Spain has traditionally been one of the leading destinations not only for European but also for world tourism. Where are the Canary Islands located? The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean located off the coast of northwestern Africa, west of Morocco. The islands, of volcanic origin, lie about 100 km northwest of Africa. The archipelago, consisting of 13 islands, of which seven main islands are inhabited, is an autonomous community of Spain.
Features of the Canary Islands
Canary Islands Spain: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote, La Gomera, El Hierro are the main tourist destinations in Europe.
Canary Islands Teide – the third largest volcano in the world, and the highest peak in Spain, which is visible from almost all parts of the island. The cable car ride to the highest peak of the island, which lasts an hour, leaves an unforgettable experience.
On the dormant volcano Pico del Teide, you can see snow in winter. The volcano shares the climate throughout the island. Although the passage from north to south takes a little over an hour, the temperature difference is obvious. In the north it is quite humid with tropical plants and vines, in the south it is hot and the soil is rocky and arid.
Of all the Canary Islands, Tenerife is visited by the most tourists. Every year in February, the capital of the island hosts one of the largest carnivals in the world – the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with lots of dancing, music and colorful costumes. Universidad de La Laguna is the oldest university in the Canary Islands.
Tenerife has beautiful beaches and a rich nightlife. In addition to volcanic black sand beaches, Tenerife has Las Teresitas, near the capital, with light sand that has been introduced.
Pleasant weather all year round in Tenerife is suitable for holidays in any month. In summer, the average temperature stays at 24-28°C, while in winter it drops to 14-18°C.
Gran Canaria
The third largest island is also a popular destination in the Canaries. with its exotic nature and beautiful sandy beaches, where you can do water sports
Compared to Tenerife, it is less green. Africa is not so far away, and it is felt here. The island consists of volcanic lava fields, valleys, caves and beaches of different colors. The dark volcanic soil is very fertile,
Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with 2000 cacti, and especially many plants and flowers, many of which are from another planet.
The fauna and flora in the north are richer than in the more arid and arid south.
Palmitos Park has unspoiled nature, home to over 200 species of birds such as flamingos, toucans and hummingbirds. A park with an aquarium, a garden of cacti and orchids, with performances of parrots and dolphins.
From the northwest to the southeast, the mountain range divides the island into two different climatic and landscape zones. The northern part is with long strips of banana plantations along the coast, while the southern part is dry and hot. The northern and western coasts are rather steep and rocky, while the eastern and southern coasts gently slope into the ocean.
Note! Due to the mild climate, this place is suitable for recreation all year round. The southern resorts of Gran Canaria are sandy beaches several kilometers long with hotels, restaurants and clubs. The coast of Maspalomas consists of 250 hectares of golden sand dunes. This is a protected nature reserve. There are many historical monuments on the island. The entire island has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The capital of Gran Canaria is Las Palmas, which houses the palace of the first rulers of the island. The oldest district of the capital, La Vequeta, resembles a labyrinth of narrow streets with historic houses and beautiful courtyards. At the top of the Pico de Bandama volcano, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Las Palmas and see a huge volcanic crater 200 meters deep and one kilometer long, the territory of which is densely covered with orange, fig trees and palm trees.
In the northwest, near the town of Santa Maria de Guia, there are about 300 caves located at different levels of the rock.
Lanzarote: Canary Islands
Lanzarote is the fourth largest island and one of the three most visited islands. It is located 11 km northeast of Fuerteventura, near the island of La Graciosa.
There are about 300 volcanoes on this volcanic island (of which only one is active). The once fertile plains of the island have been transformed into fields of solidified lava, gray volcanic rocks, and copper-colored sand. Today, lava formations are a landmark of the island. The island of Lanzarote has been declared a national biosphere reserve under the protection of UNESCO.
There are dozens of beautiful sandy beaches on the island. The coastline is 250 kilometers, it has only 30 kilometers of sandy beaches. These are small or medium-sized beaches, mostly of golden or white sand.
On the south coast of Lanzarote, in a picturesque bay, there are several sandy beaches. Costa Tequise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are the most famous resorts on the island. The three-kilometer long sandy beach of Playa de Famara stretches at the foot of high cliffs and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches.
In addition to relaxing on the beaches, the Timanfaya National Park, the mountains of Montanas del Fuego and the caves of Jameos del Aqua will be an interesting place to travel.
Timanfaya National Park with a volcanic landscape, occupies a quarter of the island. It will enchant with its landscape with many craters and volcanoes. Montanas del Fuego is a fiery mountain where lava bubbles to the surface and sulfur smells in the air.
The capital of Lanzarote is Arrecife, where hikers will be enchanted by its scenery.
Fuerteventura
Closest to the African continent, the oldest island, formed 70 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity.
The second largest island with the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. This island is located less than 100 km off the coast of Morocco. For thousands of years, sand from the Sahara has reached the coast of Fuerteventura, making the beaches the most beautiful in the world.
At first glance, this is an uninhabited island: windswept landscape, sand and lack of plants. The northern part of the island is accessible to tourists, the southern part around Kofete is almost untouched. On the northeast coast is the Dunas de Corralejo National Park with sand dunes.
The area of this area is 27 square kilometers, and its peak is the volcano Montana Roya. This area is devoid of any traces of civilization. Goats are bred on the island for milk, and especially for the famous Maiorero cheese. He is one of the best in the world.
Holidays in Fuerteventura attract with extensive white beaches, full of sun and ideal conditions for lovers of water sports. The best beaches are found on the Jandia peninsula. The longest and most picturesque beach with a length of 22 km is located in Costa Calma. The island has a harsher climate, mainly due to a colder wind called Gota Fria.
La Gomera Island
One of the smallest islands, 30 km east of Tenerife, was formed after a large volcanic eruption. It enchants with its mountain landscape with deep gorges, laurel forests and terraced fields on the valley walls. Despite the fact that the island is volcanic, there is a lot of greenery here, and the Garajonay National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the old forest with an area of 3984 hectares, centuries-old trees covered with moss. In the very center of the park is the largest laurel grove in the world.
Los Organos natural monument is a rock formed in the shape of an organ pipe. However, Los Organos can only be seen from the sea.
The capital and main port of La Gomera, San Sebastian de La Gomera, is associated with the figure of Christopher Columbus. Traveling across America, he allegedly stopped on the island of La Gomera in the port of San Sebastian to replenish supplies. On the sidewalk, in the main square of Plaza de las Americas, there is a mosaic depicting the route of the Columbus expedition, and there is also a statue of Christopher. The house where he stayed is today the island’s main tourist attraction.
The beaches are mostly rocky, but there are also pebbly and sandy ones. A popular black sand beach is Playa de la Caleta, considered one of the most beautiful beaches.
La Palma
The island attracts tourists with its amazing untouched nature with beautiful beaches and tropical forests. Many consider it the most beautiful of all the Canary Islands.
The island is made up of volcanoes. It often rains on the volcanic island and the vegetation is lush. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture.
Additional information! Thanks to the excellent climatic conditions, grapes, avocados and bananas thrive on the island. Home gardens are considered among the best in all the Canary Islands.
The capital of the island, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is full of modern houses and has a picturesque colonial historic centre.
El Hierre
One of the smallest inhabited islands in Spain, located farthest from Europe. The island of El Hierro has the highest concentration of volcanoes in the Canary Islands (over 800).
There are also several natural pools where you can swim. Diverse fauna and flora with some endangered species. The El Hierro Biosphere Reserve has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. In July 2011, seismic activity was recorded here, causing an earthquake.
El Hierro is ideal for snorkeling and diving, and there are many diving schools for both beginners and experienced divers. The airport is within walking distance of Valverde. From here you can get daily to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and in summer – to La Palma. El Hierro is sure to appeal to lovers of nature, hiking and photography.
Transport
Canary Islands airport. Air communication between the islands works without problems and each island has an airport. Ferry transport is longer, but cheaper and more convenient thanks to the bars and restaurants that operate on the ferries. Minus – transfer on the way between more remote islands.
The large islands have a well-developed bus network, and you can get almost anywhere. There are also connections to small villages, but sometimes only once or twice a day. Thanks to the large tourist flow on the islands, it is not a problem to find a taxi. Car rentals are readily available on all major islands.
Climate in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are known as the Islands of “Eternal Spring” as they enjoy warm, sunny weather year-round with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 28°C. and 24°C in summer. The islands lie in the path of a cold sea current, so the ocean temperature is lower here. Closer to Africa, the islands of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are a little warmer. The north coast is also slightly colder than the south. At high altitudes it is cold and there is snow cover on the top of El Teide.
