Suzi
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The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an archipelago of mainly eight volcanic Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa. Due to their sub-tropical climate these Islands are a keen favourite with holiday makers all year round.

There’s lots to do, from many water sports, snorkelling and dolphin watching to enjoying a western evening to riding a camel across the beautiful sand dunes.

With their dramatic natural landscapes and deserts, beautiful beaches with a range of black and white sands and delicious Spanish food and wines, it’s no wonder the Canary Islands are so popular.

The five most visited Islands are: Tenerife, Gran Canary, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the Islands and is known as the Island of Eternal Spring. This Island is a perfect destination for couples and families to relax or venture out on the many water sports on offer. Explore breath taking coastal cliffs, mountains, natural parks, pine forests, volcanoes and enjoy a spot of tapas after wandering around the historic towns and villages. If you’re looking for a family holiday, you will find lots of all-inclusive family friendly accommodations that offers plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy. Alternatively, you will also find that quiet getaway too.

Your Resort Guide

Playa de las Americas – is located on the southwest coast and is the largest and most popular resort attracting young holiday makers to its lively atmosphere and buzzing nightlife. It’s perfect for young partygoers or energetic families.
Los Cristianos – is the neighbour of Playa de las Americas and although much quieter there is plenty to do for couples and families. You can visit Loro Parque with its famous wildlife that includes flamingos, penguins, alligators, and parrots. Los Cristianos also has one of the most popular beaches with its longest stretch of sand on the south coast.
Puerto de la Cruz – is on Tenerife’s north coast and boasts a landscape of tropical fruit plantations, a pretty little harbour with a mix of bars and Colonial-style restaurants. Lap up the sun on the main beach, Playa de Jardin with a kilometre-long black sands where you will find many water sports, or if you prefer, sun loungers to relax.
Costa Del Silencio – is on the southern tip and is perfect for those wanting a much quieter holiday. The main attraction here is the ‘Bathers Fountain’, a giant bath with life-size stone people up to their shoulders in water dressed in swimming caps, hats, sunglasses and goggles. There is a handful of bars and restaurants around the resort and although not having its own beach you can find one just a short stroll way in Las Galletas.
Golf del Sur – A peaceful town tucked away in the southern corner of Tenerife. With a rocky coastline and a black sandy beach, its surrounded by golf courses, pan-global restaurants and lounge bars. For any serious golfer, this has to be the perfect destination.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the second most popular of Spain’s Canary Islands, has 1000 acres of sand dunes, is home to lush forests with stunning waterfalls, secluded coves, rugged cliffs, snow-capped mountains, small bays and fishing villages offering fishing trips and sea excursions. Most of Gran Canaria’s beach resorts are located along the south coast offering a range of lively accommodations to smaller more boutique resorts.

Another perfect holiday destination that caters for all holiday makers needs, families, groups and couples.

Your Resort Guide

Playa del Ingles – is Gran Canaria’s largest resort and is known as ‘the Englishman’s beach’. Popular with young tourists wanting to party in the lively nightlife or being adventurous in many daytime activities.
Puerto Rico – was once a fishing village and due to its location on the Island, benefits from the best weather. The resort is purpose built into a hillside, therefore not suitable for holiday makers with certain mobility issues. Puerto Rico is another popular resort offering plenty of activities and a buzzing nightlife.
Puerto de Mogan – is a quaint little seaside resort that was once was a buzzing fishing village, it now has a pretty marina and is perfect for that couple’s quiet getaway. Enjoy the local cuisine with a backdrop of Mediterranean flowers against stunning whitewashed buildings.
Maspalomas – has 6kms of golden sands overlooked by stunning Saharan-sized sand dunes. Walking along the beachside promenade you will pass shops, bars and small restaurants on the way to reach the town centre. Maspalomas has a relaxed atmosphere but there is plenty to do if you want to keep busy.
San Agustin – has a dark–coloured sandy beach and is tucked away in a quiet location, but also close enough to the nightlife. The sheltered coves give calms waters perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving or for young swimmers. The coastal walkway is lined with cafés, bars, and some great seafood restaurants.
Las Palmas – is a pretty little historical town where you will find chic boutiques and street artists, or you can visit the Christopher Columbus Museum, where the great explorer is said to have stayed. A 20-minute drive away is a 2,000 year old volcanic crater, the Caldera del Bandama. The beach offers calm-filled waters in the north for relaxing, and for surfing enthusiasts, there are surf schools in the south.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is one of Europe’s most incredible volcanic islands, with breath-taking scenery, lunar landscapes, cone shaped volcanic hills of black, grey and red lava, which are a must see when visiting Lanzarote. You can also soak up the sun on some beautiful white and golden beaches looking out to stunning crystal-clear waters.

Another must see of Lanzarote is some underground converted bars and a concert hall located in Jameos del Agua and was created by the famous artist Cesar Manrique, which was opened as a cultural centre in 1966.

Your Resort Guide

Puerto del Carmen – is on the southeast coast and was once a busy little fishing village. Now with a pretty harbour and a waterside promenade boasting many bars, clubs and restaurants which overlooks a stretch of golden sandy beaches offering peace and tranquillity.
Playa Blanca – Another fishing village that once was, Playa Blanco, meaning ‘white beach’ offers a relaxed atmosphere with a modern shopping centre and busy outdoor markets. The beautiful harbour boasts seafood restaurants and cocktail bars and for the day, boat trips will take you for some enjoyable sightseeing.
Costa Teguise – is Lanzarote’s most popular resorts offering a range of activities including scuba diving, wind surfing and snorkelling for couples or the whole family. Or just indulge in the local cuisine at a selection of the waterfront’s restaurants. If relaxation is your thing, then grab a cocktail and soak up the sun on the fantastic golden beaches.
Arrecife – Once a small fishing port, now a gorgeous seafront promenade full of history and perfect for a stroll for alfresco dining as the sunsets with your loved ones. During the day it’s the perfect location for hitting the shops for your souvenirs or just relax on the golden sands.
Matagorda – is a short walk along the promenade from Puerto del Carmen. More on the quiet side but plenty for couples and families. Matagorda is centred around a charming town square with waterside bars and restaurants overlooking sandy beaches.
Puerto Calero – has a pretty little yacht harbour and has earned a reputation as one of the world’s top sailing destinations. The marina, also known as ‘Millionaire’s harbour’, is surrounded by boutique shops and sophisticated restaurants. There are no beaches at Puerto Calero, but 10 minutes bus ride will take you to Puerto del Carmen.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands and boasts stunning mountains, plains of terracotta sand, deep valleys and plunging gorges, historic small towns, fishing villages and oases that bristle with palm trees on an island that contains Europe’s largest desert and has more than 150 stunning beaches.

Fuerteventura offers golf courses, a water park, seafront proms for a gentle stroll, hiking and cycle routes, buggy safaris, and camel caravans.

The coastline of Fuerteventura offers some of the best water sports in Spain, even hosting the World Windsurfing Championships in July each year.

Your Resort Guide

Corralejo – is a popular tourist resort. Once a small fishing village, now a busy thriving hot spot boasting a seven mile stretch of golden sands, the main street leads to the square surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants.
Costa Calma – is a much quieter resort, having a tranquil feeling, perfect for a couple’s getaway. You will find a long stretch of white sandy beaches to relax on or explore the nearby large national park. Evenings in Costa Calma also has a relaxed atmosphere with many bars and restaurants to choose from.
Caleta de Fuste – is one of Fuerteventura’s newest resorts, ideal for family holidays or couples who just want to relax with a glass of wine in the cute harbour surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants. The sheltered bay is perfect for paddling and swimming.
Jandia – is another old fishing village with a quaint harbour offering some al fresco dining whilst having a good opportunity to spot dolphins out at sea. The 32-kilometre-long sandy beach passes picturesque sand dunes and lagoons, and with just a gentle breeze is perfect for windsurfing and kite-surfacing.
Nuevo Horizonte – is a quieter resort away from the tourists so you can really be within the locals. Soak up the sun on the beach with a cocktail and relax in the evening with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Lajares – is a small, secluded village surrounded by stunning orange and peach coloured rock formations that is a must see whilst visiting Fuerteventura. The closest beach to Lajares is a 15-minute drive to Corralejo.

La Palma

La Palma is the smallest of the Canary Islands, has a romantic shape of a heart and is known as the ‘Beautiful Island’. Boasting stunning lush landscapes, enchanting forests and dramatic Volcanic landscapes, no wonder it is declared a UNESECO biosphere reserve.

As La Palma is the least popular and the greenest, there really is so much to explore on this ‘Beautiful Island’ including the clear warm waters where you can relax and soak up the sun.

You won’t find many beaches on this Island, but the ones you will find have unique black soft sands.

Your Resort Guide

Santa Cruz – The islands capital - a must see visit with narrow cobbled streets, waterfront houses and lovely colourful markets. Get a taste of Spanish tradition with the local cuisine, churches, and museums. Perfect for those who want to experience local culture or just sit back and watch the world go by.
Fuencaliente – is where you will find some amazing landscapes, beautiful scenery and views across the mountains. It really is a hiker’s paradise where you can explore the salt ponds where the Fuencaliente old and new lighthouses give breath-taking views.
Los Cancajos – indulge in some Canarian cuisine on this perfect getaway for peace and tranquillity. Only 10 minutes’ drive from the Capital, you will find tapas restaurants and chilled waterside restaurants along the main street.
Player de Tazacorte – is known to be the warmest place on the Island and is where you will find the vast banana plantation and even a banana museum. It boasts a pretty shoreline with 2 historical villages. Another perfect location to discover culture and local traditions.