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When people visit the Canary Islands for Christmas, they are very surprised by the warm climate, with mild temperatures and barely any rain.

In the centre of La Gomera, on the edge of the Garajonay National Park perimeter, is the Las Nieves recreation area. This is a terrific spot for viewing the Canarian skies at 1,250 metres above sea level. Easy to get to by car, just twenty kilometres from the island’s capital San Sebastián, it is a vantage point to view a clear sky and allows hours of super viewing all year round. Excellent parking facilities.

In the high part of El Paso, 1.200 metres above sea level, the Llano del Jable viewpoint offers amazing views over the Aridane valley during the daytime, with the old volcano in the foreground. At night this part of La Palma, recognised as a Starlight Reserve due to the quality of the skies, is a superb natural balcony from where you can enjoy incredible panoramas of the skies. The viewpoint has an information panel and plenty of parking spaces, although there are no services nearby. Dress in warm clothes.

In the heart of La Gomera, the Summit of Garajonay is a natural platform for observing the skies. Easy to get to by car and with a small parking area, from the top you can see the western Canary islands on a clear day. At 1,487 metres above sea level this is one of the best places to see the starry skies in La Gomera given its privileged position in the island and the relative lack of light contamination.

The Orchilla Lighthouse is in the west of El Hierro and is very easy to drive to. It offers a natural platform to observe the skies beside the Atlantic Ocean with virtually no light contamination. As well as its important astronomic value this place also has historic value: in the 17th Century the area was chosen as the Prime Meridian until it was changed to Greenwich in 1885.

Located in Teide National Park in Tenerife, the Guajara Mountain, at 2,718 metres, is the highest point within the park and the third highest peak in Tenerife. It’s easy to drive to the base of the mountain though the journey to the summit takes a little bit more effort. Visitors are advised to come with suitable clothing and footwear, food and drink. There are no services close by but the Parador hotel is only five kilometres away and El Portillo is 14 kilometres away.

The peaceful quiet atmosphere of Playa Blanca, in the south of the island, makes this area the perfect place to unwind. Sunbathing or enjoying a quiet walk along the promenade whilst watching the sunset are great ways to recharge your batteries.This town, located close to Timanfaya National Park and the Papagayo beaches, has a marina where a ferry can be taken to the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura.

The resort of Puerto Naos on the west coast of La Palma is a great holiday destination for a number of reasons. Located next to the sea and surrounded by banana plantations it is ideal for visitors in search of peace and tranquility. As well as the main beach at Puerto Naos, there are other nearby coves that can also be explored before refuelling and recharging with the tasty local squid freshly prepared in the area. This inviting and picturesque spot is at heart a local resort and is a delightful destination away from mass tourism.

Under the watchful gaze of Mount Teide, the third highest volcano in the world, and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, tourists have been falling in love with Puerto de la Cruz since the nineteenth century. Located in the north of Tenerife, visitors to this town can stroll amongst typical Canarian buildings found alongside beautifully kept beaches, or enjoy a day out at Loro Parque zoo. To unwind, there’s nowhere better than Lago Martiánez; a beautiful complex of saltwater swimming pools, designed by César Manrique.

This pretty, welcoming fishing village in south Gran Canaria still maintains its local feel. Its spectacular architecture contrasts with its flowery gardens and bridged canals. The golden beach is so inviting that it’s hard not to lie down on the golden sand or dive into the calm water as soon as you arrive. A great resort for children.