The Canary Islands are an extremely popular holiday destination if you enjoy sun, sea, sand and delicious food. The area is comprised of 7 main islands: El Hierro, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. Each has its own unique character and charm, so if you visit you’ll never be short of variety. An excellent way to see all of the islands is to take a cruise that visits several of the major island ports and allows you to drink in as much of the area’s culture as possible.
1. Los Gigantes, Tenerife
Los Gigantes is one of the most interesting and awe inspiring sights in all of Europe. These giant cliffs rise to over 800m metres in height in certain places, so you can imagine just how impressive they are to behold first hand. It’s said that the best way to see them is to take a boat (these leave regularly), from the west coast of the island. Legend has it that the cliffs themselves will one day break away from the mainland when the great Mt. Tiede volcano erupts, so see them while you can.
2. Carnival Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
The Carnival Las Palmas on Gran Canaria is one of the largest carnivals of its type in the entire world. The carnival lasts for almost a month and in that time there is an awful lot to see; fire-breathers, camels, jugglers, dancers, acrobats and of course lots and lots of music. To get a better idea of the sort of thing you can expect from a Canary Islands itinerary check out the Thomson Cruises site for more info.
3. Loro Parque, Tenerife
At Loro Parque there are an absolutely immense number of animals to see. This 33 acre zoo that was originally designed to house as many different species of parrot as the owners could find, is now home to chimps, gorillas, sea lions, tigers, flamingos, piranhas, sharks and more. It’s a great day out for everyone especially those with kids, as they’ll be entertained from the moment they set foot in the park to the moment they leave.
4. SS American Star, Fuerteventura
The SS American Star, in 1994, ran aground off the coast of Fuerteventura after departing Greece for the very last time. Visible during low tide, the remains of the ship offer a dramatic setting for any tourist looking for photo opportunities. The area’s geography lends itself to the atmosphere as the cliffs and sea arch all bear down upon the wreckage. If you’re in the Canaries this is a must-see.
5. Charco de Los Clicos, Lanzarote
Let’s talk beaches. White sandy beaches with crystal clear sea water are one thing, but what about beaches littered with semi-precious stones? Charco de Los Clicos on Lanzarote is covered in peridot gems that can be collected and taken home. How did they get there? An ancient and now dormant volcano erupted here and spewed the gems from its centre. If you’re short on cash these make excellent gifts to take home for friends and family too.
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