Britons seeking a winter escape do not have to travel far for sunny getaways. The Canary Islands, typically popular in the summer, still offer pleasant weather in winter with temperatures ranging from 20 to 24 degrees in December. Tenerife, the largest of the Canaries, is just a four-hour flight from the UK, providing a perfect retreat from the gloomy British climate. While beach lounging may not be ideal, the island offers scenic walks and outdoor relaxation opportunities.
Despite the non-traditional climate, Tenerife embraces the festive spirit with the San Cristobal de La Laguna Christmas Market, running from December 10th to New Year’s Eve. The market showcases artisan stalls featuring local crafts made from volcanic stone, banana fiber, and traditional Canarian embroidery. Visitors can find unique souvenirs and Christmas decorations inspired by the island’s landscape, including special nativity scenes called “belenes.”
The Christmas market is located in the UNESCO-recognized town center of Tenerife, known for its charming streets and budget-friendly eateries serving classic Canarian dishes. Food enthusiasts can indulge in specialties like “bienmesabe” (sweet almond dessert), “papas arrugadas” with mojo sauce, and festive waffle ice cream. Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and British Airways offer direct flights to Tenerife, while Marella Cruises provide alternative festive season experiences with stops in the Canary Islands.
Marella Cruises’ CEO, Chris Hackney, notes the increasing popularity of Tenerife as a winter sun destination, with a significant rise in bookings for longer stays and back-to-back cruises in the Canary Islands. However, travelers should be cautious around December 28th, as the island observes a playful April Fools Day-like atmosphere, with newspapers and locals engaging in pranks. So, visitors should take everything with a grain of salt during this time.
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