Geography, History & Canary Island Holidays
Geography, History & Canary Island Holidays
Gran Canaria and Tenerife belong to the Spanish archipelago known as the Canary Islands and are located off the western coast of Africa. The islands landscape vary from white and gold sandy beaches along crystal clear waters to green mountains and volcanoes. The destination with its tropical climate is popular for a variety of water sports, but there are also many historical and environmental sites to explore.
The warm, clear island water provides the perfect environment for boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing. Dive shops offer training for those who have no experience to those desiring to become certified. Guests have the unique opportunity to come face to face with the colorful underwater world filled with living coral reefs, sponges, jellyfish and various species and sizes of tropical fish. Boating excursions take visitors on scenic tours of the islands or on dolphin and whale excursions. A few of the vessels are equipped with glass bottoms to view local marine life. Submarine adventures allow guests to view the amazing underwater world without stepping foot into the ocean.
Facts & places to visit
Those enjoying Gran Canaria holidays explore Las Palmas, the capital city, with its distinct 15th and 16th century buildings. Casa de Colon is an expansive mansion renovated into an art and nautical museum. It is reputed that Christopher Columbus once stayed here and one of his fleet's ships is on exhibit. Various artefacts are on display providing the area's marine and cultural history.
Palmitos Park contains biological and zoological exhibits in a rainforest environment that encompasses over 200,000 m2 at the foothills of the mountains. Colourful native parrots and birds of prey provide live demonstrations and are among the birds collected from around the world. Other displays include an aquarium, dolphins, primates and reptiles. The park also contains an orchid house, a butterfly house and hundreds of species of palm trees along lakes, rivers and streams.
Tenerife holidays may include a visit to the Teide National Park containing Mount Teide. Standing at 3718m tall, the volcano is the third largest in the world. Hiking up and down the summit and around the beautiful landscape are great past times. Archaeological enthusiasts tour the mysterious Guimar Pyramids. Originally thought to have been built by native farmers, archaeologists have found similar structures in Mexico and Peru. Bananera is a local plantation that welcomes visitors to learn the agricultural history of the island and enjoy the many tropical trees and plants. A Travel Pillow For You Holiday Gift Guide: Newbarks for tired but still fashionable feet Ayurvedic Treatment Tour in India Mysore – Preferred Destination in India for Foreign Investments Finding out More on travel blog Pet Travel Goa Holiday Packages Tourist Information on Cologne Planning your next Egypt Holiday? Goa Monsoon trips How to Learn French Fast ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA organized Unique Tour like " James Bond film" near Angkor Wat, Cambodia Leh Ladakh Packages - Adventurous Travel Packages to Leh