Canary Islands
Background
The
Canary Islands lie north of the Tropic of Cancer and
not too far away from the shoulder of Saharan Africa.
The majority of resorts are in the two main Islands
– namely, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. However recently
the volcanic Island of Lanzarote has also become very
popular with tourists. The islands, despite the huge
tourist attraction, remain fairly untroubled and there
are scenes of outstanding natural beauty. There are
two main groups of Islands – the eastern islands
are comprised of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuertaventura
which lie closer to Africa. The western islands consist
of Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma are situated
closer to the Atlantic Ocean.
The
Western Islands
Tenerife
General
Information:
Size: 794 square miles (2, 057sq km). Approx 26 miles
(42km) east to west across the centre, 27 ½ miles
(44km) north to south, but spreading to 50 miles (80km)
along its north coast. Highest point: Pico del Teide,
Mt Teide, 12, 199 feet (3,710m). Population: 650,000.
The
volcanic cone of Teide stands as perhaps the greatest
symbol of the Canary Islands. The island has been home
to tourists since the 19th century when people would
travel abroad in search of a warmer climate. The north
of Tenerife has a milder climate and beautiful scenery
which tends to attract the more mature traveller. The
south has a hot and dry temperature and is extremely
popular with young tourists. Recently it has seen the
emergence of large, modern resorts. The island is littered
with shopping plazas, hotels, restaurants and discos.
Its historic buildings and amazing architecture are
second to none and leave the traveller blown away.
Canart Island Resorts
1.
Bajamar
The is one of the oldest resorts of Tenerife. It has
a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with a black sand beach
and a seashore lido. It’s the perfect retreat
from the more crowded resorts.
2.
El Medano
This is a small resort not too far from the airport.
It has some of the best Southern beaches and is especially
popular with British tourists and windsurfers.
3.
La Caleta
Probably not the most picturesque of resorts, La Caleta
doesn’t hold the best beaches or have the best
atmosphere. In quite contrast it’s home to some
of Tenerife’s most distinct large buildings.
4.
Las Galletas
This resort consists of low-rise developments which
run from the sea and sit in considerable amount of space.
The sea-swimming isn’t worth it here but there
are a number of pools. Otherwise there isn’t anything
amazingly attractive here.
5.
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos has virtually been adjoined to Las Americas
to become the largest resort complex on Tenerife. The
town is fairly modernized with huge, sweeping apartments
and complexes. The beach is part of the harbour but
fairly small in size to meet all the needs of individual
tourists. It’s probably a better bet to use hotel
swimming pools.
6.
Los Gigantes/Puerto de Santiago
This is a tiny resort which has been growing rapidly
with the aid of mass investment. Its greatest attraction
is that it offers close-up views of the cliffs of Los
Gigantes.
7.
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto is arguably the most attractive of all the major
resorts in the whole of Tenerife. It has a wonderful
atmosphere with a beautiful black-sand beach and you
can relax pool-side in the cool atmosphere. Puerto is
popular with both older and younger generations.
8.
Playa de las Americas
This is an extremely busy resort with a multitude of
visitors every year. It lies surrounded by a buzzing
main street, bars, restaurants and shops, with a great
nightlife for tourists to explore. At the south-end
it’s much quieter and holidaymakers can enjoy
the peaceful surroundings. It also hosts a number of
artificial sandy beaches. The beaches are home to a
number of watersports by day, and, various events at
night.
9.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
This major Spanish port became the capital of the province
of Tenerife, which includes all the main four western
islands. Santa Cruz sits in an arc of land between the
sea and mountains – giving it stunning views.
It has a great shipping trade which gives rise to a
number of popular winter sports. The port’s major
shopping plaza is the Plaza de Espana and this leads
to a beautiful district that has charming villas.
La
Gomera
General
Information
Size: 146 square miles (378sq km). 14 ½ miles
(23km) north to south and 15 ½ miles (25km) east
to west. Highest point: 4,878 feet (1, 487m).
Population: 20,000.
La
Gomera is a beautiful and by large unspoiled island.
One of its main features is the ‘laurasilva’
also known as the laurel forest which covers most of
its upper surface. It has amazing ravines that are an
integral part of getting from one destination to another.
What captures is superbly are the mountains that sit
at the top and produce mist and clouds. La Gomera is
famous for being Columbus’s final port of call
before his epic journey of 1492. There almost no resorts
here in the sense that there are in Tenerife –
but there is a noticeable ‘parador’ and
one large hotel complex.
San
Sebastian de la Gomera
This is a regular little port which has a quay on one
side and a stony beach on the other. There are regular
ferries that leave for Los Cristianos on Tenerife. Its
small size means that all the major attractions are
within walking distance of each other.
Places
to see in San Sebastian
1.
Casa Columbina:
This displays exhibitions on the history of La Gomera
and is the focal point for the annual Columbus celebrations
in September.
2.
Iglesia de la Asuncion:
Some remnants of this Church date back to when Columbus
said his prayers here in 1492, the rest however is 16th
century. It has many artifacts and murals on display.
3.
Pozo de Colon:
This literally means Columbus’s well and is situated
in the market square. The sign above it reads “The
water from this well baptised America”.
4.
Torre del Conde:
The ‘Count’s Tower’ is a 15th century
fort built by Hernan Peraza the elder. It has immense
historical significance.
El
Hierro
General
Information
Size: 107 square miles (278sq km). 15 miles (24 km)
from north to south and 17 miles (27km) from east to
west. Highest point: Mount Malpaso 4, 925 feet (1, 501m).
Population: 7, 400.
This
is the smallest of all the Canary Islands and is surrounded
by enormous cliffs and is littered with only a few beaches.
It is without the most unspoiled of all the islands.
Aside from this it has the most picturesque setting
which would appeal to both old and young alike. Its
pine-covered ridge is one half of a volcanic rim with
the other half set deep under water. There are miles
of green pastures for as far as the eye can see. Its
beauty and untouched land is best explored on foot with
amazing walks.
Valverde
This is a small village not too far from the local airport.
The name itself means green valley and its foundations
were laid in the 15th century. There isn’t much
to it and most of its attractions can be found on its
two main streets.
El
Pinar
These beautiful forests which are ideal to drive through
are made of Canary pines.
El
Sabinar
These are distinct juniper trees. The bark of these
trees was once used as moth repellent.
Faro
de Orchilla
This is the Orchilla lighthouse. It cannot be explored
from inside but the sandy beach near it is a good hotspot.
La
Restinga
This is a small fishing village at the tip of the island.
It is surrounded by oceans of water and the coast has
a number of restaurants and bars around it.
Mirador
de la Pena
This grand architecture looks over the bay and the sky
high cliffs.
Pozo
de la Salud
This is the only spring on the island and is translated
as ‘well of health’.
Tamaduste
This is perhaps the closest El Hierro has by way of
a seaside resort. It has a small bay and you can travel
out in boats as part of the fun-filled activities available.
Roques
de Salmor
These are two massive rocks rising out of the sea. In
the past they have been home to primeval lizards.
La
Palma
General
Information:
Full name: San Miguel de la Palma. Size: 281 square
miles (728sq km). 29 miles (47km) north to south and
maximum 18 miles (29km) wide. Highest point: 7, 947
feet (2, 423m). Population: 80, 000.
This
is the most northwesterly of all the Canary Islands.
What it lacks in size, it more than makes up in scenery.
Its focal point is the national park and its crater
Caldera de Taburiente – one of the largest in
the world. It rises as the island’s highest peak
at 7, 947 feet. Aside from this is has breathtaking
scenery with miles and miles of greenery. Its tourist
areas have been restricted due to its rough cliffs that
have abrupt drops.
Resorts
Playa
de los Concajos
This resort is 3 miles south of Santa Cruz. It sits
in a small rocky area between the airport and the city
and has only recently been developed. There are modern
apartments which are still under construction.
Puerto
Naos
This is the longest established tourist office on the
whole of the west coast. It has a beautiful beach, nice
restaurants and lively bars.
Santa
Cruz de la Palma
This was founded in 1493 and has a great deal of historical
significance. There are a number of quaint cafes and
bars to enjoy the views and soak up the atmosphere.
The
Eastern Islands
Gran
Canaria
General
Information
Size: 592 square miles (1, 532sq km). Almost circular,
diameter approx 27 ½ miles (44km), circuit of
island approx 126 miles (200km).
Highest point: Pico de las Nieves, 6, 395 feet (1, 949m).
Population: 700, 000.
This
was perhaps the most popular destination of the Canary
Islands. It is still very popular and attracts people
from all over the world to sample its culture and nightlife.
After both Tenerife and Fuerteventura it’s the
third largest island of this particular group. Many
people have labeled it as the Island of contrasts. With
such things as the Wild West Canyons juxtaposed alongside
beautiful pine forests. The island shapes up as a near
perfect circle with a volcanic peak in the middle. There
are trees, pines and greenery of all kinds to be enjoyed
and the tourist trade is its main source of income.
Resorts:
Arguineguin/Patalavaca
This is the initial fishing village which gave rise
to the rest of the resort. There is a lovely sandy beach
towards the west in Patalavaca and absorbs the tourists
from the major resort.
Bahia
Feliz
This is the most urbanized resort. It’s ideal
for windsurfing and has all the modern facilities needed
to make for a comfortable holiday.
Las
Palmas
This attracts a fair number of visitors but serves largely
as a commercial and maritime function. It has accommodation
and restaurants of all varieties. Because it is densely
populated the beaches can become swelled.
Maspalomas
Maspalomas is an amalgamation of three separate resorts
which makes it the largest tourist attraction in the
Canaries. The first of these is San Agustin which is
the oldest. It has a classy feel to it and a vibrant
atmosphere with a number decent restaurants, bars and
beaches. The second is Playa del Ingles which although
is lively, tends to get a bit too packed. Everything
is within easy reach though and is by far the most accessible
of resorts. The last resort, Playa de Maspalomas is
considered to be the most suave of all three and has
a number of elegant hotels.
Pasito
Blanco
This is a relatively up market cove of apartments and
is attractive to the eye.
Puerto
de Mogan
This makes for the perfect retreat as an old fishing
harbour. The houses are situated close to the shops
and everything is easily accessible.
Puerto
Rico
This is the perfect resort for outdoor activities and
sports. It has a man-made beach, two lidos and a 600-berth
marina.
Fuerteventura
General
Information
Size: 688 square miles (1, 731 sq km). The second largest
Canary Island after Tenerife, but the most thinly populated
– 30, 000. 68 miles (110km) at its longest point
and 19 miles (30km) at its widest. Highest point: Orejas
de Asno – 2, 648 feet (807m).
Fuerteventura
has miles of white sand beaches. It is the perfect retreat
for the modern traveler to enjoy beautiful picturesque
scenery and be at ease with the land. Aside from that
it is the ideal spot for windsurfing, speed sailing,
aqua gymnastics and surfing. The sky is beautiful at
night with the towering cliffs and mountains in the
skyline. It has fewer tourists than neighboring islands
and the life here may not seem as fast-paced.
Resorts
Caleta
de Fustes/El Castillo
This resort has a golden sandy beach and is on the east
coast of the island. It is close by to a village setting
but has a number of bars and restaurants surrounding
its main hotel complex.
Corralejo
Corralejo and Playas de Corralejo combine to make a
single resort that has been increasingly popular with
both British and German tourists over the years. There
is an amazing beach with lovely sand dunes to set the
resort off. Recently a new shopping complex has opened
and this is fully equipped with the shops and restaurants
to cope with modern needs. Regular ferry rides are available
from this resort to neighboring Lanzarote.
Jandia
This resort caters for both the old and the young. It
is centred around Morro del Jable which on one end has
one main shopping street and an old river-bed, and on
the other there are a string of vibrant bars and restaurants
surrounding the beach. Jandia is undergoing somewhat
of an urbanization with the rise of apartments and commercialized
centres.
Lanzarote
General
Information
Size: 307 sq miles (795sq km). 37 miles (60km) from
north to south, 12 ½ miles (20km) at its widest.
Highest point Penas del Chache, 2, 214 feet (675m).
Population: 80, 000.
Lanzarote,
as an island, is a truly enigmatic. Everything about
its scenery and volcanic remains is almost enchanting.
It is made up of the characteristic Canary beaches and
deep blue sea. There are craters of all kinds and textures
which only add to the atmosphere of this mysterious
island. The villages themselves are littered all over
with lovely little homes, these make the ideal setting
for Lanzarote’s two foremost trades – namely,
agriculture and fishing. Although there are a growing
number of tourists visiting each year, the island still
remains largely unspoiled and basking in its rural origins.
Resorts
Costa
Teguise
This modern resort has been wonderfully constructed
around a beautiful sandy beach. It has excellent watersport
facilities coupled with an 18-hole golf course and aquapark
on site. There are a number of lively bars, restaurants
and shopping complexes, but the resort isn’t uncomfortably
packed.
Playa
Blanca
This has initially been a fishing village but recently
transformed by high-rise apartments, hotels and restaurants.
There are a few unspoiled beautiful beaches and frequent
ferry rides available to Fuerteventura.
Puerto
del Carmen
This resort has expanded to become one of the largest
resorts of the Canary Islands. There are a multitude
of hotels, apartments, shops, restaurants, pubs and
discos available. There are a number of sandy beaches
that go on for miles with some more crowded than others.
Useful
Words
Yes
– si
No - no
Please – por favor
Thank you - gracias
Good morning – Buenos dias
Good night – Buenas noches
I want - quiero
I am looking for - busco
Where is? – donde esta?
How much? – cuanto es?
Airport - aeropuerto
Beach - playa
Hotel - hotel
Restaurant - restaurante
Beer - cerveza
Milk - leche
Water - agua
Wine - vino
Bread - pan
Fish - pescado
Fruit - fruta
Meat - carne
Pudding - postre
Can I have? – me da?
Chemist – una farmacia
Doctor – el medico
Expensive - caro
Help - ayuda
Hospital - hospital
I’ve lost my… - he perdido mi…
Luggage - equipaje
Map – un mapa
Market – un mercado
Mineral water – agua mineral
Name – el nombre
Newspaper – un periodico
Night - noche
Number numero
Pardon – como?
Passport – pasaporte?
Police – la policia
Postcard – una postal
Stamp – un sello
Room – la habitacion
Shower - ducha
Suitcase – una maleta
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