Politically an integral part of Spain, the Canarian archipelago is a group of 13 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the northeast coast of Africa that together with a number of islets makes up the Spanish provinces of Santa de Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. Tenerife, Grand Canary, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro and Lanzarote are the major and most popular islands of the archipelago, all mountainous and blessed with dramatic volcanic landscapes, colorful beaches, lively resorts and bustling nightlife.
The Canary Islands are always privileged destinations thanks to their year-round subtropical climate with longer summers and mild winters, making them perfect for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Each of these islands offer excellent holiday attractions from sailing and scuba diving, to exploring amazing nature reserves and hiking, to windsurfing and big game fishing. Holiday favorites like Tenerife, Fuertrventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Palma boast exclusive endemic species that inhabit offshore reefs, as well as unique volcanic formations including caves and underground galleries that are truly magnetic attractions to tourists.
Tenerife is the largest island of the Canaries and one of the largest volcanic islands in the world, perfect for experiencing all kinds of sports, from traditional sports: golf, basketball, football, gymnastics, etc., to the latest ones, like windsurfing, surfing, horse-riding, diving, sailing, parasailing, trekking, climbing, etc. This and much more are waiting for adventure lovers in this fascinating family-friendly getaway.
Read on to get acquainted with some of the top things to do you should not miss out in Canary Island Paradise.
Cable up Mount Teide
3,718 meters at height, El Teide is the highest peak in the Canary Islands. The Cable Car is perhaps the easiest, most popular and most expensive way to get up to the peak of El Teide: views from above are simple majestic. This strato volcano has not erupted since 1909, when a flank eruption occurred on the northwestern slope: volcano Chinyero. The mountain dominates Teide National Park, established in 1954, which in 2007 was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Able to accommodate around 35 passengers, Cable Cars leave every ten minutes and the last ride is at 5 pm.
Scuba Diving in the Canary Islands
The waters of archipelago are warm, clear and filled with diverse range of marine life, including Mediterranean, North Atlantic and endemic species and are the most well-known place to dive in Spain. Tenerife is a great spot for wreck diving (El Condesito and Las Rayas); El Veril Grande on Fuerteventura and Pasito Blanco on Gran Canaria are superb sites for spotting moray eels; while Mar Las Calmas on El Hierro are great for divers interested in hammerhead sharks.
Maspalomas Rolling Sand Dunes in Gran Canaria
A nature reserve and nature lover’s paradise, Maspalomas Sand Dunes are situated between the towns of Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas and can be reached by walking along the beach from either of the resorts. The expansive sands of the national park can be traversed by camel, which will open magnificent scenery especially for those who adore photography. These dunes may have been created by a huge Tsunami in 1755 and now they are surrounded by a ring of hotels. Maspalomas dunes are the symbol of Gran Canaria and make for great holiday snaps.
Windsurfing in Fuerteventura
The Canary Islands are renowned for windsurfing with amazing spots best suited for beginners and advanced levels alike. El Medano beach in Tenerife boasts perfect windsurfing conditions and has been a regular venue for major international competitions.
Steam Geysers in Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO declaration, and Timanfaya Nationak Park is one of the island’s must-see destinations.
Made up of entirely volcanic soil, the park has not seen a volcanic eruption for a long time; however, it has incredibly beautiful geysers not to be missed. This part of the islands is also home to unique ‘Martian’ landscape and rare plant species. Those who wish to explore the park on foot can take the Ruta de Tremesana. A camel is another popular activity within the park that will bring you another novel view of the park.
Lanzarote also features a number of developed climbing sites, including Maretas, Teneguime and Regalito de Reyes, the best bouldering area on the island. Climbing in Lanzarote is mostly of intermediate difficulty though there are also some challenging pitches.
