Destination overview

The Canaries is an idyllic group of islands that enjoys a constant temperature of 22° Celsius throughout the year and is a showcase for some of the world's most magnificent beaches. The Canary Islands consist of seven larger islands - Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro - and a few smaller ones, Alegranza, Graciosa, Montana Clara, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste und Lobos. Interestingly, the landscape of each island is radically different to the others.

The cocktail of geographical elements which come together in the Canaries has bestowed the islands with the best of its treasures - its nature. The natural gift of the volcanoes, the special position of the islands on the globe and their climate, marked by the trade winds, have created a privileged natural environment.

The archipelago has hundreds of volcanoes and a rich variety of eco-systems and micro-climates which enable significant protected species to survive. With four National Parks, 141 protected natural spaces and four Biosphere Reserves, the environment supports much unique fauna and flora including a total of 1,386 native plants, 546 of which are familiar to these Islands. In addition, the marine environment provides a unique natural home with a multitude of indigenous species. However, not only are the archipelago's surface and waters unique and protected, its clear skies are as well. The land, sea and sky together form an equal and fragile landscape which forms the backdrop to the vibrant life of these islands.

There must be a thousand ways to enjoy the sea and on the Canaries you will find each and every one of them. Blue, crystal clear and full of life, the waters around the islands remain at a temperature of between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius (64-73 Fahrenheit) throughout the year so they are perfect at any time. The islands provide the best possible conditions for sailing in any size boat and you will often sail accompanied by free-living whales and dolphins - simply an unforgettable spectacle of nature. The underwater scenery of the islands opens up an entire universe for lovers of diving, where you'll see striking and brightly-coloured plants and animal life, including rays, amberjacks and moray eels.

Following the islands' coastline, you will come across incredible landscapes rising out of the sea - volcanic bays with brilliant black volcanic sand, gigantic cliffs, mysterious rocks, peaceful beaches, endless expanses of dunes, grottos and natural swimming pools.

Many people simply prefer the pleasure of relaxing by the sea on any of the islands' magnificent beaches. Aquatic leisure activities for all ages are varied in the main bathing areas, where you can easily hire pedalos, floating tricycles or take a parascending flight to get a better view of the coast from the sea. Surfing, kite-surfing, windsurfing, body boarding, water skiing and jet skiing are all readily available.

Getting to know the Canary Islands, their origins and rich history and tradition is a real discovery. From the striking remains of the legendary culture of the Guanche people to the most avant-garde artistic creation, your days can be spent visiting museums, ethnographic parks, archaeological sites and art centres which will all help to create a really diverse holiday experience.

The historical heritage of the islands includes villages and cities full of stately buildings of colonial style and typically Canarian architecture, with their wooden balconies and attractive central courtyards, cobbled streets and places so carefully conserved that they will take you back to a splendid past where trade and voyages of discovery left indelible footprints of other cultures and peoples.

Live all the colour and joy of picturesque, traditional fiestas where you will receive the warmth and hospitality of a friendly people who will do their best to make you feel at home while you get to know the real Canary Islands.

The islands are so close to each other and yet so different and all boast the most incredible landscapes so the visitor can explore all the facets of an amazing and fanciful natural world. Here you will find a unique rural setting to encounter volcanoes with magical landscapes created by lava, untamed woodlands, pine woods, immense expanses of dunes, coastlines and mountainous areas.

The gentle temperatures of the islands enable you to enjoy open-air leisure options 365 days a year. You can follow the footpaths on foot, on horseback or riding a camel, take a bicycle tour, go canyoning down ravines that are brimming with vegetation, explore the mysteries of volcanic tubes or climb incredible walls of rock. From the air, the Canary Islands are just as spectacular as on land. There is nothing better than to paraglide over the mountains and beaches in order to absorb all their beauty. The clarity of the sky and limited light contamination have led to the installation of two international astronomical observatories from which, among others, significant solar studies are carried out.

Your taste-buds will also be well-catered for as you enjoy the real taste of exquisite Canarian cooking, in which tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Characterised by its simplicity and the freshness and quality of the produce, the cuisine could surprise the palate with its imaginative specialties including fish such as the vieja or cherne, seafood like limpets, winkles and shrimps, rabbit meat - which is especially tasty when prepared in salmorejo sauce, carne fiesta and lamb and goat's kid casseroles are only a few mouth-watering examples.

For a holiday experience as soothing as a gentle summer breeze the Canary Islands are a stand-out choice. Your days can be as busy or relaxed as you like. And once you’ve experienced the beauty of the islands, you’ll want to come back again and again.