The Canary Islands are a natural treasure located in the Atlantic Ocean, precisely off the northwest coast of Africa. This land has always enchanted travelers with its breathtaking natural beauty, local traditions, and mild, welcoming climate. The Spanish archipelago is mainly composed of seven islands, although there are several small islets (some uninhabited). Besides their wonderful lands, the Canary Islands are also known for their volcanic geology, lunar landscapes, and mountain peaks. In short, it is a natural paradise to explore, offering various options for adventure lovers: from hiking in the mountains to water sports such as snorkeling and surfing. We will discover the main places to visit when traveling to the Canary Islands and the emotions this land offers its visitors.
One of the distinctive features of the Canary Islands: volcanism
Visiting the Canary Islands means immersing yourself in the charm of a land of volcanic origins, a characteristic that gives these places unique and evocative views. The most famous volcano in the archipelago is located on Tenerife and is called Teide. With its height of 3,718 meters, it is the highest mountain in Spain. The Teide National Park, which became part of the UNESCO heritage a few years ago, is very famous, especially among tourists who flock to this area every year. Indeed, it is a place that offers breathtaking scenarios that seem to belong to another planet.
The beauty of the marine diversity of the Canary Islands: a paradise for sea lovers
The Canary Islands are surrounded by waters rich in extraordinary marine biodiversity. This characteristic is linked to the presence of ocean currents that bring a great variety of species. Those who love water sports, such as snorkeling or diving, will be happy to find a unique underwater paradise in these waters, populated by colorful fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales. This area is also very well-known for being an ideal spot for sighting the fantastic whale sharks, the largest fish currently in existence.
One of the strengths of the Canary Islands: its dreamy beaches
The Canary Islands attract millions of tourists from all over the world every year, especially for their famous beaches, considered a true terrestrial paradise. Their most striking feature is the fine white sand, in addition to the crystal-clear waters. Among the beaches most worthy of note and that one must not miss when traveling to the Canary Islands are Playa de Las Teresitas, Playa de Maspalomas, and Playa de Papagayo. In addition to offering a unique panorama, these beaches give tourists the opportunity to use various services and practice water sports such as windsurfing, surfing, and kitesurfing.
The charm of discovering the flora and fauna of the Canary Islands
Nature and hiking enthusiasts can only fall in love with the Canary Islands, a true paradise that hosts a wide variety of fauna and flora, many of which are endemic to the archipelago. We find, therefore, wild orchids and giant palms, while among the typical animal species of the place are the endemic lizards and exotic birds. In a few words, the Canary Islands offer the opportunity to admire an extraordinary and unique natural context.
The 7 main islands of the Canary Islands: their characteristics
Visiting the Canary Islands means having the opportunity to choose different tourist destinations, mainly divided into 7 islands of the archipelago. Those looking for sun, sea, and traditions will find, in each of these destinations, the ideal place to spend their holidays. However, let’s see what the peculiarities of each of these main islands are.
Tenerife
The largest island of the archipelago is Tenerife, which, as we have seen, also hosts the active volcano Teide, the highest peak in Spain. Its typography is varied and consists of beaches, a volcanic desert, and rainforest. Tenerife is characterized by a triangular shape, which generates significant climatic differences from one end to the other. For example, in the southern area, there are many more hours of light, while in the northern area the climate is more humid and rainier. The beauties of this island attract, every year, more than 10 million tourists from all over the world, who choose Tenerife for its extensive coasts of unique and inimitable charm. The capital of the island is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, while a city located in the north that deserves to be visited is Puerto de La Cruz, more appreciated by those who prefer a more peaceful tourism and less presence of people.
Gran Canaria
The island of Gran Canaria is very famous worldwide for its suggestive sandy dunes of Maspalomas, as well as the rocky area of Roque Nublo. What characterizes this island most is also the variety of landscapes condensed within a relatively small area. The mild climate also favors tourism, which encourages people to choose this destination for the ideal temperatures and its crystal-clear and transparent sea. Not surprisingly, Gran Canaria is also known as the Health Island, precisely because it offers its guests beneficial effects that come from mineral waters that have given life to various rehabilitation and beauty centers. This is the perfect destination for those wishing to escape for a few days from the harsh winter climate, relaxing on the warm and welcoming sandy beaches of Maspalomas.
Lanzarote
One of the most striking examples of volcanism is Lanzarote, which stands out for its lunar landscape and the fantastic attractions of Timanfaya National Park. The volcanic terrain that characterizes this area is evocative and amazes with the dark colors of the earth and the fine sand, giving the impression of walking on the moon. The presence of bright colors and lush vegetation makes the trip to Lanzarote unforgettable. It must also be emphasized that the eruptions between 1700 and 1800 modified the territory, creating breathtaking views, like that of Timanfaya which presents more than 300 volcanic cones.
Fuerteventura
This island is certainly the best example of white sand beaches. Fuerteventura is characterized by a landscape that is predominantly arid and flat. These characteristics have led to it being defined as the Quiet Island, precisely because of the presence of an uncontaminated nature, enhanced by the sunlight that shines almost at every moment of the year. Moreover, this place is also very well-known for its gastronomic delicacies, which conquer the palates of millions of tourists. But Fuerteventura is also the island closest to the coasts of Africa, with which it shares some characteristics, such as the transparent sea and the torrid climate. A place to visit, when going to Fuerteventura, is Los Lobos, an islet characterized by the scents of aloe and palms, which give those who perceive them a warm and comfortable feeling of embrace. In the interior part of Fuerteventura, instead, we find very appreciated natural reserves by those visiting the island. Finally, it must be underlined that this is the most loved destination by those who practice sports such as surfing, given the presence of strong wind and high waves.
La Palma
The mountains covered with forests and the Caldera de Taburiente represent a paradise for tourists visiting the island of La Palma, nicknamed for this reason the Beautiful Island. It is the highest island in the world and is also home to the most prestigious astrophysical observatory, which allows the observation of the Northern Hemisphere directly from the summit of Roque de los Muchachos. During the summer months, this is one of the 7 Canary Islands’ most crowded, precisely because of the beauty and charm of its beaches, among which Los Cancajos and Puerto Naos stand out. Another tourist destination is the city of Santa Cruz, with its promenade from which you can see the church of El Salvador and Plaza Santo Domingo. In this last place, you can buy very good bottles of local wine and the famous cigars meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans.
La Gomera
One of the places where you can admire splendid and deep ravines (called barrancos) is La Gomera, which also hosts the Laurisilva forest and a very ancient ecosystem. The tourism on this island is more niche, precisely because of the characteristics and wild aspect of this land, which presents roads that are not suitable for everyone. That’s why it is one of the most loved places by trekking enthusiasts, horseback riding, mountain biking, and water sports. Inside the island of La Gomera, there is the famous Garajonay National Park, which contains more than 400 native species of flora.
El Hierro
Finally, we have the smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro, the perfect place for those seeking absolute relaxation and tranquility. Here you can visit the Teneguía volcano, the protagonist of the archipelago’s last eruption, dating back to 1971. El Hierro dominates the Atlantic Ocean thanks to its central location, and its capital, Valverde, is rich in beaches with well-organized services.
Canary Islands Cuisine and Local Traditions
The Canary Islands are not only natural beauties and pristine landscapes. Here, in fact, it is also possible to go on food and wine tours and participate in popular festivals and traditions. The cuisine of the Canary Islands is a real delight for the palate, with typical dishes of the place that have clear African, Spanish, and Latin American influences. Among the most famous dishes are papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, grilled fresh fish, potatoes with local cheese, and gofio, a typical cereal flour from this area. In addition to tasting the dishes and ingredients that characterize the island’s gastronomic culture, it is possible to visit the traditional markets of the Canary Islands, which offer local products and crafts not to be missed. The most famous stops are the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, the Mercado de Vegueta, or the Mercado Municipal de Arrecife. These are experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals and their popular traditions. Finally, the Canary Islands are also famous for traditional celebrations, festivals that include musical performances, dances, food, and other folkloric rituals. Not to be missed are the Carnaval festival in Gran Canaria or the San Ginés festival in Lanzarote.
Ig – @fairness_mag
