It may surprise people at just how southerly the Canary Islands are. Further south than Morocco and adjacent to the Western Sahara desert, the Spanish group of islands are part of Europe despite their geographically African position. The location is just one of the reasons that Canary Islands holidays are so popular. An estimated 12 million people visit the islands every year, all wanting something different from their cheap Canary Islands holidays. Be it beaches, nightlife, food, wine or wildlife, the Canaries have you covered. The most popular islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, with each island catering to tourists to the extent that were it not for the weather, you’d swear you were back at home! With year round sunshine, idyllic beaches and beautiful landscapes, the Canary Islands combine everything a tourist wants from a vacation with a little bit of familiarity.
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The Caldera de Taburiente National Park on the island of La Palma is a park most famous for its eponymous mountain arch that was originally thought to be a huge crater. At one point the caldera (meaning cauldron) stretches for 10km and reaches an altitude of over 2400m. The caldera is believed to have formed over 2 million years ago and its peak can be reached by road. If you’re not feeling that adventurous however you can admire the spectacular view from the Mirador de la Cumbrecita.
Situated close to the popular town of Los Cristianos in Tenerife, the Monkey Park will provide you with more cherished and longer lasting memories than the nearby Jungle Park. Upon entrance to the park buy as many bags as food as you can, you’ll regret it if you don’t. You’ll see numerous animals throughout the park including crocodiles, terrapins, tortoises, panthers and guinea pigs but it’s the monkeys you’re there to see and when I say see, I mean play with and feed. Yes, in Monkey Park you can go into enclosures where squirrel monkeys swing freely above you and, if you’re lucky enough/have enough food, befriend you. The park is a must visit for everyone, be it family, couple or groups of friends.
Located in northern Fuerteventura, the Baku Family Park is probably the best you’ll find on Canary Islands holidays. Consisting of an impressive water park, eighteen hole miniature golf course and an artificial mountain for rock climbers of all experience ranges, the Baku Family Park is somewhere the whole family can spend an enjoyable day away from Fuerteventura’s lovely beaches. The water park has numerous slides, jacuzzis, kid’s areas, quiet zones and a spectacular wave pool. For an additional charge you can make your visit extra special by booking a swim with sea lions.
The commercial and administrative centre of Lanzarote, Arrecife offers much to the tourist. Boasting three beaches, an old town and located just five minutes from the airport, Arrecife is the perfect location for your Lanzarote holiday. The best of the beaches, El Reducto, is one of the finest you’ll see in any of the Canary Islands. El Reducto is an almost closed off bay with a boardwalk, and its soft, golden sand runs at nearly half a kilometre. For the culture seekers, just metres from the city’s beaches are the Castillos (castles) of San Gabriel and San José. With it being Lanzarote, you’re also never too far away from exploring the island’s rich volcanic landscape. Cheap Canary Islands holidays don’t come much better.
The highest point in Spain and, at over 3,700 metres, the third highest volcano on Earth, Tenerife’s Mt. Teide isn’t something to miss. The UNESCO designated World Heritage Site is one of the most visited national parks on the planet, with a supposed 2.8 million visitors. The mountain can be accessed by road up until over 2,000 metres. From there a cable car service is operated that takes you to just shy of the summit in 8 minutes. Visible from almost everywhere in Tenerife, Mt. Teide is proof that there’s much more to Canary Island holidays than just lounging by the pool.
Essential info
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish
Visa: N/A
Vaccinations: N/A
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Important numbers: Embassy: 020 7235 5555
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