Canary Islands vacation: PCR test upon entry is now mandatory –...

Canary Islands vacation: Mandatory PCR test ensures a break in bookings

Update from November 25, 2020: Stricter entry regulations for the Canary Islands have been in place since November 14th. Initially, a negative PCR or antigen test was required to visit the Spanish islands. Since November 23, it has been said that there is no longer any exception for rapid tests: Alone PCR-Tests are still allowed for international travelers, as the Turespaña Tourist Office announced. The test must be taken within 72 hours of entry in order to be allowed to travel to the islands.

Apparently, some travelers do not like to see that: The regulations of the authorities have led to an enormous drop in bookings at the hotel chain Ruias reported by the trade journal fvw. This is probably because the mandatory PCR test is usually more expensive and travelers have to wait longer for the result. “All the regulations of the past few weeks had a major impact on the booking situation,” says Yvonne Swiezawski, spokeswoman for the Riu chain, regarding the new developments.

At first there would have been “an exponential growth in bookings” than that Canary Islands by Germany and Great Britain no longer classified as a risk area. “The number of bookings tripled compared to the previous week,” says Swiezawski. So the interest of the travelers would be there – and measures like the faster and more accessible antigen tests would not mind the travelers.

That is why hotel associations, tour operators and the German Travel Association (DRV) want the antigen test back. To overturn the new regulation, they have one Petition brought to life. “We hope that the Spanish government will allow the rapid tests again in order to be able to resume the winter season, which is still a few months ahead of us,” says Swiezawski.

Holiday in the Canary Islands during Corona time: These rules now apply

Update from November 9, 2020: Since October 24th, the Canary Islands are no longer part of the risk areas. On the return journey from Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote or the smaller islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro you do not need to go into quarantine in Germany. However, stricter entry rules will apply to the archipelago itself from November 14th.

According to the Federal Foreign Office, this includes that all visitors who want to stay in a tourist accommodation facility, one at the reception Submit negative corona test have to. This must not be older than 72 hours and must be presented either in paper form or on the smartphone. The full name of the person tested, the name of the laboratory and the date and time of the test must be on it. Both PCR and antigen tests are allowed.

If possible, tests should still be carried out in the country of origin, but this can also be done at an authorized test station after entry. You have to pay the costs yourself. In addition, tourists have to activate the Spanish Corona app “Radar Covid” during their stay and only deactivate it 15 days after their return trip.

Vacation in the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura? Gran Canaria? Or would you prefer El Hierro?

The Canaries are known as the islands of eternal spring. They have a lot in common, for example the mild climate. But there are differences in a number of points. Which of the seven islands goes best with which one Vacation type? This question arises even more after the Canaries are no longer a risk area – This means that the travel warning is no longer applicable. The archipelago could be one of the few, warmer winter destinations for German vacationers.

Vacation in the Canary Islands – Fuerteventura: White beaches with a lot of wind

Endless sandy beaches are probably the first thing you think of Fuerteventura thinks. In the north it is the dune beaches around the main town Corralejo, which has a pleasant flair. In the south of the island * – whether on the Costa Calma, near Jandia or Esquinzo – there is no such thing. There, holidaymakers often spend their holidays in their hotels all the time. While the beaches of most of the other Canary Islands have black sand, Fuerteventura scores with its white sand for many holidaymakers. The longest beach in the whole of the Canary Islands is the Cofete at 14 kilometers. The beach is only partially suitable for swimming.

Fuerteventura is a very elongated island, from the northernmost to the southernmost point it is almost 100 kilometers. Small minus point for vacationers who have booked a hotel in the south: the airport is more in the north of the island. The transfer by bus takes a long time. The Temperatures in Fuerteventura are rarely below 20 and almost never above 30 degrees all year round. The strong wind can be a bit uncomfortable, which in turn offers ideal conditions for all kite and windsurfers. It is not for nothing that Fuerteventura is considered a surf hotspot.

Read here: Tui defies Corona travel warning – and brings vacationers to risk area.

Vacation in the Canary Islands – Lanzarote: The island for couples

Lanzarote is the smallest of the four big ones Canary Islands. In addition to lava landscapes, there are many places to swim, but there is also a lot on offer for active vacationers and culture enthusiasts. The latter come mainly because of the artist César Manrique, who left a lot of traces. Accordingly, the audience is a little different than, for example, on Fuerteventura. There are also families, but the focus is more on couples. The price level is also a bit higher than on the mass islands. In addition, the flight connection is not that good. The island is especially popular with Spaniards.

Read here: Mallorca opens clubs and discos – but with this massive restriction.

Vacation in the Canaries – Tenerife: Beach vacation and a mighty volcano

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is considered by many to be the most varied. Basically, the island is divided into two parts: north and south. This can be seen, for example, in the climate, the landscape, but also in the audience. In the south, classic beach holidays are particularly popular. In the much greener north there are hardly any sandy beaches, where hiking is popular. In addition to hiking and sunbathing, Tenerife offers much more, such as Santa Cruz, an exciting capital and golf courses. The island is dominated by Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. For many, it alone is a reason to come to the island – the national park around the mountain is good for hiking. Getting to Tenerife is easy. The island has two airports, with almost all international flights going to the airport in the south. The road to the north is well developed.

Read here: So you can now go on vacation at home – and not let yourself get down.

Holidays in the Canaries – Gran Canaria: The family island

For vacationers from Germany Gran Canaria the most popular Canary Island. Similar to Tenerife, Gran Canaria is also divided into north and south. The north is cooler and more humid, but also has a larger vegetation. The south is drier, warmer and sunnier. German holidaymakers are clearly drawn to the south, because of the beaches there, especially at Maspalomas. Thanks to numerous apartments, the south of the island is particularly popular with families. The island also attracts a young party crowd, and gays and lesbians have been coming here for holidays for years. The north is usually only used for an excursion – for example to the island’s capital Las Palmas. There is a lot of nature in the interior of the island, including 33 nature reserves.

Read here: Travel destinations in Europe with crystal clear water – for the time after the Corona crisis.

Vacation in the Canary Islands – La Palma: hiking pleasure away from the crowds

If you don’t feel like mass tourism and don’t want to lie on the beach all the time, come along The Palm. Hikers love La Palma. There are only a few larger hotels and accommodation is mostly in small complexes. One tip is the observatory at Roque de los Muchachos. Due to the clear air and the stable weather, the stars can be observed particularly well from here.

Vacation in the Canaries – La Gomera: Tenerife’s small neighboring island

Anders als La Palma hat slingshot no international airport. However, the island benefits from its proximity to Tenerife. Boats leave from there. Therefore, some vacationers book a combination of the two islands. La Gomera has great golf courses.

Holidays in the Canary Islands – El Hierro: For dropouts on time

El Hierro is the smallest and most pristine of the Canary Islands – and certainly the most special. Let your mind wander and wander: That works well on El Hierro. In contrast to La Palma, the mountains are much lower. Divers also get their money’s worth on El Hierro. (dpa / sca) – * Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen editorial network.

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