Canary Islands

Legend has it that the Canary Islands, also known as the Garden of the Hesperides, are the daughters of King Atlas: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro were said to be the seven descendents of this mythical monarch.

Many people wrongly believe that the Canary Islands are named after the bird of the same name, when in fact the name derives from the Latin word Canis, referring to the dogs that used to be found on the Archipelago. The Canary gets its name from the island.

The Canary Islands, belonging to Spain, make up an Archipelago lying in the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the years, they have been called many names; in fact because of their beauty some gave them the name "Garden of Hesperides". The islands emerge out of the ocean opposite the coast of Africa and cover a distance of some 300 nautical miles. They are of volcanic origin; most of them characterised by their long and narrow shape that form compact groups of mountains.

The pleasant climate of the islands gives rise to one of their most enchanting features. It is continually mild, practically like a permanent springtime, which gives rise to another of the many names given to them - "The Islands of Eternal Spring".

Tenerife is known as "The Island of Contrasts". The island offers an infinite variety of attractions to its visitors. The north of the island boasts lush green vegetation with a wide range of exotic plants and flowers. The national park, where Mount Teide is situated is made up of spectacular volcanic lunar type landscape (and was the setting to the famous film 2000 B.C. starring Raquel Welch). The south side of the island offers drier sun-drenched landscapes and is where you will find the majority of the islands beaches.

Another contrast the island offers is that of the "old" and the "new"; villages, towns and traditions that remain unchanged co-exist peacefully with the bustling tourist resorts as well as the improved infrastructure the island has seen in the last 15 years. It is these contrasts that make Tenerife truly special and one of the most popular holiday destinations worldwide. The islands all year round temperature averages 22ºC.

One of the lesser know of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura, known as the "island of calm", with its diverse attractions is able to satisfy the most demanding tourist. The island is surrounded by a myriad of immense and often deserted sun-drenched white sand beaches bathed by a deep turquoise sea. In contrast the interior offers scant sub-tropical vegetation, windmills and sleepy villages. Fuerteventura is also famous for its goatherds that inhabit the island. With an average annual temperature of 22ºC holidaymakers can experience the peace and tranquillity this beautiful island has to offer all year round.

Fuerteventura together with Lanzarote are the two most arid islands. The islands infamous sand dunes dominate the north of the island whilst the south side offers superb water sports and is one of the destinations used for the World Wind Surfing Championships. Both north and south boast some important mountains. The west coast is more rugged and access can be difficult. The east coast offers some of the islands largest and safest white sand beaches due to the low current.