Responsible vacations in the Canary Islands

With the proliferation of all-inclusive resorts on the Canary Islands, most of which direct tourists away from local activities, local culture and most definitely the local economy, it is easy to forget that there is a wealth of Canarian culture on the islands, all different, and all fascinating. Seek and you will find, however. You can buy Europe’s only home grown coffee on Gran Canaria, for example, where in the Valle de Agaete coffee has been grown since the 18th century. On this island, there is a general revival of the Canarii culture as well, one that goes back to the Berber people who predate the Spanish, who conquered the islands in the 15th century. Indeed, it is thought that the Berber people came here as long ago as 1000BC. Or long Before Charters. Check out the caves on Gran Canaria, once home to many of the Berber people, many of which are now being restored. Cenobio de Valerón on Gran Canaria is a fine example of these ancient lifestyles.

On the other islands, the original Berber inhabitants are referred to as guanches, and although it is thought that most people with Berber roots are actually now a mix of Berber and Spanish, the ancient traditions live on. On La Gomera, you can still hear Silbo being used, the whistling language that enabled messages to be sent, literally, across the wind, from one valley to another. Fiestas such as Fiesta de Charco, on Gran Canaria every September, when over 15,000 people dive into La Marciega lagoon to catch as many fish as they can with their hands, are a sight to behold. Or Fiesta de la Rama in Agaete, an ancient tradition of local people heading to the Atlantic from the inland peaks or Tamadaba Natural Park in August, to beat the waters with palm branches as an act of prayer for rain. Although these days, the branches are offered to the Virgin Mary instead of the traditional rain dance. Given the lack of water issues on the islands, some might think that the original version might be more appropriate.

There is a lack of bike lanes on most of the islands, and with triathlon fever taking over the world, these mountainous landscapes have become very popular training grounds. So be careful to respect cyclists if you are driving, and Canary Islands – get the paint out and give the bikes a break. Electric car rental should be a no brainer on the Canary Islands, as they are small and easy to get around. But there is still a lack of quick charging systems available on most of the islands. Some vacation companies, such as our leading supplier, Lanzarote Retreats, have got around the system by creating their own charging points for electric cars that they have on site for guests’ use. And Fuerteventura has a few charging points. But things are changing, so watch this space, and always inquire about electric cars at your car rental office. It is only when tourists demand change that local authorities wake up and smell the carbon free coffee. With high temperatures and arid landscapes, and of course, wind, forest fires have been an issue on the Canary Islands. The most serious ones were on La Gomera and Tenerife in 2012, with the former losing over a tenth of its protected Garajonay Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is very important, when hiking or biking in remote parts of the islands, to take care. It is easy to see that in many spots, the flora feels like totally flammable tinder, so no matches, no barbecues and no night time fires under the stars Hiking in extreme heat can be dangerous and deaths do, tragically occur. Some vacation companies don’t offer hiking or biking trips in the height of summer anyway. But if the weather does turn very hot, always walk early in the morning and late in the afternoon in cover up and drink lots. Consider adding rehydration powders to your water for extra salts and sugars that help your body cope with the heat. Always get insurance, even if you are just going on a walking vacation. You never know what might happen.