The latest figures from the National Statistics Institute points out the hottest, coldest, brightest, darkest and wettest places in Spain.
As one might imagine, the Canary Islands or “Happy Islands” come out tops when it comes to sunshine and warmth. And of the seven islands, Tenerife enjoyed the hottest average temperatures and the most sunshine.
The Canarian Climate
Located just above the Western Sahara Desert, the Canary Islands enjoy a privileged location and climate. Drenched in year round sunlight, washed by warm Atlantic waters, they have what arguably the world’s best climate.
The Canaries are the only place in Spain and Europe where you get guaranteed winter sunshine and warmth.
Andalucia in southern Spain is certainly a lot sunnier than the UK and most other parts of Europe but can get very cold during the winter months. Any expat living in Spain will tell you that shorts and a t-shirt won’t always do.
Southern Spain is however, a great place to spend the winter months away from the gloomy northern European winter.
The Canary Islands were also the driest places in Spain last year, with the least rainfall. Fuerteventura, famous for its vast desert-like landscape and endless sandy beaches, received just 63.1mm of rain.
Lanzarote and Santa Cruz de Tenerife were the second driest locations. They both got twice as much rain as Fuerteventura, approximately 125 mm – not very much.
Spanish Hotspots
Tenerife topped the charts when it comes to bright and balmy year round climates. Last year the island had an average of 21.8 degrees centigrade – warmer than any of the other Canary Islands. Tenerife also received more sunshine – 3,565 hours a year, which is around ten hours per day.
Lanzarote, with its weird lunar-like volcanic landscape was the second hottest location and Rota on the Costa de La Luz (Coast of Light) was the sunniest part of mainland Spain with 3,010 hours of sunshine.
Cold and Damp Spain
If all that sunshine gets too much for you and you want some “real” weather, head inland. Spain is the most mountainous country in Europe and accordingly can get very very chilly at altitudes with strong wind chill factors.
Last year the coldest recorded temperatures were found in Puerto de Navacerrada ski station, north of Madrid. Temperatures averaged at a chilling 7.9 degrees for the whole year. Izaña de Tenerife was the second coldest location and at 2300 metres in altitude, one can imagine why.
Labacoa, near Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, received the most rainfall – well over two metres. Other towns in this lush green part of Northern Spain saw similar deluges.
The darkest part of Spain, which was probably still a lot brighter than the UK, was the Costa Verde or Green Coast. In towns like Asturias, Bilbao and Cantabria, they received less than half the sunshine Tenerife received.
Island Life – Moving to the Sun
Tenerife, home to a large UK expat community, amazing beaches, good value properties, low cost of living, high standard of life and perpetual, sunshine is a fantastic place to live. Every year more and more UK nationals are choosing to escape the doom and gloom of rainy England and set up home on this island paradise.
Buy-to-let investments are also a popular option. With year round sunshine and warmth, you can command peak season prices all throughout the year.
Finding a Home
The Internet is the fastest and most efficient way to find property abroad. There are literally hundreds of real estate agent sites and independent property portals providing everything from property listings (with prices and photos) to legal advice, buyer’s guides, local area information and climate reports – everything you could possibly need. Try the following link – Tenerife Property Search
If you’re genuinely looking to start a new life, away from the pollution, cold, high prices and endless grey skies, Tenerife is certainly well worth considering!
Property for sale in Tenerife
Here’s a few example of what you’ll find on Canarypropert.com, one of The Canary Islands leading property portals…
Playa Paraiso, Tenerife
Casa Dulce
Typical Canarian restaurant in Playa Paraiso. Restaurant has large eating area and bar with terrace with views to the sea.
Sale Price: €37.500
Costa del Silencio, Tenerife
Marino Tenerife
Studios
Opportunity good size studio, 1 bathroom, separate fitted kitchen, terrace overlooking swimming pool, recently renovated on very well kept resort.
Sale Price: €58.000
San Eugenio Alto, Tenerife
Island Village Heights
Studios
Beautiful studio located on the second floor in San Eugenio Alto. There is American kitchen, lounge, one bathroom, terrace. Panoramic sea views.
Sale Price: €88.500