Discovering the Canary Islands: La Palma and Beyond

As a Spanish individual with a penchant for exploring the lesser-known attractions of my homeland, I have a particular affection for the island of La Palma. With its rich geological and natural treasures, it offers a unique charm that is unmatched in the Canary Islands. Similarly, La Gomera also possesses remarkable natural assets that make it a delightful destination. Although traveling abroad is currently difficult, we can still reminisce about our past foreign holidays and look forward to future adventures.

Exploring the Canary Islands

Throughout my life, I have visited the Canary Islands five times. The first visit to Gran Canaria in 1993 was primarily to attend a gathering of enthusiasts who had a shared interest in short wave radio broadcasts. However, I managed to make it a holiday by exploring the island’s various attractions. Since then, I have had the pleasure of visiting four of the seven Canary Islands – Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria – as well as making a day trip to the smaller island of La Gomera.

Favorite Destinations and Experiences

I found that our family holidays on Fuerteventura in February 2006 were especially memorable due to the island's vast open spaces and the serene environment. I thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Corralejo, which was exceptionally well-suited to vacationers seeking a tranquil getaway.

My experiences on Gran Canaria, on the other hand, were less than ideal. After a 15-year absence, I returned to find that the island had become overdeveloped, detracting from its natural beauty. Additionally, I found that a favorite restaurant from my first visit was no longer available. Accommodation during this second visit also fell short of expectations.

Evolving Travel Experiences and Operators

Each of the four holidays I enjoyed in the Canary Islands was arranged by a different tour operator: Direct Holidays, Airtours, Thomson (a.k.a. Tui), and Thomas Cook. These trips were typically routine and mass-market package holidays, though they provided a pleasant and relaxing experience. However, the day when my return flight was delayed by about five hours and I missed a good night's sleep was a not-so-pleasant memory.

Interestingly, the issues with accommodation and the delayed flight with Thomas Cook ultimately led me to choose different tour operators for future trips. Thomas Cook's decline into compulsory liquidation in 2019 serves as a testament to the changes in the travel industry over the years.

Conclusion and Future Aims

While my experiences in the Canary Islands were predominantly positive, there is still a keen desire to explore the lesser-known islands, such as La Palma and Hierro. These islands hold unique geological and natural treasures that make them worth visiting. As travel restrictions ease, I look forward to revisiting and discovering new wonders in the Canary Islands.