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The service, comfort, and natural conditions on the Canary Islands (Las Islas Canarias) are still considered unmatched. It’s the only place in Europe where you can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches all winter long. That’s why the Canary Islands are called the “Islands of Eternal Spring.”
Geographically, the Canary Islands are an archipelago consisting of 7 major and several smaller islands. The Canaries belong to Spain, but nevertheless, maintain their autonomy. They are located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 km northwest of Africa. The most popular island is Tenerife.
Which island to choose?
People visit the Canary Islands for the exotic scenery, the ocean, tropical landscapes, black volcanic beaches, and delicious ripe fruits. But all the islands in the archipelago are different, and not alike.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are easily accessible, with direct flights from Europe. These two islands are well-developed for tourism. There are hotels for every taste and budget, well-equipped beaches, plenty of entertainment, and developed infrastructure. However, while Gran Canaria is more of a party destination, Tenerife is popular for hiking in the Teide National Park. From Tenerife, you can take a ferry to La Gomera and see the unique laurel forests.
People go to Lanzarote to drink wine at local wineries and learn to surf. Fuerteventura is all about carefree beach holidays. La Palma is the greenest of the Canary Islands, declared a Biosphere Reserve. It’s worth visiting to see the volcanoes. El Hierro is suitable for diving enthusiasts and those seeking peace and seclusion amidst exotic nature.
A Bit of History
The Canary archipelago has an interesting history. The islands gained notoriety after Columbus’s discovery of America. On the island of La Gomera, part of the archipelago, Columbus made his last stopover before discovering the New World. Thus, the Canary Islands became a window from Europe to the New World. For many centuries, the Netherlands, Britain, and Morocco fought over the islands of the archipelago. But the Canaries have remained under Spanish rule to this day.
Climate on the Canary Islands
The islands exhibit significant climate variations, influenced by many factors – their proximity to Africa, the Atlantic Ocean, northerly winds, the mountainous terrain of the islands themselves, and more. In general, the weather on the islands is warm and clear throughout the year, with barely noticeable seasonal changes. The water temperature is always around 20–25°C (68–77°F), the air temperature exceeds 30°C (86°F) in summer, and rarely drops below 13–15°C (55–59°F) in winter.
The 7 Canary Islands
All the islands of the Canary archipelago are of volcanic origin and attract tourists with their amazing landscapes of volcanic rocks and black sand beaches. But the nature of the Canaries is incredibly diverse. In addition to volcanic landscapes, you can see tropical and pine forests, dunes, and beaches with golden sand. The flora and fauna thrive in such beautiful conditions – 4 islands are designated national parks of Spain, and two of them are under UNESCO protection.
On the Canaries, everyone can find a vacation to their liking. Some will choose to stay in a comfortable hotel with developed infrastructure. Others will be interested in quiet, secluded spots with untouched nature or more specialized places for their favorite sport.
Read about the 7 Wonders of the Canary Islands.
The Island of Tenerife
Tenerife is the most developed in terms of tourist infrastructure and the most popular island among tourists. It is home to Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain. Due to the volcano, the island has two distinct climate zones: the green north and the dry south.
The Island of Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands and the second most popular among tourists. Due to its significant natural contrasts, this island is called a “miniature continent.” Here, steep rocky shores neighbor sprawling sandy beaches, mountains covered in lush tropical vegetation give way to desert zones, and deep ravines are followed by valleys of banana plantations. On Gran Canaria, there are regular tourist centers and resorts specializing in water sports.
The Island of Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands and the closest to Africa. It has the best white sand beaches, which are practically untouched by civilization. This is a destination for those seeking solitude, away from the hustle and bustle.
The Island of Lanzarote
The island of Lanzarote is one of the oldest and easternmost islands of the Canary archipelago. It’s the “island of fire-breathing mountains,” as it has around three hundred volcanoes. The “otherworldly landscapes” are the main exotic attraction of Lanzarote.
The Island of El Hierro
El Hierro is the westernmost and smallest island of the archipelago. Most of its shores are rocky and rugged, and the landscapes are quite contrasting. This island is more suitable for nature lovers. You’ll see rugged cliffs, volcanic formations, fertile valleys, vineyards, and a pine forest.
The Island of La Palma
La Palma is the greenest of all the Canary Islands, with forests covering 40% of its area. The islanders proudly call it “La isla bonita,” which means “the beautiful island.” The island is predominantly rocky shores, so there aren’t many beaches, but the ones it has are just as clean and beautiful as any other on the Canaries.
The Island of La Gomera
Just 30 km from the bustling Tenerife lies the almost circular island of La Gomera. It’s the only island in the archipelago with no traces of volcanic activity. People often come here on day trips to the national park, where a thousand-year-old laurel forest grows in perpetual mist.
Transportation on the Canary Islands
Local airlines can take you to any of the 7 islands in the archipelago. In addition to air travel, the islands are connected by sea transport: high-speed liners and ferries that carry both passengers and vehicles.
Airports on the Canary Islands
- On Tenerife there are two airports:
one in the south of the island – Tenerife South Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur, TFS);
and one in the north – Tenerife North Airport (Aeropuerto de Tenerife Norte, TFN). - Fuerteventura Airport (Fuerteventura Airport, FUE),
- El Hierro Airport (Aeropuerto de El Hierro,VDE),
- La Palma Airport (Aeropuerto de La Palma, SPC),
- La Gomera Airport (Aeropuerto de La Gomera, GMZ),
- Gran Canaria Airport (Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria, LPA),
- Lanzarote Airport (Aeropuerto de Lanzarote, ACE).
- Канарские острова
- Las Islas Canarias
- GPS: 28,358 -16,62
