Weather Lowdown
We may be at the end of the year, but the good news is that December is not quite the coldest month you could see in Puerto de Santiago. That title falls to January, when the winter really intensifies but make no mistake, it has certainly set in by the time we get to this month.
Falling temperatures and rainy days combine to give an average daily temperature of 19°C, with highs reaching up to 22°C but also dropping to 17°C so you might need a jacket. The average rainfall for the month also gives you something to think about, as you may well need to pack an umbrella if you are planning on heading out of your hotel: 92mm of rain will come down during the month, covering an average of 7 days. That is only 1mm behind the wettest month of November, so you can be sure that you need to keep an eye on the weather forecast just in case the heavens do open.
Make sure that you plan your excursions carefully, too. There are only 7 hours of sunshine a day, making this the darkest month that you will encounter in the Canary Islands. It's quite a dramatic change from the months before and after, so be aware that if you are staying this month there may even be a difference between the start of your holiday and the end.
Even though it is winter here, you will still find plenty of tourists who come to stay or even to live here until the spring because of the fact that the winter is relatively mild. Compared to most European countries, it could even be called warm, which makes it an ideal hideaway to wait out the worst of the weather. You can even spend some time on the beach around Christmas, and not many countries in Europe can offer that as a comfortable option!
Where to Stay
The Bahia Isora is just 300 yards away from the beach, which is bound to be quiet in December and could offer your own personal stretch of sand. Restaurants and shops are also very close to this beautifully furnished apartment.
The ALOE Apartment is a little further out of the way, giving you better views of the mountain than the sea but at this time of year, that may be just right. It's a newly built and modern apartment which is fully furnished for your comfort.
Puesta de Sol en Santiago offers a fully equipped kitchen for all guests and is close by a hypermarket, so self-catering is very easy here. There is also a central pool with sun loungers that you will have access to at all times.
Things to Do
Its cold enough in December that you may want to stay inside but this is your holiday and you can spend it how you like. You can simply stay in your room and watch television if you like, as many resorts in Puerto de Santiago make sure to have international channels available for the convenience of their guests.
If you want some fun, there's nothing like a night at the Music Hall Tavern to liven you up and get you laughing. This famous local drag show is really popular, and offers you the chance to grab a bite to eat while you watch the acts. You can even catch a Christmas panto!
It will only cost you a few Euros to get a taxi to the Los Gigantes shopping area, and this is a must if you want to bring back some souvenirs. You can find everything from fashion to souvenirs to electrical goods to food here, all at very low prices.
Restaurants and Nightlife
For traditional local cuisine, be sure to try La Tasca De Ramon. You will find it perched on the streets that lead down to the beach, offering a great view over the sea. It is an especially great location at night time, when the lights of the buildings twinkle off the water.
El Rincon del Fenix offers a steakhouse with a children's play area, certainly a novelty! The fine dining experience you will find here is a great break from the normal tourist scene in the area, and could be just what you need for a special night.
Tasca Donde Tato is normally a local's pub, but the atmosphere here is so great that many people come back time and time again. It's the last in a row of pubs and restaurants on a main street, so you will find it easily and may be tempted back for lunch by the smells of the stews cooking overnight.
