You can enjoy the sunshine on the Canary Islands. Located near Africa, west of Morocco, the Canary Islands guarantee a pleasant and subtropical climate all year round. This archipelago consists of seven islands, and is part of Spain. There are two provinces, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which consists of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which includes Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. The archipelago owes its name to the many wild dogs that used to live there. The Latin term canis served as the basis for the naming of the archipelago. The origin of the Canary Islands can be traced back to their volcanic nature. Crater openings, basalt decks, volcanic cones and lava fields are the visible witnesses of this. Although there are still active volcanoes in the Canary Islands, as a tourist you need not be afraid of violent natural disasters. The last eruption dates from 1826. The Canary Islands are versatile and ideal for both sunbathing and active walking holidays. If you travel with children, a bungalow on the Canary Islands with swimming pool is highly recommended. You will enjoy the warm weather and the beautiful surroundings.
For the tourist looking for peace and quiet, El Hierro is an absolute top destination. This island is the smallest of the Canary Islands, and also the least tourist-oriented. The lack of extensive sandy beaches certainly has something to do with this. What this island does have in abundance, is a beautiful nature that lends itself to long walks and real hikes. On the coast, you will find deep gorges and rugged mountainsides that are a great challenge for mountaineers. If you are sporty, you will find everything on this island for an active and pleasant holiday.
The second largest of the Canary Islands is Fuerteventura. As the island has a large surface area and a low population density, it is ideal if you are looking for a destination where you can enjoy white beaches in peace and quiet. Beautiful desert landscapes make up most of Fuerteventura and provide a breathtaking setting. This island is the right choice for you when a whole day lying on the beach and sunbathing in a unique setting suit you.
From a hippie destination to a tourist attraction for anyone who wants to combine peace and quiet with the beach. La Gomera is known as a destination par excellence for mountain bikers and hikers. From the Valle Gran Rey, both mountain bike tours and day walks are organized with a guide. In addition, the sea pool of Hermigua is also worth a visit. You can swim here even when the weather along the coast is rough with high waves, and that happens regularly.
You will find beaches, cosy bars and nice shops on Gran Canaria. With more than 70 beaches, this island is very popular with sun-lovers who also like to go out and have fun. Of all the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is the most popular with photographers. Especially the dunes of Maspalomas, a protected nature reserve, are a frequently chosen subject.
Anyone who goes to the Canary Islands for a walk, will not be disappointed on La Palma. This unique island has several small streams, beautiful gorges, dense forests, and a paradisical green environment on the north side. In the south, the lava slopes are a special spectacle. A variety of hiking trails will take you through fantastic landscapes and a unique environment. This is nature as you have not often seen it, wild and impressive.
If you want to spend a family holiday in the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is worth considering. The dry climate means it hardly rains on this island, and rarely gets too cold or too hot. Ideal to enjoy a real summer holiday with your family. Lanzarote is also an island that exudes luxury, and where you as a tourist will be pampered. Situated just 100 kilometres from the Moroccan mainland, Lanzarote is the northernmost of the Canary Islands.
The largest of the Canary Islands is Tenerife. This island has many faces and offers you as a tourist a wide range of different landscapes and atmospheres. Rock formations, beaches of black volcanic sand and beautiful nature provide a relaxed environment. If you want to be treated to a unique view, you should definitely climb the Pico del Teide, or take the cable car to the top.