TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
T H E C A N A RY I S L A N D S M A G A Z I N E
T H E C A N A RY I S L A N D S M A G A Z I N E
Lat i tude of life
The best climate in the World
Good-bye to rushing. Hellocanaryislands.com
Sun-drenched
beaches
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Routes
AROUND THE LUXURIANT COUNTRYSIDE
#onthedraw
AN ILLUSTRATED VOYAGE AROUND THE CANARY ISLANDS
Carnaval
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
Lat i tude of life
GOLF ALL YEAR ROUND
I do! My wedding in the world’s best climate.
I do want to walk hand-in-hand along the spectacular beaches. I do want to spend romantic evenings full of kisses and endless starry nights talking about the future. Yes, I do want the perfect backdrop and climate so that nobody ever forgets the most wonderful day of our lives.
Seven islands and 365 days to enjoy your chosen sport in superb surroundings. Volcanic landscapes, fabulous beaches, luxury hotels and the world’s best climate come together to challenge you to have the most enjoyable holiday ever.
golfallyearround.com
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Contents 8
WELCOME TO THE CANARY ISLANDS Discover seven Atlantic islands, all different from each other and blessed with the best climate in the world. The best choice for reenergising body and mind.
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34
A DESTINATION PACKED WITH HISTORY The Islands have been the destination of seafarers, explorers and scientists throughout their History. Discover the famous personalities who have been seduced by them…
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INVIGORATING NATURE A natural paradise with incredible landscapes to reenergise you. The Briton David Bramwell, a prestigious botanist based in the Islands, tells us why the Canarian flora is unique.
BEACHES THAT INSPIRE FASHION The trendiest swimwear fashion can only be inspired by the most beautiful beaches.
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THE BEST CLIMATE IN THE WORLD You probably know that the Canary Islands enjoy a good climate, but did you know they have the best climate in the world? We tell you why…
CÉSAR MANRIQUE, A UNIVERSAL CANARIAN
32
A universal artist with a profound love for his homeland, Manrique’s genius made it even more beautiful.
THE BIGGEST OUTDOOR PARTY Thousands of people take to the streets at Carnival time to enjoy the liveliest party ever. Come and join in!
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WIND & WAVES The islands’ unbeatable conditions inspire veneration in all lovers of water sports. Dare to join them!
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Contents
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#ONTHEDRAW The Irish graphic artist Steve Simpson, together with a further six prestigious illustrators, captures his exciting travels around the Islands in this work.
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CANARIAN CUISINE, THE FLAVOUR OF THREE CONTINENTS Tradition and avantgarde, plus the influence of a melting pot of cultures, come together to give you delicious dining experiences to enjoy.
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ADVENTURE AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Zoos, water parks, amusement and theme parks, museums, archaeological sites, botanic gardens… And everything you need for the most intense holiday.
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YOU HAVE TO COME HERE! They came and fell in love with the Islands. The Briton Ian Beavis and other Canary Islands enthusiasts tell us why they always come back.
136 BAZAAR
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SEVEN ISLANDS IN WHICH TO SHINE AGAIN We describe each island for you. Seven unique destinations in which to find yourself again, have fun with your loved ones, get away from it all… And begin anew.
When you go home you will want to take a little piece of the Canaries with you. Here we give you suggestions for products that will help you keep your batteries charged up.
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UNFORGETTABLE ACCOMMODATION For inveterate romantics, families of all kinds, lovers of luxury, sybaritic pleasure-seekers… the best places for feeling, for just a few days, that you’re in the best home away from home.
130 AGENDA
The most interesting dates for enjoying the Islands throughout the year.
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
THE SEA OF TRADE WINDS Sailing in the Canary Islands is a unique experience: the mighty ocean, the sea air and the wind in your hair. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor looking for action, yearround mild temperatures, the trade winds and 1,600 km of coastline make every moment on the ocean waves an unforgettable experience.
thetradewindseas.com seas.com
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T
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Char ge up your batteries, get reenergised. Come to the Canary Islands!
THIS MAGAZINE IS 85% CO-FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
PUBLISHED BY: Promotur Turismo Canarias S.A. EDITOR: Mónica Palacios EDITORIAL COORDINATION: Daniel Bargalló, Brezo Rodríguez and Luisa Jiménez EDITORIAL STAFF: Lola Martín, Natividad Fradejas, Ana Sierra, Alberto Tapia, Elena Jiménez and Leonor Hermoso GRAPHIC DESIGN: Erica Takenouchi PHOTOGRAPHS: Promotur archive PRINTING: Gráficas San José LEGAL DEPOSIT: GC 407-2015
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
Welcome to a place where you and your loved ones can shine again.
You need to take time out from your daily routine and reconnect with your dreams. Let go of everyday stress and make room for some positive energy. Take time out to focus on what’s important in life. You need to come to a place that’s waiting for you, with ideal, year-round temperatures, to make your life shine again.
shineagain.com
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Welcome Canary to the Islands La Palma
Biosphere Reserve National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente Starlight Reserve and tourist destination Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
Tenerife
Teide National Park (World Natural Heritage Site) San Cristóbal de La Laguna (World Heritage Site) Biosphere Reserve (Anaga Massif) Siam Park (best water park in the world)
ILLUSTRATIONS: LUCIANO LOZANO
La Gomera El Hierro
Biosphere Reserve 100% sustainable island (Gorona del Viento project) Scuba diving (46 immersion points) First ‘Smart Island’ in the world
Biosphere Reserve National Park of Garajonay (World Natural Heritage Site) Silbo (a whistled language designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) 650 kilometres of trails
Gran Canaria
Biosphere Reserve (western half) Maspalomas Beach and Dunes (Nature Reserve) 60 kilometres of beaches Wide variety of spas and wellness centres
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Seven Atlantic islands blessed with the best climate in the world. The place that awaits you 365 days of the year to break with your routine and renew your energy. Islands of contrasts, they are all different from each other; in each one of them you will find spectacular beaches and a variety of landscapes where you will shine again.
Lanzarote
Biosphere Reserve Timanfaya National Park Art and ecology by César Manrique European sports destination
3,000 500 146 4 7 3 30 4,000
hours of sunshine a year
more than
beaches
protected nature spaces
National Parks
Biosphere Reserves
Fuerteventura
Biosphere Reserve 150 kilometres of beaches Jandía, Corralejo and Isla de Lobos (Natural Parks) Starlight Reserve
Marine Reserves different species of whales and dolphins
almost
endemic species
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Welcome Canary to the Islands
The sunniest place in Europe
The Islands’ geographical location and climatic characteristics favour long cloudless days. A veritable bonus for health and wellbeing to energise body and mind.
Land of volcanoes
The Islands’ geological origins have left a distinctive stamp on their landscapes, from caves and lava tubes to breathtaking fields of volcanoes and lava flows, places that are daunting in their lunar appearance. But over time this volcanic land has also allowed the vegetation to gradually colonise the lapilli mantles, covering them in pines and other tree species to form dense and luxuriant forests.
Protected nature and skies
Almost half of the Canarian territory is protected, the Spanish region with the highest number of National Parks. Not to be outdone, the clear, cloudless night sky is also protected in some areas to preserve its extraordinary quality.
Centuries of history and deeply rooted traditions
The Islands also ooze history, a lengthy age that started with its aboriginal settlements of which important vestiges have been preserved, continued to the conquest by the Castilians and the passage of Christopher Columbus on his voyage to discover America, followed by subsequent centuries during which the Islands gradually absorbed the cultural influence of three continents (Europe, America and Africa). It is all revealed in their historic centres, some of them designated World Heritage Sites, in their unique traditional architecture, in their folklore, the varied and distinctive cuisine…
A safe, close and hospitable destination
Their long experience as a European tourist destination means the Canary Islands are a safe place equipped with all services boasting the quality standards inherent to the most advanced parts in Europe, from healthcare to transport to all types of infrastructures. On average, a flight of a mere 4 hours separates the principal European capitals from this island territory of friendly, hospitable people who are overflowing with contagious cheerfulness.
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Endless outdoor activities If you come, you’ll be back
The Canary Islands can be proud of having formed a vast club of friends over many decades who come from a diversity of places around the world and remain faithful to this destination. Because so many who visit these enchanted islands come back to once again live the reenergising experience induced by their climate, beaches and nature.
Thanks to their climate and extensive offering, it is possible to plan each day on the Canary Islands by choosing from endless activities to meet all tastes and suitable for all ages at any time of the year. Comprehensive services, modern infrastructures and attractive facilities that guarantee leisure and fun.
An array of beaches to choose from…
With golden and white sand or darker-coloured, remote and virgin or lively, tiny coves or extensive coastlines surrounded by dunes, with calm waters or stronger swells.
And for leisure…
All kinds of sports…
For the uninitiated as well as for experts. In the sea: scuba diving, windsurfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing or simply sailing on a leisure boat and practising deepsea fishing. On land: hire some clubs and play golf on some of the numerous and
modern courses. For those who prefer countryside sports, they can follow a sedate hiking trail or practice climbing, mountain biking, trail running, rope jumping and road cycling. In the air: for the more adventurous, activities such as paragliding are a good choice.
Fun places where you can enjoy an unforgettable day in one of the zoos, water parks or amusement parks. Climb into a submarine or hire a pedalo to ride the waves and, why not, watch dolphins and whales swimming freely. You can also choose to ride a camel or a horse or visit a museum and some of the Islands’ archaeological sites. Shopping in its streets and modern shopping centres, attending a show, going out to dinner to enjoy the cuisine followed by a drink on a trendy terrace or club or relaxing in one of the spas and wellness centres are some of the multiple possibilities on offer.
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Helsinki
Welcome Canary to the Islands
6h45
Oslo 5h45
VERYCLOSE TOYOU The Canary Islands are on average just over a fourhour flight away from the principal European cities, with an increasing number of direct flights operating between them and the archipelago.
Stockholm 6h15
Moscow 7h30
Copenhagen 5h30
Dublin
Berlin
4h15
Amsterdam
London
5h15
4h30
4h15
Prague
Brussels
5h00
4h30
Paris
Vienna
4h00
5h00
Zurich 4h15
Rome 4h15
Madrid 2h30
Lisbon 2h00
*APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES
More information www.hellocanaryislands.com
Useful information
Between islands
The rapid, convenient air links are great for travelling between the islands in under an hour on average, with frequent departures throughout the day. Equally, modern boats cover the distances between islands.
By air:
www.bintercanarias.com www.canaryfly.es
By sea:
www.fredolsen.es www.navieraarmas.com www.biosferaexpress.com www.garajonayexpres.com www.lineasromero.com
Country: Spain – Spanish Autonomous Region. Population: 2,104,815 (January 2014). Language: Spanish. Currency: euro. Time: GMT. From April to October, GMT + 1 Weights and measures: Decimal metric system. Vaccinations: not required. Healthcare system: a comprehensive network of hospitals and health centres on all the islands. European Health Insurance Card. Emergency telephone: 112
Internet: free Wi-Fi in many establishments. Mobile telephony: comprehensive coverage on most of the territory. Bank cards: accepted in virtually all retail establishments. Banking system: extensive network of national and foreign banks. Car hire: on all the islands. Public transport: taxi and bus services. Tourist offices: on all the islands. Consulates: more than 50 countries represented. Complaint forms: mandatory in all establishments. Electrical devices: 220 volt sockets (CEE 7/4).
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
Discover the kind of exhilaration that will stay with you forever. The incomparable force of nature that will thrill you to the core. Beaches, volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls… Seven islands are waiting to give you the most exhilarating holiday experience of your life. They’re always waiting for you, whenever you want them.
theenergyawaitingyou.com
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A vast natural spa in which to reenergise and shine again
e t a m i l c t s be in the world
The
Their latitude and geographical location should by rights give the Canary Islands far warmer temperatures. However, factors such as the presence of an anticyclone, the Azores High, plus the trade winds, cold ocean current and the relief of the mountains interact to give the archipelago a unique, pleasant and varied climate.
.com
world tclimateinthe
www.thebes
Low rainfall
Different studies such as one conducted by the University of Syracuse attest that
the Canary Islands enjoy the best climate in the world 14 365 days
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Spring weather all year The Canary Islands enjoy stable, spring-like weather all year round, with no major temperature fluctuations. They also have the highest number of sunlight hours in Europe.
Average temperature on the Canaries coastline in summer is 23ºC, with an average of 24ºC in August, the hottest month of the summer season. This means that while the major destinations on the Mediterranean can see temperatures climb to 37ºC in the hottest hours of the day, in the Canary Islands they will not go above 27ºC.
In winter, the Islands enjoy an average of 19ºC, while in the major southern European cities it stands at 8ºC and in the continent’s central and northern countries at 0ºC.
Mild winters,
with an average temperature of 19oC
Pleasant summers,
with an average temperature of 23oC
It is the sunniest region in Europe, with 3,000 hours of sunshine per year
The reenergising climate
Countless activities to choose from Pure sea air
The exceptional climatic conditions, together with their extraordinary countryside, turn the Canary Islands into a vast natural spa, the perfect place to recharge your energy, release the tension and stress of the day to day and return as good as new. It has been scientifically demonstrated that climate has an important impact on people’s emotions and physical wellbeing. In fact, an adequate number of daylight hours has a positive effect on mood. This is why the Canary Islands meet every condition for reenergising body and mind.
The eternal spring weather of the Canary Islands means you can enjoy any outdoor activity at any time of the year. This gives you total freedom when choosing, with nothing to restrict you: strolling along the beach, practising sport, dining or having a drink on a terrace, an outing on a boat, a pleasant hike on the Islands’ trails, snorkelling…
Sea bathing and sea air, a health boost Clean sea water and ideal temperatures
The clean ocean waters that bathe the Canary Islands provide important health benefits. The archipelago is an ideal place for thalassotherapy treatments that favour detoxing the body and improve vital functions such as heart activity.
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Clean skies for observing the universe
During most of the year, the absence of clouds means that the Canary Islands have the cleanest, most cloudless skies in Europe. This has propitiated the implementation of a law to protect them and thus ensure that the Canaries archipelago remains one of the best places in the world for observing the universe. Not surprisingly, it possesses the most important ensemble of astrophysics observatories in the northern hemisphere.
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Fuerteventura, the peaks of Gran Canaria, the surroundings of the Teide in Tenerife, the Roque de los Muchachos and the Caldera de Taburiente in La Palma, El Sabinar in El Hierro or the laurel forest in La Gomera. The peaks are my particular favourite spots for shooting: I love the Teide National Park or the Caldera de Taburiente, I could spend days taking photos in those places because they meet the ideal conditions for this discipline, wonderful skies and landscapes that almost seem from another planet. Astro-tourism is still a new speciality. Seen from your profession, how do you rate its evolution? Astro-tourism as a speciality is totally on the rise. It is currently rare to have a night or weekend without seeing coaches parked in strategic points on the Islands, with groups of enthusiasts observing the sky with the naked eye or with telescopes. There are even some agencies that offer excursions to view the sky through telescopes, and I know that they are quite successful.
Daniel López ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER
The place where the stars shine at their brightest R
ecognised as one of the best astrophotographers in the world, Daniel López arrived in the Canary Islands almost a decade ago and has found inspiration here. His creations have been published in National Geographic and in the NASA publication. Why are the skies of the Canary Islands so conducive to astrophotography? The Canaries archipelago is fortunate in many respects. Its location in the Atlantic Ocean means that the climate and temperature are very stable throughout the year, and this determines the lack of “turbulence” in the upper layers of the atmosphere, making it ideal for photographing and investigating the Universe. Furthermore, the location of the observatories at a height of 2,400 metres above sea level allows us to enjoy permanently cloudless skies. This set of factors make of the Islands an exceptional place for observing the universe thanks to the clarity of our skies. What is your favourite spot for photographing the starry Canarian sky? It is very difficult to choose just one spot. Each island is unique in many respects and possesses dream locations such as the otherworldly landscapes of Lanzarote, the beaches of
How would you promote the Canary Islands as a stargazing destination? It is now nine years since I came to the Canaries for its sky. Of course their merits were already well known, both for research and for astronomics photography, but at the time there were very few of us who would go out to observe it through amateur telescopes and even fewer to photograph it. The rise of social media, where these works and time-lapses are shared and even go viral (the video “Canary Sky” has already had 2,400,000 hits), has undoubtedly been a great help in disseminating it, as people who come to the Islands want to go to the peaks at night to enjoy the sky and photograph it. Which are the activities most frequently linked to this type of tourism? From my own experience, many astronomy enthusiasts who come to the Canaries on tourist trips do so because they have seen a “spectacular video” or a photo of the night sky featuring landscapes together with the stars and they want to see it first-hand. Many want to see that sky and demand telescopes or places where they can set up their own equipment or hire it. Others want to take that photo or video they saw on the internet. There are now companies that do this, making telescopes available through which to observe the planets, the Moon and the stars, as well as workshops to teach people to photograph them. The images and videos of “Canarian Sky” have been very widely disseminated. Which were the keys to your success? I think their success hinges on the fact that they show the Islands with two of their major assets: the night sky and the landscape captured in time-lapse photos or videos showing stars, the Milky Way, the Moon or the constellations in their natural setting. These images are magical, impossible to capture during the day, and they speak for themselves. The Canaries have some of the best skies on the planet as well as dramatic landscapes; if we combine both things the results are unsurpassable.
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Beaches that inspire
Important swimwear designers established on the Canary Islands have found in the magniďŹ cent paradise beaches of the archipelago their inspiration for creating fashion that transcends borders
fashion
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MORRO JABLE FUERTEVENTURA
BIKINI BY AURELIA GIL
Located to the south of the island, by the important tourist enclave of Morro Jable, this extensive beach with its white sand and calm, turquoise- and emeraldcoloured waters borders on the town’s lively promenade. There are leisure centres, restaurants and retail outlets where you can ďŹ nd everything you require for an unforgettable stay. The four kilometre beach also boasts areas for practising nautical sports.
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BIKINI WITH SARONG BY NURIA GONZÁLEZ
LA TEJITA TENERIFE This tranquil one-kilometre beach situated to the south of the island next to a protected nature area is frequented above all by people who are looking to get away from the tourist centres. It is suitable for practising nudism and also boasts excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing. From its golden sands you can enjoy magnificent views of the Montaña Roja, the Red Mountain, an old volcanic cone with a distinct reddish colour.
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EL COTILLO FUERTEVENTURA
BATHING SUIT BY ANTONIO SANGOO
To the northwest of the island we find the famous beaches of the fishing village of El Cotillo, a succession of white-sand coves and turquoise water. The natural reef in front of one of the bestknown beaches, La Concha, protects it from heavy waves, making it very safe for smaller children. After a fabulous day at the beach, the village restaurants offer delicious fresh fish, an ideal end to the day.
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SWIMSUIT AND MATCHING BOLERO JACKET BY CARLOS SANJUAN
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LAS CANTERAS BEACH GRAN CANARIA Situated in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, listed as the city with the best climate in the world, this is one of the best urban beaches in Europe. In addition to its natural charms, it is flanked by an outstanding promenade, dynamic and filled with life both day and night at all times of the year. With its fine golden sand, its waters are calm thanks to the shelter offered by a natural volcanic stone barrier.
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SWIMSUIT BY GABRIEL CROISSIER
LA FRANCESA LA GRACIOSA | LANZAROTE The tiny island of La Graciosa, which barely covers 30 km2 and has unpaved roads, lies to the northwest of Lanzarote, a short 30-minute boat trip away. Prominent among its numerous coves and virgin beaches is La Francesa, with its white sand and turquoise sea, from which you enjoy spectacular views of the strait that separates it from Lanzarote and the breathtaking cliffs of Famara. Ideal for spending a fantastic day cut off from the world.
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PUERTO DEL CARMEN LANZAROTE
BATHING SUIT BY AURELIA GIL
This is Lanzarote’s most important tourist hub, to the south of the island. The best-known and most visited beach is Playa Grande, a kilometre-long stretch of golden sand and tranquil waters, with a lively seaside promenade that is an invitation to take a pleasant stroll on foot or on a bicycle and to contemplate, between palm trees, volcanic rock and landscaped gardens, the wonderful views of the Natural Monument of Los Ajaches, an old, gently moulded volcanic formation.
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SWIMWEAR BY LENITA & XTG
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PAPAGAYO LANZAROTE In an almost virgin setting, the great beauty of this small cove, with its white sand and crystalclear water, is pure seduction. The calm sea that bathes it makes it ideal for snorkelling and enjoying the wealth of its seabed. Being sheltered from the wind, it is very pleasant for spending a day at the beach, particularly for children, who can play peacefully on the shore without any danger from the waves.
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SWIMSUIT BY GABRIEL CROISSIER
CORRALEJO GRANDES PLAYAS FUERTEVENTURA To the north of the island, in close proximity to Fuerteventura’s main tourist hubs, you will find these great paradise beaches flanked by a vast field of dunes listed as a protected nature area. Nine kilometres of coarse white sand and turquoise waters, with excellent views of the islet of Lobos and of Lanzarote. Some of them are perfect for nudists, others for a family outing, and there is also space for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
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COSTA CALMA JANDÍA PENINSULA FUERTEVENTURA
BIKINI BY CARLOS SANJUAN
A beautiful two-kilometre beach situated to the south, very close to the village of La Lajita. Near here are some of the best resorts on the island, where only a few steps separate the swimming pools from the turquoise sea. With its white sand, Costa Calma is the main section of several stretches of beaches that become one at low tide. When conditions allow, it is also ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
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MASPALOMAS GRAN CANARIA
SWIMWEAR BY NURIA GONZĂ LEZ Y OH! SOLEIL
Edged by the Dunes of Maspalomas, this beach to the south of the island is located in one of the most important tourist hubs of the Canary Islands. Almost three kilometres of golden sand and gentle waves that, together with a comprehensive accommodation and leisure oering, makes this the ideal place for enjoying the sun and sea during the day and having fun at night. Perfect for nudism and aquatic sports.
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Lenita Burman DESIGNER
«The Canary beaches are my inspiration» Lenita Burman came to the Canary Islands from Sweden at an early age, together with her family, and stayed. In the Islands she has found the inspiration for her colourful, cheerful designs.
How and when did you come to the Canary Islands for the first time? I came when I was six years old… and stayed. An older sister had health problems and my parents decided to move to a warm country following doctors’ recommendations. Southern Europe was the ideal destination, they said, and so Spain was the chosen country. My parents had happened to spend their honeymoon in the Canaries and they had fond memories of their holiday. How do the Canary Islands and their fantastic climate influence your collections? We live surrounded by the sea and have a fabulous climate, how could this not have an influence? Just going out into the street is a joy. I transmit that energy in my creations, it has a huge impact on me. For a designer like you, what is the creative process like on the Islands? Do you have a favourite spot for inspiration? I actually take inspiration from everything I see, from sensations, when I listen to a special piece of music or see a film that moves me. I am always going around seizing ideas. As for a favourite spot to inspire me, any one of our marvellous beaches, of course. To which countries are you currently exporting your label? Now, with online sales, we reach every corner of the world. This is what globalisation leads to: from the Canaries to the world. Your website features the slogan “Canarias’Choice”: how are your customers attracted to and influenced by the destination and your label? Canarias’Choice is my slogan ever since I founded Lenita, and its significance was having chosen to live here instead of in Sweden and the fact that the Canarian public put their trust in me right from the start. Lenita is a Canarian label, designed and made here on the Islands by Canarian workers. Our public is also mainly from the Canaries, but when foreign consumers visit the label’s shops, they are also very much attracted by our colourful garments, their wearing comfort and their sharp cut, an Island hallmark. We are quite bold in our designs, making us different, and this is determined by the setting in which we live and work: the Canary Islands. In your opinion, what is it that most attracts foreigners to the Islands? Evidently our climate and our culture, no doubt about it. We are European despite being geographically located in Africa. In the case of the Nordics, only a five-and-a-half-hour flight separates them from the Islands. Compared with a fourteen-hour flight to Thailand, that is a mere stroll. This is why there are tourists who come several times during the winter. When we ask them if they are planning to return, they all agree that they are delighted with the good climate and the friendliness of the people, so of course they come back!
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de The Santa Cruz al iv rn Ca fe ri Tene d has been awarde ta es Fi of the status of International . Tourist Interest
The Gala where the Drag Queen is elected in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has huge international reach.
The “Burial of the Sardine” is the major event that closes this festival, with numerous “widows” crying over the end of Carnival. lebrate All the islands celourful the joyous and co on their carnival pageant streets.
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The biggest outdoor party
The capital cities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife stage the most striking Carnival owing to the spectacular shows which every year attract huge numbers of visitors, such as the Gala events where they choose the Carnival Queen and the Drag Queen, the pageants, the mass outdoor parties, the competitions of ‘murgas’ (street bands) and ‘comparsas’ (carnival troupes), the Burial of the Sardine… Also famous are the carnivals staged in tourist hotspots such as Puerto de la Cruz and Maspalomas. Across the length and breadth of the archipelago we find examples of these festivals, in some cases notable for their unique features, such as the Indianos in Santa Cruz de La Palma or Los Carneros (Rams) of Tigaday in La Frontera, where young people dress up in furs and ram horns. Other examples can be found in Puerto del Rosario, with its Arrretrancos and Achipencos, competitions of crazily fast earth-bound and airborne vehicles; the Diabletes (Little Devils) of Teguise or the Brujas (Witches) of Güímar, among others.
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A DESTINATION PACKED WITH HISTORY An exceptional climate and unique natural attractions have made of the Islands a sought-after destination not only in modern times but also since Antiquity. Explorers and seafarers discovered the Canary Islands as a strategic port; naturalists revealed them to science; and the quest for health and reinvigoration found in the archipelago its longed-for mecca. BY NICOLÁS GONZÁLEZ LEMUS Historian
The classical world and its myths The Canary Islands have played a leading role in the legends and mythical tales of Greco-Latin culture. The Fortunate Islands, Islands of the Blessed, Garden of Eden are mythical concepts of Antiquity. The Islands marked the world’s end, one situated beyond the Pillars of Hercules. An Atlantic mythology not unrelated to the visits made by defiant seafarers in search of new wealth and markets.
Canary Islands and the naturalists The vast majority of European 18th-century navigators called in at the Canary Islands. James Cook, Nicolas Baudin or William Bligh, the commander of the Bounty, are some examples. The Islands’ biological diversity made of the archipelago a unique laboratory for naturalists, and doctors such as William Anderson or captain John White recommended this territory as the ideal destination for spending periods of convalescence, adding another component – health – to the artistic, scientific and ecological interest it already had. The century’s finishing touch was provided by Alexander von Humboldt.
The earliest European seafarers Because of their geographical location, in the Late Middle Ages the Canary Islands played a hugely important role in the discovery of America. Christopher Columbus chose them as the base camp from which to put the finishing touches to his plan. After him, central figures in the history of navigation saw in the Canary Islands the strategic gateway to the Atlantic Ocean and the perfect meeting point between three continents, making of the archipelago a melting pot of cultures. The Canarian ports became places for provisioning. From the 17th century onwards, some navigators visiting the Islands for reasons of trade put aside economic reasons and decided to explore and enjoy the territory at which they had put in. They indulged in “tourism” insofar as they undertook activities during their stopover that were very different to those that prompted their voyage. Guided by the beauty of the landscapes and impressed by the placid temperature, they also contributed to propagate the news of the temperate Canarian climate.
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The reenergising tourism of the 19th century
La Gomera: COLUMBUS DEPARTED FROM HERE
By the late 19th century thousands of tourists were visiting the Islands for health reasons. The Victorians Thomas H. Huxley, Frederick Leighton or Marianne North are only some of them. Many left a record in their writings of what island life was like. Thus, the French anthropologist René Verneau conducted a comprehensive study on the archipelago; the Briton Olivia Stone left a perfect portrayal of the Islands’ economic, social and political life at the end of the century; and others wrote the first tourist guides.
The quest for rest, inspiration and good climate Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill, the Beatles or Brian May are some of the recognised ambassadors that the Islands have had in the 20th century. Agatha Christie set her story “The Man from the Sea” in Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife) and “The Lady’s Companion” in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Winston Churchill visited the Islands as a guest of his great friend, the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis; the Beatles embodied the more popular kind of tourism while Brian May, the former guitarist with the band Queen and an astrophysicist, promotes the archipelago as the ideal destination for stargazing.
A natural film set
Year 1492. Christopher Columbus arrived in La Gomera after having departed from the port of Palos, in Huelva on the 3rd of August. On board three ships, he set out to reach the Indies via a new route that would circumvent that feared sea, none other than the Atlantic Ocean. In those times the capital of the Canarian island of La Gomera, San Sebastián, was known by some seafarers as Villa de Palmas for the extensive palm grove that welcomed all newcomers. Here, in one of the most important bays of the Canaries in the Modern age, the Admiral reached port after leaving a ship behind in Gran Canaria, to where he would return in successive voyages. In witness of his passage through the island, a unique historic heritage is conserved in the archipelago. The Torre del Conde, the oldest military fortress in the Canaries; Casa de la Aguada, which conserves the well from where Columbus took the water with which he baptised America; or the church of La Asunción, a veritable museum of religious art, invite the visitor to delve into one of the most fascinating milestones in the history of humanity: the voyage that led to the Discovery of the American continent.
The film industry has found in the Canary Islands a great natural film set in which to produce film projects of any genre. Some examples of this are Broken Embraces by Pedro Almodóvar, and international productions such as Fast and Furious, Wrath of the Titans, In the Heart of the Sea, Wild Oats or Exodus.
Pablo Jerez Sabater HISTORIAN
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CĂŠsar
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A UNIVERSAL CANARIAN Nobody like this brilliant Lanzarote artist to highlight the best of these Islands. Discover him! 36 365 days
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o speak of César Manrique (Lanzarote, 1919-1992) is to speak of art in its multiple facets (painting, architecture, sculpture…) and of ecology, but above all of love and passion for the Canary Islands, his native land. As a result of this relationship the miracle of the Jameos del Agua 2 was born in Lanzarote, a volcanic tunnel which the artist transformed into a beautiful place visited each year by thousands of people, who enter it to discover the interior lake of startlingly clear waters populated by endemic species such as the famous blind crab, the sinuous volcanic rock corridors or the spectacular Auditorium fitted out as a grotto, not to mention the exterior pools and fabulous gardens. With this work the Canarian artist drafted a new aesthetic ideology that he denominated art-nature/natureart, and inaugurated an economic and social functionalism that was unheard-of in Spanish plastic culture. The Mirador del Río 5 , the River Lookout, is another marvel that Manrique left on the island as part of his vast artistic legacy. This is a veritable work of art situated at the top of a cliff and affording a spectacular view of the Chinijo archipelago, with the centrepiece being the small island of La Graciosa and its perfect volcanic cones. The Lookout appears to be perfectly integrated into the natural setting thanks to the use of volcanic rock in its construction. Manrique’s
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ENErGY oF THE PYrAMID, WIND ToYS SErIES. CéSAr MANrIQuE FouNDATIoN, LANZAroTE. PHoTo: ADrIEL PErDoMo ©CéSAr MANrIQuE FouNDATIoN
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skill made the most of the light that pierces the huge windows giving on to the cliff edge. But he was not only a vocational architect and landscape designer; his Devil 3 is today the symbol of Timanfaya National Park, and his sculptural work, such as the Wind Toy 4 , is internationally recognised. In Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife) he surprises us with Martiánez Lake 6 , a leisure centre comprised of a lake edged with artificial salt-water pools with unsurpassable views of the sea and the Teide. It was all built with elements from traditional Canarian architecture and local flora, sufficient reason for designating it an Asset of Cultural Interest. A place in which to enjoy its terraces, kiosks, restaurants and casino, the perfect complement to a day of sun and sea. From the Lookout of La Peña, in the north of El Hierro, you can see the spectacular panorama of the El Golfo Valley with its striking escarpments plunging into the blue Atlantic, as well as the Roques de Salmor, a virgin sanctuary for giant lizards, an endemic island species. Inside the lookout the atmosphere is welcoming and an exclusive restaurant offers an excellent menu of Canarian dishes. Equally impressive are the views of Gran Rey Valley from the Palmarejo Lookout in La Gomera, also perfectly integrated into the landscape. And on Fuerteventura, on its western coast, climbing to the Morro Velosa Lookout means discovering a different island to the one you see on tourist postcards, with a beautiful ochre-coloured landscape dotted with farmhouses. And for those who, after intensely communing with nature, end up falling in love with the genius of César Manrique, a visit to his Foundation 7 , in Lanzarote is a must. The artist’s old house known as Taro de Tahíche was built in five converted volcanic bubbles.
©Museo Néstor
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NÉSTOR DE LA TORRE, THE ARTIST IN LOVE WITH HIS ISLAND
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Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 18871938) is one of the most widely recognised Canarian painters and the prime exponent of Modernism on the Islands. As with Manrique – for whom Néstor served as inspiration – this internationally renowned, multifaceted artist did not hesitate to place his talent at the service of a particular vision that was far ahead of the historic moment in which he lived. An important champion of tourism development in Gran Canaria, he designed spaces that are still relevant today, such as the architectural complex of the Canarian People in the island’s capital, or the Cruz de Tejeda Parador, not to mention the House of the Tourist in Santa Catalina Park or the Pico de Bandama Lookout. There is no avoiding a visit to the Néstor Museum to admire his varied works, with the famous paintings Sea Poem and Earth Poem prominent among them.
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
BLUE MARLIN
ZONE
Only For Big Game Fishermen If you are content with small prey, this is not for you. If you are not interested in a thrilling adventure on the high seas and switching off your mobile for a few days, this is really not for you. In fact this is only for you if you want a really great adventure, at any time of year. Only For Big Game Fishermen.
bluemarlinzone.com
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Landscapes you will fall in love with, virgin environments of incalculable value, havens of tranquillity where time seems to stand still, places in which to forget your stress, rare plants that have found their refuge on these islands, ora and wildlife unique in the world, a sea whose waters are a sanctuary for many species, clear skies encrusted with stars‌ This is nature on the Canary Islands, so valuable that scientists and travellers from all eras have been attracted to this vast natural laboratory. A paradise in which to disconnect and charge up with renewed energy: absolute wellbeing.
invigorating
nature
seven islands, seven volcanoes protected, award-winning territory islands bathed by a clean blue sea days for disconnecting
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seven islands, seven volcanoes
The Volcano Route La Palma DIFFICULTY TYPE HIGH LINEAR
GRADIENT 1,207 m
TIME 5.30 h
WHEN PUBLIC ALL YEAR TRANSPORT
In the heart of La Palma
In the past, the itinerary of the Volcano Route was an important communications link between the districts of La Palma. Covering just over 17 kilometres, it runs within Cumbre Vieja Natural Park through the municipalities of El Paso, Mazo and Fuencaliente. The route, which has been fitted out and signposted, is a combination of trail, forest track and asphalt. Although the vegetation is sparse and the gradients difficult, with a bit of luck you will spot birds such as rooks and kestrels
Millions of years of volcanic activity in this corner of the Atlantic gradually formed the seven Canary Islands. These origins have outlined their landscapes and marked the life of the animal and plant species that inhabit them. The power and force of the volcanoes left behind an imprint that can be admired pretty much in the entire archipelago, but especially in certain places where the examples of this volcanic activity are more noticeable because they are more recent. Enigmatic landscapes such as Timanfaya, in Lanzarote, or the great volcanic edifice that is the Teide and the landscape that surrounds it, in Tenerife, both of them designated National Parks. Gran Canaria also possesses breathtaking traces of volcanic activity such as the spectacular Tejeda Caldera, one of the few places in the world where one can clearly view a distinct system of cone sheets. In La Palma we find the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park with its volcanoes and lava flows resulting from the most recent aerial eruptions occurred on the archipelago, such as the Teneguía in 1971, as well as the Canary pine forests whose green canopy contrasts with the dark volcanic earth. El Hierro is another island with landscapes dominated by fields of lava and volcanoes, particularly in El Julan, a zone where the most recent volcanic activity took place, or the eye-catching pahoehoe lava flows of the badlands of Los Lajiales, in La Restinga. Although the landscapes of Fuerteventura are more broken down from erosion, this island also features examples of its volcanic origin in spaces such as the Islote de Lobos islet or the lava fields of Malpaís Grande, the Great Badlands… Hundreds of spots where you can enjoy unique landscapes that emerged from the innards of the earth and give us an idea of the power of nature.
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Roque Nublo Gran Canaria DIFFICULTY TYPE GRADIENT LOW CIRCULAR 168 m
TIME 2.30 h
WHEN ALL YEAR
An imposing volcanic rock, the island’s symbol
Situated in the municipality of Tejeda, Roque Nublo is a huge monolith of volcanic origin standing in the centre of Gran Canaria. Of special significance for the island dwellers, this great basalt rock rises 80 metres from its base, which can be reached on foot via a pleasant, easily traversed trail. Along the way, in addition to the three rocks – Roque Nublo itself, La Rana (The Frog) and El Fraile (The Friar) – you can also see the villages of Artenara and Acusa as well as the great Tejeda caldera, the plain of Llanos de la Pez and Pozo de las Nieves (Snow Well).
symbols of the landscape As a result of this volcanic origin, the Canarian landscape is dotted with these unique roques, precipitous rocky elevations that resulted from erosional processes. Some of them are awe-inspiring and have become veritable symbols, such as the Roque Nublo and the Bentayga, in Gran Canaria, the Agando in La Gomera or the Teno roques in
Tenerife. Also in this last place are Los Gigantes, the Giants, spectacular cliffs that drop from a dizzy height down to the sea. Also breathtaking is the cliff of Los Órganos in La Gomera, where the cooling and subsequent erosion of old volcanic rocks gave it an outline that looks like organ pipes falling vertically into the ocean. These unique features can also be found underwater in the sea; scuba diving enthusiasts will find all kinds of fanciful formations, caves that provide hiding places for numerous species, or vertical walls like el Bajón, on the island of El Hierro.
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entering the bowels of the earth Underground, eruptions have led to the forming of caves and lava tubes, the home of species that have adapted to the dark, some of them exclusive to this place. The best-known and most-visited are the Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes caves in Lanzarote, wonderful spaces that allow us to enter into the bowels of this volcanic land. You can also visit some daunting caves such as the Cueva del Llano, in Fuerteventura, which is more than 800,000 years old and boasts an interesting fossil record that includes some species that have now died out. In Tenerife, visiting the Cueva del Viento cave, one of the largest lava tubes in the world, is a great opportunity to view some very beautiful lava formations. You can also enter – although in small groups and in the company of a specialised guide – the lava tube of Todoque, in La Palma, which is situated underneath a field of lava expelled by the volcano in 1949. The old inhabitants of the Islands used these shelters in the terrain as homes or places in which to store food, uses that have survived the passage of time. It is currently not unusual to find caves that have been perfectly fitted out for residential use and even for comfortable tourist accommodation, with every convenience. Others have been done up as restaurants, original spaces in which to enjoy a pleasant evening and, in some cases, some breathtaking views.
A tour inside the volcanic earth Viewing the Caldera de Taburiente from the edge of its summits and entering it is a unique, unforgettable experience for anyone who visits this gigantic chasm measuring nine kilometres in diameter and more than 1,000 metres in depth, situated inland on the island of La Palma. Every day I accompany tourists on this route and they are all dumbstruck by the imposing landscape in this natural space, with its vast vertical walls that seem to touch the sky and where the Canary pine, which is endemic to the Islands, is king and forms one of the best pine forests in the archipelago. Once inside the Caldera I usually take the hikers along the so-called Río Taburiente, with its streams and cascades that invite you to dip into it for a refreshing bathe. No-one is unmoved when confronted by the singular elements produced by the landscape’s volcanic origins, such as the Cascada de Colores, the Coloured Cascade, pillow lava or the dramatic volcanic dikes. Erosion, too, has been doing its work for thousands of years and shows us the interior of the earth as if it had been sliced with a knife, with the Roque Idafe having become one of the places of worship of the pre-Hispanic Benahoarites.
Thomas Schmid TOURIST GUIDE
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TENERI
Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Schmincke VOLCANOLOGIST
A natural laboratory for the observation of volcanoes The Canary Islands are a worldwide benchmark in the study of the constant lifecycle of volcanoes.
La Llanía Route El Hierro
DIFFICULTY TYPE GRADIENT LOW CIRCULAR 94 m
A magical trail
TIME 2h
WHEN ALL YEAR
This track is among the most popular on El Hierro, an easy two-hour walk that passes through magical landscapes such as El Brezal, a lush rainforest leading to fern-fringed paths that in turn lead to softer, barer earth and the black sands of one of the bestconserved calderas on the island. There is also an XL version of the route, beginning at the spring of La Llanía and passing through the bailadero de Las Brujas (the witches’ dancefloor), a spot with its own legend, and ending in the Valle de El Golfo with its colossal cliffs and the roques of Salmor.
Which aspects of volcanism on the Canary Islands will be the most surprising to visitors? The most surprising thing about these islands is that they are enormous volcanic structures that have emerged from the seabed, from depths of around 2,500 metres, and reach up to more than 3,500 metres above sea level. This means that if the ocean waters were to recede, the Canary Islands would materialise as giant mountains, more breathtaking even than the Alps. Tenerife is the third highest volcano in the world, with a total height of more than five thousand metres from its base on the seabed. What makes the Canary Islands’ volcanic nature special? From the volcanological point of view, the Canary Islands are a worldwide benchmark in the study of a volcano’s constant lifecycle, which consists of successive periods of growth and destruction. Historic eruptions have occurred on some islands of the archipelago that have left recent scars on the territory. These young volcanoes, their volcanic slag, the lava rivers and tubes constitute a major attraction for tourists, since this is something they do not have elsewhere. Another unique aspect is their antiquity, with islands such as Fuerteventura being a good twenty million years old. In other younger ones such as Gran Canaria, almost fourteen million years old, the intense erosive processes have uncovered the top part of a vast magma chamber of around eight or nine million years in the deep canyon of Tejeda. Why have you visited El Hierro on so many occasions? Which aspects would you highlight of your experience on the Islands? We are fascinated by El Hierro, the youngest of the Canary Islands, where we have explored both the ocean floor and the surface. One of the features that most impresses the visitor is the deep cavity in the island’s western flank, a veritable avalanche of volcanic debris that represents the collapse of the western part of the island over many kilometres. These collapses have occurred in all of the Canary Islands, particularly in the vast Orotava Valley, in Tenerife, where the island’s flank slid into the sea around 600,000 years ago; or in Gran Canaria, where the deposits of huge volcanic landslides are spectacular, with Roque Nublo, an eighty-metre monolith, being the only remnant of one of these avalanches generated after the collapse.
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
Discover seven islands bursting with extreme sports opportunities with the world’s best climate for year-round adventures. The Canary Islands’ open spaces and world renowned nature reserves, national parks, protected areas and ecological wonders are perfect for extreme sports enthusiasts, 365 days a year. For you.
extremespherereserve.com
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protected and award-winning territory The Canary Islands have 146 protected natural areas, representing 40% of their territory. The goal of preserving these areas involves not only the conservation of nature and cultural values; it also means contributing to the wellbeing of the Island inhabitants and of the people who visit them. Different international organisms have recognised the value of Canarian nature, distinguishing it with different designations, among them Biosphere reserves, World Heritage sites (natural and astronomical), Starlight Reserves, Biosphere Responsible Tourism or Geoparks certifications, among others.
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biosphere reserves UNESCO awarded this designation to the entire territory of five islands – Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro – to the western half of Gran Canaria and, recently, to the Anaga massif in Tenerife. The important natural, landscape and cultural values of these areas, where Man and Nature coexist in a sustainable and respectful manner, has led to this recognition by the world.
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national parks The Canaries are the Spanish Autonomous Region with the highest number of National Parks, confirming the important natural values it possesses.
Timanfaya, in Lanzarote
Garajonay, in La Gomera
El Teide, in Tenerife
The name of Fire Mountains by which this protected natural area is also known gives us an idea of what the visitor will encounter here. A vast field of lava flows and ash, materials spewed out by the volcanoes that, as they petrified, acquired whimsical shapes, cones and craters… a place where vegetation is virtually non-existent but where the different hues of the volcanic rock – reds, browns, ochres, black and orange – present a veritable spectacle to visitors’ eyes.
The mists that concentrate in this part of the island have made it possible for the laurel forests, an ensemble of different species of flora that died out millions of years ago in other latitudes, to live on in this National Park, constituting one of the best examples of this type of forest. To enter this exuberant vegetation along the network of trails that criss-crosses it is a unique sensation.
Also designated a World Natural Heritage Site, this is one of the extraordinary landscapes of the Canary Islands. The spectacle offered by the highest peak in Spain and the marvellous landscape that surrounds it is such that it has become one of the most frequented National Parks on the planet. On its summit, which you can reach via a cable car, we are overpowered by the feeling of being on the roof of the world, under an intensely blue sky. From here we can see in all its amplitude the vast caldera in whose centre stands the great volcano.
The power of volcanoes
The prehistoric forest
From the summit of a giant
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Globally significant biodiversity Its insularity, the climate, its geographical location and the volcanic origin of the archipelago are factors that have produced a rich biological diversity, with an important number of endemic species. It is estimated that almost 30% of land-based plants and animals inhabiting the Canaries are endemic and so do not exist anywhere else in the world. Furthermore, the figures are rising thanks to the discovery of new species. An important representation of Canarian flora is to be found in the Viera y Clavijo Botanic Garden, in Gran Canaria, one of the Islands’ most important scientific institutions, with considerable international reach. For its part, in Tenerife the La Orotava Acclimatisation Gardens contain important collections of tropical and subtropical plants. Among the various species of wildlife, the most numerous are those belonging to the invertebrates, followed by fish, birds, mammals and reptiles with a high number of endemic species. An important aspect is the absence of dangerous species, and so the Islands are places where we have no need to fear contact with nature.
Contadero-El Cedro La Gomera Ascent to the Teide Tenerife DIFFICULTY TYPE HIGH LINEAR
Caldera de Taburiente, in La Palma In the domain of water
In this colossal depression of vertical walls, with gradients that can be as high as 2,000 metres, there are two leading players: water and the Canary pine. Inside the Caldera, which is furrowed by numerous ravines, we find an endless number of cascades and streams that refresh us while we walk its trails enveloped in dense pine forests. This is the best way of enjoying close-up contact with this breathtaking natural space while discovering many of the species of flora and wildlife that inhabit it.
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GRADIENT 1,367 m
TIME 6h
WHEN ALL YEAR
An excursion to the summit of the Canaries
The Teide National Park can be traversed along several trails, among them this one that reaches the very summit of the volcano. The difficulty of this route lies in the gradual change in altitude, from 1,367 to 3,718 metres. The itinerary, which departs from Montaña Blanca, leads to the refuge of Altavista, where you can sleep over if you first apply for a permit. Here you can wait for sunrise before tackling the last section of the ascent, right to the Teide crater itself. The route crosses places of great geological interest such as Montaña Rajada (Split Mountain), Mina de Pómez (Pumice Mine), Huevos del Teide (Teide’s Eggs), Estancia de los Ingleses (Homestead of the English) and La Rambleta (Little Ravine).
DIFFICULTY TYPE MEDIUM LINEAR
GRADIENT 551 m
TIME 3.30 h
WHEN PUBLIC ALL YEAR TRANSPORT
In search of the prehistoric forest
Situated in the municipality of Hermigua, this route crosses a valley that captures the clouds brought in by the trade winds. This high degree of humidity increases the lushness of the area, with vegetable formations such as heather, myrtle and the laurel species. Particularly noteworthy in the Garajonay National Park is the wide variety of endemic trees such as Persea, laurel and the rain tree. The sixkilometre trek culminates in the spout of El Cedro, a natural waterfall 150 metres in height that feeds the dams of the farming valley of Hermigua all year round. The route passes a small chapel with a singular history built in 1935.
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TENERI
David Bramwell BOTANIST
The Canary Islands, a refuge for the flora of the Tertiary Period For forty years, this internationally renowned botanist has been at the head of the Canarian Viera y Clavijo Botanic Garden, among the ten most important in the world. Of British origin, he arrived on the Islands as a student and, after taking an interest in Canarian flora, was appointed to direct this centre in Gran Canaria, one of the most important scientific and informational institutions in Europe and one that is visited by thousands of people each year. He is now retired but remains associated with research into Canarian flora at the very highest level. How was your first experience on the Islands? I particularly remember the affection with which the village of Vallehermoso, in La Gomera, received our group of scientists. They sometimes saw us as some sort of extra-terrestrials… I loved the island and, together with my botanist colleagues, we explored the whole laurel forest area, which now has World Heritage status but was almost unknown to the scientific community at the time. It was so touching that I have published some of these memories in a short book: My First Explorations of the Canary Islands. What does Canarian biodiversity have that makes it unique? The case of the Canary Islands is particularly interesting because the flora dates from the Tertiary Period and has passed through different evolutionary processes on each island, giving rise to unique species
in the world, with more than 600 endemic ones. Has the Canarian climate – the best in the world – contributed to these processes? Undoubtedly. The climate, together with the configuration and relief altitude, have allowed different types of vegetation to develop: tabaibal and cardonal cactus groves – typical lowland vegetation – thermophile forests of dragon, olive, mastic and bursera, laurel forests with species such as the rain tree and the laurel, Canary pine forests, the palm groves that grow on valley and ravine floors, as well as the vegetation that grows in the peaks of some of the islands, such as the well-known Teide bugloss, in Tenerife. How would you rate your forty years as director of the Viera y Clavijo Botanic Garden? During these decades, the Canarian Garden has succeeded in positioning
itself among the ten top in the world thanks above all to the research conducted in its important labs, not to mention the germplasm bank and the herbarium. Which type of tourist visits the garden? Some take a quick tour, because the Garden is just another stop on the day’s tourist route, but there are many who come here expressly to remain several hours discovering the flora from the Islands and other regions of the world. What sets this Botanic Garden apart from others we may find elsewhere in the world? It was one of the first devoted to a local island flora. Its goals have always focused on research, conservation and environmental education, while seeking to display the different species to the public in a way that is as close as possible to the natural medium in which they grow.
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
diving in hd A spectacle of nature all year round
Dive into a real natural paradise. An underwater wonderland is waiting for you, every day of the year, ready to show you flora and fauna you’ll find nowhere else on the planet. Crystal-clear water and perfect temperatures, the ideal setting for your HD dive.
highdefinitiondiving.com
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Islands bathed by a clear blue sea If there is one thing that characterises the waters of the Atlantic Ocean that surround the Canary Islands, it is their sparkling clearness and temperature, ideal for bathing at any time of the year and for the various thalassotherapy treatments that are so beneficial for health and physical and mental wellbeing. Thus, experiencing one of the Canarian beaches is like enjoying a great outdoor spa, breathing in the pure air and feeling the sea spray, the best way of reenergising and recharging energy.
Way of Los Gracioseros Lanzarote DIFFICULTY TYPE HIGH ROUND TRIP
GRADIENT 358 m
TIME 3h
WHEN ALL YEAR
A nod to the past
This route follows the path used in former times by the inhabitants of La Graciosa to go back and forth from Lanzarote. The itinerary passes by the cliffs of Famara, in the north, with La Graciosa in view beyond the Río strait. The path over volcanic rocks, with a few slippery sections, ends at sea level, and nothing better as a reward for the effort than bathing in the blue waters. Besides the pleasure of walking, the area’s important flora and fauna is there to see, with numerous endemic and protected species.
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sun and sea in natural settings There are many solitary virgin beaches in the Canaries. Nudism is allowed on many of them, and there is barely a trace of the human imprint. Fuerteventura is a good example of this: it has Cofete, a paradise of several kilometres of golden sand surrounded by mountains and battered by the sea, or Viejo Rey beach with its white sand and blue sea for a bit of solitude. On the small island of La Graciosa (Lanzarote) we find Las Conchas, which is reached on foot or on bicycle, a good choice for switching off and lying on its white sand to enjoy the view of the islet of Alegranza, with its distinct whaleshaped outline. Güigüi beach, in Gran Canaria, can only be reached by sea or on foot after several hours of crossing the mountains, a paradise at the base of the cliffs. Benijo, in Tenerife, is another of the Island’s virgin beaches, with its dark volcanic sand. It affords marvellous views of the Roques de Anaga. La Palma and La Gomera have their own secluded beaches: Nogales and Inglés respectively, ideal for a bit of downtime on their volcanic sand.
Nor can we forget the wonderful natural pools on the Canarian archipelago, another way of enjoying a fabulous day of sun and sea. Prominent among them are the Charco Azul (the Blue Pool) and La Fajana in La Palma and La Maceta in El Hierro, with designated areas for sunbathing and facilities inconspicuous enough not to disturb the charm of the setting and natural conditions that have made the existence of these relaxing spaces possible.
Islote de Lobos islet Fuerteventura DIFFICULTY TYPE LOW LINEAR
GRADIENT 22 m
TIME 2h
WHEN ALL YEAR
Among volcanic cones
The Lobos trail, one of the bestpreserved areas on the Canary Islands, has a broad variety of attractions; from salt marshes to small volcanic cone formations called hornitos, little ovens. The route through this islet covers seven kilometres and starts at the wharf, continues to the beach of la Concha and through a salt marsh of tiny lagoons where the sea lavender grows, a plant endemic to the island. The return route goes through Puertito, an old temporary settlement for the fishermen and shellfish-gatherers who worked the area.
Freeranging marine wildlife The Islands offer innumerable immersion points where you can admire the beauty and biodiversity of the volcanic seabed. Their transparent waters provide visibility of up to thirty metres. A veritable paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts, who can discover a multitude of marine species in each of the grottoes and recesses of these intricate underwater seascapes. The waters of the Canary Islands are a refuge for numerous species of cetaceans. It is an emotional experience to watch the dolphins, pilot whales and even sperm whales, blue whales and killer whales swimming freely here.
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days for disconnecting Rural accommodation is an excellent alternative for enjoying a few days in a natural setting and in small picturesque villages. The possibilities are quite varied: from Paradores and small hotels to stately villas or old traditional houses refurbished for this purpose, not forgetting the original cave dwellings that have been painstakingly ďŹ tted out and decorated for enjoying a few unforgettable days. This comprehensive and varied accommodation oering is complemented with a wide-ranging catalogue of activities you can pursue in beautiful natural settings. So after getting up and beginning the new day while breakfasting with some exceptional views, we can decide whether to go horse or camel riding, hike in leafy forests, take a relaxing turn on a bicycle or simply take to the road in a car. Sportier and bolder people also have choices: climbing, paragliding, rope jumping, mountain biking‌ and much more.
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WIND WAVES
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Windsurfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding, surfing… on the Islands you will find numerous schools, clubs and specialised retail outlets. Thanks to these services and infrastructures you can learn at any age, whatever your level, or perfect your style. Some islands are an international benchmark in sports contests such as the Windsurf and Kiteboard World Championship. Experts, enthusiasts, the curious and the novices in the art of mastering the wind and the waves don’t want to miss out.
The ideal spot for enjoying the wind and the waves Fuerteventura, and in particular the beach of Sotavento, boasts unique conditions for the practice of windsurf and kitesurf. 31 years ago I discovered this spot with its extraordinary wind conditions and decided to settle in this wonderful corner of the world to offer high-quality nautical sporting holidays. This place is an endless white-sand space with pleasant temperatures all year round and a gorgeous lagoon with optimal conditions for these sports at all levels of competence. For 30 years, and following in from this beach, this has allowed us to organise the Windsurf and Kiteboard World Championship, which attracts the best competitors from around the world. These characteristics, combined with an excellent accommodation offering and top-level facilities providing every novelty material and accessory as well as a qualified professional service, are behind visitors’ choice of Fuerteventura as a destination for practicing windsurf and kitesurf or to set out to learning it. What’s more, there are numerous direct connections with virtually every airport in Europe, making it easy to come to this island to enjoy a well-rounded windsurfing and kitesurfing holiday.
René Egli
FOUNDER OF RENÉ EGLI GROUP
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FOTOSOTAVENTO.COM
The Canarian archipelago’s particular geography provides numerous spots with one of the most precious treasures for this kind of sport: land breezes, a strongblowing, steady land wind. Another great ally are the trade winds, which blow with varying intensity, ideal for beginners and experts. Board lovers also find unsurpassable conditions in the Canaries: crystal-clear waters, breakwaters of all types, perfect temperatures and diverse and varied swells.
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Cuisine
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Germán Blanco RESTAURATEUR
Canarian cuisine, the taste of three continents
T
he chef Germán Blanco, who originally hails from León, has become an expert connoisseur of Canarian cuisine and has won awards at important culinary competitions on several occasions. What is so special about Canarian cuisine? One of its principal characteristics is the simplicity of its traditional recipe books, which feature products from the Island sea and land. But it also possesses a unique stamp of identity thanks to the influence of other cuisines, par-
ticularly those from different parts of the Peninsula, Latin America and Africa. How has the cuisine of the Canary Islands evolved in recent years? Canarian cuisine has become more sophisticated after undergoing, like the rest of Spanish cuisine, a change in cycle in which we chefs are better trained in modernising traditional recipes through more appropriate techniques and more attractive presentations while continuing to use local produce that gives them that particular character. The Canaries currently boast major professional chefs who are excellently trained and capable of elevating this singular cuisine to the highest levels. Which is the perfect menu for tasting the most characteristic dishes and ingredients on the archipelago? This menu would have to include dishes made from papas (potatoes), mojos (marinating sauces), gofio (toasted flour), fresh or salt fish, pottage with fresh local vegetables and “country” meats such as kid, rabbit or black Canarian suckling pig, an indigenous Island breed. Naturally, this menu would not be complete without the delicious desserts that are typical on the archipelago. The cheeses from the Islands are highly prized. What is so special about them? Cheese is one of the star products in Canarian cuisine, underscored by the vast variety available in each one of the seven islands, each more delicious than the next thanks to a great extent to the quality of the milk and the artisan cheese-making processes. The result is a range of widely appreciated cheeses that win recognition and prizes in national and international contests. Together with cheese, wine is another wellrecognised product from the Canary Islands. What are its distinguishing properties? Wine is certainly another essential product in Canarian cuisine because of its excellence. The diversity of microclimates and the specific features of the volcanic soil make the wines from the Canary Islands unique. They are clean, fresh wines, very pleasant on the palate. Lastly, what do you recommend we should taste in the Canary Islands? You can taste the Islands as soon as you step on them. The people, traditions, landscapes, climate… and a cuisine that is increasingly gaining top appreciation by the most demanding palates.
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Cuisine Wrinkly potatoes with coriander mojo Recipe provided by Germán Blanco
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Kg of Canarian potatoes for wrinkling • 300 gr of sea salt • A piece of lemon • Water PREPARATION OF THE POTATOES
Wash the potatoes, cover in the salted water and bring them to the boil – they can be covered with a tea towel. Parboil them for 15 minutes, drain and dry them off on the hob in the same pan. Place the potatoes on a serving dish – they can be served warm or cold – and cover in the coriander mojo sauce.
Coriander 'mojo' INGREDIENTS
• 1 handful of coriander leaves • 1 garlic clove • ½ a green pepper • 1 tsp of cumin seeds • Sea salt • Wine vinegar • Light oil PREPARATION
1. Mash up all the ingredients with a pestle and mortar 2. Drizzle in the oil a little at a time until the sauce has thickened. 3. Add a little vinegar just before serving.
Watercress pottage
Potatoes and sweet potatoes These tubers form part of traditional Canarian cuisine, an essential ingredient in stews and soups. Sweet potato is also used in confectionery; for example in making truchas (a typical Christmas sweet).
Cumin Widely used in Canarian cuisine, this spice is used in mashed sauces. Also in mojos and fish, both ground and as whole grains. Coriander The use of these leaves is very popular in the Canaries to give flavour to broths, pottage… and to make the green mojo that accompanies both potatoes and fish or meat.
Watercress Another star of Canarian cuisine, the basis for pottages although also used for creamy sauces, salads and soups.
Recipe provided by Germán Blanco
INGREDIENTS
• 400 gr of watercress • 200 gr of white beans • 500 gr of potatoes • 1 corn cob • 100 gr of onion • 80 gr of tomato • 2 garlic cloves • 80 gr of green pepper • Oil • Salt • Any kind of pork meat (optional) • Saffron and cumin
PREPARATION
1. Put the beans to soak the night before. 2. In a saucepan gently fry the garlic, green pepper and onion. Add a pinch of saffron and cumin, add the beans and cover with water or chicken stock. Simmer for 30 minutes. 3. Peel and add the potatoes cut into cubes, together with the corn cob, and cook for another 25 minutes until the potatoes are soft. 4. Add well-cleaned watercress and a drizzle of olive oil (at this point you can add pieces of pork meat). 5. Season with salt and leave it to rest for 15 minutes away from the heat.
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
There are beaches with waves and then there are beaches with world class waves. There are windy spots and then there are places with non-stop, year-round wind. And there are nice climates and then there’s the best climate in the world, in a place where the weather will never, ever hold you back. There are a lot of ways to surf, but there’s only one you can enjoy every day, all year: The Canary Way of Surf.
thecanarywayofsurf.com
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e t o r a z Lan Visitors to this Biosphere Reserve island are struck by landscapes that appear to be otherworldly. Extensive fields of volcanoes and lava, such as those found in the Timanfaya National Park where the variously hued rocks take centre stage. Lanzarote also bears the stamp of the exceptional artist César Manrique, who like no other artist succeeded in combining the creation of spaces and respect for nature, a harmony revealed in its full splendour in one of the most visited places on the island: the Jameos del Agua. Sun-drenched beaches, an ensemble of islets with Marine Reserve designation, marinas and a comprehensive offering of tourist services and accommodation all make for an unforgettable experience on this island.
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volcanoes
The power of the
Timanfaya, also known as the Mountains of Fire, is a clear example of the power of nature. It is in this place, with its lunar aspect, where we can appreciate the power of the volcanoes and feel the magnetism of a harsh, arid, wild earth… in colours that range from red and orange hues to brown, ochre and black. Inside the National Park, visiting the fourteen-kilometre section of the “Volcano Route” is an awe-inspiring experience, even more so for those who decide to climb the south slope of the Timanfaya Mountain on the back of a camel. The subsoil of this enigmatic place is still alive and proof of this is that in some areas, such as the Islote de Hilario islet, unusual temperatures can be reached that encompass the surface and whose effects are displayed to visitors at the famous geysers or by cooking food with the earth’s natural heat. In the Central part of Lanzarote we find another of the attractive volcanic landscapes on the island, La Geria, where farmers have developed a technique that enables them to grow vines on the black volcanic earth, thus creating a truly unique landscape. Malvasía grape is predominant here, a variety that makes Lanzarote wine very special. They bear the Designation of Origin stamp and can be tasted in some of the area’s wineries.
Timanfaya National Park
La Geria
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e Lanzarot
Beaches
to suit all tastes
Lanzarote boasts beaches that meet every taste. One of the best-known for its extraordinary beauty is Papagayo, a small white-sand, shellshaped cove bathed by calm emerald waters, ideal for children and for snorkelling. Another paradise in which to spend a peaceful day of sun and sea is the small island of La Graciosa which, in its barely 30 square kilometres, has almost solitary beaches – such as La Concha or La Francesa – where the human imprint is virtually absent. In fact, the streets of this Natural Park situated a short twenty-minute boat ride from Órzola, to the north of Lanzarote, have been left unpaved and so cycling on one of the bicycles for hire on the island is a highly recommended activity. From the white sand of its beaches you obtain extraordinary views of other islets in the Chínijo archipelago to which it belongs, and of the imposing Famara Cliffs on Lanzarote. But on this island you can also find other kinds of more popular and lively beaches such as those of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise, fitted out with every facility and with a comprehensive offering of accommodation, leisure, restaurants and shopping on its streets and shopping centres. There is no lack of marinas such as Puerto Calero, Marina Rubicón and Marina Lanzarote, which provide every kind of service for recreational boats.
Famara Beach
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Costa Teguise
Puerto del Carmen
La Graciosa
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Jameos del Agua
A place where
Man and Nature go hand in hand
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La Graciosa from the Mirador del Río lookout
For decades, Lanzarote has been implementing a model of sustainable development that has given priority to respect for the island’s natural environment. For this it has become the first worldwide destination to obtain Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification. Harmony between human activity and nature, an achievement in which César Manrique had a hand. He is the most universal Lanzarote native, a brilliant, multifaceted artist who contributed to winning the Biosphere Reserve recognition for the island. The islanders have
made this environmental awareness their own, and this is even obvious in the immaculate appearance of the typical Lanzarote houses. Two of the greatest exponents of this exemplary harmony captured by Manrique are in the Jameos del Agua and the Mirador del Río. The former is located in the volcanic tunnel caused after the eruption of the Corona Volcano and is probably one of the most visited tourists centres on the island. Prominent in its interior is a natural lake populated with endemic species
such as the famous blind crab, a rare whitish-coloured creature that is unique in the world, and the spectacular Auditorium. Very near to this attractive enclave is the Cueva de los Verdes cave, a kilometre of superposed, interconnected galleries with a startling range of colours adorning the vaults and walls of the grotto. The Mirador del Río lookout, for its part, is perfectly integrated into the landscape, a breathtaking vantage point situated above the steep coastal cliffs, with some of the most spectacular views of the Chinijo archipelago.
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Villages
among lava and volcanoes
A tour of the island visiting the different villages that dot this land of volcanoes is truly an experience. One of the most picturesque is El Golfo, a fishermen’s village where you can enjoy delicious fresh fish and the only township in the Volcanoes Natural Park. Near to it is the famous Charco de los Clicos (Clicos Pool) or Charco Verde (Green Pool), so called for the colour of its water, a place that
inspires legends and films such as Broken Embraces by the Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. The lagoon, which is separated from the sea by a sandy beach, is situated inside a crater that opens on to the sea, to which it is connected via underground crevices through which the seawater rises. Other towns in Lanzarote also merit a leisurely visit. This is the case with Yaiza, with its meticulous traditional architecture; or the historic-artistic architectural ensemble of Teguise, with its traditional noble and stately houses built on narrow cobbled streets, its traditional street market or the bars in which you can taste the typical dishes of Canarian cuisine. To the north, Haría offers the greenest vision of the island. Not surprisingly, it is also known as the Valley of the Thousand Palms.
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sporting
A European
destination
Running, cycling, hiking, golfing, swimming, scuba diving, sailing, sports fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, power boating‌ There is no sporting activity without its own space on Lanzarote at any time of the year. The long, sunny days attract sportspeople from around Europe, who choose the island to train in an exceptional setting, particularly in the winter months when temperatures on the continent prevent outdoor physical exercise. A comprehensive sports offering accompanied by ample choice in accommodation and activities. A clear example of Lanzarote as a benchmark sporting scene is the staging of Ironman, one of the toughest triathlon contests held in a limited number of unique scenarios around the world, with Lanzarote being a worldwide standard thanks to its long experience. It is also one of the most demanding venues.
Yaiza
Clicos Pool
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a r u t n e v e t r e Fu If there is one thing that characterises this Canarian island it is its beaches. Almost 150 kilometres of white sand and turquoise waters where you can rest, sun and sea bathe, switch o, forget every source of stress and charge up with renewed energy.
They are also the best beaches for practicing all kinds of aquatic sports, prominent among them windsurďŹ ng. As well as beautiful beaches, it boasts places that are well worth discovering, such as the Islote de Lobos islet, its ancient villages or the traditional coastal villages where you can taste fresh seafood.
Playa Barca
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150 km of beaches from which to choose
Fuerteventura is unadulterated sand and sea. Extensive beaches or small solitary coves, some of them completely virgin and wild, others inviting and safe for the whole family… a comprehensive offering from which to choose. In the Jandía peninsula, the endless Sotavento (Leeward) Beaches have some of the most popular and famed bathing areas: Morro Jable and El Matorral, Playa Esmeralda or Playa Barca. In the windward area is the impressive Cofete beach, several kilometres of solitude where the Atlantic batters the coastline. In the north, the surprising Grandes Playas (Great Beaches) and the vast Coralejo dune field or the more familiar El Cotillo beaches such as La Concha, with its calm water thanks to the presence of a natural horseshoe-shaped reef. In any of them, the experience of lying in the sun on the sand and bathing in this turquoise sea gives a different flavour to life.
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t Fuerteven
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Flying waves over the
Some of the island’s areas possess unbeatable conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, both for those who are starting out and practice these sports through specialised schools and companies that offer courses and rental of all the necessaries and for more experienced sportspeople. In fact, the Windsurf and Kiteboard World Championship is staged each year on the beaches of Jandía, which attracts elite sportspeople from many countries. Morro Velosa Lookout
Raw nature under
clean skies
Fuerteventura is the second most extensive island of the Canaries and its austere landscape, which transmits a huge feeling of quietude and relaxation, is the best antidote to recover from our busy daily life. This island, designated a Biosphere Reserve, possesses thirteen natural protected spaces, from badlands to vast dune fields populated by endemic species. The passage of time has modelled the volcanic landscape and turned the island into a territory of gentle hills, although the presence of singular elements such as volcanic cones and blades can still be seen. From the famous Morro Velosa Lookout designed by the great Canarian artist César Manrique you can obtain a spectacular vista of the Fuerteventura landscape. In the Llano Cave you can enter into the depths of the earth and learn about the formation of this extensive lava tube and the island. If you raise your eyes to the sky, you will understand why Fuerteventura has also been designated a Starlight Reserve.
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Islote de Lobos islet
a refuge of peace and privacy
Only two kilometres to the northeast of Fuerteventura is the Islote de Lobos, a tiny uninhabited island of just over four square kilometres that was designated a Natural Park for its important values, as it is home to highly valuable habitats containing various endemic species of plants and birds. The islet had already been visited by the ancient Romans, as demonstrated by the remains of a seasonal settlement. It is a wonderful experience to enjoy a day on the beach of La Concha or El Puertito or to stroll along some of the paths that crisscross this deeply peaceful island.
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Natural Park of Islote de Lobos
Flavour and tradition The island retains its traditional ďŹ shing villages where it is still possible to enjoy fresh products freshly caught with artisan techniques. Charming spots in which to try the typical cuisine, which of course includes the famous island cheeses. This product, which boasts the Designation of Origin seal and has won national and international recognition, is made in a time-honoured way with milk from goats who are allowed to freely graze, a traditional cheese-making process that we can view when we visit one of the farms. In the Salt and Salt Mines Museum of El Carmen, which is very close to the tourist spot of Caleta de Fuste, we will discover aspects of the culture generated around the production and use of foam salt.
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Betancuria
Entertainment, day and night
In the coastal areas, next to the best beaches, we find tourist sports with a varied accommodation offering. As well as a vast array of activities associated with the sea – nautical sports, scuba diving, observation of cetaceans or fishing – these tourist centres are great for shopping or eating in restaurants of every description while also offering a lively nightlife.
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Learn about its
history and art
Fuerteventura, the first island to be conquered, retains interesting examples of architecture and other arts in its ancient villages. Betancuria, the earliest of the archipelago’s capitals, was founded in 1404 by Jean de Bethencourt, a Norman conqueror at the service of the Crown of Castile. Its historic-artistic heritage has Historic Site status, and the island’s patron saint can be found in the chapel of Our Lady of La Peña. Other buildings of interest on the island are the Casa de los Coroneles, the Colonels’ House, and the churches of Tuineje and Pájara. In these two last villages, as well as in Betancuria, you can find examples of the Gothic-Norman style mixed with Mudéjar, Renaissance and even Baroque features. You can learn about the island’s curious pre-Hispanic history in the Archaeological Museum and in the Interpretation Centre of the Atalayita Settlement. The Tindaya mountain conserves podomorphic engravings in its summit, made by the aboriginals who used it as a sacred place of worship.
Barranco de las Peñit
as ravine
Tuineje
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tourist
A complete
destination
Gran Canaria has long experience as a sun and sea destination. This is why its main tourist centres have everything the visitor could wish for at any time of the year: an excellent climate; wonderful beaches that are ideal for bathing, aquatic sports and repose; immersion spots for scuba diving; a comprehensive accommodation offering from luxury hotels and resorts to villas and small apartments; a vast array of leisure activities – from having fun in an amusement park to viewing the seabed from a submarine – and cultural activities for every taste and age; not to mention the golf courses and wide choice for relaxing in spas and wellness centres of the very highest standard.
Maspalomas dunes and beach
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a i r a n a C n a r G Also known as a “continent in miniature”, Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts comprising wonderful beaches, volcanic landscapes, huge, deep ravines, valleys, Canary pine forests… But also tourist hotspots where visitors can choose from a broad offering of hotels and resorts. Its capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has the highest population of all the archipelago’s towns, a cosmopolitan city offering numerous possibilities for leisure and culture and boasting a veritable jewel: the Beach of Las Canteras. The western half of the island is a Biosphere Reserve, an extensive area that is ideal for hiking and nature sports practiced in extraordinary landscapes.
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Beaches
a wide range of services
The best-known and most visited beaches of Gran Canaria are in the principal tourist hotspots in the south of the island. This is the case with the sweeping beach of Maspalomas-Playa del Inglés, several kilometres of fine blond sand with every service at the user’s disposal: kiosks for drinks and snacks, hire of deckchairs and parasols, jet skis and pedalos… and where we can also take pleasure in the beautiful dune field and the saltwater lake known as La Charca, a protected natural space. The Maspalomas lighthouse leads to a bustling avenue that ends in another beach, Meloneras, and following the coastline westwards we find numerous beaches, the best of which are Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico, Amadores and Mogán. In this last village, tourist accommodation and the welcoming marina coexist with the traditional atmosphere of a fishing village. Nothing like enjoying fresh fish and other typical Canarian products in one of the terraces while we sit back and watch a wonderful sunset or stroll around the narrow streets between picturesque, flower-bedecked houses. At the other end of Gran Canaria, to the north, is one of the best urban beaches in Europe: Las Canteras Beach. Situated in the heart of the island’s capital, its more than three kilometres of golden sand are bathed by calm waters thanks to a natural volcanic barrier that protects it from the Atlantic swells. The beach is edged by an animated avenue, perfect for a relaxing stroll, always full of life day or night all year round thanks to the terraces and restaurants that welcome islanders and visitors alike, enjoying the trendy establishments while having a drink and listening to live music.
Playa del Inglés beach
Roque Bentayga
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
A modern and cosmopolitan city
The island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the most populous city of the Canary Island and welcomes travellers from different parts of the world, giving it its cosmopolitan character and its mix of cultures. It still conserves a historic centre, Vegueta, from where it grew to become the largest city on the archipelago. Here we find delightful corners and monuments of great historic and artistic value such as the
cathedral and square of Santa Ana or the Council Houses (Casas Consistoriales). Another must is Columbus House and the Canarian Museum, or taking a walk around the cobbled streets, stopping to have a bite in one of its restaurants or small bars, which are also at the centre of an intense nightlife. Other important buildings in this part of the city are the Pérez Galdós Theatre, the stage for important cultural events, or the Centro
Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM). As well as culture and leisure, the oldest part of town also offers, in calle Mayor de Triana, a large open retail area for every kind of shopping. An interesting stop on the way to the other end of the city is the Pueblo Canario, the Canarian Village, a complex inspired in traditional Canarian architecture conceived as a tourist attraction. This complex houses the Museum displaying the work of Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre, one of the most widely recognised Canarian painters and the principal exponent of Modernism on the Islands. In the vicinity of Las Canteras Beach you will also find interesting museums, such as the Elder Science and Technology Museum situated in Santa Catalina Park.
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Quiet Villages laden with culture and tradition
Osorio
In Gran Canaria you can also enjoy the peace of the inland villages where life is lived more slowly. An example is the pretty village of Teror with its magnificent basilica and the square featuring the typical balconies of Canarian architecture. The historic centre of Agüímes, in the southeast, is also very attractive to visitors; the Parish church of San Sebastián, erected in stone, and the well-preserved, peaceful cobbled streets make us forget our busy daily lives. This village shares with Ingenio one of the most beautiful and extensive ravines on the island, the Guayadeque, a space given protected status for its natural and archaeological values and numerous caves that were used by the aboriginals. Along this ravine we find restaurants excavated from the rock and offering the excellent meat of the black pig, a local Island breed. In the northern route, Arucas merits a halt for an unhurried visit. The centre of this small town is listed as having historic-artistic interest thanks above all to the conspicuous Parish Church of San Juan Bautista. Another place of interest is the Arehucas rum factory, founded in 1884 and a veritable symbol of the island. On this same route, heading west, is the fishing village of Agaete, a great spot for delicious fresh fish and typical Canarian dishes after a refreshing bath in the natural pools. From this village, watch the beautiful sunsets behind the breathtaking cliffs dropping down to the sea and crowned by the Tamadaba Natural Park, one of the bestpreserved Canary pine forests in the Canaries. In the heart of the Agaete Valley, the source of a scant but unique production of coffee, a variety that is no longer grown in most coffee-producing countries, is an important archaeological site, Maipés, where the ancient island dwellers used a volcanic flow for burying their dead. In this northern façade of the island, in the municipality of Gáldar, is the Cueva Pintada Archaeological Museum and Park, boasting an exceptional example of the mural paintings made by the ancient Canarians. Here we also discover a pre-Hispanic settlement with more than fifty houses and artificial caves.
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Agüimes
Maspalomas Dunes
Agaete
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Roque Nublo
Teror
Las Ni単as Dam
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Almost virgin
natural spaces
The western half of Gran Canaria is a Biosphere Reserve, which includes the island’s symbol: the Roque Nublo, a huge monolith of volcanic origin eighty metres in height standing in the centre of the island terrain. The base of this great basalt rock can be reached on foot via a pleasant, easy path, a highly-recommended experience because from here you can also see the other emblematic roque on the island, the Bentayga, and the awe-inspiring landscape of the spectacular Tejeda caldera with its precipitous ravines. Gran Canaria boasts an exhaustive network of trails of differing degrees of difficulty to enjoy contact with nature. These trails run through Canary pine forests and ravines, border large freshwater reservoirs, climb mountains, cross lava flows… and go through some lovely villages such as Artenara, Tejeda, Fataga or Santa Lucía de Tirajana, among others. Here you can recover your strength and allow yourself the pleasure of sweetening your palate with the well-known handmade almond confectionery. A few kilometres from the village of Tejeda is the Cruz de Tejeda Parador, an enchanting hotel with impressive views surrounded by nature. In this virtually virgin territory it is also possible to stay overnight in one of the welcoming, well-equipped rural houses, many of them excavated from the rock. They are normally complemented by a variety of activities and sports such as horse riding, cycling, climbing or hiking, among others.
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e f i r e Ten Tenerife is the largest island in the Canarian archipelago and a complete tourist destination. Here we find the great Teide volcano, the highest peak in Spain and a World Natural Heritage Site. With a broad offering to choose from, this is a place where holiday time goes by in a flash because boredom is impossible: from enjoying a day at the beach or walking through the woods, ravines or along cliffs to taking a cultural tour through its historic centres and museums, having fun in one of its leisure parks or going shopping as well as practising all kinds of sports such as golf, for example. All of this, together with high-quality accommodation facilities, make this island an ideal place for resting and switching off from routine.
Teide National Park
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Tenerife
La Tejita
El Duque Beach
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Beaches
of every colour
The main beaches in Tenerife are located in the tourist hotspots of the south, an extensive coastal strip boasting the beaches of Las Américas, Los Cristianos, Torviscas, Fañabé or Las Vistas, with its activity-filled seaside promenade, the largest barrier-free pedestrian zone in Europe. These beaches, with their calm waters and fine golden sand, are surrounded by all types of facilities and a lively atmosphere, with a variety of choices for leisure and nautical activities.
Also in the south we find El Médano, a small tourist town with a beach of the same name, two kilometres in length and with golden sand. Ideal for practising windsurf, here stands a unique volcanic cone, Montaña Roja, the Red Mountain, of high environmental value. Next to it is La Tejita, a peaceful beach isolated from the urban setting. To the west, in the small tourist centre of Puerto Santiago, is La Arena. Also meriting a visit is the black-sand beach of Los Guíos, also known as Argel, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the breathtaking cliffs of Los Gigantes. Very close to the island’s capital, only seven kilometres from the urban centre, is the popular beach of Las Teresitas, an ideal spot for a family day out. Also very close is San Andrés, a small fishing town whose restaurants serve tasty fish or seafood menus prepared in the traditional Canarian manner. Another must on this northern route is Puerto de la Cruz with its spectacular Martiánez Lake, a collection of natural pools designed by the Canarian artist César Manrique.
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Tenerife
La Orotava
History
and modernity
Tenerife has its own centres of artistic and architectural interest. This is the case with San Cristóbal de La Laguna, whose historic centre is listed as a Cultural Asset and a World Heritage Site. The serenity of its streets and buildings coexists with an intense student life, for here is the Canaries’ oldest university as well as numerous and lively bars and trendy establishments. Another important centre is Villa de La Orotava, a historic-artistic complex that is well worth a visit. In June, during the feast of Corpus Cristi, its inhabitants make wonderful carpets from flowers and coloured volcanic sand. If we follow this northern route on the island, we cannot miss out on Puerto de la Cruz, designated a historic-artistic site. The city is an important tourist centre, one of Europe’s pioneering destinations. It also boasts a charming fishermen’s
quarter and the Botanic Garden created in the 17th century to acclimatise vegetable species brought from all corners of the world. Icod de los Vinos, with its interesting civil and religious architecture, stands out particularly for the huge millennium-old dragon tree, a unique species endemic to Macaronesia. Near Icod is Garachico, a coastal town buried in 1706 by a violent volcanic eruption that re-emerged from the disaster to become an enchanting village where the lava flows have modelled distinctive natural pools along its coastline. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, historic buildings and pedestrian streets mingle with shops and restaurants for an enjoyable and restorative shopping day. The city is an invitation to taking a stroll along its boulevards or relaxing in pleasant settings such as García Sanabria Park, a veritable green lung for the city where different types of vegetation blend in with fountains, arbours and groups of sculpture. It also has an important cultural offering in museums such as Naturaleza y el Hombre or Tenerife Espacio de las Artes as well as spectacles of every kind in the magnificent Auditorium building situated on the city’s maritime façade.
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Cetaceans swimming free
On the island we can enjoy a varied cuisine, from typical Canarian cooking in one of the modest eateries or “guachinches” to the most cutting-edge cuisine in more luxurious restaurants. Prominent among the dishes are meats, particularly rabbit and pork, prepared in the traditional manner; and fresh fish such as vieja, served as a stew accompanied by a good mojo sauce and the wrinkled “black potatoes” that are typical of the island.
A
different plan
every day
Tenerife also offers the possibility of enjoying a day out in one of the leisure parks, particularly Siam Park, one of the best aquatic parks in the world and the largest in Europe, with slides of up to 28 metres in height and exuberant vegetation… a paradise, especially for children, where the whole family will spend an unforgettable day. And if you like animals, a visit to Loro Parque will give you a unique opportunity to observe them in a setting that has reproduced their natural habitat as faithfully as possible: an iceberg with more than two hundred penguins, the spectacle of orcas and dolphins, sea lions and parrots, or birds flying free to meet the visitors, who feed them from their hand. Another of Tenerife’s great attractions is the possibility of observing different cetacean species such as blue whales and orcas swimming free in the ocean waters. The island’s southwest coast is an outstanding spot for sightings, for it attracts colonies of pilot whales and dolphins living here all year round, making this island one of the few places in the world where they can be seen in such proximity to the coast.
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Tenerife
Masca
Los Gigantes cliffs
Loro Parque
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Teno Rural Park
Kayaking
landscapes Endless
There are many natural spaces to enjoy on this island, but undoubtedly the Teide National Park stands out above all the rest. Not surprisingly, it is the most visited National Park in the country and was among the ten most visited in the world in 2014, for no-one wants to miss out on a view of this majestic volcano, a World Natural Heritage Site which visitors can ascend thanks to the cable car that reaches the summit of Spain’s highest peak. But if the volcano is awe-inspiring, the same can be said of the spectacular landscape that surrounds it. Visitors can cross it along some of the purposebuilt trails. The Visitor Centre provides all the necessary information on the setting as well as displaying the park’s geological history. Surrounding this volcanic landscape is the Parque Natural de la Corona Forestal, the Forest Crown Natural Park, a dense forest of Canary pine and other species that extends over the mountains, valleys and ravines of the north and south of the island. In the far northeastern part is another jewel of island nature, the Anaga massif which has recently been designated a Biosphere Reserve thanks to its exceptional natural and cultural values. Through its network of paths we can enjoy different settings, from the rain forest comprised of laurel species in the summit to the cardonal cactus groves on the coast. Dotting this rich countryside are typical Canarian farms that hold an important cultural legacy. To the northwest we find the Teno Rural Park, another mountainous massif of great natural wealth and beauty that enjoys special protection for birds. The west coast of the island is the place to enjoy a gorgeous sunset while viewing the breathtaking cliffs of Los Gigantes, their vertical walls falling into the ocean from heights of up to six hundred metres.
golfing A
destination
Tenerife is a great place for practising any outdoor sport. Prominent among them is golf, for this island possesses numerous first-rate facilities, with courses designed by worldclass professionals, with views of the great Teide volcano or the sea and where players have everything they need to fully enjoy their favourite sport every day of the year.
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Garajonay National Park
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a r e m o La G One of the greatest charms of this island, the second smallest in the archipelago, is its intricate terrain where nature manifests its full splendour and culminates in its greatest jewel: the magnificent laurel forest of Garajonay, designated a National Park and a World Natural Heritage Site. This Biosphere Reserve island is the perfect place for hiking enthusiasts, with its more than six hundred kilometres of trails, and for anyone who wishes to enjoy almost-intact natural environments. Also known as the Columbian island for having been the last port from which Christopher Columbus departed on his route to America, life is an unhurried affair in the small farmsteads that dot the land. Here the “Gomera silbo” still survives, an ancestral form of whistling communication. Garajonay National Park, also designated a World Natural Heritage Site, conceals a treasure: the lush forest of El Cedro, a veritable living fossil, a relic of the subtropical forests that covered a good part of Europe and northern Africa millions of years ago. Walking along one of the trails of this natural marvel, which is almost always enveloped in a sea of cloud, and discovering the corners of this millenniumold ghostly forest while listening to the sound of the water flowing in its streams and the song of the birds that inhabit it, such as the laurel pigeons, is a truly thrilling experience.
The best display of
laurel forest in the world
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a La Gomer
Spectacular landscapes
between trails and from exceptional vantage points La Gomera has several protected natural spaces included in the Biosphere Reserve status awarded to the island as a whole. This gives us an idea of the wealth and value of its landscapes, such as the yawning ravines where painstakingly tilled terraced farmland has been cut into the slopes, creating a wild perspective of great cultural and environmental value. This island also offers a comprehensive range of rural accommodation equipped with every convenience. Prominent in the Rural Park of Valle Gran Rey is the perfect coexistence of human activity and the natural environment, beautiful palm groves together with traditional architecture and farming terraces. The Palmarejo lookout, the work of the Lanzarote artist CĂŠsar Manrique, is a vantage point from which we can contemplate one of the most spectacular examples of rural Gomera landscape. Other unique landmarks in the untamed landscape of this island is the Natural Monument of Los Roques from which the Agando stands out, a stone giant that erosion has gradually formed over millions of years.
Los Roques lookout
La Fortaleza is an imposing mass of rock visible from the Igualero lookout. Another of the vantage points that dot the island is the Alto de Garajonay, the highest point from which on clear days one can see La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and, exceptionally, Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, the Abrante lookout gives one the feeling of flying over Agulo, a picturesque village with the Teide as its backdrop.
Views of the Teide from Agulo
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Alto de Garajonay lookout
Vallehermoso
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sea A
that leaves an imprint
The Los Órganos Natural Monument can only be accessed by boat and is only visible from the sea but is certainly worth it: a cliff formed from volcanic rock that cooled and was then eroded, giving it the characteristic outline of organ tubes falling vertically into the sea. Another essential excursion in these ocean waters to the south of the island is the sighting of cetaceans, a unique opportunity to observe the tropical pilot whales or groups of dolphins that have chosen these waters to live in all year in complete freedom.
Los Órganos Natural Monument
Beach of El Inglés
And after all this action, you will probably feel like enjoying a pleasant and relaxing day on one of the island’s beaches, which are all characterised by the dark colour of the sand and their transparent water. One of them is Santiago Beach situated in the south, in an area enlivened by restaurants and shops. Valle Gran Rey also has a tourist hotspot with all the facilities a visitor may require. Noteworthy in this area is the beach of La Calera, the largest in the municipality and located in a semi-urban setting, and Vueltas, a sheltered beach with no currents situated in the port facilities. In contrast to these busier beaches we must mention El Inglés, a lovely isolated cove that is ideal for nudists. Precaution should be used when entering the water here. In the island’s capital we find the solitary beach of Avalo, surrounded by one of the most beautiful palm groves in La Gomera, and San Sebastián beach next to the capital’s historic port.
El Cedro forest
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Sighting of cetace
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Hermigua
Ancestral
traditions
La Gomera conserves one of the most peculiar traditions of the Canary Islands, the “silbo gomero”, designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is an ancestral form of communication that still survives and is used on the island since time immemorial to exchange messages over long distances through a whistled language. Also noteworthy are the crafts, particularly the ceramic made by artisans with techniques inherited from the aboriginals. The cuisine, in turn, in addition to the typical Canarian dishes, has its own original recipes such as almogrote – a kind of intensely flavoured pâté whose main ingredient is
cheese, the great variety and quality of the sweets – biscuits, butter pastries, etc., the wine with its own Designation of Origin or the palm honey made from the sap (called guarapo) of the Canary palm. The folklore also retains its original features on La Gomera, with exclusive traditions such as the drum dance, which is unique in the Hispanic world and consists of an ancestral chant and dance. Also playing a role in this dance are the chácaras, percussion instruments that are tied to each hand and produce a very strange sound. These and other dances in the island folklore emerged from the pilgrimages held in different points of the island, such as the festivals in honour of Our Lady of Candelaria in Chipude, Saint Rose of Lima in Las Rosas and Our Lady of Lourdes in El Cedro.
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a m l a La P They call it “La Isla Bonita�, the pretty island, for the intense green of its lush forests crisscrossed by charming trails, one of which runs through one of its greatest treasures: the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The greenery contrasts with the volcanic landscapes, many of which emerged from the eruptions occurred in the nineteen-seventies. A peaceful, rural island designated a Biosphere Reserve, it has its own particular and very comely traditional architecture. Its sky is exceptionally good for stargazing, which is why it was designated a Starlight Reserve. One of the best astrophysics observatories on the planet is located on its summits.
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The island of
leafy forests
The magnificent landscape of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park is perfect for hiking through the Canary pine woods while listening to the pervading birdsong or to the whispering air when it encounters the branches of the trees. Here we delight in the spectacular landscape of breathtaking walls that surround us and strike us with awe. The Caldera possesses innumerable unique spots that leave no-one unmoved. To reach the bed of a ravine after a hike and to dip into the refreshing, crystal-clear waters of the streams in an extraordinary virgin environment is an experience you will never forget. Not surprisingly, water is one of the leading players in this space. If you are in good physical shape, don’t miss out on the trail leading to the wellknown “Coloured Cascade” where the iron-rich water falling down the wall has left imprinted on the rock a palette of ochre, orange and green colours. But if walking is not on your agenda, from the Cumbrecita lookout you can view this Caldera of colossal dimensions in all its greatness. Another island jewel is Los Tilos, one of the most important laurel forests in the world, for these species from the Tertiary Period no longer exist in other spots on the planet where they had extended their growth. The cool humid atmosphere caused by the enveloping mists while we walk along one of the paths among the exuberant vegetation takes us to a place that appears to be under a spell.
Las Brujas lookout
Los Tilos forest
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La Palma
The Volcano Route
The
hiking
paradise
La Palma is covered in a perfectly signposted onethousand-kilometre-long network of trails which take advantage of the traditional paths used for centuries by the island’s inhabitants. A veritable paradise for those who enjoy nature by walking in the different landscapes and climates, from the summits at an altitude of more than two thousand metres down to the coast. One of these paths is the Volcano Route. From its highest point you can see the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and Tenerife on a clear day. An important channel of communication
between the island’s regions in the past, it is today considered one of the most beautiful on the planet for its many attractions, prominent among which is the spectacle offered by the contrast of the green pines with the dark volcanic earth in which they grow. These paths also take us through spectacular earth and lava landscapes created by the most recent volcanic activity on the Canarian archipelago. This is the case with the TeneguĂa volcano, which emerged from the last land-based eruption to take place in Spain in 1971. Furthermore, in this municipality of Fuencaliente, in the south of the island, we find the well-known salt pans. These facilities show us the entire salt-production process and offer us the possibility of acquiring as a souvenir a little bag of this natural, high-quality salt.
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The unique experience of
stargazing
At an altitude of 2,420 metres and on the edge of the Caldera de Taburiente is the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory where scientists from around the world observe the universe through the best telescopes on the planet. The choice of La Palma for locating this astrophysics centre equipped with the latest technology is no coincidence. The island’s clear, protected skies offer unsurpassable conditions for astronomic observation, qualities that have won it the Starlight Reserve distinction. No matter that we are not experts: in La Palma we can all enjoy our marvellous and infinite dome of stars by hiring night-time guided tours or an observation session from one of the spectacular vantage points.
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La Palma Volcanic sand
beaches
On La Palma you can also enjoy sunshine and sea, both on popular beaches and on other, more peaceful, virtually deserted ones, all of them with dark volcanic sand. One of the best-known is Puerto Naos, located in a lively tourist centre with hotels, restaurants and leisure establishments, where you can do numerous activities such as scuba diving and paragliding as well as relaxing on the beach. Also well-known are the wide beaches of Los Cancajos, with a varied accommodation, retail and leisure offering. Here, dark lava flows run into the sea, creating a spectacular landscape. In Los Llanos de Aridane we find the Charco Verde, the Green Pool, the cove where an old thermal water spring is located that was used for medicinal purposes in the past. In Tazacorte we can enjoy the sea on Los Guirres beach, also known as the Volcano, where you can practise aquatic sports, while in Fuencaliente we can relax on the beautiful Zamora beach. Situated in a rustic, isolated area, Nogales beach in Puntallana can be accessed on foot along a well-surfaced path that borders the cliff, but special care should be taken when bathing given the sudden changes in water depth and the strong currents. Natural pools offer another way of enjoying the sunshine and sea. In La Palma the Charco Azul pools are very popular, consisting of a large pool, a children’s pool and one called “Charco de las Damas”, the Ladies’ Pool, which has been fitted out for sunbathing and with other facilities. Also well-known is the three-pool complex of La Fajana, all of them equipped for bathing and with a specific one for children, where we can also enjoy facilities such as restaurants, toilets, showers and changing rooms.
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Nogales Beach
Genuine
products
Pool in San AndrĂŠs y Sauces
The Dance of the Dwarves
Enjoying the island’s particular cuisine is a highly appealing experience. Shopping can also form part of a relaxing day; the famous almendrados, made from almonds and a special touch of cinnamon and lemon zest, make a great souvenir to take home with you. The same can be said of the delicious wines with Designation of Origin, obtained from grape varieties that disappeared from other European regions centuries ago. Another delicacy are the cheeses, particularly the smoked ones: pleasant on the palate, they are traditionally made from goat’s milk. The reputation of the artisan tobacco industry also transcends borders thanks to the highly valued aroma of its cigars.
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La Palma
The Indianos Carnival
Canarian balconies
Far
from the urban bustle A markedly rural island, there are no major urban concentrations on this island. Its capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, possesses a welcoming ambience, as do the rest of the localities where a well-looked-after traditional architecture prevails, houses that are often given over for rural accommodation. Particularly noteworthy are the cobbled streets and the balconies of its townhouses, which are built from turned wood and are the bestpreserved on the archipelago. A visit to the Barco de la Virgen, the Virgin’s Ship, is highly recommended. In its construction it took as its reference the Santa María, the ship on which Christopher Columbus discovered America. The ship also contains the Naval Museum. This is also the stage for the final dance of the popular Danza de los Enanos, the Dance of the Dwarves, a curious and original spectacle held every five years at the festival in honour of the Virgin of The Snows, where a group of men are mysteriously transformed into “dwarves”. The key to this transformation is one of the best-kept secrets on La Palma. One of the most visited areas in the capital is Plaza de España, one of the best Renaissance ensembles
in the Canaries, with the church of El Salvador and the Council Houses. Santa Cruz de la Palma also boasts museums, theatres, chapels, churches, squares, houses… all making for a very pleasant tour of the city. On our route around the island we find important banana groves that form a distinctive landscape, as in the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces, which in its coastal area has a hamlet with a Renaissance church, cobbled streets and beautiful townhouses with large sea-facing windows and balconies. On our route around the island we find important banana groves that form a distinctive landscape, as in the municipality of San Andrés y Sauces, which in its coastal area has a hamlet with a Renaissance church, cobbled streets and beautiful townhouses with large sea-facing windows and balconies. One of the most important banana groves on the Canarian archipelago is Los Llanos de Aridane, the island’s main economic hub. Its urban centre has interesting sights such as 16th-century churches and chapels as well as the Argual Aqueduct built to take water from the Caldera de Taburiente to the rich farmlands where they used to grow sugar cane. Another charming spot is Tazacorte, with a maze of narrow alleys adorned with different species of flowers and the neighbourhood of El Charco, the historic centre of this municipality, connecting with the Paseo del Litoral, the Seaside Promenade, a pleasant spot for having a drink on one of the terraces. Villa de Mazo also merits a tour of its architectural ensemble and the popular, lively street market held on weekends and selling fresh produce and crafts. The municipality also has the interesting Belmaco Archaeological Park, where we can see the first petroglyphs discovered in the Canaries as well as the caves used by the aboriginals for habitation.
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
Real hikes that feel like fantasy. ROUTE: Walk through thousand-year-old forests, up volcanoes whose summits disappear into the clouds and past amazing mountains that plunge into the sea. Walk through the mysterious horizontal rain under oceans of stars. The land of eternal springtime invites you to return at any time of year... and return you will.
unbelievablehikes.com
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o r r e i El H The smallest and most westerly of the Canary Islands, in Antiquity it was considered to be the limit of the known world and here is where the zero meridian was located until 1885. This small, peaceful island is today situated at the forefront of energy self-sufficiency from clean energy sources, thus taking a great step forward towards becoming 100% sustainable. El Hierro boasts spots laden with tradition and legend as well as breathtaking views from steep cliffs, but there are also natural pools where you can have a relaxing swim. Its transparent waters and magnificent underwater seascape have made of this island a sought-after destination among Europe’s scuba divers.
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Mirador de La PeĂąa The
and its stunning views
The work of the artist CĂŠsar Manrique, this vantage point built from stone and wood has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest. Situated at an altitude of 700 metres with views of the sea, it affords views of the spectacular landscape of the El Golfo Valley.
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El Hierro Award-winning and protected
nature
Designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the island of El Hierro is a unique place that conserves a natural, cultural and landscape heritage of great value. Despite its three municipalities covering barely 278 square kilometres, it contains a broad representation of ecosystems in which man and nature coexist in complete harmony: from laurel and Canary pine forests to wastelands formed from pahoehoe lava flows that give its volcanic landscapes, steep cliffs, green valleys and picturesque villages their reputation. It is the island with the largest protected surface on the Canarian archipelago, with 58% of its territory given some form of environmental protection status and inhabited by more than a hundred species of endemic flora, some of them very rare, like the cabezón herreño, Cheirolophus duranii. A perfect place for hiking on its numerous routes and discovering very special places such as the Guinea Cave, a volcanic tube approximately 90 metres in length fitted out for tourist visits, or the Letreros de El Julan, petroglyphs that the bimbaches, the ancient settlers of the island, carved into the rocks.
Since the inauguration of the wind-hydro station, El Hierro is very close to becoming the first completely energy self-sufficient island territory from renewable energies. The environmental benefits of the Gorona del Viento project, which is unique in the world, are indisputable.
Chapel of Virgen de Los Reyes
100%
sustainable island
Giant Lizard
Refuge of the
Los Roques de Salmor are the natural refuge of the famous Giant El Hierro Lizard, a protected species for being the most threatened reptile in Europe and among the five most at risk of extinction in the world. For decades the island has been implementing a recovery plan for this species in the Lizarderium situated in the Guinea Eco-Museum. You can visit this place to learn first-hand about its captive breeding programme.
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El Sabinar, an enchanted forest
In the municipality of La Frontera is an ensemble of centenarian trees, the junipers, which the constant trade winds have forced into peculiar twisted shapes, a beautiful landscape that can be seen in very few places in the world.
natural pools
Otherworldly
Situated in the El Golfo Valley is the famous Charco Azul, the Blue Pool, so called for the turquoise-blue colour of its waters, a veritable gift from nature carved out under the cliff and joined by another open-air lagoon. An ideal place for resting and relaxing in a sea bath, easy to access despite being a virgin, little-frequented enclave. The beauty engendered by the presence of volcanic lava makes this place a must. Also on the coast of La Frontera are the natural pools of La Maceta, a peaceful bathing area equipped with pleasant picnicking spots. Very close to this one is the Charco de Los Sargos, another ideal pool for enjoying the sea and the sunshine.
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El Hierro
underwater paradise A
with 46 immersion points
El Hierro is a veritable paradise for scuba diving, considered to be one of the best places on the planet for practising this sport. Its transparent waters provide visibility down to a depth of 30 metres, where you will find an important variety of species living among the volcanic underwater contours, regenerated after the 2011 eruption and crammed with grottoes and reefs. This has made it possible to stage the annual “Open Fotosub Internacional Isla de El Hierro”, one of the most important underwater photography championships in the world, held in the La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve, an area of calm, protected waters with depths of as much as 300 metres. The seabed is inhabited by species not found anywhere else on the archipelago. In the daytime you can view large specimens of groupers, tuna or barracuda as well as numerous small fish, while at night other species such as lobsters are visible.
Garoé,
the magical tree This was a sacred tree for the bimbaches (the ancient dwellers of the island), for its leaves captured sufficient water from the trade winds to supply the entire population, a phenomenon known as “horizontal rain”. A symbol of the island, here you can also visit the interpretation centre, which provides all the information on this highly valuable ethno-historical ensemble.
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Its own cheeses and wines with
Designation of Origin Although El Hierro shares elements with Canarian cuisine, it also has its own characteristics that give it a markedly rural air. One of these elements is the cheese (particularly the “smoked” cheese), the main ingredient in quesadillas, a typical El Hierro sweet. Also noteworthy are the island’s wines, which have their own Designation of Origin.
“Smart Island” First
in the world
The installation of a free Wi-Fi network in towns and in the main tourist hotspots has transformed El Hierro into the first “Smart Island” in the world.
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www.onthedraw.travel
Ben Heine & Tenerife
The famous Belgian designer approaches Tenerife from a cosmopolitan viewpoint where nature and man, rural and urban come together in a fantastical vision. The Santa Cruz Auditorium and the Teide were his inspiration.
Paula Bonet & Gran Canaria
She makes the natural world of Gran Canaria her own, for it evokes very personal, feminine moods and emotions in her. The scenarios awaken feelings and reminiscences in the author which she captures in a very passionate way.
Ekaterina Koroleva & Lanzarote
The Russian artist has seen the island under the magical, velvety prism of watercolours, her principal medium, but with the ďŹ nal inspiration of CĂŠsar Manrique. Form, colour and contours deďŹ ned in a unique vision of Lanzarote.
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#ONTHEDRAW IS A COLLECTIVE EXHIBITION NARRATING AN EXCITING TRIP AROUND THE CANARY ISLANDS. ON THIS TOUR, SEVEN ILLUSTRATOR ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES REFLECT THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN THEIR CREATIONS. THE SHOW HAS ALREADY TRAVELLED TO LONDON, MADRID AND TURIN AND WILL BE EXHIBITED IN OTHER CITIES.
Malika Favre & Fuerteventura
She brings out the most spiritual side of the island through the use of a limited palette of colours that includes combinations of blues, ochres and white. She recreates landscapes where the human imprint is perceptible. Her vision combines sky, earth…
Steve Simpson & La Palma
Over five days he has involved himself in the life of La Palma. Steve is a life-affirming illustrator, and that is noticeable in his vision of this land: moments associated with sensations captured in typographical form.
Jens Magnusson & La gomera
His colourful, joyful vision of La Gomera is that of an entomologist fascinated with the exuberance, prodigality and wealth of detail of a flora and wildlife with which he identifies, even if it is unknown to him.
Mads Berg & El hierro
«This is the loveliest place I have ever been in», says this Danish artist known for his posters. In El Hierro, Mads draws a brooding man in the midst of a kind of nature that subjugates and defines him.
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«IN TENERIFE I AM INSPIRED BY THE MOUNTAINS, THE VOLCANO, THE BLUE SKY, THE SEA, THE ROCKS, THE FOOD AND THE WARMTH OF THE PEOPLE» «THE TEIDE IS THE ESSENCE OF TENERIFE. IT REMINDS US THAT WE ARE SMALL AND THAT NATURE DECIDES FOR US»
Ben Heine
«IN FUERTEVENTURA I FOUND AN IMMENSE FEELING OF FREEDOM» «ITS BEACHES ARE VAST, THE DUNES ENDLESS… YOU CAN DRIVE, SWIM OR WALK, A REAL PLEASURE!»
Malika Favre
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«AT THE OUTSET THE ISLAND SEEMS PEACEFUL AND CONTEMPLATIVE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME IT IS SO ENERGETIC AND POWERFUL…» «IN LANZAROTE I FOUND PURITY: IN THE LANDSCAPES, IN THE COLOURS, IN THE SHAPES… ITS PEOPLE LIVE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE» Ekaterina Koroleva
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«LA PALMA IS UNIQUE. THERE IS NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD WITH SO MANY AND SO VARIED SCENARIOS: LAVA FIELDS, PREHISTORY, DIVINE BEACHES…» «I LOVE ITS PEOPLE, SO ENTHUSIASTIC AND SO PROUD OF THEIR ISLAND’S BEAUTY»
Steve Simpson
«THE ESSENCE OF GRAN CANARIA IS ITS INLAND REGION: PICO DE LAS NIEVES PEAK, ROQUE NUBLO, TAMADABA…» «THE CANARY ISLANDS ARE GREATLY INSPIRING. THEY ENVELOP YOU IN A MAGICAL LANDSCAPE» Paula Bonet
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«I HAD NEVER BEFORE BEEN IN THE CANARY ISLANDS AND, AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE, I WILL RETURN. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL AND GENUINE PLACE» «LA GOMERA IS A SMALL PARADISE. VIRGIN NATURE, WONDERFUL BEACHES, THE PERFECT PLACE FOR EVERYONE» Jens Magnusson
«NATURE IN EL HIERRO IS OTHERWORLDLY, AS IF THEY HAD LOOKED FOR A PIECE OF EVERY CORNER OF EUROPE TO PUT IT HERE» «THE ISLAND’S ESSENCE IS THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO LIVE HERE, PEOPLE ALLIED TO NATURE» Mads Berg
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Unforgettable accommodation The 13th edition of Travellers’ Choice Hotels 2015 has made of the Canary Islands one of the highest-rated destinations by millions of travellers who use TripAdvisor to organise their holidays. 18 hotels on the so-called Fortunate Islands have won up to 25 awards in these important prizes, which take into account the comments and opinions of the users of the largest travel website in the world, travellers who rate, among other aspects, service, quality and value for money. The categories in which the Canary Islands stand out are the following:
F
H
G
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B
C
Best hotels A
Their excellent location (just a few metres from the sea), their distinctive architecture or the multiple services they offer their guests are some of the reasons why seven Canarian hotels feature in this section. Furthermore, four of them are included among the top ten in Spain. They are: the Gold By Marina A , in Playa del Inglés (Gran Canaria), in a vintage style and with a painstakingly decorated relaxation zone, is in third position; on the same island but on Maspalomas beach is the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia O , a spectacular colonial-style hotel complex occupying fourth position, closely followed by the Bohemia Suites & Spa I , again on Playa del Inglés, which is seventh. This Top 10 list closes with the Cordial Mogán Playa C , located in the Gran Canaria town of Mogán. And, on Tenerife, the Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden D , in Puerto de la Cruz; and the Hotel Las Madrigueras Golf Resort & Spa B , in Las Américas beach. Closing this prestigious list is the Club Gran Anfi E in Arguineguín (Gran Canaria).
I
D
E
Luxury hotels
This is one of the most prestigious categories. It recognises establishments providing an exclusive service in a select setting where care is taken with every tiniest detail to make the client feel unique and special. Six Canarian hotels are included: the already mentioned Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia O , surrounded by a magnificent garden and just a few metres from the famous Maspalomas Dunes; the Royal Garden Villas H , in Costa Adeje (Tenerife), ideal for switching off, relaxing and enjoying its spa. On the same island, in playa Fañabé we find the Iberostar Grand Hotel Salomé F , a wonderful complex that travellers cannot resist, as is the case with the Bohemia Suites & Spa I of Playa del Inglés, in Gran Canaria. Golf enthusiasts will live a unique experience in Las Madrigueras Golf Resort & Spa B on Las Américas beach (Tenerife). A veritable jewel, the Radisson Blu Resort G , of Gran Canaria, is a modern beachfront hotel, peaceful and with excellent views.
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Small pleasures
The Avanti Hotel Boutique Fuerteventura J is one of those hotels that leaves its mark: from its minimalist décor in white with touches of turquoise, its facilities, the friendliness of all its employees and their extraordinary good manners… to its location: it is situated in the centre of Corralejo, right on the beach. Wonderful views of the Atlantic ocean are to be had from its rooms. Furthermore, on the rooftop terrace you can enjoy a relaxing Jacuzzi bath while contemplating a beautiful sunset in magnificent company. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Family enjoyment K
L
M
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J
Children’s activities, Baby Club, day- and night-time entertainment, children’s pool, amusement park, buffet… these are some of the multiple services offered by the four Canarian hotels chosen from among the 25 top hotels in Spain for taking a holiday with children. Because when travelling with them, needs are different and the choice of accommodation can be crucial in making your holiday a complete success. If you want to get your destination and accommodation right, go for the H10 Lanzarote Gardens N in Costa Teguise (Lanzarote); the Green Garden Resort&Suites L on Las Américas beach (Tenerife), the HD Parque Cristóbal Gran Canaria K on Playa del Inglés or the Hotel Isabel M on Costa Adeje (Tenerife). The opportunity is worth it! N
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0
For the ultimate romantics Q
P
Enjoying the wonderful sunrises and sunsets as a couple while gazing at the Atlantic, relaxing in a Jacuzzi while sipping a cocktail, lying in the sun listening to the sound of the waves or strolling through a fabulous tropical garden are marvellous experiences you can take pleasure in at one of the four Canarian hotels in this category: the Avanti Hotel Boutique Fuerteventura J , in Corralejo; the Bohemia Suites & Spa I on Playa del Inglés (Gran Canaria); the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia O , also on Gran Canaria; and the Iberostar Grand Hotel Salomé F on Fañabé beach in Tenerife. Four charming destinations to enjoy in good company. The trip will be unforgettable!
R
Combining comfort, modernity, multiservices, good location… at an affordable price and with an economical budget is no simple matter. However, on the Canary Islands we find three hotels that offer their clients magnificent features at a very good price. And this is why they are among the 25 best in this section. The winners are the Apartamentos Casablanca R in Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife), for switching off, sunbathing and going to the beach; the Hotel Anaterve P in Vallehermoso (La Gomera), surrounded by breathtaking mountains and unique vistas; and the Prime-Comfort California Q on Las Américas beach (also in Tenerife), for spending a relaxing holiday: highly recommended if travelling with small children.
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Zoos Oasis Park Fuerteventura
Adventure and fun for the whole family
FUERTEVENTURA
T
LANZAROTE
he Canary Islands boast a broad and varied offering in theme parks where you can enjoy a fun-filled, adventurous day. Of course one of the factors that enable this variety and quality of zoos, aquariums and leisure centres is the excellent climate of the archipelago, characterised by pleasant, mild temperatures that allow you to spend a fantastic day in these open-air sites at any time of the year. Zoos with magnificent examples of flora and wildlife, as for example the parrot park, deemed to be the largest in the world, or astonishing shows with orcas and dolphins which will be especially enjoyed by the children; beautiful collections of butterflies, all kinds of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants… and an endless number of animals living in quality environments and conscientiously looked after. The aquatic parks are also amply represented in the Canary Islands. This is a good plan, allowing young and old to live intense emotions thanks to the entertaining and vibrant attractions such as slides, rapids or wave pools. But there are also relaxation areas where those who don’t want to feel the adrenaline rush can sunbathe in peace. The parks are very safe and there is always the watchful eye of a lifeguard looking out for you in top-quality facilities that position these parks among the best in Europe.
1
www.fuerteventuraoasispark.com
This zoo and botanic park has the only interactive show with snakes and crocodiles in the Canary Islands and is also the only zoo in the archipelago to have hippos and African elephants. And it is one of the few where you can interact with lemurs! It is located in La Lajita, in the south of the island.
Aquarium
4
www.aquariumlanzarote.com
In Costa Teguise, to the east of Lanzarote, you can swim with nurse sharks and bamboo sharks in this aquarium. A unique opportunity to dive next to species that are difficult to encounter in the open sea. The aquarium has 33 installations with hundreds of marine species, from some typical Canarian ones such as moray eels and tigerfishes to tropical hermit crabs and clownfish.
Loro Parque
7
TENERIFE www.loroparque.com
Situated in Puerto de la Cruz, to the north of the island, it has the only show with orcas on the Islands. But this zoo owes its international renown to the impressive collection of exotic birds, with more than 300 parrot species. It has the largest penguinarium in the world, with more than 250 penguins.
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Maroparque
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LA PALMA www.maroparque.com
This is a very original zoo situated at the top of a ravine, in the east of the island, and the only vertical zoo in the Canaries. It is very pleasant to walk through, in the shade of its botanic garden. But its greatest appeal is that the path goes right through the birdcages, with the parrots flying around the visitors.
Aquatic parks Siam Park
Beach has the tallest artificial wave in the world, three metres in height.
Aquapark Costa Teguise
8
LANZAROTE www.aquaparklanzarote.es
In Costa Teguise, to the east of Lanzarote, is one of the most varied parks in the Canary Islands. In addition to all the aquatic attractions, it has an indoor paintball court and an adventure circuit for children with a climbing wall, children’s karts, etc.
Acua Water Park 3
9
FUERTEVENTURA
TENERIFE
www.acuafunpark.com
www.siampark.net
This fun-filled aquatic park located in Corralejo, to the north of Fuerteventura, has a large number of slides, jacuzzis, wave pools, minigolf, sand solarium… entertainment for all ages in a safe and controlled environment.
The largest aquatic park in Europe is in Costa Adeje, to the south of Tenerife. Here you can surf on giant waves, slide down from the heights at full speed or cross a shark pond. Ideal aquatic challenges for the whole family. Siam
Amusement parks Sioux City
2
GRAN CANARIA siouxcity.es
In this park of San Bartolomé de Tirajana there are still duels under the sun, cowboys drive their cattle through the streets and outlaws rob banks with sticks of dynamite.
Holiday World
5
GRAN CANARIA www.holidayworldmaspalomas.com
This park specialising in children’s fun is in the south, in Maspalomas: pony rides, parrot shows, 4D cinema, roundabouts, bumper cars… Huge fun!
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Adventure and fun for the whole family
1
2 3
And more fun!
T
here is always something entertaining to do in the Canary Islands, for the prevailing all-year-round good weather allows you to enjoy endless outdoor activities such as, for example, riding a horse or a camel 1 . The different Island parks offer a wide variety of entertainment choices: from miniature buildings – in Pueblo Chico, Tenerife, a theme park that pays tribute to the Islands with impressive scale models – to visiting reproductions of aboriginal settlements to archaeological sites of great interest such as the Arteara Necropolis 3 in Gran Canaria, an aboriginal cemetery established in some magnificent badlands, or the Belmaco Archaeological Park in La Palma, where we can view the first petroglyphs to be discovered in the Canaries. A visit to the Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park, in Gran Canaria, is well worth a visit, an exciting, enriching experience where we learn about the island’s aboriginal culture; or the Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park in Tenerife, with its stepped pyramids facing the sun in
the summer and winter solstices. Also very interesting is a visit to the wonderful samples of world and local flora in the internationally renowned Viera y Clavijo Botanic Garden 4 in Gran Canaria. In Forestal Park 2 , in Tenerife, fun is guaranteed in the treetops. In Lanzarote we can tour the fabulous Cactus Garden and in Fuerteventura Santa María House, which shows us the different artisan processes… there are thousands of activities to choose from. More information at www.hellocanaryislands.com
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Wolfgang Kiessling DIRECTOR OF LORO PARQUE
Loro Parque: a paradise for animals and plants The Spanish-German Wolfgang Kiessling, director of Loro Parque, has lived in the Canary Islands for more than forty years. An enthusiast of the Islands’ nature and climate, he has succeeded in creating one of the most spectacular zoos in Europe, one that also houses the largest collection of parrots in the world. Which are the advantages of opening a zoo in the Canary Islands? The most important advantage is that we can open the park every day of the year thanks to the excellent prevailing climate in the Canary Islands, which also allows us to keep many species of wildlife and exotic and tropical plants. A further appeal is the huge collection of parrots it houses, the largest and most diversified in the world. We have also brought in orcas, making us quite unique if we take into account that in Europe only two parks have these beautiful animals. Furthermore, Loro Parque has created the “Animal Embassy” initiative to protect nature. But what is true is that the public who visit us from different countries are enchanted by the light and colours of the Islands. What would you highlight of the Canary Islands as a tourist destination? Undoubtedly the incredibly well-balanced climate we have. When a German, for example, sees on the map that the Canary Islands are located across from Morocco and not very far from Senegal or Mauritania, he thinks of the heat in those countries. Many people are unaware that the Islands have the best temperatures in the world, in winter and in summer. I would also insist on the excellent security we enjoy, greater than in other famous tourist destinations. And of course I would promote the clean waters of our seas: in the Canaries we have the benefit of being right in the middle of the Atlantic and this gives us clean, high-quality waters. And as with the sea, our air is pure and clean. But above all I would recommend coming to the Canaries to anyone, to take in the beauty and variety of each one of the islands. You have placed the Canary Islands and the animals at the core of your life… When you have an enterprise like this one, you look after it very carefully. This is why we are always making changes and continuously remodelling. What’s more, a few years ago we created the Siam Park in Tenerife, chosen by TripAdvisor as the best aquatic park in the world. And we have more projects, among which I would highlight the aquarium on which we are working in Gran Canaria and which will be among the best in the world.
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n e a g A d
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival februarY-MarcH
This is one of the most popular and well-attended festivals held in the Canary Islands. In 1980 it was officially designated a Festival of International Tourist Interest, and since 1987 it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records with the highest public participation – more than 200,000 people – in a dance staged in the open air.
This is only a small sample of the numerous events staged in the Canary Islands
International Film Festival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria MarcH
Over these past fifteen years, LPAFILM Festival has attracted the presence of some of the most important professionals of recent decades. The competition has not only premiered films by established filmmakers but also by little-known authors but with a valuable filmography.
www.lpafilmfestival.com
www.carnavaldetenerife.com
Ironman MaY
A 3.8-kilometre swim, 180 km on a bicycle and a 42.2-km marathon run… an unequalled challenge in the magical setting of the Lanzarote landscape. This event, which began in 1992 with 148 participants, signed up 2,107 athletes for its latest race. In 2015 it stages its 24th edition.
eu.ironman.com
El Río swim crossing
septeMber
2,600 metres is what participants swim in this trial starting on the beach of the Famara cliffs, in Lanzarote, and ending in Caleta de Sebo, on the nearby island of La Graciosa, crossing one of the Canaries’ Marine Reserves.
www.lanzarotedeportes.com/travesia-a-nado-el-rio
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival februarY-MarcH
More than five centuries of existence have made of this popular festival the most deeprooted and well-attended event in the capital of Gran Canaria. In 2011 it was designated a Canaries Festival of Tourist Interest. The festivity has everything: parades, street musicians, cavalcades, Queen and Drag Queen galas…
www.lpcarnaval.com
Los Indianos
Canaries International Music Festival
Indianos is the name given to emigrants who after having made their fortune in America returned to their land of origin flaunting their success and wealth. This festival is held every first Carnival Monday in Santa Cruz de La Palma, where all participants are dressed in white and enjoy a talcum powder “battle”.
This is one of the most important national and international classical music festivals, with programmes that are always committed to music as the disseminator of global culture. At the 31st edition staged this year, enthusiasts from the Canaries and other countries enjoyed 41 concerts, with major stars taking part, such as the directors Krzysztof Penderecki or Yuri Termirkanov.
februarY
www.visitlapalma.es/recursos/ experiencia-los-indianos
JanuarY-februarY
www.gobiernodecanarias.org/ccdpsv/ cultura/31festivaldecanarias/es
Canaries International Jazz Festival JulY
Pilgrimage of San Isidro June
The Tenerife municipality of La Orotava stages this pilgrimage as part of its patron saint festivities, mixing religion, tradition and local colour. Particularly outstanding are the spectacular carpets made from flowers and volcanic sand.
www.laorotava.es/fiestas-patronales
It was launched in 1992 as a project circumscribed to Gran Canaria only, attracting musicians from the Islands. Over the years the festival has grown and extended to other islands in the archipelago and has consolidated its position to achieve international status. The 2014 edition attracted figures of the stature of Joshua Redman or the Freddy Cole Quartet.
www.canariasjazz.com
Fuerteventura en Música JulY
This festival features a fusion of styles and music from around the world. At the last edition, the eleventh, one of the participants was Calle 13, the most influential urban and alternative rap music band in Latin America.
www.fuerteventuraenmusica.blogspot.com 365 days
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n e g A da
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers NOVEMBER
The world's longest transoceanic regatta attracts to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria more than 200 cruisers with their crew and relatives to set sail for the Caribbean.
International Walking and Mountain Festival
www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo/ARC-2014.47098.0.html
AUGUST
Having already staged six editions, this encounter proposes a series of themed routes that nature lovers can follow in the extraordinary landscapes of La Palma, learning about the heritage and ethnographic elements as well as sampling local products.
International Kite Festival
www.walkingfestivallapalma.com
NOVEMBER
This festival was launched in 1987 and has already attracted a great deal of attention. Every year it congregates numerous enthusiasts who enjoy the colourful kites flying over the wonderful dunes of Corralejo Natural Park in Fuerteventura.
International Windsurfing Championship
JULY-AUGUST
For 30 years, the Canary Islands have been attracting major sports competitors from around the world specialising in these disciplines. The best conditions are guaranteed at this world windsurfing and kiteboarding contest.
www.fuerteventura-worldcup.org
El Cedro Festival
AUGUST
The traditional pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of Lourdes is held at the chapel of El Cedro, in La Gomera. The setting is idyllic, surrounded by streams and laurel species.
www.lagomera.travel
Open Fotosub
Winerun Lanzarote & Fine Food Festival DECEMBER
One of the most important wine and gastronomy events in the archipelago. The brand guarantees the high quality of the typical products in Lanzarote cuisine, with delicious tapas paired with excellent island wines.
www.saborealanzarote.org/
Starmus
OCTOBER
(JUNE - JULY 2016)
The best underwater photographers in the world come together in El Hierro to participate in this competition and capture the beauty of the ocean floor and the life that inhabits it.
www.openfotosub.es
www.laoliva.es/ corralejograndesplayas/
A top-level experience combining science, art and music that attracts scientists, artists and enthusiasts as well as the best international astronomers. foto cedida por el Cabildo Insular de El Hierro
www.starmus.com
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
t a e r G e h T ther
e g o t e r u t n e v d A
Legend has it that once upon a time, seven heroes with mighty powers inhabited these islands, powers your kids can enjoy today: walk on water, command living beings, explore leafy landscapes, discover mysterious volcanoes… A world full of family adventures that will make your holiday an unforgettable journey.
thegreatadventuretogether.com
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Yoto UohAvE c e m Here! «We like Fuerteventura!»
MARTIN, ANNICA AND SILJE HAGLEV | NORWAY
For us, the island is a veritable paradise for a restful getaway, breaking with routine and recharging our energy. It is the ideal place for enjoying family holidays owing to its excellent, permanently sunny climate, the beautiful beaches, the friendly, hospitable people, not to mention its incredible landscape. All this, together with the fact that it’s just a few hours’ flight away from Europe, makes us return again and again. We like Fuerteventura!
«Trails that venture into nature» LETICIA COLLADO | SPAIN
What attracts me the most about El Hierro, and the reason I come back year after year (as well as for the grilled limpets) is hiking. The incredible experience of seeing such a variety of landscapes on such a small island: leaving volcanic areas behind to enter laurel and pine forests, valleys, imposing cliffs… it is a joy to be able to follow trails of varying difficulty, depending on your mood or the people you are with, and end the day, after your hike, with a pleasant dip in one of the wonderful natural pools on the island.
«A sailing paradise»
IAN BEAVIS | UNITED KINGDOM
I adore the sea and sailing is my passion. I have been coming on holiday to La Gomera for many years. The Marina next to San Sebastián, the island’s capital, is the perfect base for sailing in my boat Springhill Lady and embarking on crossings as far as the other side of the Atlantic. I love spending long periods here in the winter – although I also like it at any other time of the year – because I enjoy the fantastic climate, the natural beauty of La Gomera and its people, who are very friendly. I try to practise my little bit of Spanish with them. Plus it’s so easy to get here by air!
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«Sleeping outdoors surrounded by nature» TOBIAS BÖNISCH | GERMANY
When I came to La Palma for the first time in 1994, I immediately fell in love with this island where there is no mass tourism. I love the peace and purity of its incredible nature. I like to travel with my tent and my rucksack because there is nothing more wonderful than watching the sun rise or set above the clouds or crossing through villages where it seems that time has stopped. Sometimes I also sleep outdoors to enjoy the marvellous starlit sky. People here are very friendly and I’ve found it easy to make friends. I have already been 15 times on the Isla Bonita!
«A magical place to come back to» RENATE SCHUSTER | GERMANY
I love coming to Lanzarote, so much so that I have been doing it for almost 30 years. And there are so many reasons! Its climate, with mild temperatures all year round; its blue sky and many hours of sunshine, the light that strikes off the fascinating colours of the volcanoes, which can be explored on little-travelled trails; the strolls along wonderful beaches from which you can see the little islets; or the musical events staged inside volcanic tubes and caves; the friendliness and peace of Lanzarote’s people; how can one forget the flavour of the delicious fresh fish in its typical restaurants while gazing at a gorgeous sunset… For all this, and much more, I keep returning to Lanzarote.
«The best family holidays» ANASTASIIA TCVEIMAN | RUSSIA
For several years we have been choosing Gran Canaria to enjoy our family summer holidays, prompted above all by the marvellous island climate, which is always sunny but without intense heat, making it very healthy. We also adore the sea and love the wide variety of beaches from which to choose, from peaceful child-friendly ones to others with greater swells for those who prefer surfing and windsurfing. Other things that attract us very much to the island are its people, who are open and friendly, and its cuisine made from fresh and natural products.
«Goodbye to boredom!» AUGUSTO RASORI | ITALY
It was curiosity that took me to Tenerife the first time, attracted by the freedom of being able to do anything. Then, its beaches, mountains, the volcanic landscape, the vegetation, the food and, above all, the climate! made me return. Oh, and I nearly forgot! There is something you won’t find in Tenerife: boredom.
365 days
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The Islands have become an important centre for beachwear creation featuring modern designs. Several firms on the archipelago have grouped together under the labels of Gran Canaria Moda Cálida and Tenerife Moda.
www.grancanariamodacalida.es www.tenerifemoda.com
HÉCTOR CUBAS
a BZAar
INSPIRING BEACHWEAR
STYLISH HEADS This hat by Locaplaya pays homage to the island of La Graciosa. You can find it at the César Manrique Foundation in Lanzarote and in hotel shops.
www.locaplaya.com
EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE Afortunadas Islas Canarias is the personal undertaking of two Canarian entrepreneurs who capture the archipelago’s landscapes in their designs. A little piece of the Fortunate Islands to take away with you.
www.shopafortunadas.com
ORIGINAL HOOPS This traditional bauble is in fashion again. Several jewellers and artisans are working this complement with different metals, in many cases bringing their own personal touch to them.
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A PARADISE FOR THE PALATE
TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION
This confectionery shop with the name of a laurel tree offers new and exquisite flavours and textures based on Canarian products that you can also take away with you as a souvenir or as a gift in convenient and attractive packaging.
Cheese is a typical product of the Islands and we find a broad variety and quality in each one of them: majorero, the smoked cheeses of El Hierro and La Palma, and Flor de Guía.
www.gmrcanarias.com
www.eladerno.com
PALM SAP The sap extracted from the palm tree, the guarapo, is made into delicious palm honey, a natural product that is typical of La Gomera and is used in Canarian cuisine.
www.mieldepalma.com
FLEUR DE SEL FROM THE SEA Traditional salt harvesters carefully and painstakingly extract this natural product from the Fuencaliente Salt Ponds in La Palma.
www.salinasdefuencaliente.es
ALOE VERA, HEALTH AND BEAUTY This basic product in the world of beauty finds its ideal garden in the Canaries. And Aloe Lanzarote has made the most of its health-giving benefits.
www.aloepluslanzarote.es
SWEET TEMPTATION The Lava brand has successfully innovated by creating new flavours while maintaining traditional recipes.
www.chocolatedecanarias.es 365 days
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a BZAar
LAND WITH D.O.
CANARIAN ESSENCE
100% PURE
SKY WATER
Tenerife’s Testamento, with Abona Designation of Origin, is a cask-fermented wine made from malvasía grape that in 2014, competing against ten participating local denominations, won the recognition of Best Canaries Wine in the Agrocanarias contest.
Wind, sun and sea are the essence of Macaronesia, a premium gin of volcanic origin that makes the most of the island’s varied selection of botanics to obtain a highly sophisticated and personal touch.
The most authentic vodka in the world – Blat, 0.0 impurities – is produced in Gran Canaria. Its secret, besides being made from Canaries mist water, is the numerous distillations it undergoes to achieve something as pure as this.
Alisios, agua de niebla is the only water to be obtained directly from the clouds, at an altitude of 1,600 metres, tapping into the natural phenomenon of “horizontal rain”.
www.cumbresdeabona.es
www.macaronesiangin.com
www.blatvodka.com
www.aguadeniebla.com
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
Lat i tude of life
Lat i tude of life
GOLF ALL YEAR ROUND
I do! My wedding in the world’s best climate.
I do want to walk hand-in-hand along the spectacular beaches. I do want to spend romantic evenings full of kisses and endless starry nights talking about the future. Yes, I do want the perfect backdrop and climate so that nobody ever forgets the most wonderful day of our lives.
Seven islands and 365 days to enjoy your chosen sport in superb surroundings. Volcanic landscapes, fabulous beaches, luxury hotels and the world’s best climate come together to challenge you to have the most enjoyable holiday ever.
golfallyearround.com
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idocanaryislands.com
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TENERIFE • LANZAROTE • GRAN CANARIA • FUERTEVENTURA • LA PALMA • LA GOMERA • EL HIERRO
T H E C A N A RY I S L A N D S M A G A Z I N E
T H E C A N A RY I S L A N D S M A G A Z I N E
Lat i tude of life
The best climate in the World
Good-bye to rushing. Hellocanaryislands.com
Sun-drenched
beaches
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Routes
AROUND THE LUXURIANT COUNTRYSIDE
#onthedraw
AN ILLUSTRATED VOYAGE AROUND THE CANARY ISLANDS
Carnaval
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