The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean,
just off Morocco in North Africa.
Formed by volcanic eruptions and shaped by hot desert winds,
they are comprised of 7 main islands.
When powerful seismic forces lifted these islands
out of the ocean millions of years ago,
they sculpted landscapes of unimaginable beauty.
So spectacular are the Canary Islands that for centuries,
it was believed that this archipelago formed
the peaks of the legendary lost city of Atlantis.
Today, the Canary Islands are a magnet for sun seekers,
beachcombers and adventurers from all over the world.
With, 160 miles of coastline,
150 beaches
and a climate that feels like it is always spring,
the island of Fuerteventura is a perfect place to start your exploration.
Head to Corralejo, once a small fishing village,
now one of the island’s largest resort towns.
Just a short walk away is Corralejo Dunes National Park,
with dunes that seem to stretch out forever.
On the southern end of the island,
Sotavento de Jandia Beach is famous for its
turquoise waters and golden sands
while Ajuy Beach has long drawn visitors west to its black sands.
These islands have long been renowned for their hospitality,
so relax on a sun lounge or enjoy a seafood specialty at a local restaurante.
Beautiful beaches and picturesque villages
are just some of the offerings in this land of wonders.
Brave twisting roads to admire
the panoramic view over the island from Mirador Morro Velosa,
once thought to be the home of the Gods.
A short ferry ride to the west of Fuerteventura is Gran Canaria
a place of ever changing climates and vistas.
This island abounds with otherworldly landscapes
that have been inspiring visitors for centuries.
Take a hike to Pilancones Natural Park.
The spectacular plateaus and cool ravines in this area
are around 12 million years old.
Visit the town of Agaete
where volcanic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.
Take a drive to see the Roque Nublo,
and the surrounding valleys,
once described by a visiting Spanish philosopher as “a petrified storm”.
No matter where you go on the island,
great beaches are never far away.
Soak up the sun at Amadores Beach
or hit the surf at Caleta de Arriba but be aware,
at some beaches, clothing is optional.
A port town since the Age of Discovery,
Gran Canaria’s relaxed beachside capital city,
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has long been a cultural melting pot.
Stroll the boulevard at Las Canters Beach or visit the Cathedral of Santa Ana
a labour of devotion that took 350 years to complete.
Tenerife, is the largest and busiest of the Canary Islands,
receiving around 5 million visitors a year.
Tenerife’s beaches come in many shades,
from the golden sands of Las Americas Beach
and Los Cristianos to the black sands of Jardín Beach.
For water adventures of a different kind,
head to the Siam Water Park.
Hit the water slides or just relax in the lush environment
of this enormous Thai-themed park.
Or, make a splash at Loro Parque
which has attracted more than 40 million visitors since opening in 1972.
The island’s capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife
is home to the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martin.
The auditorium’s sail-like silhouette,
harks back to days when the islands were an important stopover
for early adventurers such as Magellan and Christopher Columbus.
Experience the archipelago’s mythic past at Icod de los Vines.
Stand before the “Drago Milenario” a Dragon Tree,
reputed to be more than 1000 years old.
At Teide National Park, watch the sun set over El Teide,
Spain’s highest mountain. It is easy to believe,
as the island’s indigenous people did,
that this magnificent mountain actually touches the sky.
Lanzarote is the Canaries’ easternmost island
and is sometimes called the “Island of 100 Volcanoes.”
Be humbled by Mother Nature’s destructive power
on a tour of Timanfaya National Park.
This region suffered a series of devastating eruptions in the 1700s
and has remained largely unchanged ever since.
Standing guard at the park’s entryway is El Diablo,
the Devil,
an image designed by Lanzarote’s most famous son, César Manrique.
Manrique’s artistic vision was to seamlessly integrate art,
local traditions and the natural elements
and almost everywhere you go on this island you’ll see his influence.
Descend a spiral stone staircase into Jameos del Agua,
a natural cave transformed by Manrique
into a magical amphitheatre and performance space.
Just a short journey away you can hire a guide
and venture even deeper into the earth at the Cueva de los Verdes,
the green caves.
Just like the other Canaries,
Lanzarote is blessed with many different beaches.
Relax under the sun at Playa Blanca at the south of the island
or stroll to Papagayo Beach.
The tidal rock pools at Punta Mujeres are the perfect place
to cool off or rent some snorkelling gear
and discover the island’s underwater wonders.
Lanzarote’s busiest town is Puerto del Carmen
and is a great place to enjoy
the Canary Islands’ incredible sunsets.
No matter which of these magnificent islands you choose,
as the sun’s molten rays merge the ocean with the earth,
you’ll realise this is a place where Mother Nature and history collide.
The mythical city of Atlantis may be a story,
lost in the mists of time,
but the Canary Islands are only a plane ride away.
Whether you are searching for dramatic adventures or a sun-soaked vacation,
this archipelago is alive with a powerful magic all its own.