If you don’t want to travel far for winter sun, then the Spanish archipelago of Canary Islands is an ideal choice. Situated off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean there are ten islands, although just six are well know; Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma and La Gomera.

The average winter temperature in the Canaries is 20 degrees centigrade, with the south coastal areas being particularly warm during the winter especially in the south of each island. There are usually lots of cheap package holidays to the Canary Islands flying from the length and breadth of the UK (Gatwick to Glasgow). Charter flights are run by the numerous package companies, and there are also great bargains to be had with low cost carriers.

In little over four hours you can be in Tenerife, flying into either Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) airport or Los Rodeos Tenerife North. Enjoy the freedom to explore the island with a hire car allowing you the flexibility to travel where you want, when you want to! Tenerife’s Mount Teide or El Teide is Spain’s highest peak; a currently dormant volcano with staggering views on a clear day. Visit the island’s capital of Santa Cruz in the north with its endless tapas bars, cafes and restaurants, and during the winter, stay in Playa de las Americas in the south, a party hot spot during the summer but still a great place for dining and having fun, during the winter.

Closest to the African coast is Lanzarote, with a climate that is drier and hotter than the other Canary Islands due to its location and the fact that it is relatively flat. Lanzarote is also ideal for a whole host of watersports including kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Stay in the south of Gran Canaria for the best winter weather on the island as winter weather in the north can be wetter. Some of the best beaches are located here with the extensive dunes of Maspalomas being a “must visit”.

Fuerteventura’s weather is quite similar to Lanzarote although the winter weather does not vary as much throughout the island (north or south etc). Another great location for wind surfing based water sport activities!

The fourth largest of the Spanish Canary Islands, Lanzarote is only 37 miles long (north to south), 15.5 miles wide (east to west), and about seven miles away from neighbouring Fuerteventura. Lanzarote is known locally as “Conejera” and was created from hundreds of volcanoes erupting, although it is the flattest of the Canary Islands.

When you fly into Lanzarote you will land at Arrecife (ACE) airport. Do prebook your car hire with easyCar before leaving the UK to avoid disappointment.  As you drive to your resort you will not find any traffic lights, but many roundabouts! Drive on the right– but don’t ever park in front of the bins (they can be emptied at any time of the day or night)!

A holiday in Lanzarote is popular year round as its southern location brings mild winters.  Much of the landscape is sparse, although there are many rare and beautiful flowers and plants. Do visit the National Park of Timanfaya where the lunar landscape is a fascinating array of reds; camel-back rides or bus tours ensure you experience the real history and understand the geography of Lanzarote.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Sea, the island’s coast is ideal for kitesurfing, sailing and windsurfing.  There are many fantastic Lanzarote beaches which are white in the north around Playa Blanca and Papagayo, golden around Puerto del Carmen and black at Playa Quemada.

About five miles of beach stretches out in front of Puerto del Carmen, a very popular resort split into three areas. Matagorda offers a long sandy beach and is full of great restaurants and bars, with the Old Town an authentic location, where hidden tapas bars and shops can be found. Most people on holiday in Lanzarote head to the New Town or six kilometre Strip of Puerto del Carmen which is busting at the seams with eateries, bars, boutique stores, a large shopping centre, and of course amazing beaches where hosts of watersports are available.

Whilst smaller, the south eastern resort of Costa Teguise also offers everything a holiday maker could want. Small squares lined with bars and restaurants, a good selection of shops and three lovely beaches including Playa de las Cucharas which is popular with windsurfers.

Playa Blanca or White Beach, is the newest development on Lanzarote with many four and five star hotels. The magnificent Papagayo Beach is just four miles away. From here, you may hop on a boat for the 15 minute ride to Fuerteventura island from Marina Rubicon. Playa Blanca is probably best suited to families and couples looking to relax rather than party, although all the Lanzarote resorts are family friendly.

If you are looking to stay in a villa with private pool in Lanzarote, a low cost or luxury hotel such as the Gran Melia Volcan Lanzarote, or comfortable self catering apartments, there is a superb choice in and around the island’s resorts.