The Bird of Paradise - Emblem of The Canary Islands

Named after the flower's resemblance to the bird of paradise, this striking plant is closely associated with the Canary Islands.  Strelitzia is the correct name for this plant, and is also sometimes known as the crane flower as well [in South Africa]. 

The leaves of the flower are similar in shape to the banana leaf and form a fan-like crown to the flower which is pollinated by sunbirds.  Due to its architectural features, the plant is often used in flower arrangements, especially as they have a long flowering period of from September through to May.

Let's Go to Guia de Isora in Tenerife

Guia de Isora [image courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Abama]

You may be doing some research on which resort you would like to stay in on your Tenerife holiday and come across the small resort, or market town, of Guia de Isora.

Located in the western part of Tenerife, between Buenavista del Norte in the north and Playa de las Americas in the south, Guia de Isora is inland. When you visit you will adore the tiny streets, squares and houses. There is also evidence of this town's past in the old ovens dotted around the town in which bread and tiles were made.

Adults Only Holidays in the Canary Islands

If your idea of holiday-hell is to spend your well-earned break in a hotel full of other people's children making constant noise, then Corona Holidays have it covered!

We understand that some adults like to relax in peace and quiet without children running around, and have put together a selection of ADULTS ONLY hotels in the Canary Islands. So, take it easy with a quiet swim in the pool, pick up a book, enjoy a cocktail or two, or simply relax in a spa - the choice is yours.  Of course we have lots more to choose from, but just show a small selection below.

Garachico in Tenerife : Ideas for your Holiday

 

Garachico is located on the north coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and is well known for its historic buildings and traditional-style houses with ornate wooden balconies.

For a  relatively small town, you will still find lots of things to see and do on your holiday in Garachico, and we have set out below what you could do in a typical day in this traditional Tenerife location.

Some Things to do on your Tenerife Holiday

Bored of lounging on the beach, or swimming in the hotel pool?  We have some unusual things for you to do whilst on your holiday in Tenerife including hiking in Masca, seeing the oldest and largest Dragon Tree, visiting Tenerife's Auditorio and even walking around some pyramids!

Go Hiking in Masca

Head to the eastern part of the island to what is known as the prettiest village in Tenerife - Masca.  Located approximately 8km north of Los Gigantes, check with your hotel reception to find out where you need to catch the bus in order to get here.   Expect some steep and winding roads on your way, but you will be rewarded by old stone houses, palm trees and steep ravines down to the sea below.  With a population of around 100 people, this is a quiet village [when all the tourists have gone] and lots of the houses have been converted into tiny shops and restaurants. 

Tenerife Holidays - Leaving the Beaches Behind

The island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands is just as well known for its pretty towns and rural villages as it is for its beach resorts.   Join us as we take you on a brief tour of our top 10 inland towns and villages; often overlooked by the first-time visitor to Tenerife.

Christopher Columbus and The Canary Islands

 

Who was Christopher Columbus?

Christopher Columbus [Cristobal Colon in Spanish], explorer and navigator, was born in 1451 in Genoa, Italy and by the age of 25 made his first voyage into the Atlantic when his fleet was attacked by the French, his vessel set alight, and he had to swim to the nearby Portuguese shore to save his life.

Here he settled, married and had a son. But following the death of his wife, he moved to Spain and took part in several other expeditions to Africa and learned about the currents around the Canary Islands.

Fuerteventura Beaches - Deserts by the Sea

Fuerteventura - Endless Beaches and Transparent Waters

If you are travelling to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, then you will be greeted by an equal amount of sunshine and sand. Fuerteventura beaches are plentiful around the island, with over 160 beaches to choose from.  A variety of watersports are enjoyed in Fuerteventura, including windsurfing and kiteboarding and with the island named after the "fuerte" [strong] "viento" [wind], Fuerteventura lives up to its name particularly during the summer when the island becomes a haven for surfers.

We will spend a short time taking you to just a few of the more popular beaches in Fuerteventura which may help you in deciding where you would like to go next time you visit this lovely destination.
 

Hotels in Tenerife - A Touch of Tradition

Emblematico San Agustin Hotel - Icod de los Vinos

Think of a typical hotel in Tenerife, and you will probably conjure up a vision of a large, modern building with lots of marble and clean lines, located in a busy resort within a short distance of the sea.  

However, we are finding that more and more people are turning to the more traditional style Tenerife hotel, normally housed in an old building with lots of wood, intricately carved balconies, cosy bedrooms and patios adorned with palms.

With this in mind, join us while we take you around 5 individual hotels - all located in different resorts, to see if we can tempt you.

Visit Teide National Park in Tenerife

Mount Teide in Tenerife

When travelling around the island of Tenerife, you will not fail to notice Mount Teide and decide that you would like to find out more about it.   Head to Parque Nacional del Teide [Teide National Park] and you will not be disappointed.  A great day out for all the family there is plenty to do on this popular tour.

Covering 189sq km, the whole park lies above 2,000m and is strictly prohibited from development.  You can visit by car, coach, by bike and even by foot on one of the numerous smaller tracks. If you have a head for heights, take the cable car [teleferico] up to 163m below the summit.

A Spanish Self-Catering Holiday Will Cost Less

Make your Euro go further

According to a report produced by the Post Office, the best places for value for money on a self-catering holiday are resorts in Costa Blanca, Lanzarote, Menorca and Mallorca.   

It transpires that the Spanish resorts are far cheaper for tourists to carry out their self-catering shop than resorts in other European resorts in Corfu, Turkey, Crete and Cyprus.    The only other destination to come in the top results was The Algarve in Portugal.

Roca Negra Hotel and Spa in Gran Canaria

Roca Negra Hotel and Spa

We have just added to our portfolio of spa hotels, the Roca Negra Hotel and Spa in Gran Canaria.

Located in the quiet resort of Agaete [in the northwestern part of the island], this is an ideal getaway for holidaymakers looking for a peaceful break at a hotel with all modern facilities and lots of activities to hand if you wish.  It is 4 star hotel with only 87 rooms and a mere 5 minutes walk to the local pebbly beach.

Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis Hotel Changes Its Name

As of 8 May, the Riu Grand Palace Maspalomas Oasis Hotel changed its name to simply the Riu Palace Oasis and is now a 4.5 star hotel.

This follows recent news that although Riu had been granted a provisional demolition permit for the hotel and a building permit for the new hotel, they were presented with a statement from the island government of Gran Canaria advising that the area surrounding the hotel was environmentally protected.   Due to this, Riu will have to present a new proposal.


Riu Palace Oasis Hotel in Maspalomas

In the meantime, the newly named Riu Palace Oasis is open as normal.

The hotel is located just 100m from the nearest beach, accessible by walking through the garden complex.  In the hotel grounds you will find a swimming pool, a children's pool, snack/pool bar, sun lounges and parasols, whirlpool.  There is also a sauna, jacuzzi, gym and for an additional fee you can enjoy the use of the health and spa centre.  There is an entertainment programme for adult and children [including a mini club and playground] with live music being held during the week.

All of the 332 rooms and suites come with air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, direct dial telephone, satellite/cable TV with music channels, minibar, safe and balcony or terrace.

If you would like more details on the Riu Palace Oasis Hotel, just click here for a full description.  You can also book online, but for a more competitive quotation just give Corona Holidays a call on 0800 5 677688 [or if you are calling from a mobile you will need 01582 421117] and we will be delighted to take you call.

ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria to Undergo Facelift

The ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria in the resort of Meloneras, Gran Canaria is to undergo a Euros 20 million facelift shortly.

ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria in Meloneras

The Hotel will close in April and the refurbishment programme will last through to July when it is planned to re-open with a new children's pool with water games, new bars and restaurants so it may be a great time to book early for when the Hotel re-opens for the school summer holidays.

The complex is ideal for families as it offers a 24 hour all inclusive programme and is located right next to the beach.  The activities during the day include table tennis, aerobics, shuffle board, bowls, mini golf, squash, bowling, darts, rifle shooting, volleyball, golf and aquatic games for people of all ages.   There is also an art workshop as well as a fitness centre.

In the evening you are entertained by shows, live music and a disco so there is no need to leave the complex as there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy.   However, if you want to have a change of scene, then you can take a stroll to the nearby resort of Maspalomas [only 900m from the Hotel] and enjoy the famous sand dunes that can be found here.

So if you are interested in staying at the ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria following its facelift then give us a call on 01582 421117 or on 0800 5 677688. 

Hotel inTenerife is Awarded 6th Best Hotel in Spain

With the recent announcement of the Top 25 Hotels in Spain by TripAdvisor, one of Tenerife's 5 star hotels has been placed at number 6.  This is the Hotel Botanico and The Oriental Spa Garden in Puerto de la Cruz, and is ranked as the top hotel in the resort out of 81 by the review site.

Hotel Botanico and The Oriental Spa Garden

 

Customers have made the following comments about the hotel :

• The perfect getaway
• Lovely spacious hotel
• The hotel with everything
• My favourite hotel
• Great hotel with good spa

What can you expect if you book to stay in this 5 star prestigious hotel?  First of all, you know that you will be experiencing a touch of luxury as this was not only the first hotel in the Canary Islands to become a member of the luxury hotel group "The Leading Hotels of the World".  You will also be holidaying at a hotel where VIPs have stayed over the years including Julio Inglesias, Gloria Estefan, The King and Queen of Spain, Bill Clinton and Michael Jackson.

The Hotel Botanico and The Oriental Spa Garden is located in the resort of Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife and is in the quiet area of La Paz which is close to the Botanical Gardens. The centre of the resort and the beach are only 1.5km from the hotel and you can utilise the hotel's shuttle bus service to gain access to the centre with its selection of bars, restaurants and shops.

We currently have early booking discounts available for you for stays up to the end of October.   All you need to do is book 90 days in advance for a 15% discount, or 60 days in advance for a 10% discount.  So, if you would like to experience a stay at the hotel which won 6th place in the Top Hotels in Spain then give us a call on Freephone 0800 5 677688 [or it will be 01582 421117 from a mobile] and we will be delighted to talk through prices with you. 

Canary Islands Beaches in Top 10 in Spain for 2013

2 of the beaches in the Canary Islands have been voted into the top 10 Spanish Beaches for 2013 as shown in Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice.

Playa de Cofete, Fuerteventua

Voted in at number 6 is Playa de Cofete, Morro de Jable in Fuerteventura with following comments being made:

• Golden, clean sand. Huge waves. Crystal clear water. Fabulous beach.
• Superb beach
• Wild beach, very windy with big waves
• Feels like the end of the world with amazing scenery
• Incredible views with a beach that goes on forever with stunning mountains as a backdrop 
• Great secluded beach

Voted in at number 10 is Playa de Las Canteras in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria with the following comments being made:

• Clean and sunny beach
• Good flat surface for walking alongside the beach, lots of restaurants and cafes
• Clean and beautiful with changing tides, natural breakwater and clean yellow sand
• The most beautiful and clean beach in any city
• Soft sand, very clean and lovely waves.
• Not crowded

So with both Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria featuring the top 10, how about a stay in or around the resorts so that you see them for yourselves?

A Holiday in La Graciosa - The Forgotten Canary Island

When you think of the Canary Islands, you can probably name at least 3 or 4 of them.  However, the majority of people have never heard of La Graciosa.

A holiday in La Graciosa [known as the "gracious islands"] means spending a relaxing and quiet time on one of the jewels in the Canary Islands' crown.  With stunning beaches and pale soft sand, you can laze by crystal clear water and sometimes not see another person for hours - ideal for getting rid of the stresses of everyday life.  Some visitors to La Graciosa may find a day long enough to wind down, but for those seeking long-term peace a quiet a week may be just the ticket. 

La Graciosa in The Canary Islands

The island is technically is islet, and is located off Orzola in the northernmost part of the larger Canary Island of Lanzarote. This is where you will need to go in order to catch a ferry for the very short trip over to La Graciosa.  Whilst on the island, one of the first things you will notice is the lack of roads, with only the locals owning 4-wheeled drive vehicles being able to get around on the dirt tracks.  Don't worry - you will be able to get around on foot or on bicycle and with the island being only 27km square you will soon get to see many of the stunning, secluded spots dotted around.  Bicycles can be hired for around 8 euros per day from the hire shop located by the ferry dock.

There is only one village on La Graciosa - Caleta del Sebo - which is where the ferry from Lanzarote docks.   You will find some fabulous fish restaurants in the village where you can try the traditional stew or a seafood paella, but remember to book a table in the morning for that night's dinner to avoid queues.

For the beach lover, take a walk [a good hour away from Caleta del Sebo] to Playa de las Conchas. This is the most picturesque of all the beaches on La Graciosa and has views over the smaller islets of Montana Clara, Roque del Este, and Alegranza.  However, beware as this sea here can have strong currents and waves.    There are 2 excellent beaches closer to the village - namely Playa Francesa [30 minute walk] and Playa de las Cocinas.  Both these beaches are more sheltered than Playa de las Conchas, and still benefit from wonderful views over to Lanzarote.

So if you would like to unwind on a holiday in La Graciosa, we can arrange a stay at the El Sombrerito Apartments in Caleta del Sebo located only 50m from the shore and only 5 minutes walk from the ferry.  A small complex of 7 apartments [1 or 2 bedrooms], the complex does get booked up fairly quickly due to the fact that there is not a lot of holiday accommodation on La Graciosa.

Visit the New Forestal Park on your Tenerife Holiday

Great news for people on their holiday in Tenerife - there is a new outdoor adventure park called Forestal Park which is the first of its kind to be found on this lovely island in The Canaries.

What is Forestal Park?
If you like the idea of tree climbing, then this is the place for you and will make a great day out for the whole family whilst on holiday in Tenerife.  The Park has 2 circuits, one of which has been purpose built for families and the other for the more adventurous visitor.  The circuits reach the dizzy heights of 80m and features 30m high wooden platforms from where your can admire the views, grab the opportunity for a breather, or take one of the many ziplines that stretch for 200m.  If you are eager for more, then there are over 90 games that can be played - all above the ground.

Forestal Adventure Park in Tenerife

 

Where is Forestal Park?

The Park is located in La Esperanza nature reserve - known as Bosque de la Esperanza - which can be found in the northern part of Tenerife just south of the quiet resort of La Laguna, and west of Santa Cruz de Tenerife [the capital of Tenerife].  The forest does offer wonderful walking trails and is a favourite place for the local people to come an enjoy a picnic or take a walk.  In fact, the forest spreads for a distance of approximately 12km, and is Tenerife's largest pine forest.

Did you know?

Bosque de la Esperanza is famous for the fact that it was here that General Franco met fellow army officers in 1936 in the build up to the Spanish Civil War.  Look for an obelisk on your walks which marks the site of this fateful meeting, known as Las Raices.

So if you are interested in visiting Forestal Park, the prices start from 22 euros for adults [from 13 years old] and from 13 euros for children [6-12 years old - with minimum height of 1.10m].  For ideas on where to stay in a resort close to the adventure park, just give us a call on
Freephone 0800 5 677688 or its 01582 421117 from a mobile.

Which adventure parks have you visited in the Canary Islands? Leave a comment to let everyone know about it.

New Flights to the Canaries and Balearics

Summer 2013 will see lots of new flights being added to departure timetables for a few flight operators from the UK.

New Flights to the Balearic Islands
COSMOS has added services from East Midlands airport to Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca and from Leeds Bradford airport to Mallorca and Menorca
RYANAIR has added services from East Midlands to Menorca from April

Paradores in The Canary Islands

For a complete change, why not consider staying at a one of the Canary Islands' Paradores for a chance to experience another side of Spain other than sun, sand and sangria.

With more than 90 hotels across Spain and the Canary Islands, many of the Paradores [sometimes seen as Paradors] are restored castles, palaces and country houses, or even converted monasteries and convents. Others are more modern and can be found in remote areas of coastline or in national parks.   The Paradores are government owned and due to the current economic crisis being experienced by Spain, this may mean that some or all of the hotels might be sold.