Winter sun Archives - Villa Plus Blog

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.

As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, many of us start to miss the summer sunshine, even with Christmas just around the corner. Cure your longing for a few rays and treat yourself to a winter villa holiday. Escape to one of the volcanic islands in the Canaries, or the green and lush island of Madeira off the northwest African coast. Let us inspire you with some ideal destinations for your next winter sun villa holiday.

Madeira

With a subtropical climate of between 18-24°C in the winter, Madeira is the ideal location for winter sun villa holidays, as you can enjoy the beaches and sea all year round. Swim in volcanic pools, take a cable car up to the botanical gardens in Funchal, hike to waterfalls, go mountain biking, or take a trek to the heart of the Laurissilva forest – it’s all possible here when you have a winter holiday. The island offers a mixture of forests, beaches, nature reserves, gardens, nightlife, and mountains – all right on your doorstep waiting to be discovered.

Wander around the many villages dotted across the island and you’ll notice quiet ancient churches, chapels, museums and monuments, and daily markets selling local wares and produce. Because of the pleasant weather all year round, there’s always something going on in terms of outdoor activities, too. Whether it’s taking a boat trip, paragliding, or taking part in a festivity in a town square, there’s something to suit all tastes.

When you’re not relaxing and enjoying the comfort of your Villa Vista Sol with its outstanding views of Funchal, why not have a calming day out experiencing the Monte Palace Tropical gardens, which features a traditional Japanese garden with pagoda and koi pond, and a beautiful array of European azaleas, cacti and heather. Or, if you’re more into adventure, Madeira is one of Europe’s best diving scuba diving destinations, with plenty of dive centres offering PADI courses and trips to swim with dolphins, turtles and monk seals. Even in February, the water is a more comfortable 18°C, which is still warmer than a lot of European countries in the summer months.

Lanzarote

Positioned only 70 miles from Africa, Lanzarote is a popular tourist destination for winter sun holidays thanks to its year-round sunshine and mild climate. The island has UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, and a rich desert-like volcanic landscape, making it a common destination for film locations, too. The warm weather and natural beauty of the island make it an ideal destination for spending days walking or relaxing on the beach, enjoying a dip in the heated pool of your Villa Giorgia, or touring the island and exploring the smaller villages inland by car.

The most popular attraction on Lanzarote, and probably the most frequented on a winter holiday, is the Timanfaya National Park, which is home to the Fire Mountains, created by a natural eruption on the island during the 17^th century. The volcanic landscape is home to many different flora and fauna, and is an interesting place to take a hike while exploring the island’s nature.

Another destination on your itinerary should be the Cesar Manrique foundation and cactus garden. Manrique was a local architect and artist who campaigned for there to be no high-rise buildings on Lanzarote, and you can see many buildings designed by him across the island. If you visit the cactus garden that he designed, you’ll find over 1,400 species of cacti.

If you’re interested in a winter sun villa holiday to soak up some rays on the beach, Playa Blanca and Papagayo are worth visiting in the winter months for walks or a dip in the sea. At the end of February, the island hosts its annual carnival, with processions taking place in tourist resorts and Arrecife.

Fuerteventura

Just 100km away from the coast of Morocco is Fuerteventura – the second largest of the Canary Islands. If you’re a sun worshipper longing for a winter holiday with blue skies and azure waters, this is the place to come. With long, golden sandy beaches, epic sand dunes and a pleasant climate, the island is a great destination for the whole family on a winter villa holiday. The island has a slow pace and relaxed way of life, with excellent facilities in resort areas. If time allows, we recommend spending a day or two hiring a car and touring the island’s ancient fishing villages and mountainous interior.

The most popular resort on the island is Corralejo, which is positioned on the northern coast. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants and local markets, water sports enthusiasts and local entertainment. Despite being so popular with visitors, the resort has maintained to keep its unique character, and there’s plenty of sandy beaches to stretch out on. Temperatures on Fuerteventura rarely drop below 18°C in the winter, making it an ideal destination for a winter villa holiday in our Villa Lola, which comes complete with a private heated pool and a central location that’s just a 20 minute walk from Corralejo.

Away from the larger resorts and closer to the island’s airport, you’ll find the small fishing village of El Cotillo, which still offers a slow, tranquil pace and plenty of boutique shops, bars and restaurants, and a working fishing harbour. Here you’ll also find natural lagoons and unspoiled beaches just south of the village. On the Jandia peninsula, you’ll find the highest point of the island (the Pico de Zarza), and the island’s nature reserve, which has been home to wildlife for centuries, and offers plenty of nature trails to explore if you’re up for a hike.

Tenerife

Five million travellers head to Tenerife each year, making it the most popular destination in the Canary Islands. It is also the largest island in the archipelago, and easy to get to with just a four-hour flight time from London. The island is home to Mount Teide, an epic volcano that sits in the Teide National Park at a height of 12,200ft. Temperatures in Tenerife are a balmy 22°C in wintertime. However, the peaks of the Las Cañadas del Teide can get topped with snow in winter too, creating an incredible backdrop to winter holiday photos. It also gives visitors an excuse to trek Teide National Park in the snow during the morning, before heading back to the warm coastal resorts for a swim later in the day. If you don’t have a car to visit Teide National Park, there are plenty of coach trips to choose from, including some that visit at night to include stargazing and telescope experiences. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the largest variety of supra-Mediterranean flora and vegetation in the world. The park also gives visitors plenty of caves and lava tongues to explore.

If you’re thinking of a winter villa holiday with your loved ones, Tenerife has plenty in store for families. Visit Siam Park in Costa Adeje – a Thailand-themed water park that is open all year round. Here you’ll get water slides, a wave pool, lazy river and shark aquarium. Or how about Loro Zoo, with its penguins, flamingos, and dolphins? Or if a laid-back stroll is more your thing, why not visit the botanical gardens where you can enjoy time in nature surrounded by the beauty of waterfalls flowing into the sea, bamboo canes, sculptures, palms, succulents, and dragon trees.

Beach lovers are catered for too, with plenty of shores to choose from when it comes to sunbathing and water sports. When you feel like you can part from the heated pool of your luxury Villa Colibri, you can take a stroll around or sunbathe on Playa Jardin or the man-made golden beaches of Playa de Las Teresitas or Playa de las Américas. As evening descends, head to a local restaurant to sample some of the delicious gastronomy. We recommend local potatoes dressed with paprika, peppers and mojo sauce, Canarian stew made with local vegetables and fish, or island cheeses like Arico-Fasnia, Anaga, Teno and El Tanque.

Have we inspired you to book a winter holiday getaway? Why not take a look at some of our premium winter sun villa holidays in the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Tag: Winter sun

Which Canary Island is for you?