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The Canary Islands are a group of seven major islands and six smaller ones in the Atlantic Ocean, lying between 60 - 190 miles off the north western coast of Africa.
Originally the Canaries were only a winter sun destination, but the combination of warm sunshine and fantastic modern holiday development, has put the islands on the map 12 months of the year Tenerife is the largest island of the archipelago. There are most varied landscapes: a mountain range with the mighty volcanic crater Cañadas del Teide , with a diameter of 20 kilometers, and the 3.718 meters high Teide in its center; extremely fertile valleys with important cultures of bananas and tomatoes; and a seaside offering as well beautiful steep coasts as wide beaches of fine sand. The Beaches: Playa de las Americas, being located at the island's south-eastern extreme, offers fabulous beaches of sand as well as the most modern infrastructure for tourism. Playa de los Cristianos: fine beaches of golden sand and crystalline water, close to a picturesque fishing-village. Its outstanding infrastructure makes it one of the most attractive places for visitors. Playa de las Galletas: at the island's southern extreme, with great hotel and sports installations. Punto de Rasca offers an outstanding panorama. Playa de El Puertito: a 1,6 kilometers long beach of black sand, located close to the village Güimar. Playa del Roque, another wonderful beach of black sand. Playa de las Caletillas: another center of international tourism, three marvelous small bays close to Candelaria. The main towns include: Santa Cruz, Puerto De La Cruz, Los Cristianos National Park: This National Park offers a fascinating landscape, created by the elemantar forces of the volcano Teide. Christopher Columbus observed its last great eruption in 1492 from the nearby island Gomera, just before continueing his discovery travel to America. In 1798 there was another smaller eruption. The Teide has piled up some 12 million cubic meters of volcanic material at its sides, those formations being popularly called the noses of Teide . With a height of 3.718 metern the Teide is not only the highest mountain of Spain, but as well the highest elevation in all the Atlantic Ocean. A cableway takes visitors up to 3.600 meters. From there you may climb the peak by foot. |
