The Canary Islands are a 7 European islands that proudly emerge off the coast of Africa, not far from Cape Verde! From north to south and east to west: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Their particularities? These Canary Islands are the land of paradox, and are all different! On the one hand, concrete and large tourist complexes competing with incredible and uncommon architectures, crowded by mass tourism. But behind all this, there are preserved sites and islands. Go to the adventure in these wild, desert, forest, sandy, traditional or more modern lands, and also berdy through eco-tourism. Every island is a new journey, a new discovery! The change is at every turn: at the top of Teide in Tenerife, in the pine forest of La Gomera, in the tranquility of sea pools or on the dunes of Fuerteventura beaches. Organizing his trip to the Canary Islands directly with a local agency is the best way to discover the many facets of these islands so diverse and to apprehend Canary culture in an authentic way.
In the Canary Islands, there is no low season proper, as it is beautiful all year round and temperatures range between 20 and 30 ° C. Nevertheless, there is a low season for each island: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro observe a drop in attendance in summer, as other nearby European destinations are privileged. On the other hand, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are full in summer due to the beautiful beaches that these islands offer. In winter, it is the opposite, the wind blows strong on the islands to the east, so in the low season, while to the west the islands conducive to hiking are attractive.
Some dramatic volcanic landsThe volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands are astonishing and spectacular. Lunar landscapes due to the presence of numerous dusty and eroded craters, steep peaks, erect dykes and coulées lava flows.A climate caressing all year roundWhat happiness this eternal spring that envelopes the archipelago! What's better than enjoying a sweet life all year round! Because thanks to the trade winds, the climate remains temperate, ranging from 17 ° C in January to 30 ° C in August: So the sun is always present, but never suffocating.An intact natureProud of their natural wealth and history, the Canary Islands have carefully preserved their ecological and cultural heritage on many islands! While entire coasts are devastated by tourist urbanization, spectacular sites are well protected in national parks!Some picturesque villagesFar from the seaside resorts, the Canary islands have been able to preserve a peasant authenticity of another century. Thanks to a tailor-made circuit organised by a local agency, you can go off the beaten paths and discover small villages that are frozen in time, rich in cultural and folklore traditions.Beaches and outdoor sportsThanks to white sandy beaches, the fans of the kitesurfing will find a favourable terrain! Everything on the background of turquoise waters, azure sky, sand dunes, and volcanic background. Walkers and cyclists will not be in the rest! Relaxation, relaxation and thalassotherapy centers will help you!From a global perspective, in Spain, life is cheaper than in France. However, don't rush too fast because, in the Canary Islands, some tourist places have a high price. But generally, restaurants, accommodation, shows, certain consumer goods (shoes, clothing...) and all shopping in supermarkets are a little cheaper. Also note that there are high rates of rates for hotels and restaurants, shopping or leisure depending on the locations.FormalitésThe identity card or a passport is sufficient for nationals of the European Union.
The language spoken in the Canary Islands is Spanish, but with very strong emphasis to be understood in rural areas. The strongest accent is that of La Gomera, where some elders still speak of silbo, a goalkeeper language inherited from the Guanches, now intangible heritage of humanity.
As in most countries belonging to the European Union, currency is the euro.
The climate of the Canary Islands is of subtropical océanique type. The Saharan lands at the same latitude (southern Morocco, Algeria...) suffer a hot and dry tropical climate (arid to hyperaride).The average monthly temperatures on the island of Tenerife are included between ?:18 ? ° C and 25 ? ° C to the south, by sea (Santa Cruz).13 ? ° C and 25 ? ° C to the south at 650 ? elevation (Granadilla).9 ? ° C and 25 ? ° C to the south at 1 ? 616 ? m elevation (Vilaflor).12 ? ° C and 19 ? ° C (stations < 500 ? m elevation).5 ? ° C and 18 ? ° C at the centre, at 2 ? 367 ? m elevation (Izana), with temperatures ranging from -10 ? ° C overnight to 40 ? ° C day in summer. We even reach the -20 ? ° C at the peak of Teide.
© Dominique Auzias & Jean-Paul Labourdette