A part of Spain off the coast of Africa
Formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, admire picturesque villages, extinct volcanoes, deserted mountains, amazing beaches with stretches of black and golden sand, climb rugged cliffs and enjoy subtropical climate all year round!
The Guanches are the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands, descendants of the Canarii, a tribe from north Africa, but the culture is Spanish. The islands are strongly connected to Venezuela and Cuba.
First stop Tenerife, explore the world’s most beautiful and incredible landscapes , ranging from green valleys to volcanic beaches and the ‘moonscape’ of Mount Teide National Park. From a fishing village to a beautiful city, Santa Cruz, Ternerife’s port is full of welcoming bars, restaurants with local food and drink, shops, fine architecture and museums. Tenerife has a rugged coastline with natural sea- pools all around the coast.
The south is hot and dry, see the Teide National Park famous for its harsh and arid environment, whereas the north is cooler and wetter with a difference of 10 degrees. This has a huge impact on plant life. Infact, there is a biodiverse natural forest in the north of Teneri
Madeira, Portugal ( P & O Azura stops here) the Garden Isle, is famous for its colourful flower markets in Funchal, the capital. Worth stopping at the fishing village of Camara de Lobos where Churchill went to paint.
Carreiros/carts, invented in 1850 to ride from the top of Monte to Funchal city. I simply took a photo!
Gran Canaria, the vibrant capital of Las Palmas, the largest city in the islands, discovered by Christoper Columbus during his voyage of 1492 is blessed with palm groves and the perfect climate. Couldn’t miss Vegueta, the old quarter.
Golden beaches
Stretches of black sand
Red, black and white sandy beaches in Lanzarote.
Fuerteventura has the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands and is very close to Africa’s Sahara Desert. We visited the beaches of Corralejo.
The inactive volcanoes have created rock formations.
