
http://www.bestofthecanaries.com//articles/canary-islands/canary-islands-escape168.htm
Getaway to the Canaries. The subtropical climate and steady year-round water temperatures lay a solid foundation for the islands? allure. The conditions vary from island to island and even within the boundaries of each separate one, meaning that it?s possible to lie in the warm sand and gaze up at a snow-peaked mountain.
A chain of exotic volcanic islands off the coast of Africa that happens to receive about 10 million visitors a year has the kind of appeal that is difficult to ignore. There must be some wonderful sights to see and probably many fine vacation memories to be made in the Canary Islands, so take a closer look at the secrets of this sultry sprinkling of sunny isles.
The subtropical climate and steady year-round water temperatures lay a solid foundation for the islands’ allure. The conditions vary from island to island and even within the boundaries of each separate one, meaning that it’s possible to lie in the warm sand and gaze up at a snow-peaked mountain. This unique setting makes for lots of exploring opportunities in the interior mountains and forests but also ensures that relaxing day on the beach is there to be had virtually anytime.
Seven major islands and several smaller ones make up the Canaries, meaning that there’s plenty of room in the sun for everyone. The largest, Tenerife, has a little bit of everything. Banana farms, volcanic ridges, friendly inhabitants, parrots, dolphins and fortresses provide the basic idea of this colorful spot.
The National Park El Tiede is also located here, and contains the highest mountain in all of Spain. Climbing the peak, descending into the crater and checking out the petrified lava forms will all satisfy adventurous urges and make for some great souvenir photos. Wildlife and rare plants complete the otherworldly landscape (watch out for lizards).
Gran Canaria is another diverse place to see - it’s filled with contrasts of every kind. The capital of the archipelago is here, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a festive and welcoming place known for its vibrancy and delicious food. History buffs will take pleasure in touring La Casa de Colon, the Museo Canario and the gothic and Latin American style architecture all over the island. With both natural and man-made beauty, tourists’ eyes never have a chance to glaze over with boredom.
On that note it would also be interesting to learn more about the Guanches, the original inhabitants of the island. Museums tell their story and cave paintings and archeological sites offer an intimate view of these long ago Canarians. Evidence of their influences can be found all over the islands.
The oldest settlements and longest beaches can be found at Fuerteventura, also a great place for fishing. Lanzarote probably has the most eye-popping scenery thanks to years of violent volcanic eruptions and Hierro takes travelers to a quiet yet accommodating place of great natural splendor.
After working up an appetite by traipsing around the archipelago, be sure to sample some of the intriguing local fare. Mojo is a specialty sauce made with garlic and chili-peppers among other things; each chef has their own special way of creating it so be sure to taste a couple atop Papas Arrugadas (boiled potatoes). Homemade bread from an old traditional way of life, seafood galore, fried bananas and local wine finish out the menu and will surely keep taste buds feeling pampered.
The best way to enjoy all the assets of the Canary Islands is to choose a fabulous vacation rental on one of the isles and make it a home away from home. There are hundreds to choose from in this hotspot for non-hotel goers, so don’t be afraid to dive right in with a list of criteria and prepare to discover the perfect place to stay. Chances are you’ll see something that meets your needs and your budget as well; good deals are there to be had.
Online you’ll find the key to reserving the right Canary Islands Vacation Rental for your upcoming trip, which surely won’t come soon enough once the daydreaming begins.
Visit HomeAway to take care of all vacation rental needs.
Brief introduction to Canary Islands historyCanary Islands, Span. Islas Canarias, group of seven islands (1990 pop. 1,589,403), 2,808 sq mi (7,273 sq km), autonomous region of Spain, in the Atlantic Ocean off Western Sahara. They constitute two provinces of Spain. Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1990 pop. 770,627), 1,239 sq mi (3,209 sq km),...
Plan Your Canary Island car hireWith rising gas prices, driving causes more headaches than it used to. When traveling, though, you may need to rely on a car rental. There are ways to save money if you plan well. Next time you?re looking for a quality, affordable car rental, consider the following: 1. A car rental at the airport...
Perro de Presa Canario - a Canary Island dog breedThe Canary Dog history includes the now extinct native dog of the Canary Islands, the Bardino Majorero, crossed with imported English Mastiffs. It is interesting to note that the Islands were not named for the little yellow singing bird known as the Canary, but rather for the fierce fighting dogs...
The Canary Island is a fantastic leisure destinationTravel and leisure is a sure thing for my family and me. I like a holiday cruise during the year. Great beaches, blue skies and nice people really give me the charge up I need when I get back to work. When I travel for leisure, the Canary Islands off Spain is never far from my mind. You can get...
Canary Island favorite beach vacationsWhen it comes to a great vacation, having a cruise with the family can be a great choice. And, if you’re pretty much like me, you’ll definitely enjoy a good holiday cruise anytime of the year, especially if it comes with great beaches, blue skies, and friendly people. One of my favorite...
Canary Islands, a tropical paradiseLocated off the northwestern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, especially with Europeans. The seven main islands that make up the Canary Islands are well spaced out so that it is only a day’s sail between most of them. The...
The history of the Guanche populationMany years have passed since the Canary Islands were considered by Latin writers and Greek historians as the Garden of the Hesperides, the Fortunate Islands or the Elysian Fields. It was an attractive archipelago beacuse of its climate, the prosperity of its winds, the purity of its air, and the...
Escape to the Canary IslandsA chain of exotic volcanic islands off the coast of Africa that happens to receive about 10 million visitors a year has the kind of appeal that is difficult to ignore. There must be some wonderful sights to see and probably many fine vacation memories to be made in the Canary Islands, so take a...
Vacations in Tenerife, Lanzarote and FuerteventuraThe seven Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the north coast of Africa. They have been formed as a result of volcanic activity, which happened thousands of years ago to produce the islands we see today. The canaries are geographically split into two provinces. The western...
Duty Free: What You Need To KnowOne of the highlights of a holiday abroad is the opportunity to stock up on items such as cigarettes, alcohol and perfume - collectively known as "duty free" goods. Duty free items have no state, local or provincial taxes, federal import duties, or any other type of taxation added to...
Traditional christmas in the Canary IslandsHere we are in Easter Week and already, our visitors have shown that they are beginning to think of Christmas 2006 in the Canary Islands. Of course, one has to make travel plans in advance, so here are some ideas for you: Christmas week is said to be the busiest week of the entire year for tourism...
Protect yourself against pickpocketsWherever you travel today, you can be at the mercy of pickpockets. They can always be found wherever tourists congregate. Actually anywhere there’s large group of people, there are most probably pickpockets. Often they will work in groups of two or three, catching you completely off guard....
Canary Islands aborigines - the GuanchesThe Guanches are believed to be the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands. Where they came from is still uncertain, but they could actually be a mix of Berbers from the north of Africa, and scandinavian vikings. Written material from the spanish ‘conquistadores’ in the 15th century...
Canary Islands - the fortunate islandsIn Christopher Columbus’s time, the Canary Islands were believed to mark the end of the world. After being conquered by the Spanish in the 15th Century, the Canaries become a popular stopping point for explorers, traders and missionaries on their way to the Americas. The islands have also...
Avoid the Christmas stress - go to the Canary IslandsEvery year I vow to make christmas easier, simpler - less stressful. Have I ever? One year I tried forgetting christmas here in the UK and spent it in the Canary Islands. It was quite extraordinary really. Christmas day was spent around the pool. The staff brought round Christmas cake at various...
Canary Islands - sub-tropical vacation possibilitiesSeven islands make up the archipelago known as the Canary Islands. These are La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Because they are an autonomous region of Spain, many tourists do not realise that they lay in the Atlantic ocean, 750 miles south of...
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