Typically teeming with tourists, this Spanish resort takes on a totally different look during the winter months. The Canary Islands have long been a favourite destination for people from the UK, owing to their year-round sunny weather, affordable drinks, stunning beaches, and close proximity to the UK.
Last year, the Spanish archipelago, situated off the northwestern coast of Africa, welcomed an impressive 15.5 million international tourists. The majority were drawn to Tenerife – the largest island known for the renowned Siam Waterpark and vibrant nightlife – while Gran Canaria was a close second, attracting 6.2 million and 4 million overseas visitors respectively.
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The bustling resort of Playa del Ingles, renowned for its golden sands stretching nearly three kilometres and popularity among tourists, is often teeming with beachgoers, volleyball enthusiasts, and surfers, making it one of the island’s ‘most visited and crowded’ spots, reports the Mirror.
However, a TikTok user by the name of Explore Canary has revealed a surprisingly serene scene at this usually packed destination. The video depicts a tranquil beach, devoid of the typical sunbeds and throngs of people.
The accompanying caption on the post reads: “Today, 3 February, [it’s] 24! ” and continues with “Good start for this month. Are you going to Gran Canaria in February?”
Despite the year-round appeal of the Canary Islands to British holidaymakers, the months of February and March are considered off-peak, resulting in significantly fewer visitors. This means more beach space, quieter evenings, and the luxury of dining without needing to book ahead.
The mercury is set to soar higher than the usual 18-19C around this time of year, with some days expected to be even toastier. “While there may be occasional showers, they are typically short-lived, and the majority of days remain sunny and dry,” said travel experts at TUI.
“This makes February an excellent time to explore the island’s natural beauty, including its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and picturesque villages.”
People looking for a winter escape can jet off from major UK airports such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow, with direct flights to Gran Canaria in February. For those who are date-flexible, bargain return flights can be snapped up for as little as £33 just remember to pack a jumper for the cooler evenings!
It comes as the government of Gran Canaria has initiated a public consultation asking residents for their views on the island’s tourism model. The 11-question survey will be available until the end of February (28th) and has already sparked discussions about a potential hotel ‘ban’.