In the rest of Europe the leaves are starting to fall from the trees, the days are growing shorter and the cold weather is setting in. Why not make the most of the autumn in the Canary Islands.
With 10 hours of sunlight a day and an average temperature of 26°C, the gentle climate of the Canary Islands offers total freedom in how to spend your time: strolling by the sea, sunbathing on the beach, hiking or visiting endless scenic spots. There’s more than enough light for walking around vineyards, taking a dip in the sea or making the most of grape-picking time.
Strolls along the beach
The consistent climate of the Canary Islands means you can easily walk by the seashore and take a dip, even in autumn. The warm temperatures beckon you to discover beaches of white, golden or black sand. So when you pack, don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen.
Grape-picking season
The origin of vineyards in the Canary Islands dates all the way back to the arrival of the Spanish conquerors between the 14th and 15th centuries. It was the colonists who brought a wide variety of grapes that, with time, evolved and adapted to the climate of the islands. The volcanic Malvasia and the Listán Negro being the varieties most closely associated with the Canary Islands.
The route of Columbus
It was October 1492 when Christopher Columbus reached America. However, on his voyage of discovery, he stopped in at the Canary Islands to gather strength, resupply and finish preparing his ships. All of the details of his stay here, and the connection of the American continent with the Canary Islands, are displayed at the Casa de Colón. Located in the capital of La Gomera, San Sebastián, it was once a palace that was used to house the admiral himself. In Gran Canaria, traces left by Columbus are housed in a museum of the same name, an attraction of great historical value to the local community.
Summer activities
Although it is officially autumn, the warm temperatures in the Canary Islands make it possible to keep enjoying summer activities in September, such as swimming, water-sports, or having dinner outside in the open air. The fantastic Canary Islands climate allows you to wander around coastal areas, discover some of the Canary Islands’ virgin beaches or take a boat out to watch the whales and dolphins. A permanent population of short-finned pilot whales and common bottlenose dolphins live next to the south-west coast of Tenerife.
The “Halloween” of the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands has its own traditional celebration of the ‘Day of the Dead’. It is called ‘Noche de Los Finaos’, an ancient custom that has gradually been recovered in many districts of the islands in recent times. Children would go from house to house asking if there were ‘santos’, or saints, and in return they would receive almonds, walnuts, dried figs or chestnuts. Afterwards they would return to their homes to remember their deceased relatives through the voice of the oldest woman in the family, who told stories and anecdotes as the sweet treats were shared. The fiesta ended with dancing in the street and a meal of roasted chestnuts.