Canary Islands
Tenerife and La Palma
Tenerife and La Palma, two beautiful islands of the Canary archipelago belonging to Spain, offer breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures. Tenerife, the largest island, is famous for the Pico del Teide and its black and white sand beaches, while La Palma, also known as «La Isla Bonita», enchants with its lush forests, volcanic craters and tranquil beaches. Edelweiss flies daily direct from Zurich to Tenerife. It will also be offering direct flights to La Palma from October.
Voyage of discovery into the depths
The Cueva del Viento in Icod de los Vinos on Tenerife is the largest volcanic tube in Europe and one of the most extensive in the world. It stretches over 17 kilometres and forms an extensive network of underground passages created by former lava flows. On La Palma, on the other hand, a 500 metre long and three metre wide lava tunnel offers insights into the volcanic activity of the islands. Both sites bear witness to the geological history of the Canary Islands and are a must for nature lovers and adventurers.
Masca in the north of Tenerife
Masca, the most visited rural village in Tenerife, promises an authentic stay away from the tourist centres. Situated in the middle of the Teno mountains, it is characterised by its small houses, cobbled paths and typical island architecture. Many of the buildings have been extensively renovated and converted into cosy accommodation that invites you to linger. The approach through green gorges and the exceptional location of the mountain village are unique. Most visitors come to hike in the famous Masca Gorge.
Thai water park
Siam Park in Tenerife is one of the largest water parks in Europe. Inspired by Thai architecture and landscape, it offers exciting slides, an artificial river (Lazy River) that can be navigated with tyres and a wave pool with the largest wave machine in Europe. Siam Park is located in the south of the island and promises water fun for families and adventure-seekers alike.
Spectacular beaches
Tenerife’s beaches reflect the diversity of the island: from fine Sahara sand to bright red lava sand and dark volcanic rock, everything is represented. Each beach radiates its own charm and offers a contrast between the deep blue waters of the Atlantic and the rugged volcanic landscapes. The beaches of La Palma are also unmistakable: they are known for their black sand, which bears witness to the volcanic origins of the island. One of our favourites is La Veta beach.
Culinary delights on the Canary Islands
Traditional Canarian cuisine is rustic and simple, but fresh fish, meat and crunchy vegetables make the islands a paradise for gourmets. Char-grilled meat is available at Genghis Khan Grill, and Bésame Mucho is a particular favourite with fish and seafood lovers. At the Hard Rock Hotel, Le Petit Chef offers an unforgettable culinary experience. On La Palma, Hipi-Chipi spoils you with tapas and traditional Canarian dishes.
Luxurious overnight stays
For a luxurious stay in Tenerife, we recommend the Adults Only Royal River Luxury Hotel, which is located directly opposite the Costa Adeje golf course and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden is surrounded by lush subtropical gardens and is an exclusive wellness oasis. The Ritz Carlton also offers first-class service and breathtaking sea views. On La Palma, the H10 Taburiente Playa offers modern comfort, while the beautifully restored 17th century Hotel Hacienda De Abajo promises a unique and historic experience.
Insider tip: Isles of Scilly
Unspoilt nature and decelerated life
45 kilometres southwest of Cornwall, the enchanting Isles of Scilly await with a subtropical climate, lush vegetation and a surprising artistic landscape. Known for the simple pleasures of life and the leisurely pace of local life, they invite travellers to switch off and relax. The Isles of Scilly can be reached by boat from Penzance, by plane from Newquay Exeter and Lands’ End or by helicopter from Penzance Heliport.
Island hopping
The still relatively unknown English archipelago comprises 145 islands of various sizes, five of which are inhabited. To see as many of them as possible, at least from a distance, and learn about their history, a boat tour with island hopping is recommended. You can get closer by renting a motorboat or kayak on site.
Tresco Abbey Garden
Wherever you go on the Isles of Scilly, you are surrounded by the beauty and fragrance of nature in bloom. The magnificent 19th century Tresco Abbey Garden is home to over 20,000 plants from more than 80 countries. The garden covers almost a third of the small island of Tresco and is considered to be one of the most species-rich in the northern hemisphere. From a multitude of succulents to towering palms and giant, lipstick-red flame trees, there is an astonishing variety of exotic plants from all over the world to marvel at as you stroll along the winding paths.
Wildlifetour
On the second largest island, Tresco, the famous ornithologist and naturalist Will Wagstaff takes visitors on tours of the flora and fauna to show them the beauty of the rich variety of wildlife and birdlife. If you also want to experience the sea creatures up close, hire a wetsuit and snorkel among the seals in the crystal-clear water.
St. Martin’s Cosmos Observatory
The gateway to the wondrously dark sky: at St. Martin’s Cosmos Observatory, the night sky can be experienced in all its splendour like never before thanks to the absence of light pollution. The observatory organises events and lectures twice a week, and in October it also hosts Dark Skies Week, where participants can immerse themselves in the world of stargazing.
Let yourself drift
On Scilly, sitting back and celebrating the slow life is a must. You can do this particularly well on one of the islands’ many peaceful beaches, wine tasting at HolyVale Vineyard – ideally paired with a sumptuous lobster lunch – or strolling through the many galleries and studios of local and visiting artists. Favourites include the Phoenix Craft Studios and the Tamarisk Gallery.
Spend the night on the Isles of Scilly
From converted barns and campsites to 4-star houses and castles, the Isles of Scilly offer something for every taste and budget. The self-catering Micarlo Guest House and the charming Tregarthens Hotel offer lovely views of the harbour and the sea respectively. For a more luxurious night’s sleep, head to Karma St Martins – the only hotel on the island of St Martin – or the Star Castle Hotel, a beautifully restored 16th century castle set in four acres of gardens with a tennis court and golf course.
Enjoy local produce
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and blessed with a mild climate, the Isles of Scilly offer a variety of seafood and excellent fresh farm produce. Favourites include The Ruin Beach Café, whose centrepiece is a locally wood-fired oven, and the casual Crab Shack, where three simple seafood dishes are served daily, complemented by wine and bread. A special experience is the Tanglewood Table, where former Savoy London manager Euan Rodger cooks in an intimate setting for a maximum of eight guests at an old post office distribution table.
Holiday favourite Halkidiki
Greece’s divine peninsula
One of the country’s most beautiful and most visited holiday destinations awaits in the north of Greece: Halkidiki. Consisting of the three peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Polygyros, travellers from all over the world flock to the region to soak up the sun on the beautiful sandy beaches, explore the many historical sites and enjoy the Greek flair in the charming villages. Swiss flies daily non-stop to Thessaloniki, from where Kassandra is just an hour’s drive away – the easiest way to get there is to hire a car for the duration of your stay.
The most beautiful beaches
The three headlands of Halkidiki stretch out like fingers into the turquoise Aegean Sea and await travellers with countless white beaches and lagoon-like bays. Particularly popular are those on the beautiful coastline off Fourka, which is adorned with pine trees, olive trees and a variety of flowers. Possidi is the longest beach on the Kassandra peninsula and invites you to linger with its authentic beach bars and sun loungers. Chrouso beach is more cosmopolitan, where crystal-clear water meets live DJs.
Active holidays
Halkidiki is also the right place for those who like to be active on holiday: whether diving in the crystal-clear waters, kayaking around the peninsula’s lagoons or exploring the region on foot or by bike – there are plenty of activities on offer both in the water and on land. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can visit the local vineyards and enjoy a glass of Greek wine.
Park of Aristotle
As the birthplace of Aristotle, Halkidiki is still characterised by the work of the world-famous Greek philosopher. Those interested in philosophy can follow in his footsteps in the Aristotle Park, which includes a series of interactive instruments such as a parabolic mirror and a sundial, with which young and old can discover the phenomena of nature. The park also offers a marvellous view of the Gulf of Ierissos and the entire Athos peninsula.
Petralona stalactite cave
Exploring the 10,000 square metre Petralona stalactite cave is an impressive experience. It opens up a fascinating world full of stalagmites, stalactites and extraordinary stone formations. In the 1960s, traces of prehistoric man were even discovered here. Parts of them, such as bones, teeth, tools and fossils, are now on display in the museum next to the cave passage.
The «Holy Mountain»
Athos is a place of peace and contemplation that has been recognised as an autonomous state since Byzantine times and is regarded as the guardian of the Orthodox faith. Women and children are not permitted in the thousand-year-old closed monastic republic, and men are only allowed to visit the holy mountain with special authorisation. However, it can also be marvelled at from afar, on a boat trip in the surrounding waters. Most trips start at the tower of Prosforio, the landmark of Ouranoupoli from the 12th century, which is also worth a visit.
Greek cuisine
In typical Greek fashion, travellers can also look forward to a variety of great restaurants in Halkidiki. Modern Greek cuisine is served at the hip Aknos, while juicy, fresh seafood is available at the relaxed Magnolia Mediterranean Seafood. If you fancy something a little different one evening, Fiki Fiki in Kassandra Palace invites you to savour a unique blend of Asian and Peruvian cuisine.
Heavenly nights
The 5-star Sani Beach Hotel, part of the Sani Resorts, is located directly on the Cape and boasts seven kilometres of private, white sandy beaches, light-flooded rooms and a Garden Theatre, where folklore and shows take place in the evenings. The timeless Eagles Resort is just as luxurious – an enchanting retreat near Mount Athos. Golf enthusiasts can choose the elegant Porto Carras Resort with its immaculate 18-hole course or the Acrotel Athena Pallas, just 20 minutes away by car, surrounded by pine forests and olive groves.
