While the cold and rain mark the European winter, there is a destination just a few hours from Portugal where temperatures remain at 24°C and the sun shines almost every day. The Canary Islands, in Spain, have become a refuge for thousands of British tourists looking to extend their summer, according to the Daily Express newspaper.
Located in the Atlantic, off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are known for their mild climate and extensive beaches. The archipelago is made up of seven main islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
During the months of October to February, average temperatures vary between 22 °C and 26 °C, with the sea at around 23 °C. Even when the rest of Europe faces short, cold days, in the Canaries the scenery is one of constant sun, full terraces and always inviting sea.
Favorite refuge for tourists from Northern Europe
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the archipelago is described by the same source as the “most reliable winter destination” in Europe. Many Brits exchange the fog of London and Manchester for the beaches of Maspalomas, in Gran Canaria, or the golden dunes of Corralejo, in Fuerteventura.
Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain, is one of the most visited places, allowing you to observe the archipelago from 3,700 meters above sea level.
Destination just a few hours from Portugal
In addition to the climate, the short distance is one of the factors that can attract Portuguese visitors. Direct flights from Lisbon, Porto and Faro take just over two hours, and travel costs tend to be lower during autumn and winter. Companies such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Binter Canarias maintain regular connections throughout the year.
October and November are considered ideal months to visit, as the beaches are quieter and accommodation and restaurant prices are lower compared to summer. It is also at this time that the best conditions for observing whales and dolphins off the islands are recorded.
Christmas on the beach and 24°C days
While cities like Madrid drop to 10°C in November, the Canaries continue to experience a true summer climate, according to . Many visitors choose to spend Christmas and New Year by the sea, swapping their coat for a swimsuit.
With bright days and mild nights, the archipelago has become a symbol of the European “winter of sunshine”. The constant good weather, combined with local hospitality and the offer of affordable flights, may explain why so many British people choose this destination to escape the cold.
The Canary Islands therefore remain one of the most popular options in Europe during the winter, combining accessibility, high temperatures and landscapes reminiscent of summer, even in the middle of December.
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