Holidays in Spain Canary Islands

Isabella Olsen — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:04:06 +0000

The Canary Islands, also known as the Canaries, is a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of mainland Africa. It consists of seven major islands Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Each of these islands have amazing beaches and other interesting attractions, which are all reasons for you to consider going on holidays in Spain Canary Islands.

Tenerife is the largest of all the Canary Islands, and one of the most frequented by tourists. After all, apart from the magnificent churches and museums in its capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (which is also one of the capital cities of the Canaries), it is also where you can find the majestic El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain. Tenerife is also home to a World Heritage Site – the historic city of La Laguna – as well as various marinas, golf courses and wellness resorts.

Gran Canaria is also popular. In fact, the other capital of the Canary Islands can be found on Gran Canaria – the city of Las Palmas. Aside from being the island with the largest population, Gran Canaria also boasts of many art galleries, museums, theme parks and excellent restaurants, making it a truly ideal destination for family holidays in Spain Canary Islands.

If you are fond of windsurfing or want to learn, dropping by the island of Fuerteventura is a must. Indeed, Fuerteventura has been tagged as a windsurfer’s paradise, playing host to the Windsurfing World Championships every year. Kitesurfing and scuba diving are popular activities on the golden island beaches, too.

Aside from having sparkling beaches, the Canary Islands is also popular for its volcanic landscapes, particularly those that can be found on the island of Lanzarote. Here, you will find the Timanfaya National Park, a breathtaking moonscape created by a massive volcanic eruption in the 18th century, as well as stunning landscape designs created by famous artist Cesar Manrique, the most famous of which are Jameos del Agua and Jardin de Cactus. These are must-see attractions for your holidays in Spain Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands is home to the one of the last remaining laurisilva rainforests in the world, as well, which can be found in the Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera. The Garajonay National Park, which was made a World Heritage Site in 1986, is the island’s main attraction, although it is also known for its traditional whistling language and exotic cuisine.

La Palma also has laurel woodlands, along with idyllic bays and volcanic cones. In fact, the island is the site of the Caldera de Taburiente, one of the biggest volcanic craters in the world. Don’t forget to visit Roque los Muchachos, too, during your holidays in Spain Canary Islands, which is a great place for enjoying breathtaking views or stargazing.

Finally, there is the island of El Hierro, which, though smallest of the Canary Islands, is just as attractive. This is because El Hierro is home to many natural wonders, including colossal cliffs, juniper woodlands, gentle meadows and volcanic cones. It is most well known for its underwater wildlife, though, so make sure you put on your diving gear during your holidays in Spain Canary Islands.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain Canary Islands. To book your cheap car hire Spain Canary Islands, or learn more about hiring cars worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.

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Holidays in Spain Canary Islands

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