Saturday, June 20, 2009

Places to Go in Spain Canary Islands

By Isabella Olsen

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 the island with the largest population, though, and is also a great destination for your holidays in Spain Canary Islands. This is because Gran Canaria has various tourist spots, such as fun theme parks, interesting museums, grand concert halls and charming villages. Gran Canaria arguably has the best beaches in the archipelago, too, like Amadores and Playa de Puerto Rico.

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 Garajonay National Park is equally beautiful and is the pride of the island of La Gomera. In fact, the park occupies most of La Gomera and is home to one of the few remaining laurisilva rainforests in the world. Aside from taking a walk through the Garajonay National Park, you can also learn the traditional whistling language of the Gomerans while at La Gomera or sample the island's unique delicacies.

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.

The smallest of all the Canary Islands is El Hierro, though it is by no means the least attractive. In fact, your holidays in Spain Canary Islands won't be complete without exploring the spectacular underwater wildlife around this island or riding a mountain bike through its stunning meadows. Indeed, no matter where you are on the Canary Islands, you're sure to find something to captivate you.

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