Showing posts with label Canary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canary. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Canary Islands, Wealth Of Sub-Tropical Vacation Possibilities

Seven islands make up the archipelago known as the Canary Islands. These are La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventara, and Lanzarote. Because they are an autonomous region of Spain, many tourists do not realise that they lay in the Atlantic ocean, 750 miles south of the Mediterranean and only a few miles outside of the tropic of cancer.

This location makes the islands the only technically European resort to provide a guarantee of winter sun. Flights from British and other northern European airports take between three and a half and four and a half hours to transfer holidaymakers from a world of cold, winter gloom to a sub-tropical paradise of perpetual spring. Yet despite the islands' proximity to Africa and the tropics, summer time is surprisingly mild, being just a few degrees warmer than winter. The weather never feels like a hot, African summer, resembling instead, a warm, Mediterranean spring. Little wonder that the Islands were once known as the Fortunate Isles!

This remarkable air-induced boom in tourism since 1960. Although this is undoubtedly ruined some parts of the islands of large, pristine nature is, almost everywhere. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have more than the growth of mass tourism than other islands suffered. On Gran Canaria mass tourism was originally limited to Las Palmas, the capital, but to quickly develop a spread of Maspalomas and PlayaIngles. These are both resorts on the south coast, where weather conditions are generally sunnier than in the north where Las Palmas is situated. On Tenerife, tourism spread in a similar pattern from the northern city of Puerto de la Cruz to the south coast, making its most devastating impact at Playa de las Americas. Despite these examples of unchecked and somewhat uncouth development, many areas of the coasts of both islands remain free of overly unpleasant urbanization with low impact tourist development having been achieved remarkably well. Non coastal areas are all virtually untouched by tourist development.

Of the remaining five islands, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote enjoy substantial tourism without any places having been over developed along the lines of Playa de las Americas or Playa del Ingles. The main tourist resorts on Fuerteventura are Corralejo and Jandia. Corralejo is in the North and popular with British tourists whilst Jandia is in the south and mainly visited by German holidaymakers. In Lanzarote the most developed tourist resorts are Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca and Playa del Carmen whilst the islands capital, Arrecife is home to over half of Lanzarote's resident population.

The three small islands of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro have been pretty much unaffected by tourism. Of the three, La Palma receives the most number of visitors every year, but even this island has little in the way of tourist resorts compared to the larger islands. All three islands are scenically very attractive with dramatic cliffs and towering peaks. They are most certainly worth visiting by anyone who enjoys unspoilt countryside, and spectacular scenery. They are not without some very interesting history either. La Gomera was the last place that Columbus set foot on before reaching the Americas in 1492 and it was from El Hierro that he set off on his second voyage to America in 1493.

Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is peace and quiet or sunny beaches and good night life, the Canary islands have it. Even if you want different daily doses of get-away-from-it tranquility mixed with man-made tourist attractions, the extremes of both can often be found on the larger islands within only a few miles of each other. Add to this the year round sub tropical climate, and you have in the Canary islands just about the best of all possible vacation choices

Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Canary Islands

Located off Africa's northern coast, the Canary Islands are a 7-island archipelago and a very popular holiday and tourist destination. Needless to say, the island's flavour is nothing short of striking, and its diverse landscape is dotted with volcanoes, lush green forests, rocky cliffs, and spectacular sand dunes. The climate varies from one island to the next, so if you are experiencing sunny, warm weather on one, you might be enjoying downpours or even snow on one of the others.

The Canary Islands offer a huge variety of attractions and sightseeing adventures for the holiday visitor. Whether you take the ferry to Lanzarote, ride through the Timanfaya National Park on the back of a camel to see the volcano, romp on any of the islands' pristine beaches, or take a leisurely hike through La Gomera's Garajonay National Park, there is plenty of adventure to be had on any of the seven islands. You will find more to explore on Fuerteventura, the smaller island of El Hierro, or the lush verdant landscape of La Palma.

You will probably want to decide on an apartment, flat, house, or villa while visiting the Canary Islands, depending on the extent of your stay and the size of the party that is travelling with you. Most of the different islands have numerous lodging facilities that are sure to satisfy your needs. You can find out more information about any of the facilities that are available at a number of sites online. The best accommodation can be found on the islands of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, although the other three islands feature suitable lodging as well.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Exploring Canary Islands - A Heaven on Earth

If you are tired of the same vacation spots over and over again then you should try a new ones that can give you a breathtaking experience that you will never forget. This place that was enriched by its country's history and cultural heritage can really give someone an adventure that will be in his or her memory for a lifetime. This is not the usual experience and picture taking travel but you can see the integration of the nature's beauty and the people's support in developing ties with tourists as well this is a great opportunity for anyone because not all people has the chance to go at that island and explore its beauty.

Situated off the coastline of West Africa, Canary Islands is really a vacation spot to go. With the relaxing ambiance and rejuvenating beauty of the islands, you will definitely ask for nothing more. This is the beauty hidden in the rocks and splashing waters where you can get to experience a different touch of vacation. This is one of the hidden pleasure that you can experience by going in canary islands. Not too many people had the chance to explore that spots because some people are just ignorant of its beauty.

If you want a peace and you really want to forget the things that bothering you in your daily life, then you should really try to look at the beauty that this islands offer to you. This is one of a kind experience and you can never really forget how it feels to be there. The scent of the cold and warm air and the chilling splash of the waters, you will also see the birds flying freely an approaching the horizon as the sun sets down. This sceneries are really worthwhile while you are having the time of your life. Rest from the traditional way of spending your free time and learn from the experience of the people who have been there. Be critical enough to see the places that can really offer you real deal of adventure and action and do not be satisfied for just a picture taking moment. Captivate the earth's life and beauty and explore the secrets and its wonders. Canary Islands are really one way out of exploring the world's wonder at its best.

Definitely, by looking into the different spots in the world, you can see that this islands are one of the best spots that you can feel the beauty of the world at its peak. You can never found a beauty such as this islands and its beauty will remain the same forever in the minds of the people who really experienced the touch of that island. Indulging in a beautiful scenario where you can feel not only the heat of the sun but also the power of it as it let you fly across the beautiful sky in searching for the best scenario that can captivate moments of your life in just a flick. This is Canary Islands, the place to be in.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Fuerteventura - the Undiscovered Gem of the Canary Islands

Fuerteventura – blessed with over 150 beaches - is one of the least spoiled and the least discovered of the Canary Islands.

With a dramatic volcanic landscape, little rainfall and all year round warm temperatures, the desert landscape is unique and large areas of the island are protected parks.

Visit Fuerteventura and you are stepping back to the way Spain was perhaps 30 years ago – no high rise buildings and a relaxed and gentle way of life, clean streets and beaches.

Unlike its more touristic and built-up neighbours of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura is a place to come to relax, unwind and step back in time. No dusk-to-dawn open air discos, no Club 18-30 …

The island, the closest of the Canaries to Africa, has an embarrassment of beaches – some are in deserted coves and little fishing villages, others down little dirt tracks - but the most popular ones can be reached from the main roads.

Not that main roads resemble those found in mainland Spain or the UK. Yes, they are well maintained and mostly straight but the lack of traffic is the first thing you notice. And the lack of traffic lights. So far I’ve found one on the island - and that has never worked!

Travelling is easy … buses and ferries are cheap, run to time and integrate with each other so you can get from, say, Caleta de Fuste to Corralejo with ease.

Caleta de Fuste is very much an up-and-coming resort geared to families. You can find restaurants of all nationalities to suit all tastes and all pockets.

There are shops and bars where you can choose to have a quiet drink and watch the world go by. Entertainment can be found – everything from live groups and cabarets to karaoke, quizzes and bingo – but it is not as “in your face” as Benindorm or the Costa del Sol. There are even places open to the early hours – but you won’t be disturbed if you want a quiet night.Even the airport here turns off the runway lights and locks up at night time!

Caleta has a golden sandy beach set in a bay shaped like a horse shoe. The gently sloping shore makes for very safe bathing and this beach is the one most holidaymakers head for. But there is a south beach – reclaimed from the sea and landscaped into small bays which are dotted with small circular brick structures to provide some privacy.

Fuerteventura (Fuerte – strong: Ventura – happiness) has been described as “the land that time forgot”. It is the second largest of the Canary Islands and coming here really is like stepping back in time! Many people mistakenly believe the name of the island stands for “Strong Wind” and although there is often a steady, pleasing breeze, this is usually a welcome relief that makes the hot temperatures a pleasure.

It also makes Fuerteventura a water sport paradise – windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing take place all over the island.

Landing at the airport, the first thing you are struck by is the stark, lunar-like landscape. But explore beyond that and you find vast sweeping sand dunes, lagoons, little fishing villages and isolated sandy coves.

Caleta de Fuste is an ideal base for exploring this island being midway between north and south.

Head north to Corralejo where the first few self catering apartments appeared all those years ago. Now, it is a bustling resort and the holiday industry has taken off in a big way.

Approaching Corralejo the landscape gives way to miles of immense shimmering sand dunes reminiscent of Saharan Morocco, just 60 miles to the east. The famous dunes are now a protected national park.

Corralejo town itself still retains some of the charm of it's early days especially around the old harbour area. From here you can see spectacular views of Lanzarote and the Isle of Lobos – well worth a visit if you find even the pace of life on Fuerteventura a little too much!

Also in the north of the island is El Cotillo, a paradise for surfers. This lovely relaxed village has some great beaches, interesting lagoons and some good restaurants and bars. As you head into the village you will come across the new harbour. To the left are vast golden beaches and to the right, lagoons.

On the left of the village is the Forteleza del Toston, a round stone fort built in 1790 to defend against pirates.

Corralejo beaches are made for water sports and many experienced surfers head to the beaches of sand between El Cotillo e. The lagoon is much calmer and more peaceful - white sandy beaches with crystal clear water.

The fishing village is a shrine to the Virgin de Buen Viaje (good trip) and to recognize these words painted on the cliffs overlooking the old harbor.

The voice of Caleta de Fuste is located in the south of 'islandbeaches of the Jandia Peninsula, almost 20kms of vast white beaches some over 1kms wide.

This huge area includes golden white shores which vary from pretty coves backed by low cliffs at the Costa Calma end to huge dunes, vast desert-like areas and lagoons. It also includes the beach immortalised on thousands of postcards. The Playa de Sotavento is probably one of the most photographed beaches in Europe. It is also a spot where surfers flock to. The PWA world windsurfing speed and slalom event draws the best windsurfers every year and the world kite surfing championship was held in 2005.

At the southern end of the Jandia Peninsula is Morro Jable, another well developed resort with golden beaches and one which is well loved by German package tour operators. So loved, in fact, that even many road signs here are in Spanish and German.

With so many beaches, not surprising naturists also love the island. It would be impossible to enumerate them all here, but it is a very good guide to the best beaches - and the best naturist beaches - holiday island of Fuerteventura Travel Guide web site at [http://www.geocities.com/holiday_fuerteventura/]

But Fuerteventura is not just beaches. It is also sightseeing. One of the most exciting attractions on the island is the wreck of the American star - a huge ocean liner ran aground on a desertcove several years ago under mysterious circumstances.

How this huge ship – once the biggest of its class in the world – came to rest there is another story and a controversial one but the sight of this towering wreck lying just yards off shore in a deserted cove just outside Ajuy is a very eerie and haunting sight.

It is not easy to find but again, the Holiday_Fuerteventura site has instructions.

From here, take the mountain road to Betancuria – former capital of the island – and you will be rewarded with some truly spectacular views and the town itself is well worth spending a couple of hours in.

Or try visiting Cofete - hard to reach but the beach runs for about 5kms, is white and sandy and has plenty of room and at the southern tip lies Cofete village – isolated and used mostly as a weekend retreat.

Giniginamar is ideal if you are seeking peace and quiet. The beach, bordered by palm trees, is of black volcanic sand and in the village itself you can find local tapas and on the outskirts, some rather exclusive properties.

Arts and crafts are well catered for – Fuerteventura is not known as the “island of sculptures” for nothing! On almost every roundabout on the island, you will find a sculpture of some form!

There are a number of museums – the craft centre at Antigua whcih is based around a converted windmill and the arts centre at La Olivia which has beautifully landscaped gardens and which features many works by the Canarian artist Alberto Manrique. Or La Alcogida, a living museum based around a village which shows you the way Canarians lived years ago.

There are many other parts of Fuerteventura that lie hidden from the mass tourism market – long may it remain that way!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Explore the Canary Islands - a paradise on earth

If you leave the same places over and over again they are tired, then you should try a new one for a breathtaking experience you will never forget. This place, enriched by its history and heritage of the country was, can anyone really be an adventure in his memory for life. This is not the usual travel experience and take photos, but it is possible to integrate the beauty of nature and people that support the development of relationships with s.Tourists and this is a great opportunity for everyone because not everyone has the chance to go to this island and explore its beauty.

Located on the coast of West Africa, the Canary Islands is to really go on vacation. With the relaxed atmosphere, relaxing beauty of the islands, you will surely ask for more. That's the beauty of the rocks and splashing water, where you can experience a different touch of holiday disappears. This is one of the hiddenJoy to you, you have to experiment in the Canary Islands. Not too many people have had the opportunity to explore the patch, because some people are not just for their beauty.

If you have a rest and you really want to forget the things that bothers you in your daily life, then you should really groped beauty, try to offer these islands. This is an experience of a kind, and you can never forget how it feels to be there. The smell of hot and cold air andCool water splashes, you will also see the birds fly free the horizon is approached, the sun goes down. These landscapes are worth at the time of your life. Rest of the traditional type of leisure time and learn from the experiences of people who were there. Be quite critical to the seats that can face very real action and adventure and see it not only satisfied with a snapshot. Fascinatelife and the beauty of the Earth and discover the secrets and wonders. Canary Islands are really a way out of this world wonders to be explored to its fullest.

In any case, by a look in various places in the world, you can see that these islands one of the most beautiful places that you feel the beauty of the world at its peak. You can never have a beauty like these islands and their beauty will remain the same forever in the minds of the people who actually experienced the touch of a button on the island.Experience in an environment where not only the sun's heat, but also the power of it, like the beautiful sky, flying in the search for the best scenario, the moments of your life in a single movement can be corrupted can hear. This is the Canary Islands, the place to be in

Friday, September 3, 2010

Canary Islands, the abundance of sub-tropical vacation possibilities

Seven islands form the archipelago of the Canary Islands announced. These are La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventara. Because they are an autonomous region of Spain, many tourists do not realize that was the Atlantic Ocean, 750 km south of the Mediterranean and only a few kilometers outside of the Tropic of Cancer.

This location makes the islands offer the only technically European resort to a guaranteed winter sun. Flightsby the North British airports and other initiatives between three and a half and four and a half hours of tourists from a world of cold, dark winter sub-transfer in a tropical paradise of eternal spring. But despite the proximity of the islands' for Africa and the tropics, summer time is surprisingly mild, with only a few degrees warmer in winter. The weather does not feel like a hot African summer, but behave like a hot spring in the Mediterranean. No wonder that the islands were onceknown as the Fortunate Isles!

These climate brought about remarkable boom in tourism since 1960. Although this has undoubtedly damaged parts of large islands, unspoilt nature, remains almost everywhere. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have most of the growth of mass tourism that other islands suffered. Mass tourism on Gran Canaria was originally limited to Las Palmas, capital of the island, but to develop rapidly in Maspalomas and Playa spread ofIngles. These are two cities on the southern coast, where climatic conditions are generally sunnier than the north where there is Las Palmas. In Tenerife, the spread of tourism in a similar pattern to the north of the city of Puerto de la Cruz to the south coast, was its devastating impact on most of Playa de las Americas. Despite these examples of unproven and development a bit 'rough in many areas of the coasts of both islands are free of allotment too uncomfortable with a low impacttourism development with managed very well. Not all coastal areas are virtually untouched by tourist development.

Of the remaining five islands, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote Tourism enjoy significant leads have been developed without the long lines of Playa de las Americas and Playa del Ingles. The main resorts in Fuerteventura are Corralejo and Jandia. Corralejo is located in the north and popular with British tourists Jandia, while the South and in particularvisited by German tourists. In the most developed Costa Teguise Lanzarote, Playa Blanca and Playa del Carmen and the island's capital, Arrecife is home to over half the population of Lanzarote.

The three small islands of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are almost untouched by tourism. Of the three, is replaced by La Palma in the number of visitors each year, but this island has something in the nature of tourist areas compared to largerIslands. All three islands are very attractive scenic peaks, with cliffs and steep. They are definitely worth a visit for those who love nature and spectacular scenery. She is not without some very interesting story. La Gomera was the last place his foot on Columbus before reaching the North and South America in 1492 and was off El Hierro in his second trip to America in 1493

If your idea of a perfect holiday peaceand sunny and quiet beaches and good night life, the Canary Islands there. Even if you want different daily doses of get-away-from-it peace with man-made attractions mixed the two extremes are often found on larger islands a few kilometers apart. In addition to year-round subtropical climate, and have in the Canary Islands, just to the best of all possible decisions holidays