- Let's take a look at the map
- How New Year is celebrated in the Canary Islands
- Useful information for travelers
Since the 90s of the last century, the Canary Islands have served as a symbol of the successful life of an accomplished Russian person. Today, the Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations for those who prefer a relaxing holiday without wild exoticism against the backdrop of magnificent natural landscapes. The archipelago is often called the islands of eternal spring, and on New Year's Eve, many Russian travelers arrive in the Canary Islands, who decided to celebrate their favorite holiday in warmth and comfort.
Let's take a look at the map
The islands are located in latitudes with a tropical climate, but surrounded on all sides by the sea, they are affected by special winds and ocean currents. The northern islands look greener and cooler, while the southern islands look deserted and dry. During the winter holidays, it is worth choosing tours in Tenerife, because this particular island is suitable for a beach holiday at any time of the year:
- The only European resort where, even at the height of the Christmas holidays, the thermometers do not drop below + 22 ° C, Tenerife owes such weather to warm ocean currents. Thanks to them, the air does not cool down even at the height of the calendar winter. In the evening and at night, you will need a light sweater or jacket, as the air temperature drops to + 17 ° C.
- The water temperature on the beaches of Tenerife resorts in December-January is + 19 ° C and even slightly higher. A bit fresh, but you can swim during the whole winter break.
By the way, winter in the Canaries is considered a low season and the cost of tours, hotels and restaurant services is significantly reduced. But on Christmas and New Years, the Canary Islands come to life and become extremely popular, and therefore it is advisable to take care of booking a trip in advance.
How New Year is celebrated in the Canary Islands
The festive marathon kicks off in the archipelago on December 25, when Catholic Christmas hits the country. However, preparations for the holidays begin long before the cherished date. Already in the last days of November, festive illumination appears on the streets of cities, Christmas markets and bazaars open, and housewives begin to think about what dishes to include in the Christmas and New Year's menu.
Usually, the main celebrations fall on Christmas, when the whole family gathers at the table and pays tribute to the elders and the hostess, who prepared a baked duck, turkey or rabbit for the occasion. Young people usually do not set the New Year's table, as they prefer to celebrate the holiday in a restaurant, bar or nightclub. The older generation can gather for a glass of wine at someone's home and fulfill an old custom, without which the New Year in the Canaries and throughout Spain does not come. The essence of the ceremony is that everyone should eat 12 grapes together with the striking of the clock and make a dozen wishes at the same time. Their performance depends entirely on the Spaniard's ability to quickly swallow berries. After the chimes announced the coming of the next year, festive fireworks begin in the squares and streets, often thundering until the morning.
If you decide to book a table at a restaurant in Tenerife or on other islands and celebrate the New Year in the company of like-minded people, be prepared for the fact that the cost of a festive dinner starts from 100 euros. The price includes several festive dishes, an entertainment program, and a minimum of drinks, which can always be ordered additionally
During the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Canaries hosts many theatrical performances and processions, in which tourists can also take part. Costumed shows are usually devoted to some hot topic.
If you like the islands so much that you decide to stay on them for a month or two, you will have a chance to wait for the Carnival in Tenerife. It is held on the eve of Lent and is considered the second largest and most spectacular in the world, after the famous Brazilian one
You can spend the rest of the New Year holidays on exciting excursions and trips. Popular activities on the islands include flamenco shows, famous Spanish wine tastings, and water park adventures, and the most active tourists will appreciate the opportunities for paragliding, surfing and diving.
Useful information for travelers
Aeroflot will help you get to the Canary Islands with direct flights from Moscow, and many European airlines with connecting flights:
- Aeroflot is traditionally expensive and the cost of round-trip tickets for the New Year holidays in Tenerife will be at least 800 euros. Travel time is about 7 hours, flights are carried out from the capital's Sheremetyevo airport.
- Connections in Madrid can be reached with Iberia flights. The price of the issue is about 600 euros, you will have to spend about 7.5 hours in the sky.
- The cheapest transfer will be with two connections. For example, Turkish airlines, in cooperation with Air Europa, deliver passengers with transfers in Istanbul and Madrid for 400 euros in both directions.
Long connections in Istanbul can be done on a city sightseeing tour. Turkish Airlines willingly helps its passengers to organize their acquaintance with Istanbul completely free of charge. Details are available at the airline's information desk at Istanbul International Airport.
Earlier booking of air tickets will help you to significantly reduce your flight costs. It is convenient to learn about discounts, special offers and promotions by subscribing to the e-mail newsletter on the websites of the air carriers you are interested in.
Bring enough funds with you for a rewarding and enjoyable shopping experience. In the Canary Islands on New Years you will see the lowest prices for clothing and Spanish wines, cheeses and jamon, perfumes and jewelry.
- On January 6, Spain and the Canary Islands celebrate the Day of the Three Kings. On January 5, most shops in the country are usually closed.
- Sales in honor of Catholic Christmas will start in the shopping centers of the archipelago on December 26th. Some stores only announce discounts after Three Kings Day.
The Russian diaspora living on the island of Tenerife organizes a real New Year's tree for children, where tourists can also visit if they wish.
