Holidays in the Canary Islands have become increasingly popular over the last decade as low cost flight carriers have increased their daily trips to this diverse Spanish archipelago. Found in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast, the Canary Islands are known as a year-round destination as they enjoy perennial sunshine with a subtropical climate, but with half the travel time of the long haul resorts that share this asset.
The more accessible islands of Fueteventura, Gran Canaria, Lazarote and Tenerife and lesser known El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera make up the Canaries.
Better recognised for its transparent waters and brilliant diving opportunities, El Hierro attracts diving professionals every year. It also shares a feature with the neighbouring island of La Palma: their Biosphere Reserves, which showcase the volcanoes and lava fields, prehistoric vegetation and forests, natural springs, grand 1,000m high cliffs and lush ravines. The colourful island of La Palma is also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the pretty island) and is home to a National Park, enormous craters and renowned astrophysics observatories, thanks to its clear skies. La Gomera is also known for its sustainable tourism and offers a National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Garajonay. With assorted landscapes perfect for hikers, deep ravines that sink to meet the ocean and beautiful rural villages, La Gomera offers a protected tourist resort that feels unspoiled.
The islands of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife provide a different kind of vacation altogether. These islands have worked hard to meet your every holiday need, and are renowned for their specialised tourist resorts. Fuerteventura is found to the East of the islands and offers vast unspoiled white sand beaches along its striking coastline which takes advantage of the Atlantic winds with its wide range of watersports available. There is also the Corralejo Dunes National Park, historic towns and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Gran Canaria is the third largest and most populous of the Canary Islands. It is located in the middle of these islands and is often described as a mini continent due to its spectacular scenery, micro climates and diversity of landscapes from the long beaches and rugged deserts of the South to the luscious green of the North. Centuries of history come together through its cultural traditions and gastronomy, but its modern outlook caters for most popular leisure activities.
Lanzarote is furthest East and just shy of 80 miles off the coast of Africa, offering vast stretches of beach, sports complexes and facilities, low rise buildings, the multicoloured Montanas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), crystal-clear azure waters, luscious golf courses, historic forts and a relaxed culture. Visit the beautiful beaches of the Southern tip, the ‘Valley of 1,000 Palms’ in the North or the acclaimed beaches of Playa Blanca. See the Jameos del Agua cave system or the exclusive bays of the Papagayo Peninsula in Puerto Del Carmen or the surfing paradise of Costa Teguise.
Boasting a varied volcanic landscape, Tenerife is the biggest and most popular island, and includes the majestic Mount Teide that combines golden and charcoal sands with lively nightlife and purpose built resorts catering for a modern holiday. Its variety of attractions and activities is enough to keep holiday makers returning year after year.
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