Every day the Canary Islands are closer to the “new normal”. The whole Archipelago is ready to continue advancing in the Spanish COVID-19 de-escalation plan. The islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and La Palma have now joined La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa in Phase 2.
This phase allowed for the safe reopening of Canaries’ beaches for sunbathers on Monday 25th May 2020. As well as this, shopping centres and cultural spaces can now open their doors, with some limitations. As part of this second phase, restaurants and bars have been given some new, more relaxed guidelines to follow.
The eight islands are set to gradually restart activity. But, that’s not all. The Canaries’ major airports – Tenerife Sur, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura – have been reactivated for international flights and are expecting to open the ‘safe corridors’ in July 2020.
Canary Islands Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Yaiza Castilla said “this is one of the best announcements since the reactivation of the entire sector which necessarily requires the recovery of the air connectivity. We depend on the airlines to reactivate their routes with our Islands and that will be only possible if we are part of a ‘safe corridor’ that will allow us to connect with our main tourist markets“.
Every aspect of travel is being recast in the Canary Islands as Spain gears up to receive tourists as early as July, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. On top of this, the Spanish government is planning on lifting the two-week COVID-19 quarantine requirement for overseas arrivals on July 1st, 2020.
Post Covid-19 the countdown has started. Every day we are closer to our next holiday, dreaming of destinations that now don’t seem that far away. As you may know, the Canary Islands are beginning to return to a sense of normality.
The islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa are “Covid-19 free” islands, are leading Spain’s de-escalation from the Covid-19 lockdown. So, when it comes to planning your next adventure, these Canary Island jewels are the best destinations to choose, not only for their safety from the pandemic but also for their incredible landscapes, extraordinary weather and glistening waters.
Now, it’s time to find out why should add La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa to your bucket list.
La Gomera – The Magical Island
La Gomera was awarded UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve status in 2011 thanks to the pristine nature of its marine and terrestrial ecosystems. La Gomera is known as the most magical of the Canary Islands and is home to species that cannot be found anywhere else. It’s also renowned as a hiker’s heaven! The islands highest peak is found in Garajonay National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. The park is covered in low-lying fog which creates a perfect microclimate for one of Europe’s last remaining cloud forests. This green paradise stands at the heart of La Gomera’s 650km network of beautiful walking trails.
Situated just 40 minutes by ferry from the southern coast of Tenerife, La Gomera is home to a perfect combination of lush green forests, black lava palm-studded beaches, ancient forests and banana plantations. Its capital, San Sebastián, is full of history and is famous for being Christopher Columbus’ last port of call on his voyage to America.
One of the most captivating features of La Gomera is the Silbo Gomero, its unique whistling language. Recognised as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this pre-Hispanic language has been used on the island since ancient times to communicate over long distances.
El Hierro – The Sustainable Island
El Hierro aims to become the first island in the world that will be 100% sustainable within the next four to eight years. For now, El Hierro, the westernmost island of the Canaries has already set a world record. In Summer 2019, the island reached the milestone of covering the entire population’s energy needs for 24 days using only renewable energy.
El Hierro is the second smallest island of the Canaries and is world-famous for its spectacular underwater scenery and wildlife. La Restinga Marine Reserve is an internationally acclaimed diving sanctuary frequented by numerous animal species. The volcanic eruptions that took place between 2011 and 2012 led to a regeneration of the seabed that gave rise to very interesting biodiversity. El Hierro boasts the best diving area in the Canary Islands, where you could find dolphins, turtles, stingrays, barracudas, peaceful white sharks and more.
Charco Azul is without any doubt one of the most spectacular bathing spots in El Hierro. Located in El Golfo, a magnificent valley along the rugged coastline, this natural pool is one of the finest examples of the famous volcanic flows.
The island’s 268 km sq. of beautiful landscapes captivates visitors with the contrast between the dark volcanic ground and lush green forests. Be sure to include an excursion to El Sabinar on your adventure to El Hierro. This famous open forest is full of indigenous juniper trees with twisted trunks due to a never-ending battle with the trade winds.
La Graciosa – An Oasis of Tranquillity
Located to the north of Lanzarote, La Graciosa is the least explored and the most peaceful island of the Canaries. The spot of only 700 inhabitants is a protected area included in the Chinijo Archipelago and has not registered a single case of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Its golden sand virgin beaches are now wilder than ever, its volcanic landscapes remain untouched and time seems to have stood still along with its fishing villages.
Did you know that La Graciosa is one of the last places in Europe with no tarmacked roads? This oasis of tranquillity can perfectly be explored on foot or by bike. Within a less than an hour walk from Caleta de Sebo, La Graciosa’s main city, visitors can find the most popular beach in the south of the island, La Francesa Beach. Its golden sand and glistening waters are of outstanding quality. Also, on your trip, make sure to check out Playa de la Cocina and Playa de las Conchas. You will love exploring La Graciosa.
