EXPLORE, ENJOY & TASTE THE REGIONS OF SPAIN


lagoons such as Charco Manso in the north, and Charco Azul in the northwest. The clear, deep waters to be found close to the coast make this island ideal for lovers of diving and snorkelling. There are diving centres and schools for beginners and experts in the sport, with organised outings to the best local dive sites.


This is also an excellent place for outdoor sports: paragliding, mountain biking, surfing, caving, hiking, adventure activities... The contrasts are reflected in the island’s varied landscape. There are fertile fields and meadows, pine woods, subtropical vegetation and fascinating volcanic areas to be found inland. El Hierro has the densest concentration


of volcanoes of any of the Canary Islands, with more than 800. Some of these are outstanding for their beauty and size. El Hierro has good air and and sea


communications. The airport is just a few kilometres from the island’s capital, Valverde, and offers daily flights to and from Tenerife and Gran Canaria. There are also scheduled ferry services to and from Tenerife, sailing out of Puerto de la Estaca. Regarding recent volcanic and seismic activity on the island, according to the Spanish National Geographic Institute, this activity is not dangerous.


Lanzarote Lanzarote is one of the most fascinating


of the Canary Islands. As soon as you step foot on the island, you notice the unique colours of its volcanic landscapes, contrasting with the blue of the Atlantic. There are hardly any trees, but the plant


life is surprisingly lush and beautiful. The villages are full of little white houses, and the horizon is endless. Here nature lives side by side with art. Time seems to stand still, and travellers understand they are in one of the most special places on Earth. So relax, take your time visiting the island’s museums, caves and empty beaches, taste its exceptional wines, and you’ll see why this place is so unique. Moulded by César Manrique One of the fundamental figures in the


story of the island is César Manrique. A painter, sculptor and architect, he found his true calling as an artist in his efforts to preserve the island’s wonderful natural environment with architectural creations which merge with their surroundings. Thanks to him, today we can visit the Casa del Volcán (the house where he lived), the impressive viewing point at Mirador del Río with views of La Graciosa island, lava tubes in Jameos del Agua, the cave of Los Verdes where you can attend a concert, and a garden with over 7000 cacti.


The whole island seems to exist in this fusion of art and nature. It’s a pleasure to discover the local lifestyle, its art galleries and charming towns like Teguise, full of artisan workshops. Surprising nature and gastronomy More than 100 volcanoes shape the island’s almost moon-like landscapes. One of the most impressive is


The originality of the island is also present in its gastronomy. For example, the area of La Geria takes full advantage of the volcanic, ash-covered soil to create vineyards in holes in the ground protected by semi-circular walls built from volcanic rock to produce wines such as the famous Malvasía. And to accompany these wines, there’s nothing better than some of the area’s characteristic products such as the “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes), the green and red mojo sauces, fish such as “la vieja”, and desserts including “bienmesabe” (consisting of ground almonds, honey, egg yolks, cinnamon, sugar syrup, and lemon zest)… In all, experiencing Lanzarote involves


enjoying direct contact with nature, feeling free and feeling good.


La Palma Volcanic sands, bays surrounded


by cliffs and exceptional natural landscapes. This is the island of La Palma, an idyllic spot with numerous ecological treasures. It was shortlisted for the European Commission’s EDEN programme (European Destinations of Excellence), in recognition of its commitment to sustainable tourism. La Palma, known as the ‘isla bonita’ (beautiful island), is the greenest island in the Canary Island archipelago.


for astrophysics thanks to its modern observatory which has one of the most cutting-edge and spectacular telescopes in the world. With annual temperatures of between 16 and 21 degrees centigrade, La Palma has numerous interesting monuments and archaeological sites, as well as a multitude of shrines, churches and museums –although perhaps its most outstanding historic feature is the town of Santa Cruz de la Palma. Some of its most deeply-rooted traditions are worth a particular mention, including ‘Los Indianos’ at carnival time and every five years, the quinquennial festivities known as the Descent of the Virgin of Las Nieves. In the first two weeks of July, the festivities of the Semana Grande and the Semana Chica are a chance to enjoy a series of major events and performances. A particular highlight is the Dance of the Dwarves. Hand-crafted textiles, cigars, sweets and traditionally-made cheeses are just a few of the wide variety of items on offer in the island.


Tenerife The ease of wearing summer clothes


all year round. The pleasure of walking with the sea always on the horizon. The feeling of your feet leaving prints


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the Timanfaya National Park, where you can observe 25 craters, or eat in one of the most original restaurants in the world, El Diablo, where the food is cooked using the natural heat of the earth. Equally impressive are the islands’ natural parks Chinijo and Los Volcanes. The latter surprises visitors with its Charco Verde, an amazing verdant green lagoon connected to the ocean by underground cracks. The beauty of the unique beaches such as Famara and Papagayo are no less awe-inspiring. Beaches with white, golden or black volcanic sand, they all seem to invite tranquillity.


From lush forests to steep cliffs hiding beaches of black sand, visitors will find the island endlessly surprising for its ecological treasures and exceptional scenery. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO, it is home to numerous protected natural spaces, including the Caldera de Taburiente National Park inland. The volcanic lava, which goes right down to the sea, has created a low, rocky coastline with small bays hidden away between steep cliffs. The nature of the terrain means that


only a few kilometres inland there are high mountain ranges such as the Roque de los Muchachos, a world reference


on the sand. The sudden coolness of the Atlantic when you swim. The joy of sunshine as your travelling companion. Sometimes, just thinking about it is enough to start the relaxation process. Imagine living every day of your holiday to the full, looking after yourself without even trying, so every day you feel more connected to your surroundings, as you get in touch with nature and the real essentials of life. A destination to smile about Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands, also known as the Fortunate Isles. Why? Its springlike climate, its volcanic scenery, its relaxing beaches, its


relaxing on Las Vistas beach, on Costa del Silencio, or by the imposing cliffs of Los Gigantes. Luxury hotels and boutiques cluster around the Costa de Adeje, where you can alternate time on the beach with a little shopping. You can also enjoy the sea in the north of the island in highly recommended spots like the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz or the famous seawater pools of Lagos Martiánez.


Nature and culture to discover Nature is one of the major attractions


restaurants where haute cuisine and tradition meet, and its many special places to stay always bring a smile to the faces of its visitors. The south of the island is perfect


for enjoying the warm weather on the beaches along practically the entire coastline. You can spend days just


of Tenerife. The volcanic origins of the island produce unique landscapes that you can discover among the rural charms of the north of the island, with a route to see volcanoes or a tour of Teide National Park (a World Heritage site). La Orotava valley, the rural areas of El Palmar, and Teno Alto are tranquil places to enjoy nature. The Teide is Spain’s highest mountain, and you can go to the top of it in a cable car or sleep at its foot if you stay in the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide. Watching a sunset from one of the viewing points of the national park, or spending a few hours stargazing, are wonderful ways to relax in nature. Not many people have discovered the culture of Tenerife. Most of the notable architecture is concentrated in San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Santa Cruz. San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a quiet town, a pleasure to explore as you stroll around the pedestrianised centre, with historic buildings in a characteristic colonial style. There are free guided tours of its squares, mansions and monuments, which have earned it World Heritage status. Santa Cruz is the island’s capital. As well as its wide range of shops, we recommend visiting Plaza de España, García Sanabria Park, the market of Nuestra Señora de África, the modern auditorium and the TEA art centre.


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