The Canary Islands are often synonymous with lively nightlife and long days on the beach soothing a hangover, but the islands of La Palma and La Gomera have been largely untouched by the tourism trade and offer visitors a true taste of Spanish island life.
Both islands boast dramatic natural beauty, with rugged mountains and incredible scenery, perfect for those who enjoying exploring the great outdoors on their holidays. The stunning scenery is surrounded by beaches of black sand, formed from the volcanic geology of the Canaries which offer a stark contrast to the white sands of their Spanish counterparts. For the walkers and hikers amongst you, La Palma boasts the incredible Caldera de Taburiente National Park to the north, where you can explore walking trails, or venture to the jaw-dropping Fuencaliente volcanoes for a day out with a difference. Over on La Gomera, you’ll find the UNESCO world heritage site of the Garajonay National Park, which is largely covered by the lush Laurel forest and perfect for hiking through. If you prefer to explore the islands in a more relaxed manner, hiring a car is the best option as public transport is very limited. It is advised that you arrange car hire before you travel to La Palma and La Gomera, as these services get booked up quickly during the peak season.
As well as enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these islands, you can relax and unwind in one of the many cheap hotels on the island, which offer homely comfort as well as exceptional service and authentic cuisine, including the famous tapas, Canarian potatoes with mojo or traditional paella. It is recommended that you indulge in fresh fish whilst holidaying on the islands, as it is caught daily and is the perfect addition to the locally produced wine. You can also take a little bit of the Canaries home with you by purchasing souvenirs from the markets and small shops, where local handmade crafts, aloe vera products, lace and pottery are in abundance.
The slow pace of life and untouched qualities of each island means it’s certainly not a place for party goers. These islands are not served by direct flights from the UK and have relatively little or no influence from other nations, so visitors will experience the authentic Canary lifestyle. It’s the perfect holiday for those wanting to enjoy the natural scenery whilst relaxing and unwinding.
This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of hotels in Spain suitable for all tastes and budgets.
I’m just back from a trip to Morocco and the food was wonderful too, though with temperatures in the low to mid 40s, I did not eat a great deal at times. I lived on orange juices. These were freshly squeezed in front of your eyes and readily available everywhere. Along with ubiquitous mint tea, wonderfully refreshing. Moroccan food is full of fragrant and unusual flavor and aroma combinations, achieved through the use of cinnamon, ginger, saffron, cumin, pepper and coriander. For me three Moroccan dishes define the cuisine: couscous, tagines and bisteeya.
I was rather “tagine’d” out by the end of the trip, but I did make one wonderful food discovery – bisteeya (sometimes also spelt “bastillas” or “pastillas”). A fine crisp flaky pastry (rather like our filo pastry) wrapped around shredded velvety melting chicken and ingredients. I particularly loved the chicken and almond pastillas I ate. I also tried the tradition Fez dish of pigeon pastilla (pigeon pie!). Very gamey and rich. Wonderful for a special occasion or a feast.
The aspect that makes pastillas so special is the unusual combination of savoury and sweet, as the top of the pastry has a lines of aromatic cinnamon and fine sugar on top. The sweet cinnamon and savoury chicken mixture are a super and exotic combination and the textures of crisp flaky pastry and soft casserole-like filling is divine.
I come across a fabulous small restaurant in Essaouira. I had two wonderful lunches, so if you’re passing that way do drop in. It’s called ‘Restaurant des Reves’ (“Restaurant of Dreams”), 2 Av Side Med Ben Abdellah, Rue Sidi Ahmed Ouharoon, Essaouria.
Cooking at the Kasbah: Recipes from My Moroccan Kitchen
One Great Reason to Visit Morocco
One great reason to visit Morocco is the experience Moroocu cuisine first hand – wonderful Moroccan food can be found in a variety of settings – from roadside cafes, a delightful restauants,night-time stalls in the great square in Marrakesh ‘Djemaa al Fna’ … and if you’re lucky enough to be invited into a family home for some home-cooking consider yourself truly fortunate.
Chicken Pastilla (accompanied by great, local music)
When visiting Morocco, the bustling city of Marrakech is the first port of call for many guests. The former capital and imperial city of Morocco, also known as the “Red City”, is rich in history and offers a wealth of natural, beautiful attractions, as well as lively street markets and a labyrinth of narrow streets to discover in the medina. Whether you want to soak up the city life or escape to the blissful Ourika River with it’s tranquil waterfalls, Marrakech is the ideal base. Wrap up in oriental charm in a historic house known as a riad – here are our seven favourite Riad hotels in Marrakech where you’re guaranteed a stylish stay.
Riad Al Assala Medina
Riad Al Assala Medina is located in the peaceful old town and the spacious five star suites make for an extremely sensual and intimate experience. A charmingly sized luxury abode with authentic Moroccan design, furnished in a clean, modern style. Only a walk away from the cultured Jemaa-el-Fna square, it provides guests with easy access to the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh, and the stunning rooftop terrace invites guests to soak up the sun and the city skyline.
Riad Demeures d’Orient
Riad Demeures d’Orient is hidden away in the heart of the Red City, it has an unique full view of the city’s ancient walls. With a mixture of Moroccan and Far Eastern architecture, the atmospheric five star resort is like no other. This idyllic sanctuary holds host to a neo-gothic library and a plethora of beautiful mosaics, whilst guests can relax with massages or in the traditional hammam spa. The soul of the Riad is the courtyard with marble fountain, swimming pool, lounge chairs and refreshing shade.
Dar Darma
Dar Darma is an extravagant Riad designed with moody dark colours and features like mirrored walls and large shapely pots in the rooms and common areas, creating an ambience of history and romance. The Dar Darma houses a grand inner court, a comfortable salon, a terrace, a restaurant and large, opulent beds in the glamorous suites. With children as welcome as adults, this city palace encourages all to visit.
Villa Shayanne
Villa Shayanne is located within ten kilometres of central Marrakech, meaning the five star resort offers the ultimate getaway for pure relaxation. Clear views of the Atlas Mountains and surrounding scenery make the Villa Shayanne an idyllic haven. The mixture of modern European design and traditional Moroccan elements gives the resort an exotic charm. With golf and tennis lessons or a tour of Moroccan cuisine, you can avoid the busy city but still enjoy the culture.
Riad Dixneuf La Ksour
Riad Dixneuf La Ksour is found in the heart of Medina, a peaceful back drop adjacent to the cultural blood lines of the Old City. The picturesque and classical Riad has a ancestral blend of modern design with the Moroccan tradition. A panoramic view of the Atlas mountains makes for an unforgettable stay. The six amorous suites have light, modern colours and the courtyard with swimming pool make the Dixneuf La Ksour a gleaming jewel in the rich tapestry of Marrakech.
Les Jardins de la Médina
Les Jardins de la Médina is an oasis just outside the medina walls. Time honoured tradition meets contemporary design, a large luscious garden makes this four star Riad is a sanctuary away from the busy lifestyle of the city. This historic hotel was a 19th century royal palace making it the perfect choice for honeymoons and romantic breaks, as the salons are now sumptuous rooms. The ancient garden gives life to Palm, Orange and Jacaranda trees. The swimming pools, Jacuzzis and beautiful songbirds create a tranquil atmosphere.
Dar Chérif
Dar Chérif is located on the road to Quarzazate, only ten minutes away from the Red City. Subtlety, calm and modest decor make Dar Chérif a true gift, with just six luxurious suites. Set in the centre of Andalusian gardens, the beauty and ambience is unrivalled. Decorated with authentic Moroccan pieces including Zellige, Tadelakt and Bejmat elements, all guests will leave well cultured in Moroccan art. Traditionally themed rooms and customary Moroccan food means you will sample the history and legacy of this great region.
Guest contribution from Escapio.com where these romantic Moroccan hotels and Riads are just a handful of the luxury, boutique and design hotels perfect for a long holiday or a weekend break.
You Might Also Enjoy The Following Travel Destinations
Ras Mohammed National Park is located on the most southerly tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It’s an extremely remote travel destination on the shores of the Red Sea. Access is generally either by vehicle or boat from Sharm el Sheikh.
I was fortunate to meet a German/Egyptian family who were holidaying for the diving in and around Sharm el Sheikh and they offered to take me to this remote destination in their vehicle. Access was probably even more difficult back in the 1980s as the towns on the Red Sea were yet to be discovered and developed into the tourist destinations we know today. The only access to Ras Mohammed was with someone who had a vehicle.
The small 4WD drive was loaded up with 6 passengers, scuba diving and snorkeling gear, and south we headed.
Diary extract – 18 July, 1988
Reef Fish on Local Postcard
“…We were stopped at a number of military checkpoints where Passports were required. Unfortunately, my passport was left as a security deposit with the Aqua Marine where the snorkelling gear was hired. Our host, who was of Egyptian origin, managed to confuse them at each checkpoint and we were not asked to show them. Whilst it was a mere 15km drive, it took an hour to get there! The last 5km was very much cross country and a 4WD was a necessity.
Desert Camels
We headed straight for the reef with our gear and I’ve never seen such an incredible number of fish of all colours and sizes. It can best be compared with swimming in a large, tropical fish tank found in your neighbourhood pet shop. We made it to the edge of the reef and the colours were simply breathtaking, as it plunged away beneath us. There were clams to be seen on the reef cliff and coral in many colours, shape and form. I’d not been out there for any length of time, when the others surfaced to say they saw a Hammerhead shark – I decided not to hang around and headed back to the safety of the reef…”
One great reason to visit this remote travel destination is to experience the diving and/or snorkelling over the reef, through an abundance of fish, to the spectacular reef edge.
The Traveler IQ challenge ranks geographic knowledge of cities such as: Punta Cana, Willemstad or Columbia by comparing results against 5,473,834 other travelers.
The Canary Islands are often synonymous with lively nightlife and long days on the beach soothing a hangover, but the islands of La Palma and La Gomera have been largely untouched by the tourism trade and offer visitors a true taste of Spanish island life.
As well as enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these islands, you can relax and unwind in one of the many cheap hotels on the island, which offer homely comfort as well as exceptional service and authentic cuisine, including the famous tapas, Canarian potatoes with mojo or traditional paella. It is recommended that you indulge in fresh fish whilst holidaying on the islands, as it is caught daily and is the perfect addition to the locally produced wine. You can also take a little bit of the Canaries home with you by purchasing souvenirs from the markets and small shops, where local handmade crafts, aloe vera products, lace and pottery are in abundance.
I’m just back from a trip to 
I was rather “tagine’d” out by the end of the trip, but I did make one wonderful food discovery – bisteeya (sometimes also spelt “bastillas” or “pastillas”). A fine crisp flaky pastry (rather like our filo pastry) wrapped around shredded velvety melting chicken and ingredients. I particularly loved the chicken and almond pastillas I ate. I also tried the tradition Fez dish of pigeon pastilla (pigeon pie!). Very gamey and rich. Wonderful for a special occasion or a feast.
I come across a fabulous small restaurant in Essaouira. I had two wonderful lunches, so if you’re passing that way do drop in. It’s called ‘Restaurant des Reves’ (“Restaurant of Dreams”), 2 Av Side Med Ben Abdellah, Rue Sidi Ahmed Ouharoon, Essaouria.
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