Canary Islands or Spain?

[Glynda]

Looking at RCI trades in Europe in September. I see a few for the Malaga area of Spain and others for the Canary Islands. Having never been to either, I wondered what others would choose and which RCI resorts. We are not beach people but enjoy a view of the water. We would probably rent a car and explore the area. Would love your input!

 

[Jimster]

Looking at RCI trades in Europe in September. I see a few for the Malaga area of Spain and others for the Canary Islands. Having never been to either, I wondered what others would choose and which RCI resorts. We are not beach people but enjoy a view of the water. We would probably rent a car and explore the area. Would love your input!

Actually, the Canary Islands are owned by Spain so it’s really Spain or Spain. Having been to both myself, I would say it may not be a mutually exclusive choice. Most CI flights are going to go through Madrid. So if you get a stopover in Madrid, you can do a little of each. Madrid has some interesting sights and a hop on hop off bus system. Likewise, if you are going to Malaga, you are also probably going to go through Madrid.

Depending on what you like to do, I would probably choose Malaga. From Malaga, you can see the sights there or go to Rona or Alahambra (a definite must) or go to Gibraltar (allthough kind of a dirty place, a one time visit is ok. If you go, go inside the caves and see the monkeys), you can also take a ferry over to Tangiers. BTW you can see Gibraltar many many miles away from the road to Rona.

If you go to the Canary Islands (which is overbuilt as is most of Spain), I would definitely stay at an Anfi resort. Anfi has several different resorts situated all nearby to form a Mega resort. You could go there and never leave the property. In fact, many Brits do that. Don’t go during school vacation weeks.

Spain is one of the few countries I would actually drive a car in. The roads are quite reasonable but there always seems to be a black Mercedes gaining on you

Malaga has many fine resorts. Read the reviews here on Tug and pick one. You probably dont want to be at one in the close-in urban area. Just read the reviews.

If you go to Alhambra, read about the tactics of the local gypsies. They are infamous at using kids to pick pocket your wallet and possessions. You probably wont have a problem except moving into and out of Alhambra. If you have specific questions, you can PM me.

 

[Glynda]

Actually, the Canary Islands are owned by Spain so it’s really Spain or Spain. .

ARGH! So much for my knowledge of Geography! I was thinking that they were off Portugal!

I appreciate the information. I will do some reviewing of the area and resorts.

 

[Sandy VDH]

ARGH! So much for my knowledge of Geography! I was thinking that they were off Portugal!

I appreciate the information. I will do some reviewing of the area and resorts.

They are Spain, but they are much farther south. They are off the coast of southern tip of Morocco.

Having been to both, I would agree with @Jimster, if you flying to Canary Islands from US, you are likely having to go through Madrid to do it. So why not do both.

Maybe you were thinking of the Azores, which are way way off the coast of Portugal and belong to them too.

 

[Laurie]

I third the suggestion to do both - again depending on what you like to do.

Having been to all 4 major Canary Islands tho, and having stayed at an Anfi Resort, we preferred Lanzarote and Tenerife (northern) to Gran Canaria. Aside from being a very nice group of resorts, no argument there, Anfi was pretty far from the prettiest and most culturally interesting areas in Gran Canaria, so we spent a lot of time in the car, since we rarely hang out at a resort most of the time - especially when traveling so far in the first place. For a pretty beach vacation, you can go down the road to Edisto or HHI!

 

[Glynda]

Thanks for your suggestions. Makes sense to do both and add a few days for Madrid too! I doubt we would ever get back again so should do as much as possible.