Madeira and the Canary Islands

[quote] Has anyone here ever been there?

No.

They’re unpopulated and never explored.

I’ve been to Madeira. I enjoyed it, even though it rained the entire time. It’s incredibly lush and scenic, but there’s no gay life to speak of, and the only decent beaches are a short boat or plane trip away on Porto Santo. I’d definitely recommend a visit if you’re primarily interested in hiking, gardens, or otherwise enjoying nature.

Louisiana was at one time destination for Canary Islanders and they contributed to our cuisine history.

[quote] Louisiana was at one time destination for Canary Islanders and they contributed to our cuisine history.

As was San Antonio, Texas.

Maspalomas if you wanna get fisted! The water in the Canaries is never summer Atlantic warm but it's refreshing.

*books next flight to Gran Canaria*

[quote] *books next flight to Gran Canaria* —Steve Grand

Is there a caldera he can rim?

R2, Sir Roger Casement went cruising there back in the day, so there must be some kind of gay life!

Yes, been to Tenerife. It was nice. I went there several years ago though. Have no idea how it is now. I'd recommend a trip to Mount Teide (the volcano).

Gran Canaria is apparently the gay capital of Europe. The Yumbo Centre in Maspalomas hosts a gay pride festival every year.

I've also been to Lanzarote, Tenerife & Fuerteventura. All great places to visit, great weather, friendly people & lots to see & do

The canary Islands are ok, but a but dry for my taste. Madeira is absolutely stunning, with lush Nature and flowers and excellent scenic hiking paths. The food's pretty good, too. It isn't a gay Mecca, but it seems very gay-friendly.

Mecca isn’t a gay Mecca.

Madeira is nothing like the Canary Islands. Firstly Madeira is Portuguese and the Canaries are Spanish. Furthermore, their climates are completely different. The majority of the Canaries is arid, being so close the coast of Africa and the Sahara. Madeira has a sub-tropical climate as it's further out into the Atlantic. The different Canary Islands have different characters. Gran Canaria is the most gay (and VERY gay). Fuerteventura is rather bleak and windy but has the best climate for a beach holiday.

The Canaries are good for cheap beach holidays but if you're looking for a higher end destination, Madeira is very civilised. The only issue with Madeira is its climate means you're unlikely to be guaranteed great weather. I went last month and while it never got cold, it wasn't really sunbathing weather. One thing Madeira is very good for is whale-watching trips, if that's something that interests you.

Madeira used to be seen as a holiday destination for old people but that's changing as the population is very young and there are a lot of activities like hiking, trekking that they're starting to market to a younger demographic. It's an unusual place as every single spare inch of land is covered in banana groves but it's still very European, and you don't get screaming kids there or Brits drunk out of their minds like you might in other package holiday places.

Yes, Madeira is more like an Azore gone astray.

Maspalomas on Grand Canary has the nude beach, dunes, clothing optional guest houses, etc., and it’s inexpensive. The rest of the island looks like the surface of the moon.

R16, does it have more doves?

You tube has tons of videos of the gay beaches in Gran Canaria, huge summer resort for Europeans and nudists

What about the Azores?

I’ve visited Lanzarote and Tenerife. Lanzarote is dry. It has a few interesting sites, bit if you’re not into sunbathing you’ll be bored in a day. Tenerife reminded me of a Hawaiian island without the trees. Jagged cliffs right to the sea. The main town on the island, Santa Cruz, is similar to what you’d find in Spain. There’s really no beach per se, but there is a nice animal park/zoo. Didn’t really see a lot of gay life, so if you’re looking for some fun, I’d stick with Gran Canaria. There’s lot of ferries traveling between the islands so that you could see different sites on different islands if you wanted.

[quote] there is a nice animal park/zoo.

Who bought it?

Have some madeira, m'dear.

I’m going to Fuerteventura in a few weeks...looking forward to my holiday. I went to Lanzarote three years ago...such a lovely place. The climate was great... very chilled and relaxed. I went during the low season so it wasn’t overrun with tourists.

Madeira and Horta. Two thumbs up

Never been but it looks sleepy and boring.

R23 - hope you have fun!

Have a great time R23! I'm off to Lanzarote in October