I've visited 100 countries but always go back to these Spanish islands – they love Brits & have the best food & beaches

The Irish Sun

05-05-2025

DESPITE having travelled to more than 100 countries as my time as a travel writer, the place I always return to is much closer to home.
Having first visited the
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Robin has been visiting the Canary Islands for over 27 years
Credit: Robin McKelvie
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Now he hits the eight islands with his family
Credit: Robin McKelvie
Here are some of the reasons why it still remains one of my top places to have to go.
The locals STILL love the Brits
Heard about the
This year I've been back to four of the eight isles and could not have
been more welcomed, with the locals stressing how much they value British visitors.
I even stumbled across a counter protest movement with '
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The world's most varied archipelago
The Canaries are all things to all people.
On Tenerife alone you can party at the world's second biggest carnival, bash around the
nevermind an airport.
It's a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and
cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches.
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There's plenty of good food around - including grilled lobster
Credit: Robin McKelvie
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Robin visited Santa Cruz Beach on the island of Tenerife
Credit: Robin McKelvie
Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four!
And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared one.
I dined there just after, with chef Nikki Pavanelli telling me how he reinvents Italian classics using ultra fresh Canarian produce.
It's not all posh nosh - my favourite spot is simple, traditional Restaurante Los Abrigos, with as many locals as tourists in the quaint spot by the Atlantic.
Ask to view the catch of the day – they'll weigh it and give you a price so you won't get ripped off.
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The islands are a hit for everyone with sweet treats and drinks
Credit: Robin McKelvie
Not so Lanzagrotty
I've met him since and he insists it was just a joke. In fact
It's largely down to one man - madcap artist Cesar Manrique. He persuaded his politician pals to ban huge resorts and tower hotels.
He worked on a series of bewitching projects too – he transformed a rubbish tip into the Jameos del Agua, which looks like the lair of James Bond baddy.
A great place to stay is family-run
World-class hiking
As a Scot I know when hiking is brilliant. Tenerife has massive variety, as does Gran Canaria, but my top tip is La Palma.
I hiked around what the Canarios call 'La Isla Bonita' with Ramble
Worldwide earlier this year.
It was a joy soaring with our friendly group of largely British retirees up volcanoes, through thick forests and down to the cobalt Atlantic.
We witnessed the
It's fascinating to get so close to such recent volcanic activity in an archipelago that is basically just the tips of eight giant volcanoes.
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La Graciosa, the volcanic island, has good terrain for biking
Credit: Robin McKelvie
Culture beyond the bars
The karaoke bars tempt alongside pubs showing British sports in the resorts.
Beyond is an archipelago alive with culture. The original inhabitants – before the Spanish piled in – left their traces with carvings and stories that linger through generations.
On Tenerife you've got the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of
Gran Canaria has the old town of
Bountiful Beaches
This is what most people are drawn by, but some of the best are found on the more overlooked islands.
Tenerife is not my favourite island for beaches – I prefer the third largest isle,
The Parque Natural de Corralejo sports mile upon mile of Sahara-esque dunes and gorgeous beaches.
It's just south of
easily my favourite Canarian resort.
Corralejo offers the best of all worlds. It sports all the touristy trimmings, plus great walking, epic seafood, a real Spanish vibe and brilliant beaches.
Real variety too with kitesurfing, day trips to Lanzarote and a big Italian community.
In short it's as wonderfully varied as the Canaries.
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The Canary Islands get a thumbs up from travel writer, Robin
Credit: Robin McKelvie