Canary Islands: It's a wrap!

Well... we said goodbye to the Canary Islands on Sunday. Overall, we couldn't be more pleased with our choice for a first destination. We spent the month of February in Gran Canaria and only scratched the surface. The diversity is staggering—you can experience a completely different climate, atmosphere, and geography just by driving thirty minutes in any direction.

Would we go back? Absolutely. As I write this from our new 'home' in Javea on the Spanish mainland, it’s raining and decidedly not warm. It’s a reminder that even in the South of Europe, winter is real. For those living in the gray north, the Canaries are the ultimate Vitamin D escape. It’s the same way those of us from the Pacific Northwest view Hawaii or Mexico—it’s the reliable sun-drenched sanctuary when you need to remember what the sun feels like.

We were continually impressed by the logistics of island life. The public transportation (Guaguas) is efficient, the ferries are seamless, and the inter-island flights are a breeze. Even the roads are in fantastic shape—which is no small feat when you realize they are carved into the sides of volcanic mountains. The maintenance must be a Herculean, non-stop effort.

I think the question you all might be interested in is 'Should I visit?' 

Here is our honest take. If you are a first-time traveler to Europe looking for the 'Classic European' experience—cobblestones, cathedrals, the Louvre, or the Roman Forum—this might not be your primary stop.

However, if you are looking for an active adventure, the Canaries are a paradise. Whether you want to road cycle up volcanic peaks, surf world-class breaks, kiteboard in the dunes, or hike through prehistoric forests, this is your place. You can choose the high-energy tourist hubs of the south or branch out to the smaller islands for a unique, rugged experience unlike anywhere else in our travels. If you are thinking about a stop over here, be sure to reach out and we'll help you however we can.