Perfect spring weather, sun-kissed beaches, volcanic mountain verges, lush green vegetation – welcome to the Canary Islands. An alluring Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands is your dream comes true for a heavenly vacation and a good choice for cheap holidays during 2012.
The Canary Islands, also called the Canaries, are a collection of seven idyllic islands, including Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. A charming tourist destination, the Canaries welcomes you with its verdant vistas and vibrant way of life.
Just 100 km off Morocco, the Canary Islands are easily accessible by air with 38 airlines operating from the Sur Reima Sofia airport at Tenerife. Ryan Air, Thomas Cook and other major airlines like Continental, Delta, Air Europa and Cathay Pacific fly from here. Nearly 1500 flights operate weekly from this top tourist destination. While planning your travel, be sure to keep in mind that El Hierro and La Gomera isles have only flights to Tenerife. So first head to Tenerife and then proceed from there.
El Hierro:
A virgin paradise, unexplored by the regular tourist, El Hierro is untouched, untarnished and unimaginably unique. With volcanic cliffs on one side, lush green meadows on another, dense forests on the third and secluded bays on the fourth, every corner of this Biosphere Reserve is a treat for the eyes.
El Hierro coast boasts of rugged lava cliffs while the Nisdafe plateau claims green pastures are its beauty. The El Golfo valley has vineyards to its credit while pinewoods and forests attract attention at the center of the isle.
The natural pools at Maceta, the Orchila lighthouse, the Joapira Belfry or La Pena Lookout point are the prominent tourist vistas. Watch Canarian wrestling at El Hierro or go paragliding at El Golfo valley. For diving, head to Frontera or Timijiraque for a wholesome experience
Fuerte Ventura:
The ideal outlet for all qua-based activities, Fuerteventura has miles and miles of white sandy beaches to loll about. Go windsurfing, paragliding, or just swimming at the Playa Barca or Cotete beaches. Try kite-surfing at El Cotillo beach or visit Lobos Island for some tranquil moments. The Betancuria Church is also worth visiting here.
Gran Canaria:
A micro continent with its dynamic micro-climes, the Gran Canaria is one of the most visited among the Canaries. The Maspalomas Lighthouse is thronged by tourists, bathers, shoppers, and walkers in its busy promenades. A few meters away lies the Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve which converges three ecosystems – the Palm (Palma), Pond (Charca) and Dunes (Dunas). The Charca is an ornithologist’s delight with rare species of birds flocking here to greet and meet the sightseers.
Feast your eyes on the exotic varieties of Marconesian Flora at the Canarian Botanical garden. Trek to Tejeda to feel your head among the clouds at its summit. Head to Pozo Izquierdo – the Mecca of windsurfers for testing the winds on your aerial spree. Sail on the blue highway in a jetty, catamaran or yacht off the shores of Gran Canaria to watch dolphins dip and dive.
Tenerife:
Home to Teide and La Laguna – to World Heritage Sites, Tenerife is the star of the Canary Islands. Teide, the third tallest volcano in the world has the Teide National Park and Observatory to visit. San Cristobal de la Laguna is famous for lip-smacking cuisine, heady Tenerife wines and Canarian craftwork. A visit to San Marcos church and El Medano beach is a must while at Tenerife. Tenerife is also the best place for underwater diving with its exotic marine flora and fauna.
La Gomera:
A jewel in the crown of the canaries, La Gomera beckons you to explore its national treasure- the Garajonay National Park. Go hiking and trekking to Los Organos for a breathtaking view or visit the Torre del Conde. Try your hand at El Silbo – the famous Gomerian whistling language – a unique experience.