Heading for new year's celebrations to the closest of the Canary Islands delivered quite a great sunny holiday week (and a little rain on the last day) with beaches, nature, volcanoes, architecture, seafood and volcanic wine.
On the beaches front, special mention for Famara, the long, wide surfers' beach surrounded by mountains and desert-like landscape; and the playa del Papagayo, at the end of a dirt road all the way south, a beauty and a jewel even when battered by strong winds.
The spectacular volcano Timanfaya and its neighbouring craters would deserve a story on their own, being at the origin of the island as it is today. An impressive landscape, even when done only by bus - and notwithstanding the apocalyptic soundtrack accompanying the ride.
All around the island, architecture beautifully merging with nature, the signature of local architect and hero Cesar Manrique - praised be the man forever - for having spearheaded a mentality of having only buildings which are discreet, low rising and respectful of the island nature.
On the food side, the best meal prize goes to the gambas and langoustines from a restaurant in a probably unknown village squeezed between Arrecife and the airport called Playa Honda. All accompanied by local Malvasia volcanica from la Geria area
