Villa Plus, you’ll have a priceless private pool, generous living spaces to yourselves and all the amenities needed for an extended escape.

Our villas are versatile. Every year, we welcome:

Groups who want to spend quality time together without compromising comfort
Families who value space, privacy and flexibility
Couples looking for intimate and relaxed settings

Our best price finder: game-changing value at a snapshot

Our Best price finder does the hard work so you don’t have to, helping our holidaymakers quickly compare prices across different dates and destinations. You’ll be able to spot the best deals at a glance.

Whether you’re flexible on your travel dates or inspired to book a specific destination, our Best price finder makes it easier to:

Discover the best value weeks for your chosen place
Filter results by a range of different metrics
Book early and secure your ideal villa escape

You’ll come away with a villa holiday that’s perfectly tailored to how you want to relax. Use our Best price finder today and get the most out of your holiday budget, without compromising on quality.

Experience a warm festive Christmas in our winter villa destinations

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025emilycotterhill1

by Scott Crowe, Villa Plus Contributor

When the Northern European winter reaches its peak, it becomes incredibly tempting to escape the freezing temperatures and long, dark nights. That’s where we come in. We’ve got a whole host of warm destinations with a wide range of homely Villa Plus villas for the whole family to relax and unwind in over the festive season.

In this piece, we’ll take you through some of the warm Christmas destinations that will welcome you for a winter sun holiday at the most wonderful time of the year. Across these islands, Christmas isn’t just celebrated, it’s lived. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and spend some quality time together in our quality places to stay.

Why stay in a Villa Plus villa at Christmas?

Staying in a Villa Plus villa elevates your Christmas experience even further. Located conveniently close to the whole host of festive traditions and events, you’ll be living in a real home-from-home that will play the perfect host to your celebrations with the loved ones. Here’s why you should pick us for your next December holiday:

Kitchens for a culinary masterpiece

Whether you’re preparing a full festive feast based on the delicious dishes we’ve mentioned, or simply grazing on some snacks throughout the day, your villa kitchen will give you total flexibility.

Spacious settings for festive fun

There’s always somewhere to open presents, gather together for some Christmas games or enjoy some peace and quiet away from it all.

Heated private pools

A Christmas morning swim isn’t out of the question. Expect to spend a pleasant afternoon in the sun relaxing in the generous and private outdoor spaces our villas provide.

Privacy and comfort

Everything is taken care of before your arrival, so rather than fixed meal times and bustling corridors of hotels, everything can be done at your own pace so you can focus on making memories together.

Christmas in Madeira

Temperatures over the festive period

Madeira is typically mild and pleasant throughout December, with daytime temperatures reaching somewhere between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius.

Madeira Christmas traditions

Christmas in Madeira involves magical local customs that have been practiced for centuries. One of the most loved is ‘Missas do Parto’ (Childbirth Masses), a series of early-morning church gatherings in the nine days leading up to Christmas from 16-24 December. This is followed by the Missa do Gallo, a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Another highlight is the 23rd December Market Night, an unmissable evening where Madeirans shop for last minute gifts amongst a feast of street music, carols and festive treats.

Events over the holiday period

Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is home to one of the best Christmas light displays in Europe, illuminating the Avenida Arriaga with a procession of colour that’s complete with festive stalls and live entertainment. There are also concerts held in the city, ranging from classical performances to traditional folk songs, held al fresco around the city’s Cathedral and public squares.

Consider extending your stay until New Year in Madeira. You’ll be rewarded with the world-famous Funchal Bay fireworks, a great way to round off the festive period.

Festive cuisine

Comforting Madeiran Christmas flavours are led by carne vinha d’alhos (pork marinated in wine and garlic), alongside favourites like espetada (beef skewers). On the sweet side, bolo do mel (honey cake infused with spices) is exquisite, along with Bolo Rei (King’s Cake) if you’re extending your holiday to early January.

And of course, no December holiday in Madeira is complete without a glass or two of the iconic Poncha, made from sugarcane rum, honey, sugar and orange or lemon juice. The drink served as the inspiration for the Brazilian Caipirinha.

Christmas in Tenerife

Temperatures over the festive period

You can expect pleasant, mild weather in Tenerife over the festive period, with daily high temperatures in the region of 21 to 23 degrees, a far cry from back home!

Tenerife Christmas traditions

Beléns define Tenerife over Christmas. These beautifully detailed nativity scenes go far beyond those of the typical biblical story. Entire landscapes are recreated in miniature form, complete with tiny fishermen, artisans and desert scenes. The town of La Orotava is a particular highlight, turning belén-spotting into a festive trail through its historic streets.

As Christmas Day approaches, families gather for a big dinner on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) before attending Misa del Gallo (midnight mass), which is often followed by music in village squares.

Events over the holiday period

Open-air celebrations are the norm over Tenerife’s holiday period and include the famous Christmas Day Symphony Orchestra performance, packed with heart-warming classical music.

There are festive parades in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, with artisan markets popping up across the island through December too.

Festive cuisine

Tenerife’s access to the sea is celebrated in its Christmas culinary traditions. Cherne (wreckfish) is an immensely popular dish, served with classic Canarian potatoes, cabrito (young goat) and finished off with sweet almond-based treats like turrón.

There’s a huge emphasis on outdoor dining too, which adds an extra ingredient to these tasty dishes.

Christmas in Lanzarote

Temperatures over the festive period

You’ll be more than comfortable outside during the day in Lanzarote, with daily temperatures in the region of 17 to 21 degrees Celsius on average throughout December.

Lanzarote Christmas traditions

A product of its incredible geography, Lanzarote brings its landscape to life through its nativity scenes over the festive period. These are often built using volcanic rock and sand to reflect the dramatic scenery of the island.

A standout tradition is Los Ranchos, which involves folk-music groups dressed in traditional attire singing religious songs in village squares. This creates a magical atmosphere in the run up to the big day.

Events over the holiday period

You’ll find a range of markets throughout Lanzarote, epitomising the island’s slightly more laid back feel compared to its neighbours.

Towns like Arrecife and Teguise sprinkle these markets with children’s workshops, live music and street performances. Coastal promenades are lined with lights, and there are a range of live nativity productions too.

Festive cuisine

Hearty meals are the order of Christmas Day in Lanzarote, led by sancocho canario (salted fish stew). Local seafood is served with locally grown sweet potatoes to create a festive feast.

Seasonal sweets like roscos de anís (aniseed doughnuts) and mantecados (shortbread cookies) go down a treat with the island’s famous volcanic wines.

Christmas in Fuerteventura

Temperatures over the festive period

Expect average daytime temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees celsius during a December stay in Fuerteventura, making outdoor Christmas experiences the norm for islanders and visitors alike.

Fuerteventura Christmas traditions

The island leans into its community spirit over the festive period, crafting bespoke nativity scenes, decorating plazas with lights and creating handmade ornaments.

Corralejo Christmas market is the place to be in the build up, and on Christmas Day itself, many head to the beach for a festive dip.

Events

Fuerteventura’s very own Tabajoste group hosts an unmissable Christmas concert that has been running for over 20 years and has become a staple of the festive build up on the island.

If you plan on extending your stay into January, the Three Kings parades on 6 January are an unforgettable cultural experience. Camels, dancers, colourful floats and music fill the streets as sweets are tossed to children. Corralejo and Puerto del Rosario host two of the liveliest celebrations.

Festive cuisine

Queso con almendras (cheese with almonds) and truchas (sweet potato pastries) are just a couple of the delicious festive Fuerteventuran snacks to try.

The main festive meal is a nod to the island’s fresh seafood, featuring prawns with pink sauce (gambas con salsa rosa), similar to a prawn cocktail dish in the UK.

Ready to swap frost for festive sunshine? Explore our winter villa destinations and book your Christmas escape today.

Winter Sun Villa Holidays: Escape to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, or Madeira!

October 9, 2024October 9, 2024

As the winter chill settles across the UK, thoughts often turn to warmer climes. For those seeking an escape from the grey skies, a winter sun villa holiday in destinations like Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, or Madeira offers the perfect remedy. Not only do these islands boast pleasant year-round temperatures, but they also offer unique experiences and attractions that make winter the ideal time to visit. Let’s explore why these destinations are perfect for a winter villa getaway, along with what to see and do while you’re there.

Lanzarote: Volcanic Landscapes and Laid-Back Charm

Lanzarote is a dream destination for winter sun seekers, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 20°C. The island’s volcanic landscape is otherworldly, and winter is the perfect time to explore its dramatic beauty without the intense heat of summer.

What to Do:

Explore Timanfaya National Park: The surreal, moon-like landscape of Timanfaya is a must-visit. Guided tours take you through this volcanic wonderland, where you can witness geothermal demonstrations and learn about Lanzarote’s unique geology.
Surfing and Water Sports: Winter brings bigger swells to the island, making it an excellent time for surfing. Head to Famara Beach for some of the best surf conditions in Europe.
Wine Tasting in La Geria: Lanzarote’s unique volcanic soil makes for some distinctive wines. A visit to the La Geria wine region will let you sample local Malvasia wines and learn about the island’s centuries-old wine production techniques.

View Villas In Lanzarote

Fuerteventura: Sandy Beaches and Relaxed Vibes

Fuerteventura is renowned for its long stretches of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island enjoys balmy weather even in the heart of winter, with temperatures reaching around 22°C. Whether you’re into water sports or simply looking to unwind, this island has something for everyone.

What to Do:

Relax on the Beaches: Fuerteventura’s beaches are some of the best in the Canary Islands. Corralejo and Cofete offer vast expanses of sand where you can sunbathe, swim, or enjoy a seaside picnic.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: Winter brings steady winds to Fuerteventura, making it a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Sotavento Beach hosts international championships and is a great spot to either watch the pros or take lessons yourself.
Explore Corralejo Natural Park: The vast sand dunes of Corralejo are a spectacular sight. Spend a day walking through this otherworldly landscape or take a dune buggy tour for an adrenaline rush.

View Villas In Fuerteventura

Tenerife: A Blend of Nature and Culture

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and offers a diverse array of activities for winter visitors. From the lush forests of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south, Tenerife is an island of contrasts. Winter temperatures typically hover around 20-22°C, making it ideal for both outdoor adventures and relaxing villa retreats.

What to Do:

Visit Mount Teide: At 3,718 metres, Mount Teide is Spain’s highest peak. Take a cable car to the summit for breathtaking views over the island. In winter, the mountain may even be dusted with snow, creating a stunning contrast against the blue skies.
Whale and Dolphin Watching: Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. Head out on a boat tour from Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje to spot resident dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
Explore the Historical Town of La Laguna: A UNESCO World Heritage site, La Laguna is full of colonial architecture, charming streets, and traditional Canarian culture. It’s a great place for a relaxed afternoon of sightseeing and café hopping.

View Villas In Tenerife

Madeira: A Garden in the Atlantic

Often referred to as the “floating garden,” Madeira is a subtropical paradise located in the Atlantic Ocean. Winter temperatures range from 16°C to 20°C, offering mild weather perfect for exploring the island’s stunning natural scenery.

What to Do:

Levada Walks: Madeira is famous for its network of levadas—irrigation channels that double as hiking trails. These walks take you through lush forests, past waterfalls, and along cliff edges, offering some of the best views on the island.
Visit Funchal: Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is a vibrant city with plenty to explore. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers’ market) for local produce, flowers, and crafts, or take a cable car to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden for panoramic views of the island.

Why Travel in Winter?

Winter is an ideal time to visit these sunny island destinations for several reasons:

Fewer Crowds: With fewer tourists, you’ll have more space to enjoy attractions, beaches, and restaurants.
Great Value For Money: Winter is considered the low season in these locations, so you can often find villas at much lower prices than during the summer months.
Mild Weather: The temperate winter climate makes outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and sightseeing more enjoyable without the intense summer heat.

View Villas In Madeira

Whether you choose Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes, Fuerteventura’s sandy beaches, Tenerife’s diverse ecosystems, or Madeira’s lush gardens, a winter sun villa holiday is the perfect way to recharge and escape the cold. Book your villa today and start dreaming of your winter escape!

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3 reasons to book a holiday villa in the Canary Islands this year

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021chiracshah

The Canary Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean off North Africa’s west coast. Basking in warm sunny weather all year round, millions flock to this popular Spanish archipelago annually – and it’s not hard to see why. Here are three reasons to book a villa holiday to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura or Tenerife in 2021:

Incredible volcanic landscapes

The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin, which means they’re full of spectacular and intriguing landscapes to explore.

Lanzarote is home to the lunar-like Timanfaya National Park, formed by huge 18^th century eruptions. Here you’ll find jaw-dropping geological phenomena like craters, tunnels and geysers. And you can even ride around on a camel!

Fuerteventura boasts a string of 50,000-year-old volcanoes to the south west of Corralejo. One of the best preserved is Calderon Hondo with its impressive 70-metre deep crater. It’s an easy walk along well-marked paths to the top, where you’ll be treated with great views of other volcanoes and the island’s north.

Last but not least, in Tenerife you’ll discover magnificent Mount Teide – the highest peak in the Canaries and one of the world’s largest volcanoes. The rewarding hike to the summit takes around 5 hours, but the less energetic or patient can hop in a cable car and enjoy the stunning vistas within 8 minutes.

Stunning sandy beaches

One of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Lanzarote is Papagayo Beach, on the island’s southern tip. Here you can feel fine white sand between your toes and marvel at the underwater world by snorkelling in the turquoise seas.

To the north of Fuerteventura is the Grandes Playas de Corralejo (Corralejo’s Big Beaches), a 9 kilometre stretch of heavenly golden sands flanked by the largest dunes in the Canary Islands. What’s more, you can view the islands of Lanzarote and Los Lobos from the shoreline.

Finally, Tenerife offers Playa del Duque in the popular resort of Costa Adeje on the south west coast. This top-notch Blue Flag beach is situated in a small bay, with white sands, crystal clear water and a lovely seafront promenade.

Fun outdoor adventures

If sunbathing all day long isn’t your thing, there’s no shortage of fantastic activities to keep you active and entertained in the Canary Islands.

In Lanzarote, you can saddle up and enjoy a horse ride through the island’s interior and coastal areas. Lanzarote A Caballo offers excursions catering for the whole family, from total novices to seasoned pros.

For those who want to practise their swing, Fuerteventura is the perfect place to do so. Fuerteventura Golf Club, the island’s first 18-hole golf course, boasts beautiful ocean views, lakes, palm trees, streams and exceptionally well-kept lawns.

Want to get up close and personal with marine life? Tenerife has a network of dive centres where you can do just that. The calm warm waters are great for first timers, and there are even sunken ships to explore!

Don’t miss out on your dream holiday. Check out our great range of villas in the Canary Islands now.