The Canary Islands

This paradisaical group of islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, boasts a benevolent climates and almost constant temperatures throughout the year. One of the principal features of the islands are the wonderful beaches of fine sand that reflects the volcanic origin of these islands and belies its violent origin.

The group of islands consists of 7 large islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro) and a few smaller ones (Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste and Lobos).

One of the most distinctive features of its composition is that the landscape of each island is radically different to the others.

Since time immemorial the Canary Islands have formed the basis of popular mythology. The Greeks and Romans knew of their existence and reported an archipelago of volcanic origins calling them the Happy Islands, Garden of the Hesperides and Atlantida. Some historians and occasional dreamers locate the legendary continent Atlantis here. The islands' original population, a tall, handsome race that was probably formed by immigrants from the European mainland was called Guanches.

In 1496 the islands became part of the Spanish kingdom, and the ships of Christopher Columbus stopped here on their travel to discover the New World.

Facts, figures and flags: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands

Routes and Places worth a Visit

The Natural Park of Teide is, without doubt the most spectacular visit in the Canary Island routine. There are many walks around the volcano and, if you’re lucky, the whole experience is undertaken above the cloudline so that it appears as if you are walking in a place that is touching the heavens. This is a place that could have been transported from a different world as the landscape is desolate volcanic broken only by low shrubs and bushes that appear to have defied the power of the earth.

The hermitage of Our Lady of Charity (Nuestra Señora de la Caridad) is a small hermitage dating from the beginning of the XVII century and located close to the tiny hamlet of La Geria on Lanzarote. After it had been completely engulfed by the volcanica eruption of Timanfaya in 1730 it was subsequently excavated in the twentieth century.

Important Fiestas

The wine festival of Geria on Lanzarote. This relatively recent festival, celebrations only began eight years ago, is a real wine tasting experience. Every year, wine producers set out their stalls and invite passers-by to sample their wares. This fiesta is a must for purists who like wines in their original setting.

Cheese festival celebrated in two parts on the island of Gran Canaria. The first part is held in the old town of Guia on the last Sunday of April whilst the second part is held in Pago de Montaña Alta on the second Sunday of May.