EXPLORE, ENJOY & TASTE THE REGIONS OF SPAIN


Explore the Canary Island Archipelago


T


hese islands are known for being the sunshine centre of Europe, and


offer mild temperatures and a range of outstanding natural attractions. In fact, five of its seven islands have been declared a Biosphere Reserve, and the archipelago has four national parks. Its beaches are its most outstanding attractions, and are perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water sports such as windsurfing and scuba diving. In the interior you’ll find amazing landscapes which are ideal for hiking, cycle touring, rock climbing and even caving. Some of the most spectacular include


the volcanic scenery of Lanzarote, the beaches of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria with their sand dunes, or the green forests of La Palma and La Gomera. The Canary Islands also offer a range


of cultural options to explore, including the monumental site at San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which has been awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO, and the work of César Manrique in Lanzarote. If you’re going in February you’ll also be able to enjoy the spectacular Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.


Fuerteventura


Fuerteventura is in the Canary Islands and measures 210 kilometres from one end to the other. It is outstanding for its magnificent white sand beaches and for the bright sun that shines all year round.


It is an essential destination for windsurfing and scuba diving lovers. Here you will find unforgettable spots. There are more than 150 beaches in the north and south of the island, spread over 340 kilometres of coastline. Meanwhile, on the east coast you will find cliffs and small, hidden coves. Their shallow, crystal clear waters are ideal for watersports: sailing, water skiing, surfing, fishing... and, above all, windsurfing: the island now has an important place on the windsurfing World Cup circuit. There is a long list of beaches where you can practise this sport: Corralejo, Cotillo, Jandía, Caleta de Fuste, Cofete...


This is also the case for scuba diving.


Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for diving fans, thanks to the crevices, caves, tunnels, overhangs and rock formations to be found on its ocean beds. Its excellent climate, sandy beaches with dunes, stunning natural beauty and modern infrastructure make Fuerteventura a privileged destination


4


for tourists. A good way to get to know the island’s most hidden spots is to explore the tracks and trails that will lead you to areas of unspoilt countryside. This is the case of Tindaya Mountain and the Betancuria Nature Reserve, the island’s largest area of protected countryside. Fuerteventura airport is five kilometres from Puerto del Rosario, with services by airlines from many different countries. The island also has scheduled boat and ferry services to the rest of the archipelago, departing from Puerto del Rosario, La Oliva and Pájara.


La Gomera


Peaceful and beautiful. This is La Gomera, known as “Isla Mágica” (the magical island). It is the second smallest of the Canary Islands, measuring barely 20 kilometres from north to south. It is an ecological treasure, and its coast is dotted with small beaches set between cliffs.


It has a rugged coastline with small


black-sand beaches and is a paradise for nature lovers. Its wild, mountainous landscape is packed with contrasts: in just a few kilometres you go from palm-covered valleys to huge canyons; from arid coastal areas with waters ideal for scuba diving, to fascinating forests,


crammed with vegetation. The Garajonay National Park is


particularly outstanding. It is a prehistoric forest with the UNESCO World Heritage designation. Exploring its tracks and trails is a unique experience. You can enjoy the peace of La Gomera on the many routes that cross the island from one end to another. The island is perfect for walking, with surprising outings possible through impressive countryside. One of its most surprising traditions


is the “silbo”: this is a system of communication, unique to the island, whereby syllables are spelled out by whistling. The islanders used this form of communication for centuries on account of the rugged relief here. It allowed simple messages to be sent across gorges, overcoming distances and the complications of the local terrain. It is well worthwhile going to one of the exhibitions and competitions that take place nowadays. It was awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 2009. La Gomera’s airport is in the south and


offers good communications, with flights to Tenerife and Gran Canaria. There are also daily boat and ferry services to and from Tenerife. The best way to get around inland is by renting a car. Be sure


not to miss the simple but delicious local cuisine, with stews, soft cheeses and honey extracted from palm trees.


Gran Canaria


There are many reasons to choose Gran Canaria as your holiday destination, at any time of year. Its privileged climate and beaches are just a few of them. On this island you will also find extraordinary natural heritage and a wonderful setting for water sports. The variety of landscapes on Gran


Canaria is stunning. There is an incredible choice on its 236 kilometres of coast. From the peaceful coves of the south of the island to more popular tourist areas such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, home to the famous Playa del Inglés beach, along with unique spots like Maspalomas beach with its dunes and the broad, untouched sands of Güi-Güi. Gran Canaria is a great option for


lovers of water sports. There is a host of possibilities: scuba diving, surfing, sailing and, of course, windsurfing - the island is considered one of the best places in the world for this sport. In fact, it often hosts major international windsurfing competitions.


Gran Canaria’s natural surroundings are another of its attractions. 46 percent of its surface area has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation. There is a broad network of tracks and trails to be found on the island. You can explore the different nature reserves on foot or by bike, and even see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat - these animals can often be found in waters off the south of the island. Access to the island by air and sea


is via the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (the airport is just 18 kilometres from the city). A good way to explore the island is to hire a car - the maximum distance between any two points is only 47.5 kilometres.


El Hierro


El Hierro is one of the Canary Islands. It measures less than 50 kilometres from one end to the other and is a haven of peace in the Atlantic Ocean. The island has the UNESCO Biosphere


Reserve designation, and is home to natural swimming pools and crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and scuba diving, as well as huge areas of protected woodland in the inland area. El Hierro is outstanding for its diversity. It has almost 100 kilometres of rugged, cliff-lined coastline, as well as coves and


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40