The Canary Islands, located off the coast of Spain, is an archipelago of thirteen islands, eight of which are inhabited. This group of islands hosts a perfect climate with mild winters and an average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 C) and warm summers with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 C). The wettest month is December with an average of only 5 days of rain. This makes the region an excellent destination for a holiday at almost any time of year. The beaches are its most outstanding attractions and are perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water sports such as windsurfing and scuba diving.
La Gomera
The islands are well connected, with international airports, and are sometimes called a ‘miniature continent’ thanks to their variety of landscapes and microclimates.
There are 8 islands that make up this Spanish archipeligo including Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa, and every one is well worth a visit.
The spectacular scenery and picturesque enclaves make these islands a romantic destination for couples, as well as the perfect place for adventurers. Some of the most striking natural areas include the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, the sand dunes of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, the lush green forests of La Palma and La Gomera, and Tenerife’s Mount Teide, the tallest mountain in Spain.
Roque de Los Muchachos in La Palma
These islands are also among the best places in the world to see the stars. See why with a visit to the astronomical observatories of Roque de Los Muchachos in La Palma, or El Teide in Tenerife.
The Canary Islands are unusually rich in biodiversity, five of which are Biosphere Reserves, with four beautiful and expansive National Parks waiting to be explored. The parks include Teide (Tenerife), Caldera de Taburiente (La Palma), Timanfaya (Lanzarote), and Garajonay (La Gomera), all of which are excellent for hiking excursions, cycle touring, rock climbing, and even caving.
There’s plenty to do for families as well, including water parks, dolphin and whale watching tours, and zoos. Siam Park and Loro Parque (both located in Tenerife) are particularly good. Camel rides are available for exploration of some beaches. And side trips to volcanos and lava fields are sure to be exciting as well as educational.
Teide National Park
A range of cultural options includes the monumental site at San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which has been awarded the World Heritage designation by UNESCO, and the work of César Manrique in Lanzarote.
If your trip takes place in the month of February, you’ll also be able to enjoy the spectacular Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
There is a wide variety of accommodations to choose from throughout man of the islands. This is particularly true in Tenerife and Lanzarote where travelers will find several well-known resort brands with all-inclusive options and on-site tour operators to help arrange day excursions.