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| Canary Islands Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The dunes of Maspalomas The dunes of Maspalomas Jan Moonen The seven islands that comprise the Canary archipelago are located more than one thousand kilometers (620 miles) south of the Iberian peninsula, and only 115 kilometers (71 miles) from the closest point on the African coast. Their volcanic origin and special position in the Atlantic ocean have granted them some unique features with regard to geology and vegetation, resulting in a landscape that is unlike any other found in Europe or Africa. These natural characteristics favour the existence of a temperate climate with mild temperatures (22ºC - 72ºF average on the coasts) with little seasonal variation in temperatures between day and night. The climate of perpetual springtime, which permits enjoyment of the beach during all the seasons of the year without extreme oppressive heat, has also shaped the easy-going and good-natured character of its inhabitants. Since ancient times, the mild climate has been the most outstanding attribute of the Canary Islands. The Greeks located the Garden of Hesperides here, and during centuries, they were known as the "Fortunate Islands". The fame of the Canaries as a travel destination began with the great scientific explorations of the 18th and 19th centuries, when European naturalists frequently visited the unique volcanic landscapes and the varied native flora. At the close of the last century, the fame of these islands was increased as a place to rest, and they were recommended for the treatment of a variety of illnesses. Presently, the Canary Islands are one of the leading destinations of European tourism, welcoming more than eight million visitors annually who are drawn to the irresistible charm of these islands. The appeal of the Canary Islands for most visitors, 50% of whom return, is closely linked to the extraordinary climate of the islands, but it also has to do with the more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) of coastline, the magnificent beaches, and the numerous sports and water-related recreation available. The subtropical environment has also provided the allure of volcanos, forests and other spectacular scenery, with a variety difficult to imagine in such a small territory. The people, their traditions and cuisine, inherited from a culture blending traditions from Europe, Africa and the Americas, have also played a large part. All of these factors have contributed to the islands’ popularity, in addition to their easy accessibility, only a few hours by plane from the great cities of the Old Continent, and a complete tourist infrastructure, an example of quality for many places around the world. ___________Getting Around Edit This Flying is not cheap but is infinitely faster than the alternatives of bus and ferry. The islands are connected by roll-on roll-off ferries hydrofoils and jetfoils. Binter is the local airline and can take you to six of the seven islands until the airport at La Gomera is finished. Buses are known as guaguas which will bring a smile of recognition to anyone who has travelled in Latin America. Each island has its own service which will get you to most of the main destinations but the number of runs is disappointing especially on the smaller less heavily populated islands where most people have their own wheels. All the big rental companies are represented in the Canaries and there are also local operators. It may be worth booking a car in advance if you intend to stay for a reasonable length of time but if you decide to rent a car after you arrive shop around to avoid the sharks. You can also take taxis wherever you go but that is definitely the pricier alternative. __________Tours and Excursions Edit This The Small Continent... that is how this island is called because of its extremely varied landscapes with European, African and even American vegetation. The mountain range in the island's center, of a height of about 2000 meters, is cut by some bizarre canyons. Hardly anywhere else you can find such different landscapes and even climatical zones being geographically that close one to each other: mountain massives, desert land, tropical forrests, ... Along the seaside there are wide beaches of sand, and while elsewhere people are shuddering of cold, here the tourists are lying in the sun and looking at those mountainpeaks being covered with snow ... :::::::El Hierro Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The End of the World During centuries, the island of Hierro was considered a far-away mysterious place where the world seemed to end. This has encouraged an age-old isolation that has kept it tied to an agricultural economy and its ancestral traditions. Thus, the inhabitants live a very relaxed, unhurried way of life, in harmony with a landscape that provides a haven of tranquility throughout the island, where time seems to pass ever so slowly. The belated discovery of the tourist possibilities of Hierro have kept the land free from the type of development generally associated with this sector. This factor has encouraged realization of the enormous treasure there is in the purity and tranquility of the island, thus focusing tourism on the visitor wishing to flee from the hustle and bustle and worries of modern-day life "losing himself at the end of the world". Some small lodgings have appeared scattered throughout the island, but there are no large tourist complexes. Most hotel accommodations can be found divided among the Tourist Parador at Las Playas, the capital Valverde and its coastal area, and the area of El Golfo, where we find Club Punta Grande, listed in the Guiness Book of Records as the smallest hotel in the world. Hierro has an abrupt coastline, but there also are small coves and natural pools where the transparent waters are perfect for swimming and underwater exploration. The coastal towns of Timijiraque, La Caleta, and Tamaduste offer ideal conditions for enjoying the sea, particularly Tamaduste with its interesting natural lava pool opening onto the sea. ::::::::::Fuerteventura Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Aerial View, Fuerteventura Aerial View, Fuerteventura Alix Greenwood The island of Fuerteventura indisputably has the biggest and best beaches in the archipelago. Many of its 340 kilometers (210 miles) of coastline consist of white sandy beaches practically untouched and deserted. The vast expanse of sand on the isle makes it possible to enjoy the sea in solitude, and it is possible, even on the most famous beaches, such as Sotavento de Jandía, not to run into a soul in many miles. The sea is also very special here. Fuerteventura's coastal shelf contributes to the existence of shallow transparent waters that acquire an extraordinary turquoise color. The wide variety and wealth of the underwater fauna make it ideal for scuba diving. Windsurfing is the crown sport in Fuerteventura. Its coasts annually attract thousands of enthusiasts convinced that this is one of the best places in the world to practice windsurfing. Jandía beach has been the site of various world championships in various categories. Most of the tourism is concentrated in the Jandía peninsula, in the south. This is a nature reserve separated from the rest of the island and bordered almost completely by vast beaches of white sand. To the west, the beaches of Barlovento, somewhat dangerous for swimming, remain almost wild. To the east, a large sandy fringe of some 20 kilometers (12 1/2 miles) in length and more than one kilometer wide in some areas, is the site of two tourist resorts: Costa Calma, near the unequaled Playa de Sotavento, and Morro Jable, built around the port where the jet-foil departs for the island of Gran Canaria. The central and northern parts of the island boast small tourist resorts. Near the airport and the capital city, Puerto del Rosario, we find Caleta de Fustes. On the northern coast, Corralejo, near an enormous beach of dunes, is an attractive spot with a fishing port where fresh fish can be savored. It is also possible to take a trip to the nearby volcanic isle of Lobos, as well as Lanzarote. ________Getting Around Edit This Planet P - gifts & ideas Local No. 40, Cosmo Shopping Center 35625, Jandia, Fuerteventura, Spain It is the best and most reasonable showroom where one can find the latest and best digital cameras, dvd players, and other electronic equipments..Must see for all..Highly recommended!! ________Things to do Edit This Water Sports are one of the main attractions on Fuerteventura with the windsurf and kitesurf world cup being held there each year. The south has lots of wind mainly offshore and only really good for windsurfing. The North (Corralejo & Cotillo) on the other hand are good alround locations for many different sports such as Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing. The main water sports centre is Flag Beach l( www.flagbeach.com) located on the outskirts of town. You can also hire quads, take a trip to either lanzarote or the closer island of Lobos. :::::::::::Gran Canaria Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Residence Aida Gran Canaria Residence Aida Gran Canaria Gran Canaria assembles, in an almost perfect circle of 1,532 square kilometers (597 square miles), a little of everything found on the other Canary Islands, in addition to holiday attractions that combine vast beaches and natural physical diversity. This astonishing variety has turned it into the vacation destination of various millions of visitors a year who seek to enjoy not only the sun and the sea, but also the beautiful countryside, the culture, and the excellent tourist facilities. Approximately 50 of the 236 kilometers of coastline are occupied by diverse beaches. Maspalomas, with 250 hectares (618 acres) of dunes by the sea, is unquestionably the focal point. In addition to this calm sandy shore, Gran Canaria also has abrupt wild areas with secluded unspoiled spots, such as Güigüí, or rockscapes that push headlong hundreds of feet towards the sea, such as the cliffs of Andén Verde. Most of the beaches are found on the southern end of the island, where the climate is sunny and dry. Whereas the mountains in the interior retain the clouds coming from the north, the south has clear skies all year long, and sunbathing and swimming are possible in winter as well as in summer. Some of the best beaches in this area are near tourist complexes of different sizes, offering the amenities of a large city in some cases, or the quiet of a small village in others, or the possibility of practicing water sports. San Agustín and the Playa del Inglés, together with Maspalomas, make up one of the most important tourist complexes in Spain with a large variety of hotels, apartments, shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The three resorts share what is possibly the most well-known beach of the archipelago; eight kilometers (5 miles) long and up to two meters wide formed by dunes and an oasis of palm trees, an authentic mini-desert by the sea. Puerto Rico and Mogán are two smaller resorts devoted to the practice of water sports, each with its own boating marina. Puerto Rico has a quiet beach around which it is possible to enjoy a wide assortment of activities, including boat trips, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, parachuting into the sea, etc. The port of Mogán is an attractive enclave of traditional architecture located in a fishing village. Its flower-adorned streets open onto a harbor where hundreds of boats are docked and excellent fresh fish is plentiful. __________Getting Around Edit This Buses runs frequently around the island, connecting the tourist resorts on the southshore with the airport and Las Palmas. Going by taxi is relatively cheap. [Add Local transport mode] Global Salcai Utinsa Edit This Buses are cheap, but information on where they go are somewhat tricky to find, and the busdrivers don't always communicate well in english. The 01 runs Las Palmas - Playa del Ingles - Puerto de Alcudia with few stopregunte por don manuel in the mapalomas turstico is the mayo park of te atraccion holi day World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.globalsu.net tel: 902 38 11 10 :::::::::: La Gomera Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see national parc garajonay national parc garajonay ploeger juwelier An Ecological Paradise The last island without an airport is, perhaps for this reason, a haven of customs and incredible natural beauty that astounds the visitor with its rare vegetation and abrupt terrain. In effect, the 370 square kilometers (144 square miles) of this island is cut by deep ravines. This uneven terrain of Gomera has always made communications difficult between towns, keeping many areas practically untouched. The scenery in Gomera is splendid with an amazing system of terrace farming and thousands of palm trees perched on steep green valleys, in addition to the exotic foliage of the central plateau, inhabited by the ancient laurel forest enveloped in mist. All of these attractions have made a day trip to Gomera from the tourist resorts on southern Tenerife a popular pastime. The ferry makes the trip in 90 minutes, and the jet-foil in 40. However, a visit to this island truly requires more than a one-day excursion on account of the difficult roads which make it impossible to see the many attractions in a short time. The best way to explore the scenic areas of La Gomera is to take several days and either travel the many paths and peaceful trails of the island on foot or by bicycle. Lodging may be found in the capital city of San Sebastián, at Playa de Santiago, and in Valle Gran Rey. San Sebastián is the largest town on the island. The ferry and hydrofoil from Tenerife dock here, and there are several small hotels and boarding houses. The Tourist Parador rises on a cliff overlooking the city in a beautiful setting. The majority of tourist lodgings can be found at Playa de Santiago, the sunniest spot on the island. This small tourist complex is located around a fishing town where excellent fresh fish can be enjoyed. Near the outlet to the sea of the idyllic Valle Gran Rey, there is a small beach and quiet harbor with a number of small hotels, boarding houses, and apartments. Valle Gran Rey has been for some years the center for an alternative tourism committed to the environment that has chosen this spot as the ideal place to escape from an impure civilization. _________San Sebastián Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The municipal distric of San Sebastián de La Gomera corresponds to the aboriginal canton of Hipalán, together with the Santiago ravine. Hernán Peraza the elder took possession of the place which would be designated the capital, at the mouth of the ravine of La Villa in about 1440. He named the new town San Sebastián, probably because of the particular devotion the Spaniards had for this Saint. The first buildings to be erected, even before the islands was totally conquered, were tha house of the Peraza family, located in the present terrain of El Pozo de la Aguada, the Church of the Asunción (Assumption), which at the time was only a small hermitage, and the Torre del conde (The Tower of the Count), situates in the centre of the bay. This latter construction is the only one of the three that still retains its original aspect. Also related to these beginnings is the hermitage of San Sebastián, erected on the order of the lord of the island because of his devotion to the Saint, although it has undergone certain changes over time and is located outside the original city centre. ::::::::::La Palma Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see La Palma viewing toward Santa Cruz La Palma viewing toward Santa Cruz Jan Moonen La Palma, the third most populated island, is a long way from experiencing the tourist growth sustained by Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Its scenic beauty, peace and quiet, local color, and enormous possibilities offered for rural tourism have made it focus on visitors wishing to combine rest and relaxation with the pleasures of nature. The full name of the island is San Miguel de La Palma, and of all the Canary Islands it is the one most influenced by its Atlantic calling, evidenced in the greenness of the coasts, in the rural architecture of Portuguese influence, and in the character and traditions of its people. This grand mountain rising above the ocean 2,426 meters (7,957 ft.) at Roque de los Muchachos on a slope covered with vegetation, preserves a way of life based on the banana crop and the perpetuation of its traditional customs. The island lacks industry, and everyday life unfolds with a tranquility that does not take long to affect the visitor. The island has a capacity for approximately 7,000 visitors, distributed among the lodgings at beach resorts, in the cities, and in rural areas. There are two small resorts on the coast, one on the eastern shore, and the other on the western shore. Los Cancajos to the east, is only a few miles from the airport and the capital of the island. Puerto Naos, in the agricultural township of Llanos de Aridane to the west, enjoys a sunnier climate due to its orientation. Both places grew up around two tranquil beaches of volcanic sand. There are also hotels situated in the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, and in the second largest city on the island, Los Llanos, close to the Caldera de Taburiente. An increasing number of mountain hotels and houses for rural tourism are also available. This is an important tourist sector in La Palma due to the suitability of its countryside for all types of activities related to nature. :::::::::::Lanzarote Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Arrecife Arrecife Jan Moonen The extraordinary light on the island of Lanzarote is undeniably one of the most startling features for the visitor. This is due in large part to the colors of the landscape caused by the various dark hues of the lava contrasting with the clarity of the sandy beaches. The climate, dry and sunny as corresponds to its easterly geographic position but with low hills, is responsible for the absence of green in the landscape, and the sparse vegetation on the island seems to grow miraculously out of nowhere, constituting botanical formations that are often very rare. One might think that this desert-like dryness would create an unfriendly landscape, but Lanzarote is just the contrary, the impression the visitor receives is of an inviting and enchanting land. A chief attraction in Lanzarote is its extraordinary volcanic landscape with a multitude of remarkable places, including Timanfaya National Park, El Golfo, and Los Verdes caves, to which the superb, white sandy beaches must be added. Lanzarote is an example to the world of tourism sustained by its magnificent integration with the environment. The hotel infrastructure, although well-developed, has avoided agglomeration by adopting forms more in harmony with the landscape, including small housing developments and the use of traditional architecture. The old capital of Lanzarote is Teguise. It is a charming little town and on sundays it has a great market. North of Teguise is the Mirador del Rio which offers excellent views over the Ocean and some small islands off the coast of Lanzarote. The most popular tourist resort on the island is Puerto del Carmen. Although not very large in size, it has numerous restaurants, night spots, shops, and a nice beach. Costa Teguise, further north, assembles a group of select hotels, where we find the renowned Hotel Salinas, one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. On the southern coast, Playa Blanca is a tourist center that has grown around a small fishing port. Nearby are the most stunning beaches on the island, the idyllic coves of Papagayo with white sand and crystal-clear waters, only accessible by dirt roads and preferably with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The relative isolation of this succession of beaches has kept most of them unspoiled. |
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife Cronologia/Autori: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tenerife&action=history Tenerife Da Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.La catena dell'Ananga, nella parte nord di Tenerife. Tenerife è un'isola spagnola, la più grande delle Canarie, nell'Oceano Atlantico, al largo della costa Africana. Si trova a 28° 19' N e 16° 34' O, ed occupa una superfice di 2.034 km². Come il resto delle Canarie, è di origine vulcanica. Il punto più alto dell'isola, il Teide 3.718 m, è anche il punto più elevato della Spagna. L'isola fa parte della provincia di Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Comprende 31 municipalità: La città principale è, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, capoluogo dell'isola e sede del cabildo insular (il governo dell'isola); è anche il capoluogo della provincia di Santa Cruz de Tenerife e co-capoluogo, assieme a Las Palmas de Gran Canaria della comunità autonoma delle Isole Canarie. Il villaggio di Güímar è il sito delle misteriose Piramidi di Guimar. La popolazione dell'isola è di 778.071 abitanti.
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StoriaNota ai romani come Nivaria (dal latino nix, nivis, "neve"), un riferimento alla neve che copre la cima del vulcano noto come El Teide. Secondo alcuni, il nome Tenerife sarebbe esso stesso un riferimento a questo vulcano, e sarebbe stato usato per indicare l'isola dai Guanci (o Guanches) della vicina isola di La Palma, Tene avrebbe significato "montagna" e ife "bianca" (la "r" sarebbe stata aggiunta dagli spagnoli). Ai nativi di Tenerife, l'isola era nota come Chenech, Chinech o Achinech. Ultima isola ad essere completamente conquistata dagli spagnoli, Tenerife all'epoca della sua conquista era composta da nove distretti, detti menceyatos, che era il nome dei piccoli regni dei Guanci. Anche se le forze spagnole al comando dell'Adelantado ("governatore militare") Alonso Fernández de Lugo, subirono una schiaccante sconfitta per mano dei Guanches, nella Prima battaglia di Acentejo del 1494, i Guanches alla fine vennero sopraffatti dalla tecnologia superiore e da malattie alle quali non erano immuni, e si arresero all Corona di Castiglia il 25 dicembre 1495. Come sulle altre isole dell'arcipelago, gran parte della popolazione nativa di Tenerife venne ridotta in schiavitù o dovette soccombere a malattie cui non era immune, mentre allo stesso tempo si insediavano sull'isola immigranti provenienti da diverse parti dell'impero spagnolo (Portogallo, Fiandre, Italia, Germania). Le foreste di pini vennero abbattute per far posto alla coltivazione della canna da zucchero negli anni 1520. Nei secoli successivi, l'economia dell'isola fu incentrata attrono alla coltivazione di altri prodotti quali vite, cocciniglia per la produzione di tinture, e banani. L'isola venne attaccata dai britannici nel 1797. Il 25 luglio, Orazio Nelson attaccò Santa Cruz de Tenerife, capitale dell'isola e quartier generale del Capitano Generale. Dopo una violenta battaglia, i britannici vennero respinti, Nelson perse il suo braccio destro e cercò di sbarcare sulla spiaggia. Il 5 settembre un altro tentativo si sbarco nella regione di Puerto Santiago venne respinto dagli abitanti della Valle di Santiago, che fecero rotolare pietre sui britannici dall'alto delle scogliere di Los Gigantes. Visitatori meno ostili arrivarono sull'isola nei secoli seguenti. Il naturalista Alexander von Humboldt ascese la vetta del Teide e notò la bellezza dell'isola. I turisti iniziarono a visitare Tenerife in grandi numeri negli anni 1890, specialmente le città settentrionali di Puerto de la Cruz e Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Prima della sua ascesa al potere, Francisco Franco venne messo di stanza a Tenerife nel marzo 1936, dal governo repubblicano preoccupato della sua influenza e delle sue tendenze politiche. A Tenerife Franco organizzò il colpo di stato che avrebbe prodotto la guerra civile spagnola. Le Canarie caddero in mano ai nazionalisti nel luglio 1936, e la loro popolazione fu soggetta all'esecuzione di massa degli oppositori al nuovo regime. Negli anni 1950 la miseria degli anni del dopoguerra causò l'emigrazione di migliaia di abitanti verso Cuba e l'America Latina. La collisione aerea nota come disastro di Tenerife, che avvenne il 27 marzo 1977, a Los Rodeos, un aeroporto nel nord dell'isola, fu la più grave sciagura aerea della storia prima degli attacchi terroristici dell'11 settembre 2001. In quell'occasione un Jumbo Jet della compagnia olandese KLM urtò in fase di decollo un altro jumbo della Pan Am provocando la morte di tutti e 583 i passeggeri a bordo. I due aerei erano stati dirottati a Tenerife a causa di un allarme bomba all'aeroporto di Las Palmas, nella vicina isola di Gran Canaria.
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ComunicazioniSull'isola si trovano due aeroporti, presso La Laguna (Los Rodeos-TFN)ed El Médano (Reina Sofia-TFS). Santa Cruz de Tenerife è il principale porto dell'isola, con traghetti per Puerto de las Nieves e Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (su Gran Canaria), Santa Cruz de la Palma (su La Palma) e Cadice, nella Spagna continentale. Da Los Cristianos partono traghetti per San Sebastián de la Gomera (su La Gomera) e Puerto de La Estaca (su El Hierro).
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Collegamenti esterni
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| anary Islands
Travel Guide Canary Islands Travel Guide and Canary Islands Travel Information - TravelPuppy.com The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are much closer to the coast of Africa than to mainland Spain and it is the mid-Atlantic location that accounts for the mild climate. While best known for their white, pristine beaches, the 7 islands, all of volcanic origin, offer strikingly diverse landscapes, with sub-tropical rainforests, arid plains, pine woods, sand dunes, mountain peaks and remarkable flora. The main tourist areas of Santa Cruz including: Tenerife La Palma Gomera Hierro The Las Palmas tourist area includes: Grand Canaria Fuerteventura Lanzarote Watersports, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, tennis, golf are available. The locals take great pride in their folklore traditions and the carnival festivities are famous throughout Spain. ______________Canary Islands Communications Canary Islands Communications - TravelPuppy.com Fax Post offices have fax services. Facilities are also generally available at larger hotels, especially those catering for the business and conference visitor. Internet There is a variety of Internet cafes in most urban areas. Main ISPs include the following: Futurnet Ibernet Telematica Ozú Terra Wanadoo Ya Post There are efficient internal and international postal services to all countries. Airmail within Europe usually takes around 5 days. Radio BBC World Service and Voice of America radio stations can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online. Telephone - land line Full IDD is available. Country dialing code is 34 The following are a selection of codes for major centres around Spain: Madrid 91, Alicante 96, Canary Islands 971, Barcelona 93, Benidorm 96, Bilbao 94, Granada 958, Málaga and Torremolinos 95, Las Palmas 928, Santander 942, Seville 95, Tenerife 922 and Valencia 96. Outgoing international code is 00 Emergency calls 112 Telephone - mobile GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Roaming agreements exist with all major networks. Coverage is good throughout most of Canary Islands. Network operators are: Movistar Amena Vodafone ____________Canary Islands General Info Canary Islands General Information - TravelPuppy.com Capital Provincial capitals are Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Area 7242 sq km (2796 sq miles). Population 1,672,689 (1999). Population Density 231.0 per sq km Population of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 377,660 (2003) Population of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 220,033 (2003). Geography The Canary Islands are situated off the northwest coast of Africa and consist of 7 islands which are divided into 2 provinces: Las Palmas comprises the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is made up of Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera and Hierro. All the islands are of volcanic origin with a subtropical climate. The landscape is quite varied, and includes mountain ranges, valleys, deserts, cliffs, craters and forests. Religion There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic. Time GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity 220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use. _____________Canary Islands Getting There - International Travel Canary Islands International Travel - TravelPuppy.com Air Local flights run by Iberia (IB) link all the islands. Approximate flight times From Las Palmas to London is 6 hours 10 minutes (including a stopover in Madrid) From Tenerife is 6 hours 10 minutes (including a stopover in Madrid). Direct flights from London to either destination take 4 hours 15 minutes. International airports Gran Canaria (LPA) Located22km (14 miles) south of Las Palmas. Hotel coaches to the city leave every 30 minutes between 0630-0200 hrs with a journey time of 20 minutes. Return journey is from Iberia terminal (Hotel Iberia), Avenida Maritima. Public bus service to the city centre leaves every 30 minutes, operating a 24-hour service and return is from the bus station, Parque de San Telmo. Taxis to the city are available. Airport facilities Include banks/bureaux de change, post office, chemists, medical service and car hire. Tenerife-Norte Los Rodeos (TFN) Located in the north of the island and is 13km (8 miles) from Santa Cruz. Bus service runs every 30 minutes from 0600-2300 hrs. Tenerife-Sur Reina Sofia (TFS) Located in the south of the island, is used for resorts such as Playa de las Americas. Bus service is scheduled according to the flight arrivals. Taxis are also available. La Gomera Located 38km northwest of Valle Gran Rey and 34km from San Sebastian, offers regular connections with Gran Canaria and North Tenerife. There are regular bus services to all towns on the island. For further information, contact La Gomera Airport (tel no. : (34) 9228 73000 ). Sea The majority of cruise ships stop in the Canaries. Further details are available from the Spanish National Tourist Office. Trasmediterránea operates a weekly (Saturday) car ferry departing at 1800 hrs from Cadiz-Tenerife-Las Palmas. Contact their UK agent: Southern Ferries 5th Floor 179 Piccadilly London W1V 9DB UK Telephone number: (020) 7491 4968 Fax number: (020) 7491 3502 website: www.trasmediterranea.es. The islands are linked by regular car and passenger ferries. Day trips to the smaller islands are available. _____________ Las Palmas Las Palmas - TravelPuppy.com Gran Canaria Gran Canaria is often referred to as a ‘miniature continent’, as plants usually associated with Europe, Africa and the Americas all flourish well here. The super beaches include Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, nearly 6km (4 miles) long. The capital, Las Palmas (not to be confused with the smaller island of La Palma), is a lively city with a magnificent location between the two bays. The sights include the Old Town, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Ana and several museums. Columbus lived in Las Palmas for a time before setting out on the voyage of discovery. The city also has a lively cultural life with opera, dance and music festivals. Ingenio is very famous for its crafts. San Bartolomé de Tirajana is dramatically located in the crater of a volcano. The fishing ports of Mogan and Sardina del Norte are worth a visit. Fuerteventura The second-largest of the Canary Islands has great beaches, particularly around Jandía in the south. The island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, is home to about one-third of the population and was built during the late 18th century. Attractions on the island include Corralejo in the far north (where straw hats are woven in the traditional manner), and the Norman castle of Rico Roque, near Cotillo. Betancuria, the ancient capital of the island, houses its most important monument, the Church of Santa María, noted for its painted ceiling and murals. Camels are a common mode of transport on this sandy island. Lanzarote The most easterly of the Canaries Lanzarote is dry and relatively flat. It owes its eerie landscape to the activity of over than 300 volcanoes long since dormant. The ash and craters have been turned to the islanders’ advantage for vine making. The capital is the port town of Arrecife. Places of interest include Teguise, the picturesque old capital, with aristocratic palaces, historic convents and churches and a castle built on a volcanic cone. The National Park of Timanfaya is a spectacular lava flow, awe-inspiring in its barren majesty and covering nearly one-third of the island. Malpaís de la Corona has an immense volcanic cave called Los Verdes, 6km (3.5 miles) long, nearby is the Jameo del Agua lagoon. Camel rides to the volcanoes are very popular with the tourists. _____________Santa Cruz Santa Cruz - TravelPuppy.com Tenerife Tenerife is the largest of the islands and is dominated by a central mountain range and several spectacular valleys. The national park is a gigantic natural crater some 19km (12 miles) in diameter and, to the north and the Pico del Teide, the highest mountain in Spain. The capital, Santa Cruz, is a cosmopolitan city, rich in architecture, notably the Church of San Francisco, and has an excellent art and history museums. In the village of Güímar, 25km (16 miles) southeast of Santa Cruz, is Pyramid Park, where the archaeological digs are worth a visit. Puerto de la Cruz is the most important resort and has buildings dating back to the 17th century. Other places to visit include the second city of La Laguna, La Orotava (centre of a lush valley), Garachico (the ‘Pearl by the Sea’) and Los Cristianos. La Palma La Palma boasts one of the largest craters in the world, the Caldera de Taburiente, which is best viewed from the La Cumbrecita look-out point. The capital of Santa Cruz (not to be confused with Santa Cruz de Tenerife) is also worth visiting for its 16th-century architecture and the Natural History Museum. Also worth a trip are the woods of Tilos near Los Sauces, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Cueva Bonita, a beautiful natural grotto, and the beaches of Los Llanos de Aridane, Los Cancajos and Nogales. Gomera Gomera is rich in vegetation and is blessed with white sand beaches, particularly Vallehermoso. Though not as mountainous as other islands, the terrain is rugged and the most practical method of getting around is often by sea. The capital, San Sebastián, is interesting for its connections with the explorer Christopher Columbus, who is commemorated by the Torre del Conde, an old fortress and is now a national monument. Other noteworthy places on the island worth a visit are the fishing ports of Playa de Santiago and La Rajita and the primeval laurel forest of the Garajonay National Park. Gomera is famous for its ‘whistling’ language, used by the islanders to call from mountain to mountain. Hierro The smallest and least-visited island with hardly any beaches, Hierro’s coastline mostly comprises of sheer cliffs. Valverde is the attractive capital. La Peña is a look-out point with commanding views as well as a restaurant. The tiny fishing village of La Restinga is the most southern point of the Canaries. Surfers head for Timijiraque, one of the few sand beaches on the island. |
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