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Canary Islands & Iberia
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Gran Canaria, Spain
The name would suggest that Gran Canaria is the
largest of the Canary Islands. It isn’t. Tenerife and
Fuerteventura push it down to third place. It is
however big on beaches; the capital alone has four
to call its own. And Las Palmas is quite a capital.
More people call it their home than anywhere else
in the Canaries and it’s clear to see why. Set amidst
spectacular scenery, the oldest quarter of the town,
Vegueta, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1990. Add to that the year round warmth
of its subtropical climate and you have a very
promising proposition – for a holiday or for a home!
La Gomera, Spain
This canny Canary Island is small yet perfectly
formed. A third of the island is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site (Garajonay National Park) and the
native flora and fauna species are a huge draw for
avid naturalists – the giant lizard of La Gomera is
one of the world’s most endangered species. The
locals are a rare breed too; they still communicate
across deep ravines by way of Silbo Gomero; an
ancient whistled speech. You can try the local
lingo by whetting your whistle with La Gomera’s
distinctive wine, perfectly accompanied by a tapa
(snack) of cheese, roasted pork or goat meat.
La Palma, Spain
At first glance, the black beaches of La Palma don’t
look all that enticing. But looks can be deceiving.
Very deceiving. The sand is no less soft and the
water no less warm than their glisteningly golden
counterparts. In fact, odds are you’ll find far more
space to scatter your bucket and spade as La Palma
remains the undiscovered isle of the Canaries.
Formed by violent volcanic eruptions, beaches
surround the island in their multitude. Inland, the
landscape is both stark and stunning and flora
and fauna thrive. Even after dark La Palma has its
highlights; perched atop an 8,000ft extinct volcano
is Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, built on
one of the most perfect sites in the world to gaze
up at the heavens.
Lanzarote
What colour do you prefer in your perfect beach?
White, black, red – Lanzarote has sands of every
hue due to its volcanic origins. But it’s worth tearing
yourself away from the coast to explore the island’s
spectacular moon-like volcanic landscape, best seen
from the Fire Mountain in the Timanfaya National
Park. Head north and you will discover wonderfully
verdant Haria – ‘the valley of a thousand palms’
and can enjoy panoramic views from Mirador del
Rio. Just as fascinating is a visit to Jameos del Agua
cave, an oddly shaped volcanic cave overlooking
a saltwater lagoon where you will find a colony of
white crabs unique to the island.
Madeira
When you travel around Madeira it quickly becomes
clear why it’s known as the ‘Garden Isle’, blooms
and greenery surround you at every turn. Pay
Funchal’s flower market a visit for the full effect and
head off on foot to explore. Locally made wicker
furniture, lacework and tapestries all make good
buys in the town, along with the Madeira wine. And
for a great view of the island’s steeply rising terraces
and stunning coastline, why not let the cable car
take the strain? You’ll never guess what you’ll find at
the top...a rather lovely garden!
➀
Gran Canaria, Sand Dunes
➁
Gran Canaria, Vegueta
➂
La Palma
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Madeira thatched houses
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