The Canary Islands have been in travel news a lot lately, thanks to the upcoming launch of direct air service from Toronto and Montreal in late October with both Air Canada and Transat.
And not only are the islands more accessible now (about a 7.5-hour non-stop flight from Canada), but their array of beaches, activities and cultural experiences may just tempt sun-starved Canucks from more traditional beach destinations.
The Canary Islands are found in the Atlantic Ocean, some 100 km off the coast of Morocco, meaning the islands’ temperature averages a pleasant 23 °C year-round.
Each of the seven islands has its own character, and Tenerife is famed for being home to the highest mountain in all of Spain (Mt. Teide), home to one of the world's largest carnivals.
Home to fine beaches and welcoming resorts of all sizes, the island is popular with history and museum buffs, foodies, and, of course, sunseekers.
For an authentic glimpse into island life, it’s suggested that visitors drop into the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África food market.
Tenerife is also home to Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga), with its craggy valleys, steep rock faces and dense forests making it a hiker’s dream.
Best of all, at 2,000 sq. km, Tenerife is about one-third the size of Prince Edward Island, so you’re never too far from the ocean.
Open Jaw had the opportunity to learn more about the island at a recent media gathering at Bar Raval, a tapas bar on the College Street hip strip in downtown Toronto.
Our host was Monica Reneda Robleda, Commercial Director of Spring Hotels. A mini-chain of six distinctive Spanish-owned hotels all on Tenerife, Spring clearly is all about bringing personality to the hotel scene rather than cookie-cutter sameness.
Guests at the luncheon were able to experience a culinary preview of the island with a generous tapas spread ranging from squid and shrimp to noodles and Basque-style cheesecake.
Interestingly, there is a very active wine scene in Tenerife, where red, white and rosé are all showcased. The volcanic soil and the vines' age create a unique flavour, while the photogenic wineries are a must-see for many tourists.
Visitors who are really into wine - and some come to the island just for that – love touring the vineyards, said Reneda-Robleda.
This winter’s Air Canada service will be nonstop to Tenerife (TFS) twice weekly from YYZ and once weekly from YUL.
Learn more about Tenerife and the Spring Hotels collection here.
