The Canary Islands: Perfect Year-Round Retreat

The Canary Islands have beckoned generations of vacationers. Enveloped by the Atlantic expanse, they offer an isolated, pictorial retreat from the world. Their growing popularity over the years has led to modernized conveniences—but their natural beauty remains intact.

When going on Canary Islands holidays, you can choose your island among the group for its special offerings or, if time allows, explore them all. The Canaries are a Spanish volcanic group in the open Atlantic, between 100 and 300 miles (160 and 480 kilometers) off Morocco on the northwestern African coast. The main islands are Tenerife, Gran Canaria (Grand Canary), Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

Gran Canaria is flat in the south, rising to steep, spectacular green heights in the north. Above the island of Tenerife rises Pico de Teide, the third-highest volcano on earth (more than 12,100 feet/3,700 meters) and the highest peak in Spain and its territories.

Other islands have singular attractions of their own. Fuerteventura, for example, is known for the fantastic windsurfing conditions around its beaches. The National Park of Timanfaya is maintained on Lanzarote. On La Gomera (the “Magic Isle”), visitors can probe the last Laurisilva rainforest in the realm of North Africa.

As a result of becoming such frequented worldwide tourist destinations over the decades, the Canary Islands today have in place excellent systems of communication and transportation. Airports at Tenerife and Gran Canaria are bustling year-round; discount flights are available from many countries. All of the other islands have smaller airports. However, beacuse it is one of the main hotspots, an excellent choice is to go for all inclusive Tenerife holidays.

On the islands, visitors get about by rental car, taxi, bus, tram, bicycle, motorcycle and foot. Boat and small plane service is available between the islands.

Whatever island or islands they target, vacationers can spend their time loafing (creatively), spreading their wings in active adventures, or both. Canary Island beaches are glorious for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and sailing. Pedestrians love to investigate the curiosities of island nature—and the enticing wares of city markets.

Culinary specialties include fresh fish, papas (saltwater-boiled potato) variations, arepas (an intriguing tortas melody) and gofio (grain flour) dishes. The Canaries are famous for their plantain bananas, and several of the islands are noted for their vineyards. Night life pulsates at numerous resort towns, especially on Tenerife holidays or in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

Because of their even, temperate climate, the Canary Islands can reward a visitor with the vacation of a lifetime any season of the year.