Avoid the hustle and bustle while still soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D by checking out this gorgeous Spanish resorts during the low season. If you need tempting, return flights are currently cheaper than £40
Usually saturated with selfie-stick-waving tourists, this EU resort looks completely different in the winter months. The Canary Islands have long been a firm fave amongst Brits, thanks to its consistently sunny weather, cheap booze, beautiful beaches, and close proximity to the UK.
Last year, the Spanish owned archipelago, located off the coast of northwestern Africa, welcomed a staggering 15.5 million international tourists. Most flocked to Tenerife – the biggest island and home to the famous Siam Waterpark and a bustling nightlife – while Gran Canaria came a close second, attracting 6.2 million and 4 million overseas holidaymakers respectively.
However, Gran Canaria’s insatiable popularity has sparked tension amongst locals, who feel they’re being priced out of the property market. Last year, anti-tourism protests erupted on the streets, with residents chanting the slogan ‘Canary Islands has a limit’ and targeting tourist-heavy hotspots.
More recently, the Gran Canarian government has opened a public consultation asking citizens for their opinion on the island’s tourism model. The 11-question survey will remain open until the end of the month (February 28) and has already resulted in talks of a hotel ‘ban’.
The seaside resort of Playa del Ingles is a prime example of a destination so popular with tourists it can sometimes feel overwhelmingly crowded. Its golden beach – which stretches almost three km – is classed as one of the ‘most visited and crowded’ on the island, attracting swathes of sun-worshippers as well as volleyball fans and surfers.
However, taking to TikTok, user Explore Canary showed a very different side to the resort. Instead of rows of sundeck chairs and bustling crowds on the sands, the whole area seemed much more peaceful and empty. “Today, 3 February, [it’s] 24°!” the caption reads. “Good start for this month. Are you going to Gran Canaria in February?”
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter
While Brits flock to the Canary Islands all year round, February and March are still classed as the low season – and attract significantly fewer people. Expect to have more of the beach to yourself, less noise at night, and the freedom to stroll into any restaurant you fancy without a reservation.
The temperature around this time of year tends to oscillate from 18-19C, but some days will be even hotter. “While there may be occasional showers, they are typically short-lived, and the majority of days remain sunny and dry,” travel firm TUI said. “This makes February an excellent time to explore the island’s natural beauty, including its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and picturesque villages.”
Many major UK airports, including London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow, offer direct flights to Gran Canaria in February. If you’re flexible with dates, you can bag return fares for as little as £33 – just make sure you pack a jumper for the evenings, as it can still get quite chilly!
Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured