Somewhat belatedly, Doris provides an overview of the planned adventure.
Here is the overall plan, along with some summary descriptions of each island. And of course, the famous Doris Map, which will be updated as we go along.
The adventure starts in Tenerife – the key word is “Teide”, the biggest mountain and volcano in Europe is in the middle of the island. “Twisty roads” with Hispanic towns in the north.
A speedy dash through Gran Canaria to reach Fuerteventura, staying one night immediately we get off the ferry, and three nights at the north of the island. Key description is “blissfully undisturbed by tourism” so with no pressure to visit museums, sights, tourist attractions or visitor centres the plan is to spend a quiet Christmas in the hotel.
Onwards to Lanzarote with descriptions including “volcanic”, “dramatic” and “varied”. Plan is to investigate the legacy of Cesar Manrique, who had a big influence on planning so the resorts apparently “remain sympathetic to traditional architectural styles”.
Back through Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria. Due to ferry restrictions over the New Year period we will be spending four nights here, in a little apartment in the centre of Las Palmas. This is to avoid being forced to buy a New Years Eve Gala Dinner in a hotel.
Back through Tenerife, with a few hours available for a side trip, possibly via the “vineyards of Valle de Guitar*”, to the three western islands. We are doing them from north to south:
First is La Palma (not to be confused with Las Palmas, I hope you are concentrating), key description is “the most beautiful and certainly the greenest”. Hopefully time to get the walking boots out.
Then La Gomera, key description is “dense dark forests veiled in a near-constant mist”. We have packed umbrellas and waterproofs.
And finally El Hierro, which is the most recently volcanically active of the islands, again creating some challenges with the ferries, not to mention the hotel which is in the process of falling into the sea even as I write this. “Wind-blown crags and ravines” should put an end to using the umbrellas.
The last night before the flight home is in the north west of Tenerife which is “covered in lush tropical vegetation”.
*Guimar! Guimar, not Guitar. The spelling corrector is irrepressible. If you see “Canadian” anywhere in this trip, please assume that we originally typed “Canarian”.