If you are Family Island, sunny skies, warm weather in the midst of the winter season and cheerful surroundings then set your cap for the Canary Islands. You can ask seasoned travelers what they think about Canary Islands holidays and they will tell you that these are wonderful adventures that are always packed with excitement and fun. These islands are located less than 100 miles from the African coastline and you can request stops at any islands you choose including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Tenerife.
The popularity of Canary Islands holidays continues to increase each year. Today thousands of visitors are eager to visit the 7 main islands in this chain. To the west you will find La Palma, La Gomero and Hierro; to the east there is Fuerteventura and Lanzarote; and in between are the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The closer the islands are in relation to coastal Africa the hotter and more arid the climate becomes. Although the Canary Islands are most popular as beachfront destinations there are also many mountains present. When you visit this chain of islands you can explore the 3rd largest volcano in the world and also climb Spain’s highest mountain.
The largest and most populated islands are Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Every Canary Island is uniquely different and only these 2 islands share a number of similarities. On both Tenerife and Gran Canaria you will discover central mountains where many interesting, thriving villages are located. The northern areas of these 2 islands have more humid climates and landscapes that are more lush and green than the ones seen on the other 5 neighboring islands. The southern regions of both Gran Canaria and Tenerife are home to expansive, luxury resorts and this is where the majority of tourists come to stay. Many people choose to reserve their Canary Islands holidays during the Christmas season so they can leave dreary, cold weather behind and enjoy Christmas on a sunny beach.
“Fortunate Isles” is the nickname given to the Canary Islands and it was inspired by the gentle, mild weather that is present during all 12 months of the year. The variety of outdoor activities that are available on a year round basis attract many visitors who enjoy water sports, the beaches, tennis, golf, hiking or rock climbing.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the islands’ capitals. These cities are representative of almost any modern, Spanish metropolis and they are both are bustling, colorful communities. Santa Cruz is home to a beachside theatre and Las Palmas is home to an elaborate cathedral and some beautiful beaches, including Las Canteras.
La Palma, Hierro and La Gomera are located in the far western reaches of the Canary Island chain. La Palma is the only one of these 3 islands that has an airport with regularly scheduled flights to and from the UK. Binter Airways occasionally offers special flights to some of the other islands and you can always travel around the islands by ferry boat. “La Isla Bonita” is a term of affection used to describe La Palma.
The nickname refers to the beautiful scenery you will find when you visit La Palma. Measuring just a little more than 30 miles long and 15 miles across this small island is home to an abundance of interesting, unusual species of both flora and fauna. If nature and the great outdoors are what you enjoy this island will prove to be a natural paradise. La Palma also has an active volcano that was the subject of a recent documentary. Today this powerful, natural wonder is being constantly monitored and studied. If you want a real adventure you can go for a walk around the rim of this volcano.