Archive for June, 2011
The Canary Islands are an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, made up of seven major islands and a handful of smaller islets. This autonomous Spanish community is a favoured vacation spot and hosts over 12 million visitors a year due to its perfect climate, white sand beaches and laid back ambiance. The islands are volcanic in origin and rise from rich Atlantic waters into towering mountain peaks with lush forested valleys. Teide Peak on Tenerife, tops out at over 12,000 feet; it is the highest spot on Spanish soil and the third largest volcano in the world. The climate of the islands is sub-tropical with long, hot summer days that are tempered by the prevailing easterly winds; winter finds cooler weather and rain.
Today, the Canaries are a showplace and major destination for Europeans on holidays and offer cheap flights and an endless variety of attractions and activities. All the major airports in Europe offer cheap flights to Tenerife and the other islands, accommodation range from bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts and food stands, roving vendors and five-star restaurants assure a plethora of dining experiences.
The vast majority of travellers seek accommodations on the coast and many come for the excellent water sports. Although surfing has only become in vogue since the early 1990s, the islands host long hollow reef breaks and gentler beach breaks. Several surfing schools can be found on several of the islands.
Scuba divers won’t be disappointed as there is good diving on all the islands. Winter waters can be chilly requiring a thick wetsuit but warm up to the high seventies in the summer months. Visibility is good to great and can approach 100 feet and the marine encountered include Angel sharks, rays, moray eels, garden eels, cuttlefish, octopus, lobsters, jacks, barracuda, grouper and parrotfish.
Each island has its own attractions and the tourist has much to choose from, but cheap flights to Tenerife make it one of the most popular. There are jeep tours into the back country to view breath-taking scenery and wildlife, quaint villages offering local crafts and wine tasting tours at exquisite vineyards. There are wildlife parks, whale watching trips, helicopter rides and always lively nightlife at many tapa bars, discos and night clubs.
The Canaries are a must see vacation spot, they are economical with cheap flights from Europe, bargain accommodations, endless activities and friendly people.
