Stanfords Blog

Travel writer and Canaries expert Ervin Cenmurati reveals his top five hiking destinations in the Spanish archipelago.

The Canary Islands are a heaven for holidaymakers, with the archipelago attracting visitors throughout the year. Aside from the guaranteed sun and fantastic beaches, the Canaries are blessed with other natural wonders that relatively few have explored. The fact that the 13 islands are sitting on one of the largest volcanic regions in the world means the landscape has constantly changed. What better way to appreciate this unique setting than a hiking holiday? Here’s our guide to the top five hiking destinations in the Canaries:

1. La Gomera

Crossing over to this small island is well worth it. Here you’ll find a trekking haven for beginners and those who prefer something more challenging. Just over 40 minutes from Tenerife by ferry (there is a small local airport but it closes early in the evenings), La Gomera boasts lush mini rainforests, jaw-dropping gorges, banana plantations and a community that’s developed one of the best languages a man can know: whistling. Yes, that’s right, ‘El Silbo’ is a recognised language that inhabitants of La Gomera use to communicate over long distances, spreading the word for various events such as weddings. It has been proclaimed one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, and is so natural to listen to that many confuse it with the sound of local birdsong.

2. Tenerife

One of the largest of the Canaries, Tenerife offers the visitor a fantastic range of hiking and trekking tours. One of the best known is an exploration of Mount Teide, the islands’ largest and highest peak. One for real trekking enthusiasts, this is a challenge that promises beautiful gorges and a breathtaking landscape on the approach to Masca Village: a small and traditional inland settlement that can also be accessed by car – but that’s cheating. Other famous treks worth considering are crossing over to nearby El Hierro, or finding hidden beaches like Playa Bollullo, Playa de los Patos or – the most challenging but also the most rewarding – Playa del Ancón.

3. Lanzarote

Lanzarote offers great choice for hikers, especially around the coastal areas of Risco de Famara, Charco del Paolo and La Galeria de Famara. If you like the luxury of a private pool – but the way that nature intended – then from Costa Teguise trek to Cueva del Agua, where a stunning natural pool has been formed among the rocks. Lanzarote’s landscape offers fantastic walks inland too, especially in the Timanfaya National Park – though for more of an unusual challenge it’s worth visiting the smaller neighbouring islands of La Graciola and Isla del Lobos. One word of advice: Lanzarote’s cooled magma and the rocky landscape means it’s necessary to invest in some proper trekking shoes.

4. Gran Canaria

Famous for the sand dunes of Maspalomas and the fantastic scenery at dawn or dusk for romantic walk, this is Gran Canaria – where keen hikers find inhabited cave villages like Guayadeque and the breathtaking scenery and vertical cliffs of the Barranco Hormiguero Canyon near San Felipes. Off the beaten tracks and spectacular mountain scenery are abundant in Gran Canaria, and when you throw in the year-round beautiful weather it’s hard to resist the temptation of not visiting the second-most populous of the Canary Islands.

5. Fuerteventura

Last but not least is Fuerteventura – an island famous for its watersports, especially windsurfing, where every year the world championships and rallies are hosted.  The second-largest Canary Island offers easier-going treks than its island neighbours as its landscape is generally flatter. An excellent selection of coastal hikes can be found throughout the island, especially around Dunes Natural Park near Corralejo or Jandia Natural Park. Other routes to be considered are the volcanic mountain range in the north of the island near Colorada Mountain, or a coast to coast trek from Costa Calma to La Pared.

Ervin Cenmurati is an expert travel consultant at Directline Holidays and a freelance travel writer in his free time. He has travelled extensively around Europe and particularly enjoys finding rarities and venturing off the beaten path.

If 2012 was all about London, 2013 is shaping up to be Amsterdam’s year. There may not be an Olympics or Jubilee scheduled in the calendar, but there are a succession of key anniversaries and events taking place in the Dutch capital. We take a look at five worth getting excited about:

Four centuries of Amsterdam’s canals

Arguably Amsterdam‘s most iconic sight, 2013 marks 400 years of the city’s historic Canal Ring – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most unique urban landscapes. The three most famous are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht; symbols of the Dutch Golden Age. There are more than 100km of canals in total, in addition to 1,500 bridges and 1,550 monumental buildings.

Canal celebrations tend to culminate on Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) on 30th April, a national holiday that marks the birthday of Queen Beatrix’s mother and predecessor, Juliana. But visit in winter and you may witness the canals freezing over – if the ice is thick enough, as it was last February, locals sporting skates clamber down to the waterways en masse, temporarily finding an alternative to the bicycle as the preferred method of getting around.

Over the course of 2013 various festivals, concerts and exhibitions will be taking place on or alongside Amsterdam’s canals. Among the best will be the Light Festival in December, though you can still catch last year’s until 20th January.

Where: The central Grachtengordel (canal belt).
Cost: Free.

> Amble Amsterdam’s canals with Lonely Planet Amsterdam

175 years of the Artis Zoo

The Netherlands’ oldest zoo, located just east of the city centre in the Plantage district, was founded way back in 1838 – making it 175 years old this year. Home to more than 6,000 animals from approximately 900 species, this is a zoo with a difference – more relaxed than its London counterpart, Artis is regarded as a cultural meeting place: a place to sip a cappuccino on the terrace in the company of penguins or zebras.

If the weather’s bad, head to the aquarium, butterfly pavilion, planetarium or insectarium, the latter of which is converted from an old food storage unit. The aquarium, meanwhile, features scenes replicating a number of eco systems, from a tropical coral reef to the Amazonian rainforest.

Look out for special events taking place over the course of the year, and when you leave Artis be sure to check out Entrepotdok canal immediately to the north – home to a selection of excellent cafes, terraces, houseboats and, if you’re lucky, a free view of the giraffes.

Where: Plantage Kerklaan 38 – 40.
Cost: Adults €18.95, Children €15.50, 65+ €17.50.

> Zoom to the zoo with the Amsterdam Flexi Map

Reopening of the Rijksmuseum

A decade ago, a large section of the iconic Rijksmuseum – the largest museum in The Netherlands – was closed for extensive renovations. While construction work was completed last July, museum-goers have to wait until to April before it fully reopens. But what a treat they have in store…

Architects Cruz y Ortis have built on Pierre Cuypers’ 1876 creation to devise 1.5 km of art, with exhibits dating right back to the Middle Ages. Some 80 halls accommodating 8,000 items have been beautifully restored, which collectively tell the stories of eight centuries of Dutch art and history. Such is the extent of the transformation that just a single item hangs in its original place: Rembrandt’s world famous The Night Watch.

It’s worth noting that the entire museum will be closed between 18th March and 13th April to allow museum staff to prepare for the reopening. Between now and then, the Philips Wing and the first floor will remain open.

Where: Jan Luijkenstraat 1.
Cost: TBC March 2013. Entrance to the Philips Wing is €10.

> Roam the Rijksmuseum with the Supertime Amsterdam Map/Guide

The Van Gogh Museum’s 40th anniversary

Temporarily located in the Hermitage Amsterdam (but only until 25th April) the Van Gogh Museum is undergoing major renovations as it celebrates its 40th birthday, and Van Gogh’s 160th, before reopening in the spring.

In addition to housing the largest collection of paintings, drawings and letters by the Dutch post-impressionist, the Van Gogh Museum displays a range of exhibits by the artist’s contemporaries – attributes that encourage 1.6 million people to visit the museum every year (making it one of the 25 most-visited museums in the world).

The Van Gogh Museum doesn’t simply display the artist’s work – it tells the story of Van Gogh as an artist; how and why he explored different themes, what inspired him and why he did what he did, as told through his letters.

Where: Hermitage Amsterdam, Amstel 51 (until 25th April), then Museumplein (Paulus Potterstraat 7).
Cost: €17.50.

> Mosey to the museum with Red Maps Amsterdam

The Concertgebouw’s 175th birthday

In April 1888, Amsterdam’s concert hall – revered the world over for its excellent acoustics – opened its doors for the first time. Arguably rivalled only by Vienna’s Musikverein and Boston’s Symphony Hall, the Concertgebouw puts on more than 700 concerts each year featuring the world’s finest orchestras, conductors and soloists.

To mark its 125th anniversary, the concert hall will host a huge range of Jubilee concerts in its Main Hall and Recital Hall, with stars including Angela Gheorghiu, Valery Gergiev and Bernard Haitink having already signed up to the Jubilee programme.

The Concertgebouw will concentrate on a different period each month, running in chronological order – with themes encompassing music, images and text. These will culminate in a large-scale education project at the end of the year, based on West side Story.

Where: Concertgebouwplein 10.
Cost: Click here for concert ticket prices.

> Commute to the concert hall with Amsterdam City Flash

Shanghai-based writer and teacher Tim Neesham continues his series on modern-day China, asking what the recent presidential handover means for the country’s travel sector and its economy.

On the same day the people of the United States were giving President Obama four more years, the Chinese government was also preparing itself for major political movement.

Whether or not this is merely coincidence is up for debate, but far from the fanfare of minute by minute updates, professional opinions and the almost Eurovision-style party that accompanies America going to the polls, the Chinese changeover is by contrast understated, mysterious and clandestine. If rumours are to be believed, the new President and leader of the People’s Republic, Xi Jinping, has had his sights on Hu Jintao’s position for as long as three years.

Yet while the differences in style are as opposite as yin and yang, the questions of political policy are remarkably similar; cutting carbon emissions, boosting the economy, foreign policy – so how will the new government tackle the key issues?

Travel and tourism

It’s perhaps unsurprising that a nation of such size and stature has to contend with a variety of domestic and international disputes. Within China itself, regular rumblings of discontent emanate from the already autonomous western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, whereas the increasing influence the United States is having in Taiwan is also a sore and ongoing saga.

Tibet in particular has long been a headache for the Chinese government, and the pain shows no sign of subsiding as the new regime takes power. Stories of self-immolation by sympathisers campaigning for a free Tibet are sadly a fairly regular occurrence, but for the time being it is the western media that seems to pay them more heed.

The difference between Tibet and Xinjiang is that the former has long been a place of interest for travellers, with the regular opening and closing of the border between the two rarely going unnoticed in Europe and the Americas.

Similar border issues have been reported recently when travelling to Taiwan so tourists – both foreign and Chinese – planning trips to these regions are always advised to plan ahead.

Economy

While still booming by European standards, the Chinese economy is nevertheless beginning to show signs of slowing down. For this reason, and perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the government’s newest policy implementations is to encourage more foreign financial investment in China. Extensive measures have been taken to relax stringent rules on foreign direct investments (FDIs) by cutting out much of the red tape and bureaucracy that accompany foreign companies directly investing in China through foreign currency transactions.

Additionally, restrictions on borrowing and lending between Chinese and foreign companies are being loosened. Chinese companies with foreign investment will now be allowed to lend money to their overseas parent companies, while Chinese people will also be able to carry out overseas lending using foreign currencies from within China.

Such measures represent a huge shift in policy for a nation that until now has not been known for paying too much attention to the world outside its own territories.

Foreign policy

The sense of nationalism that courses through the veins of sections of powerful Chinese is undeniable, and this is sometimes highlighted by the way the government deals with international disputes – and the widespread support its foreign policy enjoys among members of the public.

One of the latest in a long, long line of arguments with the Japanese centres on the Diaoyu Islands (Senkaku Islands in Japanese), which lie in the middle of the two and to which both lay claim.

Such is the ferocity of support for the Chinese cause within China that people actually stopped shopping at Japanese-owned stores and boycotted Japanese-brand cars, while some Japanese factories in China were forced to cease operations. One news story even reported a gang of particularly passionate protestors charging around a second-tier city smashing up Mazdas.

But while the government will undoubtedly continue to take advantage of such overwhelming displays of solidarity by its people, the mere fact that these disputes, among others with countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and South Korea, are even taking place represents another example of the changing foreign policy by Chinese governments; one more outward looking and internationally focused.

This was further demonstrated in the autumn of 2012 by the launch of China’s first aircraft carrier, plus its continued investment in African industries such as mining and the stepping up in operations of its aerospace program.

Environment

Anybody who has heard anything about China over the last 20 years will be aware that the country has some fairly serious pollution issues. It’s not uncommon for the air in and around a Chinese city, even Shanghai or the capital, Beijing, to be thick, grey and dusty.

Interestingly, due to its global situation as a developing country, China, like India, does not have to conform to the same rules and regulations put forth by the Kyoto Protocol as many other, more developed nations.

However, there does appear to be the dawning of a change in attitude from the Chinese government and cutting carbon emissions is now high on the agenda. A cut of 40 per cent is reportedly the target on airborne pollutants that apparently spread as far and wide as the coasts of Australia and the United States.

However, and if you’ll excuse the pun, critics say the policies are nothing more than cleverly-worded smokescreens. For example, even if the government does stick to this target, China would actually see a 60 per cent rise in emissions due simply to population growth.

Regardless of nationality or political orientation, everyone these days seems to have an opinion on China and the Chinese and many of these policies are open to extremely wide interpretation. What’s for sure though is that China is changing at a pace never before seen in global broadcast media, and there is no doubt that the international community is keeping at least one eye on the east.

Want to find out more about China? Check out the following five titles:

• Lonely Planet China – get 20% off!
• China by Yann Layma – a photographic portrait of modern China 
• The Penguin History of Modern China 
• China Road by Rob Gifford – a journey into the heart of modern China 
• Live & Work in China – a guide to daily life in China

We spoke to bloggers and travel industry experts to find out the top destinations to add to your travel wish list in 2013.

Laura Lindsay: Turkey

Where would I recommend visiting in the next 12 months? The possibilities are endless, but one destination I know I’ll be returning to this year is Turkey. One of Lonely Planet’s top countries to visit in 2013, Turkey is a fabulous travel destination because of the sheer variety this vast and fascinating country has to offer. Ancient history, the incredible landscapes of Cappadocia and the relatively undiscovered eastern towns of Mardin and Midyat are just some of the reasons to visit this year.

Turkey is well loved for cosmopolitan Istanbul and the country’s stunning coastline, but beyond the coastal resorts there is also a wealth of unexplored gems in this incredibly beautiful nation just waiting to be discovered. I visited in 2012 and experienced fabulous food, the friendliest of welcomes and fantastic scenery. I’m counting down the days until I can go back!

Laura Lindsay is part of the Lonely Planet media team.

> Target Turkey with our range of travel guides and maps

Paul Bondsfield: Burma

This year Burma is south-east Asia’s real up-and-coming destination. It’s been described as the Thailand of old – a country that boasts all the sights, cuisine and climate but without the tourists. Isolated both politically and in terms of tourism, Burma is still a relatively unknown country. There aren’t many parts of the world that remain untouched, yet Burma is one of them.

Forget the bright lights of Bangkok, the capital city of Yangon is a stark contrast. The pace of life is much slower, yet there is still plenty to see and do. Seeing the Shwedagon Pagoda, for example, is an absolute must.

Elsewhere, you can watch the sunrise over 4,000 stupas at Bagan or stay in the floating villages at Inle Lake. Another popular spot among travellers is Kalaw, where you can trek in the surrounding hills and forests. Also, Burma has some of the world’s best unknown dive sites – well worth checking out if you’re a keen scuba diver. Whatever you decide to do in Burma, you won’t be disappointed.

A country of original infrastructure, culture and traditions, far from the electronic world. Travelling doesn’t get more authentic than this.

Paul Bondsfield is Head of Marketing at My Adventure Store.

> Backpack around Burma with our range of travel guides and maps

Macca Sherifi: Iceland

Iceland is a small country yet it packs a big punch. 2013 is tipped to be one of the best years to see the Northern Lights; with Iceland not only do you get to see the lights but you can also see geysers, icefalls and some stunning scenery, too.

Reykjavik is the capital, and when the white stuff falls here in winter it pretty much resembles a snow globe. There’s plenty to do in the city, and after a spell of sightseeing the places to kick back and relax are the Ice Hotel or the Olgerdin Brewery. Reykjavik is the perfect place to base yourself to go to places like the Blue Lagoon and whale-watching, and of course, you’ve got to see the geysers.

Also, with easyJet now flying to Iceland, the island nation is more accessible than ever before.

Macca Sherifi is the Travel Editor of gapyear.com.

> Be inspired by Iceland with our range of travel guides and maps

Charlie Gilbert: Sri Lanka

This Indian Ocean island nation’s recent history has been far from incident-free, but with civil war over its tourism industry is receiving much-needed investment. If you’ve done India and south-east Asia, there’s probably no better place to travel in 2013 – visitors can expect excellent beaches, eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore and low prices (both in terms of accommodation prices and flights, especially when travelling from Bangkok).

Must-sees include Dondra Head on the southern coast, where blue whales can be seen between January and April; Arugam Bay, which offers some of the best surf in Asia; and the 17th century Dutch fort in Galle, the best example of a European-built Asian fortified city.

Overseas visitor numbers have been steadily increasing since civil war ended in May 2009, and this year’s total could break the one million barrier with British Airways launching flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka‘s capital, in April.

Charlie Gilbert is Stanfords’ Online Editor.

> See the best of Sri Lanka with our range of travel guides and maps

Lauren Holden: Majorca

Your New Year goals may include stepping aboard a plane to some far-flung destination, but don’t forget those holiday hotspots that are a little closer to home in 2013.

Yes, Vegas may be the US party capital, and Florida might be hot, hot, hot, but I wouldn’t rule out a cheaper European trip that won’t break the bank – and that doesn’t necessarily mean having to discover somewhere new.

I’ve always been a big fan of Majorca thanks to its beautifully sandy beaches, stunning local markets and tasty eateries. The perfect spot for a long weekend or a relaxing fortnight with the family, it really does offer something for everyone.

If you’re planning on holidaying anywhere near Magaluf, make sure you pay a visit to the famous Pirates show. It came highly recommended when we visited nearby Alcudia a few years ago, and it’s undoubtedly still as fun today. An all-singing, all-dancing show featuring acrobatics, stunts and a whole lot of audience participation, it’s loads of fun for kids and adults.

Away from the larger, more established resorts are the likes of Pollenca and its coastal sister town Puerto Pollenca – both located in the unspoiled north-east. The former is the place to go to get away from it all and experience some authentic Spanish culture, while the latter is there when the beach and the warm waters of the Mediterranean start calling.

Travellers will find it more convenient to travel to Majorca this year thanks to Vueling, Spain’s second-largest airline, launching new flights to Palma from Heathrow just in time for the 2013 summer season.

Lauren Holder is a freelance travel writer.

> Make the most of Majorca with our range of travel guides and maps

Rahul Aggarwal: Ethiopia

Prepare to be astounded in Ethiopia, the birthplace of humanity, in 2013. Explore ancient rock-hewn churches and towering stelae in the north. Take part in the Ethiopian festivals of Genna and Timkat and experience Christianity as it was practised centuries ago. Trek to the source of the Blue Nile and come face-to-face with gelada baboons in the Simien Mountains. For adrenalin seekers, trek to the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth, and witness a volcanic eruption.

In the south, meet the enchanting tribal people of the Omo Valley, experience market day in the villages and take a boat ride on the Great Rift Valley lakes looking out for crocodiles, hippos and birdlife. The spectacular Bale Mountains are a trekker’s paradise and are also home to the endemic mountain nyala and rare Ethiopian wolf, while nearby the dramatic Sof Omar Caves will leave any traveller breathless.

This part of the world may be challenging at times, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Rahul Aggarwal is a Director at Travel The Unknown.

> Explore Ethiopia with our range of travel guides and maps

Ian John: Salobrena

Millions of tourists head through Malaga each year en route to the famous Costa resorts of Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmedina and Torremolinos – but for a change in 2013, head east rather than west from Malaga to the tranquil beauty of Salobrena. With a 10th century Moorish castle overlooking this quaint Spanish village, this is a destination that remains relatively untouched by large-scale commercial tourism.

Salobrena boasts five beaches separated by ‘El Penon’ or ‘the rock’, a large outcrop of sandstone that’s also adjacent to a number of fabulous beach-side restaurants where the local seafood dishes are supreme.

The town is a popular destination for Spanish holidaymakers and can get busy during August in particular – but nowhere near as hectic as the more established resorts. Beaches are popular both day and night with sun worshippers and in the evening with many local anglers.

Day trips to local markets in and around Frigliana and Orgiva are well worth the effort and Motril, Almunecar and Salobrena itself offer ample dining and shopping opportunities.

Ian John is a freelance travel writer.

> Discover more of Malaga and its surroundings with our range of travel guides and maps

Venetia Rainey: Sulawesi

Everyone who travels to Indonesia goes to Bali. But if you want incredible beaches all to yourself, encounters straight out a documentary and a healthy slice of adventure, try Sulawesi.

This K-shaped island is severely under-travelled and yet it offers a huge range of experiences to suit every visitor.

Enjoy world-class diving in Bunaken or Wakatobi, both of which offer ample opportunity to swim with sea turtles and observe some of the most varied and colourful coral in the world.

Culture vultures should head to the central region of Tana Toraja, where tourism revolves around burial caves, baby graves in trees and elaborate, week-long funerals.

And for the perfect beach getaway you really can’t do better than the Togean Islands, a genuine paradise where the living is slow and the scenery is stunning.

Beirut-based journalist and photographer Venetia Rainey writes for The Independent, The Telegraph and Reuters.

> Sample the best of Sulawesi with the Periplus Folded Map