In dire need of some winter sun? Day-dreaming of dipping your toes in crystal clear waters, and spending your evening sipping cocktails in a beach bar? Well, there’s one EU seaside town that ticks all of those boxes – and you’ve may have even heard of it. Every year, a whopping 14.1 million tourists travel to the Canary Islands for sun, booze, and a little bit of culture – with Brits leading the way by far.
Almost half (5.8 million) will flock to Tenerife – the archipelago’s biggest island – followed by Gran Canaria (four million), while three million will visit the volcanic island of Lanzarote. Hotspots like Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, Playa Blanca, and Playa Honda are all popular towns on the island – filled with restaurants, cafes, night clubs, and shops. But, there’s one area that often gets overlooked, even though it received royal-approval from the King of Spain himself. Introducing: Costa Teguise.
“Back when it was built in the 1970s, Costa Teguise – on Lanzarote’s southeast coast – was like a magnet for affluent Spanish families,” travel brand TUI said. “Things have gone from strength-to-strength, too, and today even King Carlos of Spain has a place here. Thankfully sun-seekers don’t have to wait for the royal nod to enjoy the sandy beaches, top-class windsurfing and family-friendly nightlife.”
Costa Teguise boast five golden sandy beaches, all joined up by a promenade that’s filled with shops and eateries. You might feel the breeze here, but there are certain coastal spots that offer a little more shelter, like the horseshoe bay o Playa Jablillo. If lounging on a beach all day doesn’t sound like your idea of heaven, head over to the acclaimed Costa Teguise Aquapark for a family-fun day out. Or, work on your swing at the 18-hole golf that runs adjacent to an old volcano.
This town is also an ideal base for exploring the island. You’re just a 17 minute drive to the historical capital off Teguise, a stone’s throw from the iconic Casa Lagomar – previously owned by Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, and just 20 minutes from Jameos del Agua, a lava tunnel that’s been transformed into a restaurant and concert hall.
“It’s pretty mild [in February], but it’s a good idea to bring along a jumper or light jacket for the evenings,” TUI added. “The average daily maximum is 22 C and the average daily minimum is 14 C. There is a 64 per cent chance of a perfect sunny day and a 36 per cent chance of seeing some clouds, with on average 9mm of rainfall this month.”
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You can get direct flights to Lanzarote’s Arrecife from most major UK airports, including Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester and London. If you’re somewhat flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £35 in February.
Costa Teguise offers a variety of accommodation depending on your budget and needs. For example, a luxury beachfront hotel called the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort will set you back a whopping £1,168. This is based on two people sharing a room for one week, from Monday, February 3 – 10. If you’re looking or something a less expensive, a holiday home called Casa Bora Bora is available on the same dates for less than half the price (£403).
What’s your favourite hotspot in the Canary Islands? Let us know in the comments section below