Canary Islands
With a year round subtropical climate and just four and a half hours flying time from the UK, the Canary Islands are and ideal choice for both a winter sun or a summer holiday.
The Canary Islands enjoy over 300 days of sunshine being six hundred miles south of the Iberian Peninsula and approximately 70 miles west of the African Coast, the Canary Islands should typify a desert region, but due to the effects of the mountains, trade winds and warm coastal waters, they enjoy a wonderful year round climate.
The combination of climate and unusual geological features on these islands has led to an interesting array of flora and fauna which surprisingly thrive even though none of the islands has a running river. With more than 650 native species, the islands provide an important ecological area with numerous nature reserves and rural parks. Laws relating to low luxury tax, mean it's worth shopping for cameras, perfumes, jewellery, silks and paintings and much more.
Visitors who treat local gastronomy as a major part of their holiday will not be disappointed in the Canary Islands where excellant Spanish restaurants serve international and local cuisine. Tapas bars displaying their hot and cold tidbits so that you can simply point at the dish you fancy are plentiful and popular, and for a truly authentic meal look for a sign Tipico where you will be able to choose from a host of Canarian specialities.
There is such a diversity amongst the islands that, there really is an island to suit all tastes.
Tenerife – the largest of the Canary Islands and, with the highest mountain in Spain, Mount Teide, it features the grandest scenery as well as some good beaches and spectacular sea cliffs.
Playa de las Americas has become Tenerife's most popular resort and boasts an array of first class facilities with a selection of beautiful, clean, sandy beaches. Everyone is catered for and the beach areas offer a wealth of leicsure activities including surfing, jet-skiing, hand-gluiding, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and so many more the list is endless. There is no shortage of places to eat either, varied cuisines to suit every taste. After dark the resort really comes into its own there are countless venues offering live entertainment and cabaret shows.
The dialysis unit is situated in central Playa de las Americas, close to the golf course and only a few minutes walk from many of the hotels. EHIC coverd the cost of dialysis.
Puerto de la Cruz has been attracting visitors for over a century and it maintains much of it's colonial grandeur. The main square is the hub of both tourist and local life and its numerous bars and restaurants are busy at all hours. There are numerous places to visit but one that is a must is the Loro Parque not only is it home to the worlds largest collection of parrots but it is home to the most eclectic array of animals and provides a full days entertainment. Moving south to the resort of Playa de las Americas could not be more of a contrast.
The dialysis centre is situated a short walk from the centre of the town on an incline. The facilities at both hospitals are excellent as they offer every medical facility you may require. They are both very busy units dialysising both their own patients along with hundreds of holiday patients throughout the year. The EHIC is accepted at both.The staff, many of whom speak English, are highly qualified, understanding and caring. They will do their utmost to ensure that your holiday is one of the most enjoyable.
We also have acess to a private dialysis centre in Playa de la Arena, which is approximately 30 mins from Playa de las Americas. They do not accept the EHIC, the staff do speak English and treatment is very good. Cost per session is £230 and they will also provide transport.
Lanzarote – boasting an excellent coastline for those wishing to take part in water sports and activity holidays, several windsurfing competitions take place here each year which makes a great spectator sport. The dialysis unit is situated in Puerto del Carmen, a lively resort that has something for everyone.
Puerto del Carmen's excellent golden beach stretches for 5kms, the sea is calm and ideal for families. The charming old town has an appealing small harbour area with traditional bars and restuarants. The dialysis unit is situated a 5 minute walk from the beach in central Puerto del Carmen, equipped with the latest technology, and the medical staff speak a variety of languages including English.
Gran Canaria – the most varied of the Canary Islands, from sweeping sand dunes and volcanic peaks to pine forests and fertile plantations. There are dialysis units in both San Augustin, which was formerly a sleepy fishing village, which offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for you to unwind, along with a unit in the more lively resort of Maspalomas, this unit is just a 5 minutes walk into the centre of the town.
Fuerteventura – Drenched in sunshine all year round, Fuerteventura’s gorgeous stretches of beach and amazing sand dunes draw in sun-seekers and families in search of the perfect beach holiday, with the clear warm waters great for water sports and the nightlife fun-filled and exciting. The dialysis unit is situated in the resort of Jandia, with fantastic views over the sandy beach; this is the place to go if you want a relaxed holiday with a few bars and restaurants to distract you. The dialysis unit is equipped with B.Braun Dialog + machines and has English speaking staff. A short walk from the beach in a quiet central area of the town.
The units in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are not covered by the EHIC card. Cost per session is £250.
