Canary Islands holidays: explore our sports holidays - Page 2
Explore the Canary Islands, a life-sized playground
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The Canary Islands at a glance
Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands archipelago belongs to Spain and is part of the European Union. It comprises seven main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. These volcanic islands offer a great diversity of landscapes: wild beaches, dunes, pine forests, and spectacular volcanoes.
Practical information to help you prepare for your trip to the Canary Islands:
- Capital: the Canary Islands have two administrative capitals: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency: the euro (€), as in the rest of Spain.
- Flight time from France: approximately 4 to 4.5 hours direct flight from Paris, depending on the island of arrival.
- Time difference: -1 hour compared to France all year round (when it is 12pm in Paris, it is 11am in the Canary Islands).
Time zone: UTC+0 in winter and UTC+ in winter.
When to go to the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a year-round destination thanks to their mild, sunny subtropical climate. Temperatures generally range between 20°C and 28°C, even in winter, earning them the nickname "eternal spring".
Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best time for your trip:
- From November to March: perfect for enjoying the sun when it's cold in Europe. Ideal for hiking, trail running, or water sports.
- From April to June: pleasant temperatures, nature in bloom and less tourist traffic.
- From July to September: hot and sunny, perfect for the beach, surfing and swimming.
- From October to November: one of the best times to explore the islands with a still warm sea and magnificent landscapes.
Whether you want to hike in the volcanoes of Tenerife, surf in Fuerteventura or explore the lunar landscapes of Lanzarote, the Canary Islands can be visited all year round.
What are the formalities for travelling to the Canary Islands?
Since the Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, the formalities are simple for European travellers.
For French or European citizens:
- A valid identity card or passport is sufficient to enter the territory.
- No visa is required for a tourist stay of less than 90 days.
Some practical advice before your departure:
- check the validity of your identity document,
- Bring your European Health Insurance Card,
- Bring a bank card (accepted almost everywhere) and some cash for small expenses.
Thanks to these simplified formalities, organizing a trip to the Canary Islands from France is quick and accessible.
Are vaccinations required to travel to the Canary Islands?
No specific vaccinations are required to travel to the Canary Islands from France or the European Union.
As with any trip, it is simply recommended to be up-to-date with universal vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, etc.).
The medical facilities on site are modern and meet European standards. Health risks are low and tap water is generally safe to drink, although some travelers prefer bottled water.
For a stress-free journey, also consider:
- bring travel insurance.
- Take your usual prescription medication if necessary.
Why are the Canary Islands ideal for a sports holiday?
Imagine an archipelago where the wind plays with the waves, where every path invites you to explore, and where adventure shapes each day. Welcome to the Canary Islands! Located off the coast of Africa, they offer an incredible array of sporting activities for anyone who wants to combine fun, exertion, and nature during their sports trips or holidays. Action enthusiasts will find their paradise here, between turquoise oceans, magnificent volcanoes, and colorful villages. Here, your next sporting getaway will come to life to the rhythm of the sun, carried by the trade winds.
Why choose the Canary Islands for sports holidays?
This corner of paradise, bathed by the Atlantic, surprises visitors with its pleasant climate year-round. The Canary Islands are therefore an ideal destination for all types of sporting holidays, whether you're looking to experience new sensations or push your limits. Thanks to a pristine natural environment, diverse landscapes, and a wide variety of sporting activities, every traveler will find a playground perfectly suited to their desires.
Whether you're looking for the excitement of water sports, wide-open spaces for hiking, or the thrill of surfing, this archipelago has it all. The warm welcome of the locals and the relaxed atmosphere add to the charm of these active holidays where authenticity goes hand in hand with conviviality.
Why travel to the Canary Islands with Decathlon Travel?
Going to the Canary Islands with Decathlon Travel means exploring a true natural playground for outdoor sports. The archipelago offers a great diversity of landscapes: volcanoes, dunes, forests, cliffs and wild beaches, perfect for surfing, hiking, diving, kitesurfing or multi-activities all year round.
Decathlon Travel selects sports holidays led by local experts, suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced. You'll benefit from simple and reliable organization with tried-and-tested activities, trusted partners, and a community of enthusiasts.
The platform also offers numerous guarantees for worry-free travel: best price guaranteed, possibility of cancellation, payment in installments and customer service support.
The result: an accessible, authentic and perfectly organized sporting adventure to discover the Canary Islands in a different way.
What does a sports trip to the Canary Islands with Decathlon Travel look like?
A sports holiday in the Canary Islands with Decathlon Travel combines adventure, discovery, and athletic development. Depending on the island and experience chosen, you can surf in Lanzarote, learn kitesurfing in Fuerteventura, hike through the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, or explore the seabed during a scuba diving course.
The trips typically last a week and alternate between sports sessions, exploring the landscapes, and relaxation time. Activities are supervised by professionals and adapted to each participant's level, allowing them to learn, progress, and enjoy themselves safely.
It's also an opportunity to meet other passionate travelers, discover local culture, and explore spectacular natural sites. Ultimately, it's an active and immersive trip, ideal for experiencing the Canary Islands in a way that goes beyond a simple beach holiday.
What are the must-do sporting activities in the Canary Islands?
In the Canary Islands, the salty air constantly beckons adventure. On land and at sea, the archipelago offers an exceptional playground for sports and nature enthusiasts. Surfing, kitesurfing, diving, hiking, trail running, or cycling: the possibilities are numerous and accessible to all levels. Thanks to its mild climate year-round and the diversity of its landscapes, every day can become a new exploration.
From long, windswept golden beaches to dramatic volcanic landscapes, each island possesses its own unique character and challenges. You can hike the slopes of Mount Teide, surf the Atlantic waves, or explore wild trails between lava and ocean. Here, sport is experienced in harmony with nature. Bring your curiosity, a touch of daring, and let the Canary Islands transform every moment of your stay into an adventure.
What water sports can be practiced in the Canary Islands?
Watersports enthusiasts won't be disappointed. Surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wing foiling all find exceptional conditions here thanks to consistent winds and vast, sun-drenched beaches. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, various schools offer tailored lessons and top-quality equipment. During a sports holiday, you'll quickly improve your skills as you ride the waves.
The crystal-clear waters also invite you to enjoy diving, snorkeling, or freediving and admire the vibrant colors of the seabed. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding also allows you to explore hidden coves and alternate between tranquil relaxation and adrenaline-pumping adventures.
Where to hike or go trekking in the Canary Islands?
With over 1,500 kilometers of marked trails, the Canary Islands enchant hiking enthusiasts. In Tenerife, Teide National Park offers a unique experience with its lunar landscapes surrounding Spain's highest peak. La Gomera charms visitors with its laurel forests and mystical paths. Between volcanoes, steep cliffs, and breathtaking panoramas, each island offers its own magic for an active holiday focused on exploration.
Hiking in the Canary Islands means embracing diversity: walking through pine forests, crossing black lava fields, or following the Atlantic coast in search of breathtaking landscapes. Local guides readily share their passion and reveal hidden gems, far from the beaten track.
What other sporting activities can be practiced in the Canary Islands?
Beyond the rushing rivers and mountains, the Canary Islands offer a wealth of ideas for a variety of experiences. From mountain biking on the steep trails of Gran Canaria to rock climbing on the impressive cliffs of Lanzarote, each day promises a new thrill. Sometimes, you'll even discover unique activities, such as orienteering through the heart of the ravines or yoga overlooking the ocean.
Whether with family or friends, amateurs and experienced athletes alike can create their own tailor-made itinerary for a truly personalized holiday. In the Canary Islands, boredom is simply impossible, as adventure takes on a thousand forms.
Which islands should you choose for your sporting adventure in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands offer several islands ideal for a sporting adventure. Tenerife, the largest, captivates visitors with Mount Teide (3,715 m), hiking trails, boat trips, diving, and the opportunity to explore traditional villages. Fuerteventura is a paradise for watersports thanks to its winds and spectacular beaches like La Concha and Puertito de Lobos, not to mention its volcanic landscapes. Gran Canaria combines secluded coves, unspoiled nature, and numerous outdoor sports facilities with the vibrant city of Las Palmas and charming villages. Finally, Lanzarote impresses with its unique volcanic landscapes, beaches, and pleasant year-round climate, perfect for exploring the island and enjoying outdoor activities.
Canary Islands: Where to go?
Explore the region's hidden gems