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Welcome to the Canary Islands
Located just off the northwestern coast of Africa, the seven Canary
Islands are a favorite winter getaway for many sun-starved mainland
Europeans. It's a beach lover's paradise with outdoor activities
galore. No matter what you like to do - beachcombing, surfing,
windsurfing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing or sailing - it's
all possible here year round.
And not only beach lovers will think they are in heaven. There are
plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, where you can dance all
night. And for landlubbers, there are some great hiking trails or
opportunities for cycling trips into the wilderness.
For others, the Canary Islands are a mass tourism nightmare. In the
major tourism centers, there are an abundance of hotels that line
the golden beaches. During peak season, you might have trouble
finding a spot for your towel on some of the most populated beaches.
But luckily, it's not all like that. Behind the concrete jungle, you
can still find tiny fishing villages and a spectacular natural
environment that will leave you breathless. Each island has its own
distinctive natural environment and atmosphere.
The largest of the Canaries, Tenerife boasts the massive volcano El
Teide, which at 12,198 feet (3,718 m) is the third-tallest volcano
on Earth after two in Hawaii. Ride a cable car up the volcano,
stroll through botanical gardens, enjoy Santa Cruz' glittering
nightlife or go beachcombing on one of the island's black-sand
beaches - you'll find it all and much more here.
Gran Canaria is known for its amazingly varied landscapes and
climatic zones. From huge mountain ranges, bizarre canyons, deserts
and tropical forests to the wide, sandy beaches - there's a lot to
explore. And not only nature wise. Las Palmas is the largest city in
the Canaries and is crawling with sailors and tourists, who flock in
the city's many bars and restaurants that sit along the lantern-lit
promenade right on the beach.
Lanzarote is quite different. Its extraordinary natural landscape
will make you think you've landed on the moon. Large parts of the
island are covered with ashes and cooled off lava. It's a desert
isle, but the people here still cultivate the land. You'll see large
fruit and vegetable plantations and vineyards between volcanic
lands. Some of the world's best surf spots can be found on the
island's west coast.
Fuerteventura boasts the longest beaches in the archipelago and the
sand is incredibly fine. Despite its size (it's the second largest
of the Canaries), the island is the least populous and tourism is
still relatively new here. Here you'll still be able to find some
uncrowded coastlines that are backed by towering sand dunes. The
island's barren interior is the home of goatherds.
La Palma, also called the "Garden Isle," features lush foliage and
black crescents of beach. It is also home to the world's largest
volcanic crater, La Caldera del Taburiente, which measures 2,526
feet (770 m) in depth and has a diameter of 5.6 miles (9 km). The
island's capital of Santa Cruz features beautiful Spanish colonial
architecture.
La Gomera is a backpacker's paradise. It is much more laid-back and
ideal if you're looking for more peace and quiet. The island's main
attraction is the Parque Nacional de Garajonay (Garajonay National
Park), which is home to an ancient and rare laurisilva (laurel
forest) that's protected by UNESCO. You'll also find a couple of
black-sand beaches surrounded by banana plantations.
Tiny El Hierro is as far as you can get from the crowds. Go here if
you really want to be alone. You'll find yourself surrounded by a
few black-sand beaches and a highland pine forest, which makes for a
great walking or picnicking destination.
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