Canary Islands Holiday
Embedded in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa lies the Canary Islands, a collection of seven volcanic islands belonging to Spain but heralding their own unique and vibrant culture.
The islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Fuerteventura make up the Canaries, with the nearest 108 kilometers from the African Coast.
The Teide volcano that is located on Tenerife is the highest mountain in Spain, and is in fact the third largest volcano on the planet. Hikers and naturalists can explore this area as well as delving into the four national parks located on the islands Teide (on Tenerife), Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente (on La Palma) Carajonay National Park (on La Gomera) and Timanfaya National Park (on Lazarote).
Visitors to the Canaries will find that the majority of the year the climate is very dry and quite warm. This plenitude of heat and sunshine is what attracts the majority of tourists, with sun beds decked out along the islands' beaches for miles and watersports and activities can be organised at nearly every resort.
In fact, 32 per cent of the economy of the islands is based on tourism with more than ten million visitors each year.
Tenerife one of more popular tourist destinations, with its capital Santa Cruz known for its night life and party atmosphere. Also the Playa de las Americas and Puerto de la Cruz in the south are popular tourist hot spots.
The beaches in Playa de las Americas run for miles and for those wanting to lap up the sun and party atmosphere it is the perfect place. El Puerto on the other hand has a great tradition of relaxation and hotels and spa facilities predominate over apartments. One of the best attractions of el Puerto is the Lago Martianez, a series of seawater pools created by the Canary artist Cesar Manrique.
Historically Tenerife offers many attractions with the Black Pyramids (The Piramides de Fuimar Ethnographic Park) located in the town of Gumar, and Martianez Pond (one of the most admired examples of coastal transformation) in Puerto de la Cruz.
Visiting the island of Gran Canaria is also an exhilarating experience. The island mixes lush forests, desert like sand dunes, mountains, and even snow on the highest peaks of its volcanic mountains.
If wanting to venture off the beaten track, Cenobio De Valeron is a must see. East of Guia the pre-Hispanic area is a group of around 300 graves hollowed out of the soft rock on different levels. Further east, Galdar, a city rich in archaeological sites, features the ancient royal court site and Iglestia de San Tiago de los Caballeros church.
Despite the stereotype of the islands as a relatively cheap party destination for the young, the Canaries do offer something for everyone from families, couples, backpackers, and seasoned travellers. You just have to look past the coastal hype and resorts to find the cultural Mecca of the islands.
