IN FOCUS CANARIES RAYS OF SUNSHINE
With guaranteed sunshine, swathes of golden-sand beaches, verdant mountainous interiors and scenic protected landscapes, The Canaries’ popularity is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon, says Steve Hartridge
FACTFILE
Where to Book It Prestige Holidays
Coast in the Atlantic Ocean, hold such an enduring spell over British holidaymakers. Although the four main islands –
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Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura – all have their own distinct characteristics they also share three appealing attributes: winter sunshine is almost guaranteed, they are relatively affordable and easily reached from the UK via low-cost carriers or charter fl ights. A fi fth island, La Palma, is not
dependent on tourism and attracts a wholly different type of tourist: those seeking rest, quiet, beautiful scenery and un-spoilt nature at its best. And when it comes to the diversity of landscapes and scenic vistas, all islands
t’s perhaps no surprise that the Canaries, a group of seven islands located 100kms off the African
offer visitors a great deal of variety – from beaches to mountains. While most arrive for the sunshine and beaches, exploring the interiors also brings rewards.
In fact, the Canary Islands are one of the most important natural environments in the world, with an abundance of natural beauty and more than 650 native plant species. In fact, if you added up all the land
devoted to tourism in the Canary Islands it would occupy only a tiny fraction of the islands’ total area. In contrast, the area given over
to rural parks, nature reserves and protected landscapes accounts for nearly 40% of the islands’ territory. Tenerife, the largest of the Canaries,
is known for its sandy beaches in the south and dramatic lunar landscape of Mount Teide National Park, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
island's excellent year-round climate – temperatures remain fairly constant, varying from 23C to 27C year round – growing accommodation stock, and natural diversity continue to be the main draws – around 1.5 million UK visitors arrived on the island in 2011. Tenerife also has Europe’s biggest aquatic adventure land, the Thai- themed Siam Park (
www.siampark. net), which has a new mega-adrenalin ride this summer, Kinaree, that promises visitors high-speed thrills while showcasing how it feels to be caught in a tornado wave. Practically round in shape, Gran Canaria is known for its blonde- coloured beaches – particularly Playa de Ingles and the towering dunes of Maspalomas, both in the south – and its lush interior dominated by the
01425 480400
www.prestigeholidays.co.uk Seven nights at The Botanico in Puerto de la Cruz starts from £948pp. This price is based on two adults sharing a standard twin with Spa/Garden views on a B&B basis, leaving on September 28 2012, with return fl ights from London Gatwick to Tenerife South with easyJet (including bags). Also included is complimentary access to the Spa Circuit. Or seven nights at Abama Golf & Spa Resort (near Guia de Isora) is from £1025pp, based on two adults sharing a standard double on a B&B basis, leaving on January 18 2013. Flights are from London Gatwick to Tenerife South with easyJet (including bags). The price includes a saving of £214pp.
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Classic Collection Holidays 0800 294 9318
www.classic-collection.co.uk Seven nights at Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real, Furteventura, is from £1194pp this September. This price is based on two adults sharing a deluxe room on a B&B basis and includes return fl ights from Gatwick to Furteventura and private transfers.
More Information Gran Canaria Tourism
0034 928 219 600
www.grancanaria.com Tenerife Tourism Corporation 0845 498 9980
www.webtenerife.com
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20 July/August 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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