Author Archives: Joe Cawley

Best of the best of Tenerife’s beaches and sights

Las Teresitas beach in the north, Tenerife

Photo courtesy of Alberto Varela

Read on for the best of the best of Tenerife’s beaches and sights. Our Canary holidays’ expert, Joe Cawley, has done all the research so that you don’t have to.

Tenerife has long been a favourite for British holidaymakers, partly because of its wide-ranging appeal. From the bucket and spade brigade to culture buffs, there’s more than enough to keep even the most world-weary traveller enthused. From jaw-widening beaches to world class theme parks, and blindingly natural beauty to intriguing cultural treasures, the Canary Islands’ most celebrated sister has the lot. To help you plan your visit, read what others are saying about the best of Tenerife.

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Tagged: , , , Categorised: Canary Islands, Destinations, Exciting things to do, Expert views, Local Knowledge, Summer sun

Hassle Free Tenerife

Puesta de sol, Tenerife

Photo courtesy of Roberto Cacho

Planning a trip to Tenerife this winter? Our Canary holidays expert, Joe Cawley, gives you the insider information on planning, booking and enjoying a hassle free holiday you’ll never forget.

Tenerife is the best known Canary Island. Being the biggest Island, it attracts over 10 million visitors a year. There is much more to Tenerife than a hot climate, beaches and beer – there’s tropical forest walks, volcanic moonscape rock formations, fantastic food and 350km of coastline for starters.

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Tagged: , , , , Categorised: Canary Islands, Destinations, Expert views, Getting booked, Getting home, Getting there, Local etiquette and prices, Local Knowledge, Nuts and bolts, Summer sun, While you are away

Hassle Free Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria

Photo courtesy of bortescristian

Planning a trip to Gran Canaria this winter? Our Canary holidays expert, Joe Cawley, gives you the insider information on planning, booking and enjoying a hassle free holiday you’ll never forget.

They call it a continent in miniature due to its variety of landscapes, but it could also be called a holiday island on steroids such are the extreme possibilities of enjoyment. From full-on, bop-till-breakfast clubbing in the south to vertiginous mountain biking adventures along volcanic ridges, whatever your bag, Gran Canaria serves it up loud and large.

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Tagged: , , , , Categorised: Canary Islands, Destinations, Expert views, Getting booked, Getting home, Getting there, Local Knowledge, Nuts and bolts, Summer sun, Transfers and transport, While you are away

Best of the best of Gran Canaria – beaches and sights

The emblematic Roque Nublo, with Tenerife’s Mount Teide

Photo courtesy of Juan Ramon Rodriguez Sosa

Planning a trip to Gran Canaria? Our Canary holidays expert Joe Cawley has reviewed the reviews to find the best beaches and sights that the island has to offer. So sit back, read and relax. We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.

There’s no doubt that Gran Canaria offers some eye-catching sandy stretches in the south, but to visit the island without venturing away from your beach towel would be a crime. Twisting roads snake inland to a whole different world where villages cling to the sides of dizzying canyons, cave dwellings hide behind clusters of palm trees and pine forests shade a network of hike and bike trails, while in the north, incredible archaeological sites share pavement space with fresh fish restaurants.

There’s no way to make the most of Gran Canaria without a little pre-planning, so see what others online are saying and then take your pick.

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Tagged: , , , , Categorised: Canary Islands, Destinations, Exciting things to do, Expert views, Local Knowledge, Summer sun

Best of the best of Lanzarote

Manrique’s lounge in the Cesar Manrique Foundation, Lanzarote

Photo courtesy of tribaldo

The absolute best of Canary holidays and beyond – we review the reviews so you know exactly where to go and what to do on your holiday to Lanzarote.

For such a small island, Lanzarote packs a heck of a punch when it comes to things to do. Places like Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen provide the full gamut of holiday amenities but drag yourself away from these sandy playgrounds and you’ll find landscapes so dramatic they unhinge your jaw, secluded coves so idyllic you’ll want to plant a flag and claim them as your own, and sugar cube villages so perfect you’ll be tempted to shred your return ticket into confetti. With so many secrets and so much to explore, a little local knowledge can help with planning. This is what others are saying about things to see and do in Lanzarote.

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Tagged: , , , , Categorised: Canary Islands, Destinations, Exciting things to do, Expert views, Nuts and bolts, Summer sun, While you are away

I couldn’t live without… my multi-pocket vest

multi-pocket vest (x-ray view)

multi-pocket vest (x-ray view)

What are the things you always take on your holiday with you? We asked experts and our customers what they couldn’t live without on holiday. Our Canaries expert, Joe Cawley explains what he couldn’t live without on a winter sun holiday.

Being a gadget freak, there are many things that I can’t live without on holiday: my iPhone, noise reducing headphones and my Kindle to name just a few. But to really earn a place on every packing list, the item in question must be multi-functional, especially on a winter sun holiday when space is rapidly consumed by JICs (Just In Cases) such as jumpers or light coats. My don’t-leave-home-without-it item is an ingenious vest with multiple pockets. Let me explain how it works.

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Tagged: , , Categorised: Expert views

Hassle Free Lanzarote

hassle free Lanzarote

Photo courtesy of GanMed64 on Flickr

Planning a trip to Lanzarote this winter? Our Canary holidays expert, Joe Cawley, gives you the insider information on planning, booking and enjoying a hassle free holiday you’ll never forget.

There’s no denying that most people head to Lanzarote for the year-round sunshine. But what else does this particular Canary have to sing about? Well, lots actually.

Yes, the coastline features phenomenally wide swathes of powdery pale sand, but it also features tiny fishing villages where lunch is served pretty much straight from the boat, cliffs that plunge high from the overhead blue into aquamarine waters below, and more water sports than you can shake a snorkel at. You’ll also find theme parks, adventure sports and spectacular attractions fashioned by Mother Nature’s volcanic fury and creatively styled by local hero Cesar Manrique. With all the conveniences and comforts you’d expect from a modern resort, places like Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca act as base camp for excursions above, below and into the extraterrestrial landscapes of Lanzarote.

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Tagged: , , , Categorised: Canary Islands, Destinations, Local Knowledge, Nuts and bolts
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