Holidays on the Canary Islands. Canary Islands: which island to choose for your holiday? What's interesting in the Canary Islands
First, let's debunk some very popular myths regarding holidays in the Canary Islands in general and holidays with children in particular.
Myth one: it's very expensive. Not true. More precisely, not the whole truth. A widely developed tourism infrastructure allows you to choose both expensive and very budget holiday options.
Myth two: warm regions require acclimatization. In the case of the Canary Islands this is absolutely not the case. Their climate, especially if you chose autumn or spring rather than hot summer, does not require acclimatization.
Myth three: there is nothing for children to do there. This is a vacation for adults. Completeness, dear ones! Your kids will probably find it even more interesting there than you do. In addition, a holiday in the Canaries can be extremely useful for children suffering from chronic lung diseases and allergy problems.
But first things first.
Where are we going, where is the best place to stay?
The fact is that when talking about the Canary Islands, most of us automatically think of Tenerife. If you look at it, it’s a completely logical point of view. There are excellent beaches, hotels, and a well-developed recreational infrastructure. However, if you don’t like crowds, you can pay attention to, say, El Hierro; if you love history, to La Gomera, where Christopher Columbus himself lived for some time. For ecotourism lovers, La Palma is the place to be. However, if you have time, it is quite possible, while staying in Tenerife, to visit all or almost all of the islands of the archipelago. Local travel companies can provide this opportunity to those who wish.
So, we decided to stay in Tenerife. When choosing a hotel, decide what specific requirements you have for the hotel where you decide to stay with children: level of service, catering, location. Well, and the price per room, of course. The choice here is quite large. We can only recommend a few that deserve special attention.
For example, the five-star Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia will offer you, in addition to the standard set of services, a children's pool with heated fresh water, a playground and playroom, a crib, special clubs for children from 4 to 7, 8-12 years old and for teenagers, and as well as other pleasant additions in the form of entertainment programs, discos and sporting events. For the little ones, you can even hire a nanny right at the hotel.
The Canary Islands remain one of the most popular beach destinations among Russian tourists. They attract vacationers with unique landscapes, long sandy beaches, ample opportunities for active recreation and luxury hotels, among which stand out Iberostar hotels in the Canary Islands .
For several years in a row, dozens of beaches on the Canary Islands have received the prestigious Blue Flag award for environmental cleanliness.
The beaches in the Canaries are natural - with black volcanic sand, and artificial, covered with sand imported from the Sahara, the Dominican Republic or mined from the ocean floor.
The Canary archipelago consists of seven islands, the most popular of which is Tenerife. Here is the highest point in Spain - the Teide volcano and famous beaches with black sand, which is believed to have healing properties. Thus, black sand can be found on Las Arenas beach, surrounded by rocks and picturesque vegetation. Another “black” beach is Playa Jardin, a city beach in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife. The largest beach area on the island is Playa Las Vistas, almost a kilometer long, which is located in the city of Arona.
It is on the island of Tenerife that the largest tourist centers in the archipelago are located, where all conditions for a comfortable stay are created, for example, five-star hotels of the IBEROSTAR chain: Grand Hotel El Mirador, Anthelia, Grand Hotel Mencey. They are suitable for tourists who want to receive the highest level of service.
Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the archipelago, also popular with tourists. The local sandy beaches are framed by cliffs and dense tropical vegetation. The island has two Blue Flag beaches. One of them is Maspalomas, a 12 km long beach famous for its sand dunes formed naturally by the Sirocco winds from the Sahara. The second famous beach is Playa del Ingles with golden sand, also part of the Maspalomas resort. It is chosen by young tourists because it has many clubs and bars, as well as sailing opportunities.
The second largest island of the archipelago, Fuerteventura, boasts beautiful white sand beaches, virtually untouched by civilization. Hotels on this island are suitable for tourists who prefer a quiet and secluded holiday. The most beautiful and longest beach of the island is Playa de Sotavento de Jandia, 30 km long on the Jandia Peninsula. There are many excellent hotels nearby, including those for families with children, for example IBEROSTAR Playa Gaviotas Park 4*. Another famous beach is the small Playa del Caseron in the province of Olivia, awarded the Blue Flag. There are also “black” beaches in Fuerteventura - La Pared and Playa de Ajuy.
Canary Islands (map)
Here you will find:
Amazing tropical landscapes with volcanoes, waterfalls and valleys made of solidified lava
Clear and soft ocean waters
Volcanic black sand beaches
Sea of exotic fruits
A huge number of prehistoric monuments
Top level service
Ideal spots for surfers and divers.
The Canary Islands are officially considered an autonomous province of Spain, which includes 7 large islands and several small ones. The list of large islands includes: El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
Canary Islands on the world map
Interesting fact!
The capital of the Canary Islands changes every 4 years. This title is transferred between the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Where are the Canary Islands
These islands of volcanic origin are located in the Atlantic Ocean. They are part of "Macronesia" along with islands such as Madeira and the Azores to the north and the Cape Verde Islands to the south.
In the center of the seven large inhabited Canary Islands is the island of Tenerife - the largest of all. The islands of La Gomera, Hierro and Palma are located in the western part. The third largest Canary Island - Gran Canaria - is located east of Tenerife. On the eastern part you can find the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Canary Islands (video)
Weather in the Canary Islands
The prevailing wind here is the trade wind, which blows between the tropics all year round. Thanks to the trade wind and warm sea currents, the climate in the Canary Islands is quite mild.
At the same time, it would be useful to remind you that the air temperature in these places can suddenly drop in just 10 minutes.
Water temperature in the Canary Islands
Temperatures in the Canary Islands by month
Canary Islands in January
Tenerife+20 C, Fuerteventura+20 C, Gran Canaria+21 C, Lanzarote+19 C, La Palma+19 C.
Tenerife+14 C, Fuerteventura+13 C, Gran Canaria+15 C, Lanzarote+13 C, La Palma+13 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+19 C, Fuerteventura+19 C, Gran Canaria+19 C, Lanzarote+19 C, La Palma+20 C.
Canary Islands in February
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+20 C, Fuerteventura+20 C, Gran Canaria+21 C, Lanzarote+19 C, La Palma+19 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+14 C, Fuerteventura+14 C, Gran Canaria+15 C, Lanzarote+13 C, La Palma+13 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+19 C, Fuerteventura+18 C, Gran Canaria+19 C, Lanzarote+18 C, La Palma+19 C.
Canary Islands in March
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+21 C, Fuerteventura+21 C, Gran Canaria+22 C, Lanzarote+21 C, La Palma+20 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+15 C, Fuerteventura+14 C, Gran Canaria+15 C, Lanzarote+14 C, La Palma+14 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+19 C, Fuerteventura+18 C, Gran Canaria+19 C, Lanzarote+18 C, La Palma+19 C.
Canary Islands in April
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+22 C, Fuerteventura+22 C, Gran Canaria+23 C, Lanzarote+21 C, La Palma+20 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+15 C, Fuerteventura+15 C, Gran Canaria+16 C, Lanzarote+13 C, La Palma+14 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+19 C, Fuerteventura+18 C, Gran Canaria+19 C, Lanzarote+18 C, La Palma+19 C.
Canary Islands in May
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+24 C, Fuerteventura+23 C, Gran Canaria+24 C, Lanzarote+23 C, La Palma+22 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+16 C, Fuerteventura+16 C, Gran Canaria+17 C, Lanzarote+16 C, La Palma+15 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+20 C, Fuerteventura+19 C, Gran Canaria+20 C, Lanzarote+18 C, La Palma+20 C.
Canary Islands in June
Daylight lasts 14 hours.
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+26 C, Fuerteventura+25 C, Gran Canaria+26 C, Lanzarote+25 C, La Palma+24 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+18 C, Fuerteventura+18 C, Gran Canaria+18 C, Lanzarote+18 C, La Palma+17 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+21 C, Fuerteventura+20 C, Gran Canaria+21 C, Lanzarote+20 C, La Palma+21 C.
Canary Islands in July
Daylight lasts 14 hours.
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+28 C, Fuerteventura+27 C, Gran Canaria+27 C, Lanzarote+27 C, La Palma+26 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+20 C, Fuerteventura+19 C, Gran Canaria+19 C, Lanzarote+19 C, La Palma+19 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+22 C, Fuerteventura+21 C, Gran Canaria+22 C, Lanzarote+21 C, La Palma+22 C.
Canary Islands in August
Daylight lasts 13 hours.
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+29 C, Fuerteventura+27 C, Gran Canaria+28 C, Lanzarote+28 C, La Palma+28 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+21 C, Fuerteventura+19 C, Gran Canaria+19 C, Lanzarote+19 C, La Palma+20 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+23 C, Fuerteventura+22 C, Gran Canaria+23 C, Lanzarote+22 C, La Palma+23 C.
Canary Islands in September
Daylight lasts 12 hours.
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+28 C, Fuerteventura+26 C, Gran Canaria+27 C, Lanzarote+26 C, La Palma+26 C, La Gomera+28 C, El Hierro+27 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+21 C, Fuerteventura+19 C, Gran Canaria+20 C, Lanzarote+19 C, La Palma+20 C, La Gomera+21 C, El Hierro+20 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+23 C, Fuerteventura+22 C, Gran Canaria+23 C, Lanzarote+22 C, La Palma+24 C, La Gomera+23 C, El Hierro+24 C.
Canary Islands in October
Daylight lasts 12 hours.
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+26 C, Fuerteventura+26 C, Gran Canaria+26 C, Lanzarote+25 C, La Palma+26 C, La Gomera+26 C, El Hierro+25 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+19 C, Fuerteventura+18 C, Gran Canaria+19 C, Lanzarote+18 C, La Palma+18 C, La Gomera+19 C, El Hierro+18 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+23 C, Fuerteventura+22 C, Gran Canaria+23 C, Lanzarote+22 C, La Palma+23 C, La Gomera+23 C, El Hierro+23 C.
Canary Islands in November
Daylight lasts 11 hours.
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+23 C, Fuerteventura+23 C, Gran Canaria+24 C, Lanzarote+22 C, La Palma+24 C, La Gomera+23 C, El Hierro+23 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+17 C, Fuerteventura+17 C, Gran Canaria+18 C, Lanzarote+18 C, La Palma+16 C, La Gomera+17 C, El Hierro+17 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+22 C, Fuerteventura+21 C, Gran Canaria+22 C, Lanzarote+21 C, La Palma+22 C, La Gomera+22 C, El Hierro+22 C.
Canary Islands in December
Daylight lasts 10 hours.
Maximum temperature (daytime): Tenerife+21 C, Fuerteventura+21 C, Gran Canaria+22 C, Lanzarote+20 C, La Palma+20 C.
Minimum temperature (at night): Tenerife+15 C, Fuerteventura+14 C, Gran Canaria+16 C, Lanzarote+14 C, La Palma+14 C.
Water temperature: Tenerife+20 C, Fuerteventura+20 C, Gran Canaria+20 C, Lanzarote+20 C, La Palma+21 C.
Climate of the Canary Islands, Spain
Since the Canaries are located close to the African continent, and more specifically to the Sahara Desert, a tropical trade wind, moderately hot and dry climate prevails here. On the islands, the Shergi wind blows from the Sahara, bringing with it heat and sand.
The influence of the African continent is softened by constant trade winds that blow from the northeast and bring moisture to the islands. In addition, the climate on the islands is milder due to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as due to the cold Canary Current.
It's also worth noting that the Canary Islands are quite mountainous, so the climate is influenced by altitude and topography. It is worth noting that the highest islands are Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria. Here, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, you can even see snow.
The climate and weather in the north are slightly different from the more southern islands. The northern islands have denser greenery and higher humidity levels, while the southern islands are drier.
Visa to the Canary Islands
To get to the Canary Islands, citizens of the Russian Federation need a Schengen visa. It is worth noting that Spain is part of the Schengen zone.
To apply for a visa, the following documents are required:
* International passport - its validity must expire no less than 4 months from the start of the trip.
* 4 photos.
* A copy of every page (even blank ones) of the internal passport and international passport. If there are canceled passports, they must also be provided, or you can provide a certificate from OVIR (Visa and Registration Department) about their seizure.
* Information about hotel accommodation (copy of reservation) or villa rental agreement.
* Copies of tickets or their reservation.
* Medical insurance.
* Documents from the place of work with information about income, length of service, position and vacation period.
Children need a birth certificate.
Students need a certificate from their place of study.
For non-workers, documents confirming the solvency of the stayer are required, for example, a credit card or bank statement.
It is worth noting that there are four types of Schengen visa: A, B, C and D (national).
Types A and B refer to transit stay:
A - stay in the transit area of the airport
B - transit up to 5 days with the ability to leave the airport.
If you want to holiday in the Canary Islands for a few days, then you need a Schengen visa C, which allows multiple entries into Spain.
There are 4 options for visa C:
C1 - gives you the opportunity to stay in the Canary Islands for 30 days.
C2 (multi) - allows you to vacation in the Canaries for 90 days, but it opens for 180 days.
C3 (multi) - allows you to stay on the islands for up to 90 days, but it is valid for almost a year.
C4 (multiple) - its validity is up to 5 years, but the decision to obtain such a visa is made in the capital of Spain - Madrid.
Spain is quite loyal to tourists from Russia, who often receive a “Multi” visa. However, such a visa is usually obtained by those who have already visited the Canary Islands on a C1 visa.
International airports of the Canary Islands
* Tenerife South (Tenerife Sur).
* Gran Canaria (Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria).
* Lanzarote (Aeropuerto de Lanzarote/Arrecife Airport).
* Fuerteventura (Aeropuerto de Fuerteventura).
* La Palma (Aeropuerto de La Palma).
There are no direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can take it with a transfer in one of the following cities: Berlin, Brussels, Madrid, Prague, Munich, as well as in other cities.
Origin of the name of the Canary Islands
Some people mistakenly believe that the name of these islands comes from canaries, but it’s just the opposite - the birds got their name in honor of the Canary Islands.
The name Las Islas Canarias (or Canary Islands) comes from the Latin "Canariae Insulae", which literally means "Isles of Dogs". According to the ancient Roman scientist Pliny the Elder, these places received this name due to the large number of large dogs living there.
But there is another version, which says that the “Dog Islands” got their name not because of their four-legged friends, but because of the large colonies of sea lions that previously lived nearby, which were called canis marinus or (sea dogs).
The third version says that among the Guanches - the indigenous population of the archipelago - dogs were sacred animals.
Holidays in the Canary Islands
The largest island of the Canary archipelago is Tenerife. There is a huge selection of vacation spots here, both for those who like to retire and for those who like to have fun from the heart.
The island of Puerto de la Cruz is more suitable for those who like to connect with nature and relax in a calm environment. But it is worth noting that the coast on this island is steep and rocky, and there are almost no beaches, so most vacationers prefer to swim in the pools at their hotels.
The island of Gran Canaria, like Tenerife, offers guests a varied holiday. There are many major tourist centers with a large number of hotels, apartments, shops, restaurants and attractions. Perhaps the main attraction of the island is the Dunes (Dunas de Maspalomas), which can be considered a miniature copy of the Sahara Desert. There is very clean golden sand, on which a 5 km long beach has been developed.
The best beaches of Tenerife (photos)
Las Teresitas Beach
This beach is known for its incredible scenery that looks like something out of a postcard. The artificially created wide beach with golden sand is very popular among tourists. The sand was brought here from the Sahara, since the island itself is covered with dark, volcanic sand.
In addition, the beach is located very close to the capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Nearby there is a fishing village where you can see what real, traditional Tenerife looks like. The beach is decorated with palm trees and they even say that in this place people lose track of time. Thanks to the built stone dam, which protects the beach from large waves, the water in this place is warmer than in other places in Tenerife.
Playa El Bollullo Beach
This beautiful beach has retained its naturalness - rocks, soft volcanic sand, crystal clear water and, at times, big waves. It is located in the La Orotava valley in the northern part of Tenerife. Getting to the beach takes some patience, but once you get there you will appreciate the amazingly beautiful secluded place. Several narrow paths lead here, along the sides of which you can see banana plantations. After the paths there are steep steps leading to a place with volcanic sand.
This picturesque beach attracts with its large waves, black volcanic sand and clear water. The sand and rocks nearby create a beautiful, wild picture of untouched Spain. The beach seems to be separated from the rest of the world thanks to the rocks that surround it. Winds blowing from the ocean bring with them large waves that attract surfers and kayakers.
Bollullo beach is located quite far from civilization, but despite this, you can find stands with food and drinks here. It is, of course, advisable to take food and drinks with you.
Los Gigantes Beach
Perhaps the most beautiful beach on the west coast of Tenerife with untouched nature. Here, huge cliffs ranging from 300 to 800 meters in height plunge into the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. At this location you can take a boat trip that starts at the harbor, where you can also find several restaurants and bars. Los Gigantes Beach is made up of dark sand and is home to a variety of establishments serving traditional Canarian dishes.
Playa Jardin Beach
The name of the beach can be translated as "garden beach" or "garden beach", and this beautiful place stands out for the beautiful flora that surrounds it, including many palm trees and cacti. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this beach is the large garden with coconut and banana trees, from which the beach gets its name.
This exotic mixture appeared thanks to Cesar Manrique, a Spanish artist and architect who dreamed of creating a beautiful man-made coastline.
2.5 million euros were spent on creating the beach. It took 4,000 concrete blocks to build the pier, and 230,000 cubic meters of volcanic sand were needed to create the breakwater. The waves here are quite high, which attracts surfers and kayakers. It is worth noting that due to its clean sand and clear water, Hardin Beach has received the highest Blue Flag rating several times.
Beach of the Americas
Playa de las Americas is a resort created artificially in the 1960s near the town of Los Cristianos. Here you can find many bars, nightclubs, restaurants and attractions. Beach of the Americas, located in this resort area, is considered by many to be the best beach in Tenerife. It was artificially created and the sand was brought here from the Sahara Desert.
The beach has all the amenities - it is very large, always clean, golden sand, sun loungers, umbrellas, volleyball and basketball fields and much more.
La Caleta Beach
At the height of the season, when all the beaches are filled with tourists, you want to find a place where you can calmly relax on clean sand and swim in crystal clear water. La Caleta is a beach that is mostly known only to locals, but it is nonetheless a gem of the island of Tenerife.
La Caleta is an hour's drive from Beach of the Americas. Here you will find several traditional fish restaurants. The beach is covered on both sides by defensive bastions: the forts of Santa Catalina and San Sebastian. It is worth noting that this is where Christopher Columbus began his journey to the West Indies. The water here is always warm and calm, but you may not see cabanas or restrooms.
El Duque Beach
On this beach there is one of the best hotels on the island of Tenerife - Bahia del Duque, which is included in the list of the 100 best hotels in the world. In addition to it, there are other luxury hotels, as well as shopping centers and various restaurants.
The service here is at the highest level - the beach is equipped with stylish cabins, developed infrastructure, clean sand and clear water. The beach itself is 700 meters long and 40 meters wide. Previously, there was black volcanic sand here, but later, when they decided to improve the beach, the sand here acquired a light gray tint.
La Tejita Beach
La Tejita boasts several records: it is the longest beach on Tenerife, as well as the widest on the island. In addition, only La Tejita and the neighboring El Medano beach have natural yellow sand, which was blown by the wind from the African coast.
Also, this is the only well-maintained naturist beach in Tenerife. However, it is worth noting that this part of the beach is specially fenced with a stone wall.
Abama Beach
Abama Beach is located on the west coast of Tenerife, near the town of Guia de Isora. Many also consider it one of the best on the island. As a rule, there are not many vacationers here, since few people know about it, and the beach itself is covered by a reef.
Here you can find a small bay and golden sand. Since the beach is municipal, everyone can use it. However, the infrastructure in this place is created mainly for guests of the Abama Hotel, which is located nearby. There are sun loungers, umbrellas, towels and even coolers. In addition, a monorail transparent funicular elevator was built on the beach, which takes guests directly down to the beach.
If you are not a hotel guest, you will have to go down a steep hill or use the observation bypass path, along which you will need to walk about 1 km.
The best beaches of Gran Canaria island
Maspalomas beach
This beach is considered the best on the island. It is located near beautiful sand dunes. Typically, you won't find many vacationers on the beach itself, but you can often spot people strolling along the coastline. Both the beach and the bottom are sandy.
It is worth noting that Maspalomas is the largest beach on the island of Gran Canaria, and its size is so large that it is never full, no matter how many vacationers arrive here. There are calm waters and huge golden sand dunes. It is also worth noting that Maspalomas is also famous for its ancient 55-meter lighthouse, which has stood here since the arrival of the first tourists.
Playa del Ingles
Many people compare this beach to Ibiza due to the large number of nightclubs, cafes, supermarkets and many other places where tourists gather. In fact, Playa del Inglés is an extension of Maspalomas beach.
The beach is sandy, as is the bottom. The name of the beach translates as “English Beach”, but why it was called that way is unknown. Moreover, despite its name, the beach has a huge number of German, Scandinavian and Spanish bars.
The beach is 2,700 meters long, 10 meters shorter than the neighboring Maspalomas beach, making Playa del Inglés the third longest beach on the island.
Alcaravaneras Beach
This beach is located in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You can relax peacefully on the golden sand of the beach. But, if you like active recreation, you can play volleyball on the beach, for example.
The waters here are calm, so people also come here to practice sailing and canoeing. Nearby you can find several bars and cafes, as well as kiosks where you can buy refreshing drinks. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and showers.
Amadores Beach
Warm water, a crescent-shaped beach, lots of bars, shops and restaurants - this place seems to have been artificially created by the tourism industry, and in fact it is. Previously, there was nothing here, and in 15 years a beautiful beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and lifeguards appeared from scratch. Here you can relax with children; this place is not suitable for those who like a relaxing holiday - it is often crowded.
Anfi del Mar Beach
A beautiful beach that stands out for its coral sand, which was brought to this place from the Caribbean region. Anyone can relax here, since all beaches in Spain are public. The beach is located on the territory of the resort complex, from which a well-trodden path leads to the beach.
Initially, Anfi del Mar was planned as a private beach for clients of the resort complex, but according to Spanish laws, all beaches must be municipal, that is, accessible to everyone. There are shops, bars and restaurants here.
Las Canteras Beach
This beach is a large strip of golden sand. It is located in the center of the island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The beach is 3.5 km long and is very popular among both tourists and locals. There are many shops, bars and restaurants here.
It is also worth noting that Las Canteras is protected by the natural reef of La Barra, thanks to which the waters in this place are calm, and together with the warm soft sand, this is an excellent place for families with children.
In the southern area of the beach you can find a large number of shops that sell equipment and accessories for almost all water sports. In addition, there are surf schools and camps for athletes of various levels.
Melenara Beach
This secluded beach is located near the town of Telde. The sand here is imported dark yellow, clean and soft. Melenara is famous for its restaurants, which have a huge selection of seafood. If you're staying in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the weather is cloudy, this beach will be the closest place to enjoy the sun.
El Confital Beach
This pristine natural beach was once lined with hundreds of illegal structures, which were demolished to restore the beach to its natural appearance. Confital is one of the rockiest beaches on the island. It's also worth noting that this is home to some of the best tube waves in Europe, so it attracts a lot of surfers, many of them local.
San Agustin Beach
San Agustin is not a very large beach - its length is 670 meters. The sand here is dark gray and the shore has a slight slope. This place is popular among scuba diving enthusiasts. On the beach you can find cafes, shops and restaurants. The beach is part of the resort of the same name, which is quieter than Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés.
Winds often blow here, so the waves are larger than on other beaches. Despite this, you can come here with adult children.
Puerto Rico Beach (Playa de Puerto Rico)
This spacious beach is protected from the winds. Puerto Rico is a city beach where golden sand was specially brought, and today it is the center of water entertainment on the island of Gran Canaria. Nearby you can find the Atlantis water park. The name of the beach suggests that it is similar to the beaches of Costa Rica - palm trees, golden sand, azure skies and crystal clear water.
Beaches of Fuerteventura island
Sotavento Beach
The eastern part of the island contains its longest beach, known as Sotavento. The length of its coastline is 30 km. In fact, this beach is made up of several smaller beaches, including beaches such as Matoral, Butijondo and Sotavento itself. To relax on the beach, it is better to take an umbrella, since there are no trees nearby that can protect you from the Sun.
The World Windsurfing Championship is held here every year between July and August. Divers will be delighted to dive in the strait between Lobos and Fuerteventura.
If you want to try deep sea fishing or just love boat trips, then visit the places near the beaches of Playa de Corralejo and Morro del Jable.
Corralejo
Located in the north of the island of Fuerteventura, this beach stretches for several kilometers along sand dunes that are part of the Corralejo National Park.
Juan Gomez Beach
Located in the southern part of the island, this beach has pebbles from the black volcanic rocks of La Pared.
Viejo Rey Beach
This long beach, stretching for about kilometers, is more popular with surfers and naturists. The sand here is golden and the winds blow often.
Beaches of Lanzarote
Playa Blanca Beach
On the island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is considered one of the best beaches. The name of the island translates as "white beach". The sand here is golden and the beach itself is located at the end of the harbour. This is a great place to relax with children. Next to Playa Blanca is Playa Papagayo Beach.
Playa Dorada Beach
In the east of the island is Playa Dorada. This beach is well equipped and can delight vacationers with restaurants, shops, and water sports centers.
Beaches of Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise
The resorts of Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, which are located in the southeast of the island, are often windy, which attracts windsurfers.
Other
In addition to the above beaches, Lanzarote also has many other beautiful beaches: Punta del Papagayo, Quemada, Arrecife, Charco del Palo, Playa de la Canteria, Graciosa, Famara and La Santa.
Beaches of La Palma island
This small island of volcanic origin, covered with greenery, has long been called “Isla Bonita”, which translates as “beautiful island”. Another nickname for the island is “isla verde”, which translates as “green island”.
The island has a very long black sand beach, lots of cafes, restaurants and shops.
Charco Verde Beach
A little further south is Charco Verde Beach, which attracts with its picturesqueness and warm sand. Usually families with children relax here.
Los Cancajos Beach
In the east of the island, in the resort area of Los Cancajos, there is a beach of the same name, considered the most popular in this region. Most of La Palma's hotels are located here, so the promenade offers many restaurants, spas and shops. The beach has showers, toilets, rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as Red Cross lifeguards, parking, and even a diving center. Los Cancajos is also accessible for the disabled.
Entertainment in the Canary Islands
Siam Park, Tenerife - the largest theme park in Europe
There are a huge number of water attractions here, which amaze not only with their variety, but also with their size. For example, the attraction called "Lazy River" is the largest of its kind. It allows you to travel around all the attractions of the park.
In addition to attractions, there are:
Pavilions with sea lions
Oriental bazaar on stilts
Tea Ceremony House
Real Thai restaurants.
Loro Parque Zoo, Tenerife
* 4,000 species of parrots that live in a special pavilion shaped like an Arabian palace.
* Oceanarium where you can see killer whales.
* Penguinarium, where you can see penguins.
* A transparent tunnel in which you can watch stingrays, sharks and various tropical fish swimming overhead.
* A large zoo with huge pavilions where you can see gorillas, jaguars, tigers and turtles.
Jungle Park, Tenerife
* A huge number of animals can be seen here, including lions, tigers, monkeys and crocodiles.
* Every day there is a show of trained eagles in the park.
* In special pavilions you can see parrots, monkeys and lemurs. Here, animals are allowed to be fed with special treats that are sold on site.
* You can ride the Jungle Raid, which is an 800-meter track similar to a roller coaster.
* You can also visit observation decks in the park to admire unforgettable views.
Natural Park of Corralejo, Fuerteventura
* Desert landscapes, sand dunes and the Montaña Roja volcano
* Lots of exotic birds (vultures, canaries) and reptiles.
* 2 hotels were allowed to be built in this protected area.
* Beaches for surfers, kitesurfers and divers.
* Ferries to the neighboring island of Lobos.
Aqualand water park, Tenerife
* Many water attractions for every taste for children and adults: "Kamikazes", "Twister".
* Show of trained dolphins.
* Changing rooms, sunbeds, wardrobe, doctor, souvenir shop.
* Restaurants and cafes.
Oasis park, Fuerteventura
* The park area is 80 hectares.
* Beautiful botanical garden with amazing rare plants
* A zoo where animals are kept in spacious areas.
* Mini-farms.
* Rare plants, including “living fossils”.
* Electric cars for more convenient walks through the vast areas of the park.
* Camel riding excursions.
*You can purchase certain types of plants and flowers.
* There is an observation deck near the beautiful cactus garden, which offers views of the entire park.
* Animal shows.
Los Gigantes Cliffs, Tenerife
This place is a steep cliff that goes deep into the ocean. Against the backdrop of the small towns below them, the cliffs of Los Gigantes - which are more than 500 meters high - seem simply giant - a fact that is reflected in their name.
* There are several small black sand beaches near the cliffs.
* The winds create good conditions for surfers.
* The natural bay formed by the Los Gigantes cliffs is favored by dolphins and whales, which can be seen and photographed.
Salt Museum (Museo de la Sal), Fuerteventura
This museum is a small demonstration and production complex located in the western part of the island of Fuerteventura, in a place called Salinas del Carmen. Here tourists can see how the process of extracting salt from the sea takes place.
* At the entrance, tourists are greeted by the skeleton of a large whale.
* In one room of the cozy house there is an exhibition where you can learn more about the history of the sea salt extraction process and all the technology, as well as see many photographs and even a film.
* In another hall, located in the open air, tourists can see everything in practice - rows of pools filled with sea water and special filters made of baked clay. If we add the sun to this, we get all the ingredients needed to extract salt.
* You can buy sea salt here.
Teide National Park (Parque nacional del Teide), Tenerife
* The park is located on the slopes of the Teide volcano.
* Unique landscapes created by the volcano.
* Rare plants, many of which grow only in these places.
* The Los Roques de Garcia rocks, which have an amazing shape, have become a symbol of the island.
* The summit of Teide is the highest point in all of Spain.
* The local landscapes are similar to those on Mars, which is why this place attracts creators of space sagas.
* The park is very popular between April and June as most of the plants bloom during this time.
Jameos del Agua Cave, Lanzarote
* The cave is part of a larger cave complex located in the north of Lanzarote, and is an extension of the amazing underground gallery called Cueva de los Verdes.
* Usually caves are left in their original form, but this place was specially converted into a unique natural and cultural complex, where the beauty of nature is intertwined with the extraordinary ideas of architects.
* The cave is a connection of two grottoes. Where they connect is an open gallery containing a beautiful artificial lagoon with blue water.
* The stone steps leading to the small grotto are decorated with exotic plants and unusual man-made ornaments.
* In the center of the grotto there is an underground lake inhabited by rare albino crabs.
* A concert hall was built in a large cave.
* There is also an underground restaurant called Jameo Chico.
Shopping in Tenerife and other islands
The Canary Islands are a free economic zone, which means prices here are much lower than in other European countries.
On the islands you can buy:
Crocodile leather accessories
Clothing from Spanish designers
A huge number of inexpensive souvenirs
Hand-made products
Decorations made from local pine for the interior
Pearls (natural, artificial).
*Shops in the Canary Islands have sales that start in mid-July and early January. The biggest sales take place in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where there are many shopping centers.
* In the resort town of Las Americas there is the Safari shopping center, where there are many boutiques of famous world brands (Versace, D&G).
* Shopping in the bazaars of the Canary Islands can be called a separate entertainment. Among the most popular bazaars are:
Flea market located near the port in Las Palmas (open on Sundays)
- "Nuestra Señora de Africa" and "Santa Cruz de Tenerife" - markets open every day
The Puerto de Mogán market is located in Gran Canaria and is open only on Fridays.
Transport in the Canary Islands
* Modern highways.
* Public transport:
In Tenerife these are TITSA buses, and in Gran Canaria they are Global buses.
Tram connecting the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristobal de la Laguna.
Airplanes are a convenient way to travel between islands. Airplanes fly daily from Tenerife and Gran Canaria to the rest of the Canary Islands, except La Gomera.
Ferries for passengers and cars. They connect the islands of La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventuroa.
Hydrofoils make regular trips between the islands.
* Taxi (metered).
The Canary archipelago was born thanks to volcanoes that spewed lava onto the surface of the young planet in prehistoric times. This is why most of the beaches on distant islands have a black tint. An amazingly beautiful combination of colors is not the only charm of the archipelago, which belongs territorially. When asked when is the best time to go on vacation, each resident will answer with a smile and advise not to check the calendar too much. The blessed landmass in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast is most often called the Islands of Eternal Spring, and therefore almost 13 million annual tourists are evenly distributed here across all four seasons.
Let's take a look at the map
Seven large inhabited islands, among which the largest is , and six small ones, you can easily find on the map to the west of the Moroccan coast. Geographic latitude largely determines the climate of the archipelago, but other natural factors invariably participate in shaping the weather in the Canaries:
- The eastern islands - and - are considered the driest. The reason is the proximity of the Sahara Desert and the sirocco winds that periodically blow from there, bringing sandstorms and intense heat.
- Northeast trade winds, on the contrary, provide the islands with moisture and soften the heat. The opposition of air currents provides optimal conditions for relaxation even at the height of summer.
- The Atlantic influences the climate in its own way. The cold current in the area of the islands and the constant anticyclone over the neighboring Azores cause low precipitation.
- On the large islands, the mountainous terrain helps create a special microclimate, and even in the middle of winter you can find a place where the air temperature does not drop below +25°C.
Absolutely most days of the year in the Canary archipelago the weather is dry and sunny. Average temperatures on the coast range from +15°C in winter and from +25°C in the summer months. The absence of sharp temperature fluctuations and other weather features make the Canaries an ideal holiday destination for a traveler with almost any climatic preferences.
Not too large fluctuations in water temperature in the Atlantic in the Canaries region allow divers to do their favorite activity almost all year round. The cold current provides good visibility to the water.
Beach holidays and its features
Fans of the islands of eternal spring know that it is better to relax on the Canary beaches when the water warms up to at least +19°C. The cold current of El Golfo makes water procedures possible only at the end of April. Before this, the ocean seems too cold and you are unlikely to be able to enjoy swimming comfortably. At the height of summer, thermometers show about +25°C in coastal waters and the swimming season lasts until the end of October.
The air becomes especially pleasant for sunbathing much earlier. You can sunbathe on the beaches of the Canaries even in winter, but gusts of wind often force brave souls to cover themselves with towels. It becomes much more comfortable on the black volcanic sand closer to April. In mid-spring, the mercury confidently reaches +25°C by 10 a.m., and shortly before the May holidays, the Canary Islands become a favorite holiday destination for golden age tourists and those who do not welcome the too hot sun.
The “high” beach season in Tenerife and Grand Canaria is considered to be July-August and the first half of autumn. During the day, thermometers can show up to +30°C at this time, but the famous northeastern trade winds make it very easy to tolerate high temperatures. By the way, Canary volcanic sand has its own characteristic features. Even in the afternoon heat of July, its temperature remains pleasant, and therefore on the black beaches of the Canaries you can sunbathe comfortably without a sun lounger and allow children to make Easter cakes without fear of burns.
Tenerife. Definitely first violin
Among its brother islands, Tenerife is the most popular, frequently visited, large and densely populated. It is located almost in the center of the island chain. Despite the relatively small size of the island, the climate in its south and north has some differences. The reason for this is the mountain range stretching from east to west.
The northern part of Tenerife is more humid and cooler, and in the south there are more sunny days; rain falls only in the winter months and then extremely rarely. The average air temperature in July reaches +29°C, and in winter and in the northern regions the thermometers do not drop below +20°C even at night.
In Tenerife, you can choose a holiday destination in accordance with your own aesthetic and color preferences. The north will appeal to fans of fine pebble beaches and black volcanic sand. If you are one of the adherents of classic beach canons, choose southern resorts, where the shores are covered with sand brought by dust storms from the Sahara Desert.
Variegated calendar
The Canarian tourist does not live by the beach alone, and therefore even in winter it can be quite crowded. The reason for such popularity of the archipelago is the schedule of its holidays and public events, which attract tens of thousands of fans of spectacular spectacles.
The most grandiose Canarian event is the winter carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He rightfully deserved the second step of the podium among world shows of this level, second only to the festival in. The Canary Festival attracts about a million people each year, and its week-long program is developed and prepared throughout the year. The holiday program includes colorful processions, the election of a queen, dance and costume competitions, fireworks and special ceremonies that have existed for tens and hundreds of years.
If you want to fly to the Canaries for the carnival, book your tickets and hotels several months in advance to avoid overpaying. Although even in this case, the chance of finding a flight and an inexpensive hotel at the end of February and beginning of March is usually very small.
If you didn’t manage to get to the carnival, don’t be upset! There are many other colorful festivals in the Canaries that are worth seeing:
- At the end of January, Tenerife traditionally hosts participants in the music festival De Música de Canarias.
- In February, the almond blossom season begins and the Fiesta de almendro en flor festival takes place on the island of Grand Canaria, symbolizing the arrival of spring. The main treat in cafes and restaurants these days is almond wine and desserts prepared with the addition of aromatic nuts.
- You can taste delicious cheeses at the beginning of May at the Flower Cheese Festival in the town of Guia in Grand Canaria. The feast is accompanied by folk dances and performances by folk singing groups.
- Local florists cover the streets of La Laguna and La Orotava with carpets of fresh flowers in late spring and early summer. This is the time of the Feast of Corpus Christi in Tenerife.
- It is best to get acquainted with the art of winemaking in September, when the residents of Tenerife remember the Savior during the Cristo de los Dolores.
- You will be taught how to fish with your hands in the second week of September in Grand Canaria. The holiday in Laguna also introduces other ancient rituals accepted in the archipelago.
- You can easily just make noise for no reason and legally on November 29 in the northern regions of the island of Tenerife. On this day, local residents remember St. Andreas in a special way. They build noisy devices from scrap materials and compete in the streets and squares to see who can make the loudest noise.
The huge number of holidays in the Canary Islands is another reason to plan a trip there. Whenever you find yourself on the islands of eternal spring, you will be guaranteed a good mood and a lot of pleasant impressions.
Useful observations
Canarian winds make it possible to endure the heat relatively easily, but they also often cause sunburn.
- Protect your skin with high factor creams and suitable clothing. Do not neglect protection even in winter, because the sun on the islands is always very active!
When choosing the best time to fly to the Canaries, consider the popularity of the islands among tourists not only but throughout the world. Be sure to book your plane tickets and hotel rooms well in advance.
- During the “high” season, there is a high probability of a lack of empty seats, and the prices for the remaining ones may seem completely inhumane.
If you value the opportunity to go shopping on vacation, it is better for you to fly to the Canary Islands when the traditional sales start. This usually happens in mid-summer and right after the Christmas holidays. However, in other seasons, shopping in Tenerife or Grand Canaria is still profitable, because the islands are a free economic zone.
09.01.2019The volcanic archipelago of seven islands belonging to Spain is located at the most comfortable latitudes of the Atlantic Ocean, so tourists flock to the islands of eternal spring all year round for quality recreation and new experiences. Despite the common origin and the short distances separating the islands, each of them is unique in its own way, so choosing which one to fly to is not so easy. Let's figure out which Canary Islands is best for your vacation.
O. Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands, with its shape reminiscent of a swimming duckling, is also the most popular among tourists. To cope with the annual flow of more than three million tourists arriving on the island, Tenerife has two airports - in the north and south. Tenerife is, so to speak, a universal island: various resort towns and villages meet the requirements of a wide variety of age and social groups of vacationers, so a trip to this island can be highly recommended for partygoers, retirees, and families with small children.
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By the way, it was Tenerife that became the first island from which the tourist development of the archipelago began: barges loaded with golden African sand arrived here, stone barriers pacified the stormy Atlantic waves and gave tourists the opportunity to swim without fear, the entire island was ringed by a high-quality highway, modern hotels began to grow everywhere. In other words, the conditions for holidays in Tenerife are first-class and at the same time very accessible to everyone.
Despite the fact that the island has a rather modest size, the climate and natural conditions in its northern and southern parts differ significantly. The south of Tenerife is sunny, fine, windless and warm, but in natural terms it is quite monotonous. It's a good place to lie in the sun and indulge in fun. Just less than an hour's drive north and you won't recognize Tenerife! Lush greenery, a variety of flora, banana groves and coniferous forests, but more clouds, stronger and cooler winds, more powerful waves. However, the division of the island into north and south and the associated choice of place of residence and airport of arrival are quite arbitrary: short distances, inexpensive rental cars and affordable gasoline prices allow you to drive from Santa Cruz to Los Cristianos every day.
The richest resort town in entertainment is located in the south of the island of Las Americas. There are excellent beaches here, securely protected from waves by stone barriers, highly developed infrastructure and a large selection of water activities. The degree of tourist atmosphere here is the highest, because Las Americas is traditionally chosen for recreation by noisy young people. Very close are Adeje and Los Cristianos - no less comfortable and developed resorts, but not so noisy, so families and retirees settle here during their holidays.
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Even quieter and calmer are the towns further away from Las Americas - Costa del Silencio (the very name of the resort can be translated into Russian as “the coast of silence”) and El Medano with their long beaches and powerful winds, which are very prized by surfers.
The very first tourist center in Tenerife was Puerto de la Cruz, located in the northern part of the island. In addition to the natural features that we have already talked about, this region is also distinguished by its atmosphere - sedate, leisurely, contemplative.
The best beaches in Tenerife
Playa Del Duque
This beach belongs to the Costa Adeje resort, which is located in the southern part of the island, and most often receives praise from tourists, especially from those who bring the whole family on vacation. And no wonder: the spacious, more than 30 meters wide fine sandy beach and the clean, calm ocean are very conducive to a measured and idyllic holiday with children. It is worth noting that the hotels near Playa del Duque are increasingly five-star, and the restaurants are fashionable: this resort is not one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Tenerife.
Playa De Las Vistas
Continuing the story about the southern beaches of the island, we cannot fail to mention Playa de las Vistas, which is also on the list of the largest Tenerife beaches. The sandy strip with a gentle entrance into the water is long enough so that there is a place for every tourist who wants to swim and sunbathe. The beach is decorated with a fountain installed in the middle.
El Bollullo
And this small beach is ideal for contemplators and romantics - although it is not the richest in terms of infrastructure, it is very cozy, picturesque and amazing with sparkling black sand. By the way, most of Tenerife’s beaches are black sand, and the Teide volcano, the highest point in all of Spain, should be thanked for such natural uniqueness. There is a myth that black sands are healing, but their properties should not be exaggerated, although the aesthetic pleasure received from being on a beach like El Bollullo may well have a healing effect. To enjoy this beauty, you will have to strain a little: the beach is located away from popular resorts, so the path to it is long and thorny - first a bus ride (or a rental car), and then a walk through palm thickets. The absence of noisy crowds of tourists and the pristine natural beauty of the beach can impress you so much that you won’t even notice that the way back leads uphill.
Playa de las Teresitas
Outwardly unsurprising to visitors, Playa de las Teresitas is exotic for the native residents of Tenerife: while the entire coastline of the island is strewn with black volcanic sand, this man-made beach, which is located just a few kilometers from the capital Santa Cruz, shimmers with gold. In the 1970s, a large amount of sand was brought here from the Sahara, a powerful stone spit was built, designed to break ocean waves and ensure calm water in the bay, and orderly rows of spreading palm trees were planted. As a result, an unremarkable piece of land turned into a charming tourist oasis, which offers stunning views from the observation deck.
Playa Jardin
Along with the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a major tourist center in the northern part of the island is the city of Puerto de la Cruz, within which there are four beaches. Each of them has its own characteristics, and Playa Jardin is no exception. It is also man-made, but unlike Playa de las Teresitas, they did not protect it from the waves. That’s why a red flag often flies over the beach, warning tourists about unsafe swimming, but for surfers there are ideal conditions here. The beach got its name thanks to the flowering garden spread around it - this is exactly how the architect Cesar Manrique imagined the implementation of the project.
Playa del Medano
The beach, named after the small coastal town of El Médano, to which it belongs, is widely known to windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. There are practically no windless days here, which creates ideal conditions for extreme sports. Along the beach you will find plenty of rental points for the necessary equipment if you arrive to the island light. Also, the infrastructure of Playa del Medano consists of various cafes and ordinary grocery stores, the prices of which, by the way, are significantly lower than in the large resort areas of Tenerife.
O. Fuerteventura
Coincidentally, Fuerteventura, the second largest island of the Canary archipelago, took second place in our ranking. If you are inclined to spend your holiday calmly and calmly, swimming, sunbathing and periodically devoting time to active recreation, do not hesitate to choose convenient flights to Fuerteventura. The many kilometers of beaches, washed by the permanently warm Atlantic Ocean, are comfortable, spacious and very picturesque. The color range of sand here is truly extensive - from ash-white to coal-black, and, unlike Tenerife, snow-white sand covers an entire third of the island’s coast. Let's say more - Fuerteventura also has plenty of pebble and rocky beaches.
In total, Fuerteventura has 150 beaches, the total length of which reaches 340 kilometers. Moreover, no matter which beach you prefer, you will feel calm and peaceful everywhere, because the flow of tourists flocking to this island is much more modest compared to Tenerife. Fuerteventura is preferred by lovers of a relaxing holiday, families, as well as experienced surfers, and the reason for this lies in the very name of the island. Let's translate the words "fuerte" and "viento" from Spanish and get the code - "strong wind", which blows here all year round. Let's add to it 3 thousand cloudless hours a year and join the choice of all fans of surfing, as well as diving, snorkeling, kayaking and other types of outdoor activities that are widespread in Fuerteventura.
As a resort, the Jandia Peninsula, the southern tip of Fuerteventura, separated from it by a narrow, five-kilometer-wide isthmus, has become most famous. There are long beaches and a calm atmosphere, guaranteeing visitors a quiet, measured holiday. It is the resorts of Jandia that account for the majority of tourists visiting the island. By the way, the vast majority of visitors are Germans, which will be a plus for those who want to relax without bumping into their compatriots.
In general, the climate of Fuerteventura is quite arid, and the island does not abound in vegetation, but when moving to Jandia you suddenly find yourself in lush green thickets lining the route: the water used in nearby hotels is treated and used to water the plants.
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Driving a little further along the coast, in a western direction, you can find the lonely hotel "Sol Gorriones", well known to all surfers: the nearby "Pro Center Rene Egli" (the world's largest windsurfing center) is also "responsible" for the occupancy of the hotel with professionals and wave lovers and boards.
The silence and tranquility of relaxation in Jandia is evident even in the names of the resorts - for example, Costa Calma, which translates as “calm coast”. Tourist development of this area began in the 1970s, when a resort village began to grow literally from scratch and the first hotel was built. A decade later, Costa Calma was unrecognizable: this corner of Jandia had become a very popular and dynamically developing resort. This is where Sotavento originates - a multi-kilometer beach, most of which is undeveloped, almost wild, attracting tourists seeking silence and solitude.
The diametric opposite of Sotavento is Playa Matorral, a three-kilometer stretch of beach along the FV-2 highway, which was built in the early 1980s to connect the resort and the airport. There are plenty of hotels here, always filled with tourists, but at the same time there is enough space in the sun on Matorral beach for everyone.
And another bright point on the tourist map of the Jandia Peninsula is the resort of Morro Jable. More recently, this place was nothing more than a fishing village, which could only be reached by a casual tourist by SUV. Today, Morro Jable is a famous tourist center, but has not lost its former charm and charm: most of the old buildings that preserve the spirit of the old village are preserved intact, and local fishermen, like their ancestors, still go to sea early in the morning to ensure coastal restaurants with fresh catch, and tourists with a delicious lunch.
The best beaches in Fuerteventura
Sotavento
The ranking of the best beaches in Fuerteventura deservedly opens with the aforementioned Sotavento coast. Its thirty-kilometer length is conventionally divided into three parts. According to tradition, Sotavento is a place that hosts all kinds of competitions in water sports. Largely due to poor human development, Sotavento is recognized as a very environmentally friendly beach and is awarded the Blue Flag.
Corralejo
The northern part of the island is Corralejo Beach, covered with dazzling white sand and surrounded by exotic vegetation. Although this area is a protected area, it is home to first-class resort complexes, so a holiday on Corralejo will be appreciated by both fans of ecotourism and connoisseurs of increased comfort.
Cofete and Barlovento
These beaches are located one behind the other, so it is difficult to consider them separately. The total length of the Cofete-Barlovento coastline exceeds 14 km, so even at the peak of the season there is always the opportunity to retire and relax from the hustle and bustle. This area does not stand out from the general concept of Fuerteventura beaches: the most favorable conditions await surfers here.
Costa Calma
In comparison with the beaches described above, Costa Calma is a dwarf - its length is “only” one and a half kilometers. However, you should prefer it if you are going on vacation with a child - despite the high environmental friendliness of the beach, the infrastructure here is very developed.
Playa del Mal Nombre
Here is another perfect place for families with small children, with beautiful golden sand set off by large black pebbles. On the coast, very close to the water, there are rock formations that, at high tide, divide Playa del Mal Nombre into several cozy coves.
Not least due to the length and deserted beaches of the Jandia Peninsula, nudists can often be found here. And in general, Fuerteventura is an island that is very loyal to those who like to sunbathe naked. This information should not at all force adherents of traditional beach holidays to refrain from visiting the island: the beach areas here are demarcated to make everyone comfortable.
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O. Gran Canaria
Continuing the conversation about the uniqueness of each of the Canary Islands, let's dwell a little on the geographical features of Gran Canaria. This island, the third largest in the archipelago, is located halfway between Tenerife and Fuerteventura. The shape of the island is almost a perfect circle, making it very easy to talk about scales and distances. For example, the diameter of the island is almost 50 kilometers, and the central point of the circle is the Pico de las Nieves volcano, which has long been extinct. Gran Canaria has a unique landscape: having arrived on this small patch of land, you can enjoy walks through forests and steppes, mountains and deserts, swim in lakes and climb caves in one vacation. God himself ordered to rent a bicycle and leisurely ride around all this beauty, despite the fact that the network of bike paths on the island is very dense. If you like to walk, then you will definitely be impressed by the variety of trekking routes, the beauty and excitement of which is in no way inferior to the famous Nepalese trails. Let's not forget about lovers of passive beach holidays - more than three hundred beaches of Gran Canaria with good infrastructure and opportunities for water sports will not disappoint them at all.
Like Tenerife, Gran Canaria can be divided into two parts with different climates: in the north of the stretching mountain range it is drier, in the south it is more humid, which is why most resorts are based in the south. At one time, the tourist boom in Gran Canaria began with its capital, Las Palmas, but today this city is not very comfortable for vacationers - there is too much noise and people. Moreover, even the natives of Las Palmas flock to southern Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán or Puerto Rico for the weekend. 3 million tourists from all over the world spend their holidays here every year. By the way, according to tourist reviews, the hotels here offer higher service than hotels with the same number of stars on other islands of the archipelago.
Beaches and resorts of Gran Canaria
The largest tourist area on the island is Maspalomas, also known among tourists as Costa Canaria. There are many small resort towns and villages here - Campo International, Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés and many others. The most beautiful and popular beaches in this area are Dunas de Maspalomas- a five-kilometer strip of golden sandy coast and a small desert nearby. Near Maspalomas there are nudist beaches. Although in this regard, the whole of Gran Canaria is very free and relaxed: on any beach you can meet many tourists vacationing in what their mother gave birth to.
Two other tourist centers of Gran Canaria, Puerto de Mogán And Puerto Rico, are smaller in size than Maspalomas and have water sports specialization and have moorings for yachts. The Puerto Rico beach is suitable not only for sunbathing, but also for windsurfing, fishing and other entertainment. The highlight of Puerto de Mogana is its well-preserved traditional architecture, revealing the history of this former fishing village.
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O. Lanzarote
Surely you have at least once wondered where such bright and unique lunar, Martian and other landscapes come from in Hollywood films about alien adventures. Are the scenery really that perfect? So know this: most often, film crews come to Lanzarote, where nature itself has worked on luxurious scenery. This fantastic area is part of the Timanfaya National Park. In general, the entire island of Lanzarote with its volcanic deserts, caves and craters is protected by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
If we talk about the peculiarities of the local climate, it is worth mentioning that Lanzarote is the coolest of all the Canary Islands. Being located to the east of the other islands of the archipelago, Lanzarote is the first to receive weather-forming trade winds from the northeast Atlantic. Rain is rare here, since the island does not have high mountains to trap rain clouds, so there are more dry and sunny days on Lanzarote. The northern shores of the island are very windy, but the southern ones, covered by a shield of volcanoes, are the most suitable for a resort holiday.
Beaches of Lanzarote
In general, people don’t come to Lanzarote primarily for a beach holiday. And no wonder: if the total length of the island’s coastline is more than 200 kilometers, then only 16 of them are suitable for swimming, the rest is rocky. However, each local resort has its own equipped beach, most often man-made rather than natural.
If you're heading to Lanzarote, it will be useful to know where to look for the best beaches on the island. When you arrive in Arrecife, head to the city center and next to the Arrecife Gran Hotel you will find Playa del Reducto- an urban artificial white sand beach surrounded by palm trees.
The longest beach of the island (as much as three kilometers!) is located in the northwestern part, next to the village Tamar, whose name it bears - Playa de Famara. But the northern coast of Lanzarote, as we already mentioned, is very windy, and this beach is also influenced by strong air currents from the ocean. This is only to the benefit of surfers, but ordinary tourists on Playa de Famara are not very comfortable: swimming is dangerous, sunbathing is cool. Only if you admire the bizarre sand dunes that were formed under the influence of the winds. Another noteworthy area in the north of the island is the sandbank. Caleton Blanco near the fishing village Orsola. There is snow-white sand, bizarre lava landscapes and a turquoise ocean. The rocks protect this place from strong winds, and the shallows are very shallow, so it is convenient to relax here with children.
There is a place in the very south of Lanzarote El Papagayo, which is famous for a whole chain of small picturesque beaches that have preserved their natural beauty due to their inaccessibility. By the way, the best nudist beach on the island is also located here - next to the resort Playa Blanca. In general, Lanzarote even has a nudist center - a naturist village Charco del Palo.
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O. La Palma
La Palma was formed last of all the Canary Islands by the same volcanic route, and here, in the south of the island, there is still a possibility of volcanic activity. This island is unique for its untouched nature and is the best holiday destination if you prefer ecotourism. Like the aforementioned Lanzarote, La Palma is also listed on the UNESCO protected list as a world biosphere reserve, which means that local trekking routes will definitely not leave anyone indifferent. You can also go mountain climbing on La Palma by climbing to the top of Roque de los Muchachos ("Mountain of the Boys"), which is 2,426 meters high. Here, on this mountain, there is an observatory of the same name, which studies the Sun, the Milky Way and Trans-Neptunian objects. The area of La Palma is second in the world after the Hawaiian Islands in terms of the quality of its astroclimate.
If we talk about the climate of La Palma, it is ideal for a comfortable holiday. The subtropical climate is moderated by cold northerly winds coming from the Azores and the cool Canary Current. The water in the ocean stays at a comfortable level of 22 degrees even in the winter months, the air in summer warms up to 25 degrees, and in winter its temperature does not fall below 18. However, it is better to refrain from traveling to La Palma at the very end of spring and autumn, since this is the period of heavy rains.
The capital of the island is Santa Cruz- a compact, cozy town that fits all its attractions into several blocks adjacent to the embankment Avenida Maritima. It is worth taking a walk along Plaza España and Dali Street, visiting the Salazar Palace (17th century), admiring the Church of the Holy Light, built in the 16th century, and the city hall, which has been towering over the square for five centuries. Another attraction of Santa Cruz is the House of Tobacco, where tourists can take an interesting excursion, as well as the opportunity to buy excellent cigars as souvenirs.
Beaches of La Palma
Considering the size of the island, the number of beaches here is quite modest. One of the most popular resorts is very sunny (about 3300 hours per year) Puerto Naos, which boasts the longest beach in all of La Palma, clean black sand and developed infrastructure. Not far from Puerto Naos, literally two kilometers south, there is a beach Charco Verde, which can be recommended for a quiet holiday with the whole family.
O. La Gomera
The penultimate largest island of the Canary archipelago is located next to Tenerife, from which it can even be seen with the naked eye if you climb much higher - for example, to the Teide volcano. Also, a one-day excursion to La Gomera is included in all lists of what you can do to entertain yourself in Tenerife. But this piece of land has such a rich history, culture and nature that in a few hours of staying there it is impossible to cover everything and generally get an idea of the uniqueness of La Gomera.
Firstly, La Gomera is the only Canary island where there are no traces of volcanic activity, and in the Garajonay National Park, which is under UNESCO protection, relict monteverde forests grow - laurel forests that once covered almost all of Europe. Secondly, Christopher Columbus made his last stop on this island before discovering America in 1487. Today one of the main attractions of the island's capital, the city San Sebastian de la Gomera, is the house where Columbus lived while his expedition replenished its supplies here.
The largest resort on the island is Valle Gran Rey, where you can not only lie on the beach, but also explore beautiful trekking trails on foot. In general, the situation with the beaches in La Gomera is reminiscent of Lanzarote. The coastline of the island is 90 kilometers of rocks and cliffs, among which there are cozy black sand or gravel coves. In total, there are about two dozen “civilized” beaches with good infrastructure and a range of water activities. The largest of them can be called one and a half kilometers Playa de Santiago, which is good for its moderate waves and gravel surface.
In the east of the island, the best places for swimming are the 600-meter city beach San Sebastian, with a breakwater, and also located one behind the other Playa de la Calera And Playa de Vueltas, where you can rent a catamaran or boat. Picturesque Playa de Argaga- favorite nudist beach.
Among the beaches of the northern coast of La Gomera, special attention is deserved Playa de Vallehermoso, thanks to its marine park with swimming pool, preferred by families with children, and Playa San Marcos, known for its strong waves and therefore popular with active tourists.
O. El Hierro
And our story about the Canary Islands ends with El Hierro, a tiny island located on the western outskirts of the archipelago. Until recently, tourists simply ignored it, thanks to which El Hierro’s nature has been remarkably preserved. The best thing you can and should do when you come here is to go diving. The underwater world around El Hierro is very diverse, and the water is very clear. In addition, there are many diving schools and equipment rental shops.
In general, there are few tourists here, and meeting a Russian-speaking traveler is completely on the verge of reality, so, contemplators and hermits, this is the place for you. In fact, on this small island the concentration of attractions, primarily natural, is very large. These are nature reserves with unique plants growing only here, and many volcanic craters, and the world’s largest pipe-shaped cave made of solidified lava, and mountain slopes covered with still unsolved petroglyphs, and much more.
Despite the modest size of the island, the variety of coverage of its beaches surprises and delights - pebbles, stones, gold, black and even red sand! Of the stony ones worthy of mention Charco de los Zargos(crowded, with excellent infrastructure and almost complete absence of waves) and Puerto Naos(secluded, surrounded by picturesque lush vegetation). Next to the lighthouse Orcilla the longest stretches over El Hierro beach - El Verodal, famous not for its size, but for the unusual color of the sand covering it - red. Another red sand beach, Timihirake, belongs to the municipality Valverde. Very picturesque beaches El Tamadoste, where the black sand contrasts piercingly with the white-walled village houses, and Pozo de las Calcosas, surrounded by lava flows frozen in bizarre shapes. Beach sand Restinga shimmers with gold, and tourists are attracted here by the marine reserve of the same name, offering fishing and diving services.
Coast El Golfo has several picturesque beaches, but swimming on some of them is quite dangerous. The most comfortable place in this regard is the beach. Punta Grande, although even here you can catch a high wave. If you're holidaying in the south of El Hierro, you'll love the calm beach Tacoron with a picnic area, and if in the north - visit a small natural pool surrounded by rocks Charco Manso.