Azure, gold, black and turquoise are the colors of the Canaries . Seven main islands form the group of islands in the eastern central Atlantic that belongs to Spain : Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Furthermore, the smallest inhabited Canary Island La Graciosa, which does not have its own island administration, as well as five uninhabited islands belong to the archipelago. On the coast there are other uninhabited rock islands such as Roques de Salmor in front of El Hierro or Roques de Anaga in front of Tenerife. All the Canary Islands are of volcanic origin, but still have differences. The islands in the east score with wonderful beaches, the islands in the west with their mountainous landscapes take hikers’ breath away. In some Canary Islands, the party life rages, on other islands you will find the peace you are looking for. Summer temperatures all year round as well as the limitless possibilities of activities make the Canary Islands attractive for millions of people for a vacation. Diving, snorkeling, hiking, mountaineering, cycling, mountain biking, windsurfing, kitesurfing or a classic beach holiday – the islands of eternal spring have something for every type of holiday. Find out below which Canary Island is the ideal destination for you and spend a wonderful Canary Island holiday !
Canary Islands key data
- Location: in the geographical region of Macaronesia in the Atlantic
- Country: Spain
- Population: 2,101,924 (as of 2016)
- Capitals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Official language: Spanish
- Currency: EURO
- International airports: Tenerife North, Tenerife South, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
- Flights within the Canary Islands: El Hierro and La Gomera
- Time zone: UTC, UTC + 1 (March to October)
- Time difference: European time minus 1 hour
Climate in the Canary Islands
According to ehistorylib, the climate in the Canary Islands is mild all year round. The location off the western coast of Africa gives the volcanic islands an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The differences in altitude have an influence on the climate. On the high western islands of La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the climate is subtropical . Due to the north-east trade wind, it is more humid and cooler at high altitudes in the north-east than in the coastal regions in the south of these islands. The northeast trade wind has little influence on the eastern islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The islands, which mainly consist of flat land, have a dry, arid climate . When is the best time to travel to the Canary Islands I explain to you in my travel calendar . Take a look and fly there at the optimal time!
Tenerife – the island of natural sensations
With an area of almost 2,000 square kilometers, Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands . With more than two million visitors annually, it is a tourist stronghold. Nevertheless, Tenerife has retained something mystical. On it lies the highest mountain in Spain at 3,718 meters: the Pico del Teide . A lava desert surrounds the volcano, which was last active 200 years ago. If you climb it, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the island and the Atlantic. Another natural highlight in the north of Tenerife is the old dragon tree from Icod de los Vinos. It is 17 meters high and is said to be between 500 and 600 years old. Botanists must definitely look at it as it is the tallest of its kind. If you go from north to east, you will reach the capital Santa Cruz. Here you can shop, marvel at churches and cathedrals and see the auditorium, the city’s landmark. On Tenerife, unique lunar landscapes lie right next to endless paradisiacal beaches. Depending on your wishes, you can choose between a light and dark beach. The Canary Island mainly has beaches with black lava sand. If you want to loll around on the bright sandy beach, you can visit Playa las Teresitas, Playa del Duque, Playa Fanabe and Playa Troviscas. The most popular beaches also include Adeje, Playa de los Cristianos and Playa las Vistas. The windsurfers meet at El Médano. After a swim in the Atlantic, continue to Los Gigantesin the West. The name is program. The cliff is gigantic and worth a few photos. If you want to see all the other sensations on the island, it’s best to rent a car. Then you are guaranteed not to miss anything!
