Blog
The pyramids of Güímar: what we know and what is still a mystery
In Güímar, on Tenerife's east side, stand stepped stone pyramids that have been argued over for decades. The excavation dates them to the 19th century, yet astronomers measured that they face the solstices. Here is what we know for sure, what is still open and how to visit them.
Heavy rain in the Canary Islands: what to do, and what the alerts mean
It rarely rains in the Canary Islands, but when it does, a lot of water can fall in a short time. We've gathered the Canary government's advice for when heavy rain catches you on a hike, in the car or at your accommodation, and explain what yellow, orange, prealerta and alerta mean.
What to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Vegueta, Triana and Las Canteras
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands, yet you can see almost all of it on foot: the centre is flat and two promenades run along the sea. We take you through old Vegueta and Triana, the port and Las Canteras beach, and show you what's on in October.
What can you take home from the Canary Islands: customs, tobacco, alcohol and IGIC
The Canary Islands are part of the European Union, but not for VAT: on the way home, the same allowances apply as if you were arriving from outside the EU. Here is how much tobacco, alcohol and gifts you can take, when you need the red channel and how to reclaim the IGIC.
Barraquito and zaperoco: Canary coffee, and what to order at the bar
The barraquito is the famous layered coffee of Canarian cafés, with condensed milk, liqueur and lemon peel. But the word changes meaning from island to island, and order it wrong and you get no liqueur. Here's what to order where, the story of the name, and where coffee grows.
Culture in the Canary Islands: opera, theatre and museums island by island
Many people think the Canary Islands are just beaches and sunshine. Yet there are two symphony orchestras, two opera seasons, concert halls and museums by world-famous architects, and in winter a classical music festival reaches all eight islands, La Graciosa included.
What to see in La Orotava: balconies, gardens, mills and the gateway to the Teide
La Orotava is one of Tenerife's best-preserved historic towns: mansions with wooden balconies, a square whose carpet is made from the Teide's volcanic earth, ten surviving water mills and terraced gardens. And this same municipality holds the larger part of Teide National Park.
Surfing and bodyboarding in the Canary Islands: where to learn and where to watch the pros
In October, three professional bodyboard events follow one another on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, including the world tour's season finale in Gáldar. We show you where to watch the pros, which waves suit beginners, and how to find an official surf school.
Carnival in the Canary Islands: where, when, and which one to choose
Carnival in the Canaries isn't a week, it's a season. It starts in the capitals in late January and ends in the southern resorts in March. Eleven towns in one place: when each one usually holds it, what sets it apart, and how to catch the one for you.