The Canary Islands sit just off the north western coast of Africa and are thought of as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations on the planet. Most people travel to the Spanish community to enjoy the subtropical climate, beautiful beaches and great food, but there are those that head to the Canaries to explore the places that others do not even know exist. Flights to the Canary Islands from the UK can take under four hours and the islands are commonly known as “The Islands of Eternal Spring” for their famously pleasant weather all year round making it the perfect break anytime of the year.
Tenerife is the largest island in the group with the highest population. Every February thousands of people make their way to the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Parades, gorgeous woman in amazing costumes, bands and carnival goers make this the second most popular carnival in the world. Partially for this reason, the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is twinned with the city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the most popular carnival in the world. The carnival is something that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime and is held in February every year. Each year’s festivities aim to be bigger and better than the last.
You cannot visit the Canaries without seeing what created the landscape in the first place. The island of Lanzarote is the home of the La Corona, a 609m high extinct volcano, and offers visitors a bird’s eye view into one of the most spectacular sights on the island, an area that was covered in lava 4000 years at the last eruption. Take the 10km walk through the palm trees and trek along the edge of Famara Cliff or peer into the large crater and travel north for breath-taking views.
There are plenty of on land activities to be enjoyed by adults and kids alike, but if you really want to experience the deep blue sea head to the island of Fuerteventura and take the Submarine Tour. The Subcat Jandia will take you and the family 30m down where you will experience the stunningly beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Do not forget your camera as you will want to capture the barracuda, angel sharks and octopus that put on a fantastic show in their own habitat.
The Canary Islands are known for great food and if you want to taste the local flavours, the Canarian Dinner in Guayadeque on the island of Gran Canaria cannot be missed. Leaving from Aquime and Guayadeque you will be transported into another world as you walk through the cave houses and the local church which was hand carved out of stone. All of the locals live in caves and it is quite a sight to behold. Your tour culminates with a delicious dinner at the cave restaurant which serves authentic Canarian cuisine.
Sporting enthusiasts travel to the islands for an array of water and mountain activities. Surfers from all over the planet hang ten to ride some of the best waves the world. If you love to fish you will not be disappointed. Take a charter for the afternoon and cast your line and hope for the best. You can catch tuna, sailfish, barracuda and shark. Rent a mountain bike and tackle some of the most rugged terrain on the islands. One of the most desirable activities on the island of La Palma is Paragliding. This exhilarating sport will take you sky high where you will see spectacular views. You will take off like a bird from cliffs, mountains or hillsides. Once you try Paragliding you will be hooked.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, swim in the sea or walk the islands there is plenty to do in the Canary Islands. Start planning your trip as there are some fantastic package deals available that everyone can afford.