Known as “The Fortunate Islands”, the seven islands in the Canary Group have a near perfect climate, good infrastructure, charming people and a diverse landscape. From the wind-sculpted juniper trees of El Hierro to the black volcanic sands of Lanzarote, they offer an amazing variety of landscapes.
The Canary Islands contain 257 kilometers of beaches, four National Parks, four Biosphere Reserves, and hotels from budget to 5* . All of this makes the Canary Islands an attractive destination for discerning tourists. In addition, it offers winter sun which, with many Mediterranean countries suffering increasingly hot summers due to climate change, makes its cooler summers an added attraction.
El Hierro
This is the smallest, most southerly and most westerly of the Canary Islands, a factor which has kept it out of mainstream tourism and helped to conserve its untamed beauty. There are no traffic lights on this island, and it was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Sixty per cent of the island is protected and the Hierro giant lizard is only seen on this island.
Fuerteventura
Closest to Africa and the longest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura has a coastline of nearly 340 kl. Trade winds keep the island cool, but it is also a windy place which accounts for its popularity as a surfing destination. The Sotavento Beaches are the venue for the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup every summer. A car is an asset on the island, as it lacks a good local transport system.
Gran Canaria
Las Palmas in Gran Canaria is the largest city in the archipelago, a modern town offering a full range of services. The old town is characterized by narrow, paved streets and delightful houses sporting pinewood balconies. Excellent beaches, the famed Mas Palomas sand dunes which attracts naturists and superb restaurants have helped make this one of the most popular Spanish destinations.
La Palma
Striking landscapes sets La Palma off from the other Canary Islands. It is the lushest and greenest island in the Canaries. The National Parque of Caldera de Taburiente is a Mecca for naturalists and hikers and the Roque de los Muchachos Astronomical Observatory at an altitude of 2,406 metres is said to provide the best site in the world for looking at the universe.
La Gomera
Known as the rocky island, La Gomera contains the largest tract of laurel forest on the planet. The lush, green forest of lime, laurel, Madeira mahogany and Canary laurel grows on the high plain, sheltered by the mist which envelopes it for much of the year. It is an island of sheer ravines, green, fertile valleys and steep cliffs, a difficult terrain which helps guard the island's habitat.
Lanzarote
The most renowned of the Canaries for its landscape. Subject to intense volcanic activity for most of its history, the result is now the Timanfaya National Park with immense lava fields and craters creating a moon like landscape. Take a camel ride around the park for best experience.
Tenerife
Lying under Mount Teide, the island's volcano which can be seen from most points on the island, this forward looking, modern island in the Canaries, is one of the most beautiful. The Canadas del Teide National Parque is the most visited national park in Spain. Its superb hotel facilities makes it a popular tourist destination.
The Canary Islands contain 257 kilometers of beaches, four National Parks, four Biosphere Reserves, and hotels from budget to 5* . All of this makes the Canary Islands an attractive destination for discerning tourists. In addition, it offers winter sun which, with many Mediterranean countries suffering increasingly hot summers due to climate change, makes its cooler summers an added attraction.
El Hierro
This is the smallest, most southerly and most westerly of the Canary Islands, a factor which has kept it out of mainstream tourism and helped to conserve its untamed beauty. There are no traffic lights on this island, and it was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Sixty per cent of the island is protected and the Hierro giant lizard is only seen on this island.
Fuerteventura
Closest to Africa and the longest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura has a coastline of nearly 340 kl. Trade winds keep the island cool, but it is also a windy place which accounts for its popularity as a surfing destination. The Sotavento Beaches are the venue for the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding World Cup every summer. A car is an asset on the island, as it lacks a good local transport system.
Gran Canaria
Las Palmas in Gran Canaria is the largest city in the archipelago, a modern town offering a full range of services. The old town is characterized by narrow, paved streets and delightful houses sporting pinewood balconies. Excellent beaches, the famed Mas Palomas sand dunes which attracts naturists and superb restaurants have helped make this one of the most popular Spanish destinations.
La Palma
Striking landscapes sets La Palma off from the other Canary Islands. It is the lushest and greenest island in the Canaries. The National Parque of Caldera de Taburiente is a Mecca for naturalists and hikers and the Roque de los Muchachos Astronomical Observatory at an altitude of 2,406 metres is said to provide the best site in the world for looking at the universe.
La Gomera
Known as the rocky island, La Gomera contains the largest tract of laurel forest on the planet. The lush, green forest of lime, laurel, Madeira mahogany and Canary laurel grows on the high plain, sheltered by the mist which envelopes it for much of the year. It is an island of sheer ravines, green, fertile valleys and steep cliffs, a difficult terrain which helps guard the island's habitat.
Lanzarote
The most renowned of the Canaries for its landscape. Subject to intense volcanic activity for most of its history, the result is now the Timanfaya National Park with immense lava fields and craters creating a moon like landscape. Take a camel ride around the park for best experience.
Tenerife
Lying under Mount Teide, the island's volcano which can be seen from most points on the island, this forward looking, modern island in the Canaries, is one of the most beautiful. The Canadas del Teide National Parque is the most visited national park in Spain. Its superb hotel facilities makes it a popular tourist destination.
Comments