Winter Sun in the Canaries - Tenerife with Darren, Leo & Isobel

 Winter Sun in the Canaries

The sun was shinning and we knew that meant one thing....a pool day! The hotel facilities were amazing and we all loved practising our swimming and playing games! 

We were so excited for our day at sea hoping to spot  some dolphins and whales! We boarded the boat, greeted by the sight of vibrant fish and crabs among the rocks as we set sail.

 

Almost immediately, we spotted a playful dolphin leaping alongside a group of kayakers. Further out to sea, we encountered a sea turtle, gracefully gliding next to our boat. The real magic happened when the Captain announced the sighting of Pilot Whales! We watched in awe as the majestic creatures swam around us. We then dropped anchor near the beach, where we had the option to dive into the sea for a refreshing swim. 

 It was all aboard the bus for our day trip to Mount Teide, Tenerife's highest peak. After a scenic drive through quaint villages, we arrived at Teide National Park, with its dramatic volcanic landscape. We took in breathtaking views from 12,188 feet above sea level and snapped countless photos. Our journey continued with a visit to Garachico, a picturesque village with rich history.

Another glorious day so we decided it was the perfect day to hit the beach! We found a cosy spot with loungers and parasols, slathered on sunscreen, and let the day unfold at a relaxed pace. Some took a refreshing swim, while others basked in the glorious sunshine.

We simply loved our evening's out. Especially at one of our favourite bars where we met the King of Rock - Elvis! We danced and sang along to his greatest hits! We sure love to party. 

A mocktail was always welcome! Who doesn't love a paper umbrella?! 

We enjoyed some friendly competition in the games room and it was great to see everyone cheering each other on. 

The Garden Island of Madeira with Jamie, Oli & Ase

 The Garden Island of Madeira 

The moment we stepped off the plane, the warmth and beauty of the place were impossible to ignore and we couldn't wait to explore.

We took the bus to Funchal to explore its famous Mercado dos Lavradores. Friday is the best day to visit Funchal’s famous fish and flower markets where local farmers and fishermen bring their produce to sell from all over the island. It was fascinating to see the colourful stalls full of fruit, veg, seafood and so much more. We all had a good browse around, some of us lucky (and brave!) enough to sample some of the local delicacies.

The hotel pool was the perfect way to cool off from the warm sun. For the sun worshippers amongst us were more than happy topping up their tans on the loungers. 

We braved the heights and hopped onto the Madeira Cable Car, taking us 2 miles up the mountainside, soaring over the city towards Monte. The views were jaw-dropping. We watched with our jaws wide open as the crazy Carreiro’s do Monte flew down the hill in their wicker basket sleds, you really had to see it to believe it!

At the top we explored the beautiful Monte Palace and the famous Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monto Catholic church, with its spectacular views across Funchal.

It was down to the seafront to enjoy the beautiful views and the salty breeze. Our first stop was the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, where we learned about the legendary footballer’s rise to stardom. It was fascinating to see the trophies and memorabilia celebrating his success, especially as he’s a true Madeiran hero! 

Known for its beauty we made our way up to the stunning Quinta Splendidna Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis of tropical plants, cacti, and vibrant flowers. The scenery was so breathtaking, we couldn’t stop taking photos! After a good explore we walked up to the nearby town square to view the church and marketplace. A local bakery provided the perfect lunch stop where we all took the opportunity to try a traditional Portuguese sweet pasty called Pastel Nata.  They were sensational! 

Our evening's were always full of fun and laughter. The live Portuguese music kept us dancing until the early hours. We sure know how to party!