Where are the Canary Islands? Regions of Spain: Canary Islands Canary Islands subordination

When you say the phrase “Canary Islands,” colorful pictures of a paradise vacation pop up in your head. The way it is. The Canaries are so far from Russia that few tourists dare to visit them. In this article I will tell you where the Canary Islands are on the world map and which island you should go to.

The most popular version of the origin of the name of the Canary Islands is from the word canary. However, it is not. The name Canary Islands (Las Islas Canarias in Spanish) comes from the Latin Canarias Insulae, meaning “islands of dogs.” In the works of the ancient Roman scientist Pliny the Elder, one can find mention of a large number of dogs on the island. Two of them were taken with him by the Moorish king Yuba II during his journey. Later, dogs appeared on the coat of arms of the Canary Islands.

According to another version, dogs were sea dogs or sea lions, which formed large colonies on the islands.

According to the third version, the aborigines of the Guanche island considered dogs to be sacred animals. There may be a connection between the Egyptian dog-headed deity Anubis and the Canarian worship of this animal.

Where are the Canary Islands on the world map

Many tourists doubt which country the Canary Islands belong to. The answer is simple: the Canaries belong to Spain, but are located 1000 km away. from its coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Africa is located 115 km away. Morocco is closest to the Canary Islands. The Canaries consist of 7 large and 6 small islands. The Canary archipelago is an autonomous region of Spain and has two capitals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Despite the fact that the Canaries are part of Spain, there is a different climate and a completely different atmosphere. The Canary Islands offer year-round holidays, but the ocean water can be chilly in winter. By the way, this is the only place in Europe where you can swim in winter. But most importantly, the Canaries are rich in attractions, beautiful landscapes and preserved traditions. It is for the exotic that tourists come here.

By the way, when planning a holiday in the Canaries, do not forget to apply for a visa to Spain. To visit the Canary Islands you need a Schengen visa.

The Canary Islands are of volcanic origin. One can truly say about the inhabitants of many islands that they live like on a volcano. Most volcanoes are dormant, and only on Hierro Island did the volcano show signs of life not long ago. But there have been no real dangerous volcanic eruptions in the Canaries for a hundred years.

Since the arrival of the Spaniards, Catholicism began to spread on the island. The main Cathedral is located in the city of San Cristobal de La Laguna.

Which island is better to choose?

So, the Canary archipelago includes the following islands:

Among the six small islands, only Graciosa Island has an area of ​​about 30 sq. km. population resides. The remaining islands of Roque del Este, Alegranza, Roque del Oeste, Lobos, Montaña Clara are untouched corners of nature.

Let's take a closer look at the large islands.

Now you know where the Canary Islands are located on the world map and, after reading the description of each island of the Canary archipelago, you can easily decide on a holiday destination.

On the pages of my blog you will find information about the places I have been, secrets and life hacks of independent travel.

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Useful information for those planning to spend their holidays in the Canary Islands. It seems to me that it would be more interesting to visit several islands at once in order to diversify your vacation and see more interesting places.

Useful information for tourists about the Canaries, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of the Canaries, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of the Canaries.

Geography of the Canaries

The Canary Islands (in Spanish Islas Canarias) are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Together with the islands of Madeira and the Azores to the north and the Cape Verde Islands to the south, they form what is commonly called "Macronesia".

The archipelago consists of seven large inhabited islands and several small ones. In the center is the largest island - Tenerife. To the west is La Gomera, Hierro and Palma. The island of Gran Canaria is located east of Tenerife. This is the third largest island of the archipelago. Further east are Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

The Canary Islands are of volcanic origin.

State

Language

Official language: Spanish

Religion

Residents of the Canary Islands profess Catholicism.

Currency

International name: EUR

Canary map

Popular attractions

Tourism in the Canaries

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in the Canaries

The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa. This volcanic archipelago is an autonomous province of Spain. The Canary Islands are a stunning picturesque resort with magnificent natural landscapes, gorgeous beaches and a variety of different attractions.

The largest and most popular island of the archipelago is Tenerife. Its capital (and one of the two capitals of the Canary Islands province), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is famous for its famous sandy Teresitas beach, which is one of the best beaches in the archipelago. The sand for this beach was specially brought from the Sahara. The symbol of the city and an important landmark of the entire Canary Islands is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture - the Auditorio de Tenerife concert hall. Other important cultural attractions of Santa Cruz are the Plaza de España, the Museum of Nature and Man, the Masonic Temple of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The city of San Cristobal de La Laguna and its Cathedral are also worth a visit. And, of course, exploring Tenerife would not be complete without visiting the magnificent Teide National Reserve and the famous Exotic Park.

The picturesque island of Gran Canaria impresses with its natural landscapes and excellent beaches. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of the island (and the second capital of the Canary Islands) and one of the largest ports in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is rich in various cultural and natural monuments. Some of the most interesting places in Las Palmas include the Cathedral, Casa Columbus, Doramas Park, Canario Museum, Open Air Museum and Gallery of Contemporary Art. In the town of Galdar, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum and Cueva Pintada Park with its famous caves, the Church of Santiago de los Caballeros and the Square of St. James. Natural attractions such as the Gran Canaria National Park, the Jardín Canario Botanical Garden and the Tamadaba National Park are also interesting.

The island of Lanzarote is also popular among tourists. Its most interesting attraction is the Timanfaya National Park and its magnificent underground caves Cueva de los Verdos. And the hallmark of the island of Fuerteventura is its beautiful sandy beaches - the best in the Canary Islands. The island is also very popular among windsurfers.

Canary cuisine

Hotels in the Canary Islands (Spain) offer, first of all, first-class service and a developed infrastructure for recreation and entertainment. This resort is famous for its attractions and best hotels.

Tourism here began to develop not so long ago (in the early 90s), using advanced technologies. That is why all hotels in the Canary Islands are particularly comfortable, have a convenient approach to the sea, a traditionally high level of service, as well as a relatively “fresh” number of rooms.

The choice of accommodation in the Canary Islands is varied, ranging from apartment hotels with kitchenettes to hotels. Most hotels in the Canaries are four-star and five-star. Regardless of the level of the hotel - two-star (except for the cheapest), three-star, four- or five-star - all rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV and safes.

Food in most hotels in the Canary Islands is provided in the form of a buffet with an extensive menu. At the same time, breakfast is often included in the room price, and lunch and dinner are paid additionally, or all food is free, and only drinks are paid for.

Another feature of the Canary Islands is that almost all the beaches are located on the territory of hotels and are municipal property, which is important for vacationers.

When choosing a place to stay, it is worth remembering that there are several types of accommodation in the Canaries, including: family hotel (hostal) - one of the cheapest options for overnight accommodation, which is similar to a hostel, but is mainly managed by only one family, creating an atmosphere of home comfort ; villa – a private house, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay; aparthotel - consists of apartments that include one or more rooms, as well as a kitchen. An excellent option for spending the night in the Canary Islands are camping sites, which come in three types and vary in level of comfort, but this almost affects the cost of accommodation.

Holidays in Spain can please the most discerning travelers, regardless of whether you decide to spend your vacation on the mainland of this beautiful country or on the islands. Read about holidays on the mainland. If you still prefer to relax on the islands, I have collected a lot of useful information for you below. I hope it's useful. The Spanish islands - the Canary and Balearic - amaze with the diversity of landscape and climatic conditions. But what they have in common is that they are all literally created for the perfect holiday. It is only important to understand which island is exactly what you need at the moment.

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Canaries- a symbol of the luxurious life of the “new Russians” of the early 90s, the land of eternal summer, a stunningly beautiful archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean with picturesque valleys and cliffs, wide beaches, and a very favorable climate. The archipelago includes 7 large islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote) and several small ones. Interestingly, the capital of the island alternates between two cities: every four years the capital status passes from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or vice versa.

Canary Islands(Islas Canarias - in Spanish, Canary Islands - in English) is an autonomous province of Spain, but the nature and atmosphere here are absolutely not European. Those who come here are looking for real exoticism: stunning landscapes with lush tropical vegetation, beaches with black volcanic sand (beaches with golden sand are also present!), real ocean waves, ripe tropical fruits, etc.

Moreover, holidays in the Canaries are by no means passively relaxed: the islands have so many natural and cultural attractions and opportunities for active recreation that not a single lover of active recreation will be bored here. Volcanoes and “Martian” landscapes in valleys of solidified lava, waterfalls, prehistoric monuments, not to mention numerous dive and surf clubs, the service of which is of the highest (!) European quality.

Canary Islands – which island to choose as a “location point”

If we describe all the islands of the archipelago briefly, then Gran Canaria- the largest, hospitable and one of the most picturesque islands of the Canary archipelago. Holidays here can be surprisingly varied - exactly the way you want at the moment. Among the many hotels in the main resort of Gran Canaria - Maspalomas - you can find accommodation to suit every taste. On Tenerife, traditionally popular among Russians, has a rich nightlife and a lot of entertainment for children and adults (in this sense, the island of Tenerife, perhaps, has no competition), but the coast is steep and rocky in places. True, there are also good sandy beaches, but the island, in any case, is considered less picturesque compared to Gran Canaria and any other islands of the Canary archipelago.

Rest on Lanzarote It will definitely impress nature lovers - there are as many as 300 extinct volcanoes here. On La Palma And El Hierr There are few beaches suitable for swimming, but they are surprisingly beautiful and have a lot of greenery. Holidays on these islands are measured and calm. Fuerteventura It will also appeal to those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle. A mysterious La Gomera will enchant you with ancient legends about witches, fabulous landscapes and will interest fans of ecotourism.

Getting to the Canaries quite simple: there are international airports in Tenerife (in the north of the island - TFN, and more favorable for tourists, located in the south of the island, Tenerife Sur Aeropuerto (TFS)), Gran Canaria (LAS, 20 km from the capital of the island), Fuerteventura (FUE ) and Lanzarote (ACE). A direct flight, for example, from Moscow to Tenerife will take about 7 hours, and to the rest of the Canary Islands you will have to fly with a transfer. Many airlines fly - Aeroflot, S7, Spanish Iberia and Vueling, the ubiquitous European giants such as Lufthansa, Finnair, etc.

Tenerife

The largest of the islands of the Canary archipelago, its area is more than 2 thousand km², its length is 80-85 km, and its maximum width (in the southwest) is 50 km. The length of the coastline is 342 km. The nature here is truly exotic, because from the coast of Tenerife to the coast of Africa is only 300 km (while the Iberian Peninsula, to mainland Spain, is about 1000 km.

Tenerife resorts - how to choose

The most popular resorts on the island of Tenerife:

Los Cristianos (Los Cristianos) - perfect for families with children, since, on the one hand, the place is quite calm, without big waves and strong winds, and on the other hand, there are many entertainments and parks around, which are interesting primarily for young tourists.

Playa de Las Americas (Playa de las Americas) – a super-modern resort, with excellent infrastructure, an excellent place for those who prefer a noisy, fun holiday.

Costa Adeje (Costa Adeje) - in fact, the wide beaches of Costa Adeje smoothly transform into the beaches of Playa de las Americas, and the strip of beautiful beaches stretches for more than six kilometers in this part of the island. Costa Adeje is a quieter place, compared to Las Americas, conducive to a family holiday. There is a trend here: the further from the border with Las Americas, the quieter it is.

The western, far end of Costa Adeje, near the excellent Playa El Duque beach, is the most privileged and, naturally, expensive part of the resort, and it is here that the best hotels and apartment complexes in the south of Tenerife are located.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) – this city, which is the capital of the island, is certainly interesting to visit: both in the city itself and in its surroundings there are a lot of must-see attractions. There are several good beaches in the city and near its border, however, I would not recommend Santa Cruz for a beach holiday: the wind rose here is such that in the northern part (where Santa Cruz de Tenerife is located) it is often cloudy and rainy . So, it’s definitely worth visiting the city while traveling around the island, but as a “permanent deployment point,” I would personally recommend one of the resorts in the southern part of the island.

El Medano (El Medano) – located in the southeast of the island, open to all winds, so it is suitable for windsurfing enthusiasts.

Attractions in Tenerife

Natural attractions of Tenerife

Climate and beaches of Tenerife

The main thing that people come to Tenerife for (as well as to the other Canary Islands) is the unique climate and magnificent beaches. The length of Tenerife's coastline is 342 km. The southern part of the island is better suited for a beach holiday: the climate here is drier and sunny (while north of the mountain range formed in Tenerife as a result of volcanic eruptions, the climate is damper and cooler). The island is located at the latitude of the Sahara Desert, so even in the ocean the water warms up above 24 degrees by the end of summer and autumn (which, in my opinion, is, of course, not the Caribbean +27, but is already enough for more or less comfortable swimming).

The best beaches and tourist centers of the island are concentrated in the southwest, in two areas: Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas. In the southeast there are quite strong winds and waves, so windsurfing and kitesurfing lovers are welcome here.

Tenerife is a volcanic island, so it has many beaches with black volcanic sand, which is considered terribly healthy due to the large number of minerals in its composition.

However, the island also has many beaches with traditional light golden sand (in the south). All of them are man-made, and the sand for them was specially brought here from the Sahara.

Teide National Park

The park is located around the impressive Teide volcano, which is also the highest point of the island (3718 m). The beauty of the park, with its almost unreal landscapes, as well as unique flora and fauna, is truly impressive. The park is especially beautiful from April to June - the flowering period of many plants.

You can get to an altitude of more than 2000 meters by car along a fairly decent quality asphalt road. Then you can take the funicular up another 1000 meters higher. The funicular operates daily, ascents are from 9:00 to 16:00, and the last descent is at 16:50 from the top (data as of June 2016, check the time on site!).

The ascent and subsequent descent by funicular costs €25 (adult ticket) and €12.50 for children. In 10 minutes, the 38-seater cable car will take you to a height of 3555 meters, and after taking the cable car you only have about 200 meters left to the very top. Those who wish can climb there on foot, but to climb on foot you must first obtain a pass from the park administration. Upon presentation of a passport, it is usually issued to everyone, and absolutely free.

It is popular among tourists to watch the sunrise at the top of the Teide volcano. There is even a guest house where you can spend the night for €20 in tolerable conditions. Don’t be fooled: it only sounds romantic, but in practice... I remember how in Sicily we once decided to “romantically” watch the sunset on the top of Mount Etna (Etna’s height is 3329 m).

(By the way, this was in August, and the temperature on the coast was about +40 degrees. And on Etna, not even at night, but in the evening, at sunset, it was +8 degrees, and in addition there was a piercing wind. In the end, the husband even refused get off the bus (most of our group did this), and I, having pulled on not only my warm clothes, but also my husband’s sweater and windbreaker, in company with a couple of other maniac travelers, ran to photograph that same “sunset” . Two short runs from the bus and back, and even in this form I was frozen at an altitude of more than 3000 meters - this is no joke, even in the summer in the south!)

But during the day it’s probably worth taking the funicular, at least to the observation deck on Teide. You just need to arrive either right before the opening (at 9 o’clock) or after lunch, since there are a lot of people who want to climb to the top of the volcano, and you risk “killing” the whole day in line for the funicular.

Laurel forests (Laurisilva)

Laurisilva is a rare evergreen relict forest that appeared several thousand years ago, during the Jurassic period, when there were probably no people on Earth. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Laurisilva is located in the northern part of Tenerife, in the Anaga mountain range, at an altitude of 500-1000 m.

This spectacle is truly unique: prehistoric trees intertwine branches overhead, from which lush garlands of green moss hang. The ground is covered with a dense carpet of moss, green ferns and other vegetation, and tree trunks and stones, due to dampness, are covered with lichens.

There are many walking routes in the forest with signs. One of them - the most spectacular - leads to the Anaga lighthouse located at the extreme northern point of the island, from where a stunning view of the mountains and ocean opens. Several trails lead through the thicket of the forest, offering rest at tourist sites. The longest route ends at the small but very picturesque village of Taganana.

The TF-12 highway leads right through this relict forest in the Anaga Mountains. A visit to the forest can be combined in one day with an excursion to the top of Teide. If you travel by car, then, having approached the volcano along the road from the south side, you will have to go down along the only path, moving north, straight through the forest.

Just like for a trip to Teide, here you will need warm clothes and comfortable shoes, because it is much cooler here than in the southern part of the island, and the asphalt and paths are slippery from the constantly drizzling rain.

Cultural and historical attractions of Tenerife

Auditorio de Tenerife

One of the famous concert halls in the world, the creation of the outstanding Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, impressive not only for its appearance, but also, according to experts, for its amazing acoustics.

The Auditorio de Tenerife, built in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 2003, is both an opera house and a concert venue. Tourists have the opportunity to visit the site as spectators: tickets are sold 2 hours before the performance or concert, and also from 10 to 15 hours (Mon-Fri), and on Saturdays from 10 to 14 hours. Prices are very reasonable: from 15 to 90 euros.

Pyramids of Guimar

Like most pyramids on our planet, these ones, located in the town of Guimar, in the southeast of Tenerife, are full of mysteries.

Scientists are still arguing, trying to unravel the mystery of their origin and purpose. These pyramids, made of processed stones of volcanic origin, have a strictly defined orientation to the sun, they are very reminiscent of the pyramids in Mexico, Peru and Mesopotamia.

The famous traveler Thor Heyerdahl proved that the pyramids also have a sacred meaning - how else can you explain that all 6 pyramids have stairs facing the sun, and at the top of the highest of them on the day of the summer solstice you can watch the sun set twice?

An ethnological park has been created around the pyramids, the museum of which, in particular, displays an exhibition dedicated to the discoveries of Thor Heyerdahl. Ticket price for an adult is €18, for students under 25 years old – €12.15, for children – €5.50. The pyramids and ethnological park are open to the public every day from 9:30 to 18:00, except Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year's Day (January 1).

Official website (there is a version in Russian): http://www.piramidesdeguimar.es/

Basilica of Candelaria

The most famous religious landmark of Tenerife is the Basilica of Candelaria (located in the city of Candelaria). It is worth your attention: the richly decorated interior of the cathedral, consecrated in honor of Our Lady of Candelaria, is adjacent to a high bell tower. The basilica was erected on the site of the old temple relatively recently, in 1959.

The visit is free, the doors are open from Monday to Friday 7:30 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 19:30, and on Saturdays and Sundays - without a break, 7:30 - 19:30.

Twice a year the basilica becomes the epicenter of public festivities - on February 2 and August 15. Thousands of pilgrims come here, but the events, unlike many other places of worship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, are not held here in a purely religious vein, but are very fun, with dancing and fireworks.

La Orotava (La Orotava)

A city in the north of Tenerife, in a picturesque valley, founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century.

When approaching Orotava from the east, along the TF-21 highway, stop at the observation point - the Mirador, named after the German explorer von Humboldt (Mirador de Humboldt), which offers stunning views of the city and the valley in which it lies.

The architecture, typical of the Canary Islands at that time, has survived to this day in its original form. Fans of architectural history will find here a large number of mansions with wooden balconies decorated with carvings. In one of these mansions, the most famous (Casa de los Balcones), today there is a museum and a craft workshop, and opposite it stands the oldest building in the city, a 500-year-old building, the “Tourist House” (Casa del Turista), open to the public. .

Another attraction of the city is the church. Iglesia de la Concepcion(Iglesia de la Concepcion) is the best example of 18th-century Canarian Baroque in the archipelago. Tourists who have visited Latin American countries will find similarities with the churches built there. This architectural monument of national importance - a Baroque church with two symmetrical bell towers and a richly decorated facade - is visible from afar.

Orotava also has a botanical garden. True, it is not very impressive compared to continental European ones, but still the flora of the subtropics and tropics is well represented in it. Plants were brought here from different continents, and now the garden’s collection includes more than 3,000 species.

Part of the territory of the botanical garden is occupied by Victoria Park, designed specifically for walks in the shade. The attraction of Victoria Park is the magnificent tomb of Roja, carved from delicate Carrara marble.

Every year in June, on the eighth day of the Catholic holiday of Corpus Christi, a solemn procession walks through the streets of La Orotava. On the eve of this very important event in the life of the city, they are decorated with original carpets made of flower petals, sand, stones and colored sawdust. The action is called “Carpet Day” (Dia de las Alfombras). And this, perhaps, is the main reason why tourists come to La Oratava.

The largest and most spectacular carpet is traditionally laid out on the square in front of the city hall. Two dozen craftsmen begin work on its creation from multi-colored volcanic sand from the Teide volcano a month and a half before the holiday. Unlike the monumental sand canvas in the main square (by the way, the pattern is never repeated), smaller-scale flower paintings on the streets of La Orotava appear directly on Carpet Day.

There are a lot of tourists in the city on this day, which creates certain problems, in particular with parking. The maximum number of spectators is at 10-13 o'clock, since the process of creating carpets itself is of greatest interest. As a rule, none of the tourists wait for the religious procession led by the bishop.

"Carpet Day" in La Oratava in 2017-21:

Icod de los Vinos (Icode de los Vinos)

Like Orotava, Icod de los Vinos is a typical Canarian town, built by the Spanish in the 16th century, with traditional colonial architecture, impressive mansions, several cathedrals and, like Orotava, wooden balconies. All ancient buildings are concentrated in the city center, and visiting them will not take more than a couple of hours. Plaza Pila, one of the most beautiful squares in the Canary Islands, is lined with old mansions, among which stands out the Casa de los Caceres, which now houses a museum. There is also a small botanical garden here. Nearby is the Church of St. Mark, built on the site of an ancient Guanche sanctuary.

But the most important attractions of Icod are not architectural: the city is famous for its wines, and the main thing for which tourists come here is the thousand-year-old dragon tree (one of the types of dracaena) with a trunk more than 10 meters in girth, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 . The tree grows in a park not far from the Church of St. Mark, and experienced tourists say that it is not worth paying money to view the tree up close, since from a distance it looks much more impressive.

About three kilometers from the city center is the Wind Cave (Cueva del Viento), a bizarre lava tunnel stretching for more than 17 kilometers, almost Martian in appearance. The Wind Cave is the longest cave of its type in all of Europe. Its voids are located on three levels. You can walk along it with a guide (the excursion must be booked in advance), the journey takes 2 hours and requires at least basic physical fitness.

Amusement parks in Tenerife

Tenerife is truly famous for its amusement parks.

Loro Parque in Tenerife

The name Loro Parque translates as “Park of Parrots,” but parrots are not the only thing here. This is a huge amusement park (13+ hectares in area) located in the suburbs of Puerto de la Cruz, where you can see a huge variety of animals and plants. In fact, if you want to combine a visit to a zoo, a circus, an aquarium and a botanical garden in one excursion, this is the place for you. But be prepared that it will take a whole day to walk through the park and attend at least some of the shows held here. The park opened in 1972, and, indeed, it began with only 150 parrots living on 1 hectare. Today, the collection of parrots in the park has increased to 4,000 individuals of 350 different species, and has become the richest in the world. So Loro Parque became the world's largest center for the study and conservation of parrots.

Every day the park hosts a variety of shows with animals: 5 times a day - with sea lions, 4 times a day - with dolphins (here, by the way, is the largest pool in Europe for shows with dolphins), Loro show (with parrots) - 6 times a day day, etc. More than 40 million people visit the park every year.

The owners of Loro Parque also own the second stunning amusement park on the island - Siam Park, and it is possible to visit both parks in two days, with a double ticket at a discount.

In Loro Parque you can see sea lions and otters, gorillas, chimpanzees and marmosets, jaguars and rare white tigers, flamingos and pelicans, alligators, as well as piranhas and a variety of sharks (the local aquarium has the longest tunnel in Europe). The park is only the second place in Europe where killer whales live and breed in captivity. In the wild bird zone, birds are kept without cages, almost in natural conditions. Plus, the park has a large greenhouse with truly rare orchids. On site there is a Kinderlandia playground, a station where chicks grow up, a baby zoo that you can also explore, a market and many restaurants.

The park's newest attraction opened in 2014 - a large aquarium with jellyfish, beautifully illuminated in the dark.

Address: Avenida Loro Parque s/n.

Loro Parque is located in the north of the island and is easy to find by following the signs. From popular resorts in the south of the island, for example, from Las Americas, you can get here in an hour and a half.

Opening hours: 8:30 - 18:45 (the entrance closes at 16:00, but I advise you to arrive before the opening).

Entrance ticket for adults (from 12 years old) - €34, for children - €22. Combined ticket for 2 days to visit Siam Park and Loro Parque (excluding transfer costs from the resorts): adults - €58, children - €28.

Siam Park in Tenerife

Siam Park in Tenerife is the main water park on the island. It is located in Costa Adeje, close to the popular resorts of Las Americas and Los Cristianos. The park's territory is huge: it occupies almost 19 hectares. The creators of the park set an ambitious goal: to build the most spectacular water attraction in all of Europe.

The Thai theme in Siam Park can be seen everywhere (which is not surprising, as it follows from its name): all the slides, park buildings and restaurants are designed in the Thai style. There are a total of 25 buildings in the park, which is the largest collection of Siamese-style buildings outside of Thailand. The park's designer, Christoph Kiessling, received permission from the Royal Family of Thailand to fully exploit the name and theme. However, he abandoned the concept of exact copies of palaces, temples and Buddha statues, so all the buildings on the territory of Siam Park are fantasy. It is home to the world's largest Thai-style building outside of Asia, and a gigantic dragon sculpture, the world's largest.

Construction of the park began in 2004, and it was finally completed in 2008. The total cost of the project was 52 million euros. The Grand Opening of Siam Park was personally attended by the Princess of Thailand.

They say: what water entertainment is not in Siam Park is almost impossible to find somewhere else. The Wave Palace, a pool with artificial waves and an artificial white sand beach, hosts a surf school. Here you can catch the highest artificially created wave in the world (about 3 m). In addition, the park has built slides with six race tracks; twin pinwheels spinning in different directions; vertical slide “Tower of Power”, rushing along which you will watch sharks and rays through transparent walls. And in 2012, a 200-meter-long slide was built in the park. Those who like a more relaxing holiday can go rafting on the river (the “lazy river” here has the highest rise in the world - 8 m). For children there is a play area called “The Lost City” with 120 different games. On the “Dragon” slider, inside a funnel with a diameter of 20 meters, light shows are staged.

The park's restaurants offer visitors both Thai dishes and traditional fast food. The park also has its own charming, small Thai floating market.

The park is built on a hill, and its slides and other structures follow the terrain. In addition, this is the world’s first green water park, and this is part of its uniqueness. The water here is heated to +25°C, and its creator, designer Christoph Kiessling, called Siam Park "the world's first air-conditioned open-air water park."

Address: Autopista TFE-1, Salida, 28.

A free bus to the water park runs from the resorts of Las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.

Opening hours: daily, from 10:00 to 18:00, entrance - from 10:00 to 17:00.

Adult entrance ticket for the day is €34, children's ticket is €23. Adult premium day ticket (with towel, locker and lunch) - €51, children - €36. Adult ticket for 2 days to visit Siam Park and Loro Parque (excluding transfer costs) - €58, children - €39.50.

Jungle Park Tenerife

Near Las Americas in Tenerife there is another amazing attraction - the Park of the Eagles. A complex has been built here where animals - from tigers, lions, crocodiles to fur seals and monkeys - live in natural conditions. Navy SEALs delight audiences of all ages with hilarious performances.

But the hallmark of the Eagle Park is its unique show featuring birds of prey. Trained eagles (this is an exception, very rare!) perform various steps and tricks, delighting the audience. You can happily spend the whole day in the Parque des Eagles in Tenerife: in addition to shows with animals and birds, there are plenty of other entertainments.

For visitors there is an 800-meter high-speed bobsleigh track, along which you can ride through a real jungle. Tourists are also offered to feed the inhabitants of the Park (of course, not all, but only those with whom communication is safe).

Visitors themselves have the opportunity to have a meal at a local restaurant.

Ticket prices to the Park of the Eagles in Tenerife: for adults (over 11 years old): €26, for children (depending on height) - €9-17.50. (You need to pay extra for attractions separately).

The Eagle Park in Tenerife is open all year round, from 10:00 to 17:30 (entrance until 16:30).

The easiest way to get here is by free buses that run every day from Las Americas and Los Cristianos.

Monkey Park in Tenerife

Monkey Park is not the most popular amusement park in Tenerife (compared to Siam Park or Loro Parque ) . But if you love monkeys and lemurs, you should visit here. A pleasant difference between this park and the parrot park (Loro Parque) is that in the Monkey Park you can communicate with the animals very close. It is absolutely safe, so visiting the park will be a great pleasure, especially for children.

The park is quite small, and it is impossible to get lost in it. Allow 3-4 hours for your visit: there is simply nothing more to do here. The route passes through a contact area where you can interact with animals, a swamp with alligators, a reptile area, areas of small and large primates, and then birds. The park is home to several species of lemurs, chimpanzees and monkeys. The park is also home to iguanas, which you can feed by hand.

In the middle of the day, lemurs overeat and no longer strive to communicate with visitors, but strive to doze off. Therefore, it is better to arrive in the morning or, conversely, closer to closing.

Feeding the animals is an almost obligatory part of visiting the park: without a treat, the animals will simply ignore you. But if you come with a treat, rest assured: the lemurs will sit on your neck, and they may even get into your pocket or steal your camera or bag. “Animal food” is sold at the entrance to the park, but you can also take it with you, for example, apples and grapes, lettuce, and biscuits for the parrots. Lemurs and monkeys are very fond of dates and bananas, but they quickly gain weight from them, so it is forbidden to bring these fruits into the park.

But do not try to force feed or pet the lemur: if you “get them” too much, they will bite.

Address: Llano Azul 17 La Camella, Arona.

The Monkey Park is located near Las Americas, but is not accessible by public transport. It takes about 10 minutes by car from Las Americas; the park is located right off the TF-1 highway and is easy to find.

Opening hours: daily, from 9:30 to 17:00.

Entrance: for adults (over 12 years old) - €10, for children from 5 to 12 years old - €5.

Official website: http://monkeypark.com/

Castle of San Miguel in Tenerife

To be honest, I was wondering where to classify this attraction: a historical one, or an amusement park? Still a castle...

But the fact is that the Castle of San Miguel in Tenerife is an exact, albeit slightly reduced copy of a medieval castle that exists in reality, built to host a costume show. According to the creators, this action takes guests back several centuries, to the romantic era of chivalry, familiar to us from historical books and films about King Arthur.

At the entrance to the castle, all guests are given multi-colored capes: during the tournament, you were given a lot to root for a knight wearing a cape of the same color. The entrance is guarded by horsemen who willingly pose for photos.

At 20:00 the gates open and the action begins. First, a short excursion: you will pass through the armory room, where the king himself personally greets every guest of the castle. This moment will definitely be captured by a staff photographer, and towards the end of the tournament the photographs will be ready, and you will be offered to purchase the photo you like. (For this reason, you cannot take photographs yourself in the weapons room (but outside this room - as much as you like)).

Next, guests enter the hall where the knightly tournament is held. At the beginning of the show, the participating knights in armor demonstrate a variety of horse riding tricks. The winner wins the right to choose the “lady of his heart” from the spectators who were rooting for him. And the “lady of the heart” is sent to a place of honor in the royal box until the end of the performance. However, the honorary role of the “lady of the heart” has a serious drawback: the “lady,” alas, will have to do without a hearty knightly dinner of soup and chicken. And the rest will have to eat it from iron utensils with their hands, due to the lack of forks and spoons during the Middle Ages. But an undeniable advantage of the medieval way of life will be an unlimited amount of white and red wine, which, of course, will also have to be drunk from iron glasses.

The role of the entertainer at the dinner is played by a black dwarf, who amazes the audience with his ability to extinguish a burning torch in his mouth.

In the second part of the program, a battle “for life and death” takes place, during which out of six knights only one of the strongest will survive. Here you need to loudly support your knight, since the one whose supporters most actively expressed their support in the tournament wins. The outcome of the battle ultimately depends only on you. Here it is permissible to whistle, shout, jump, stomp your feet, rattle dishes and insult the “rival” knights with not entirely decent gestures. It is not allowed to throw bottles or other heavy objects at knights.

It should be noted that an unlimited number of strong drinks contributes to an adequate perception of what is happening in the arena even by guests who are quite reserved in everyday life. The Middle Ages after all...

The Castle of San Miguel is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (in summer) and Saturdays. The show itself usually starts at 20:30. Ticket prices to the San Miguel Castle: for adults – €48, for children – €24.

The castle is located in the town of Aldea Blanca on the TF-65 road to San Miguel. Exit highway No. 24 (if you go from the west side - before reaching the interchange - the turn to the airport).

The closest bus route to the castle is No. 416 (Las Americas - San Miguel)

Gran Canaria

The third largest island of the Canary archipelago (1560.1 km², 50 km in diameter), Gran Canaria is sometimes called a “continent in miniature”: the diversity of climatic zones, flora and fauna on the island really justifies such “exaggeration”.

Resorts of Gran Canaria - how to choose?

The tourist area located in the southern part of the island is Maspalomas, also sometimes called Costa Canaria - these are magnificent, wide and stretching 17 kilometers beaches with the finest golden sand. It is the oldest tourist destination in Gran Canaria. The main attraction of Maspalomas (and the entire island of Gran Canaria, if you think about it) are the Dunes (Dunas de Maspalomas): the Sahara desert in miniature with the purest golden sand and a 5-kilometer luxurious beach.

Maspalomas united 6 resorts, in fact, flowing into one another:

Bahia Feliz - a favorite vacation spot for windsurfers. There are two first-class windsurfing schools located here. But for other guests this resort will not be so attractive: at any time of the year, especially in winter, there are strong winds and waves.

Playa del Aguila- a quiet and small resort located in the southeast of the island of Gran Canaria, between the resorts of Bahia Feliz and San Agustin. The resort is popular with windsurfers (there are several centers for practicing this type of outdoor activity) and everyone who does not like fuss, but is looking for the ocean and sun away from the noise of large resorts. The beaches here are mostly pebble, but sandy ones can also be found. The beaches stretch in a continuous strip along the promenade. The hotels here are mainly 3-4*, as well as many apartment complexes and bungalows. There are practically no opportunities for shopping and entertainment here; for them you need to go to neighboring resort towns.

San Agustin - one of the most popular resorts on the island of Gran Canaria. Located in the southern part of the island. A special feature of the resort is a 2 km long beach with dark gray sand of volcanic origin. There is a lot of entertainment, restaurants, bars, shops, etc., but most of all this resort attracts the attention of fans of family holidays, including those with children. The surrounding picturesque rocks protect the beach from the wind and put you in a relaxed and peaceful mood, and the abundance of children's entertainment will not allow even the most spoiled little tourists to get bored. For example, the Sioux City theme park is located next to the San Agustin resort. The main feature of the park is its similarity to a typical American village of the Wild West. On the territory of the park there are saloons, in which traditional shootouts (staged, of course!) and other cowboy attractions take place every now and then. Throughout the day, actors and knife throwers perform a variety of colorful shows in the park. An unforgettable sight - cowboys driving a herd of cows. In the evening, visitors enjoy an open-air picnic, an event that children really enjoy.

Near the resort there is the Gran Canaria Sports Aero Club, from where helicopter rides are also available. Amateurs can make a parachute jump. Yacht excursions are also available here. A trip along the longest karting track in the Canary Islands (1650 meters) will also add adrenaline.

San Agustin is no less famous for its thalassotherapy clinics, in particular, the largest thalassotherapy center in the Canaries, Thalasoterapia Canarias, is located here, from the terraces of which there are magnificent views of the ocean coast. Therefore, there are quite a lot of elderly vacationers in San Agustin.

Playa del Ingles- the largest resort on the entire coast of Gran Canaria. Perhaps the best beach on the entire island with fine golden sand. The resort is democratic and cheerful. It got its name at the beginning of the 20th century, when English sailors were hanging out in pubs here. Since then, life here continues to be in full swing. In terms of the scope of fun throughout Spain, this place is second only to Benidorm and Ibiza. Playa del Inglés has a well-developed tourist infrastructure: excellent hotels and restaurants, street markets and luxury shopping centers, nightclubs, bars, water activities, water parks and much more. The four-kilometer Playa del Inglés beach in its western part turns into sand dunes.

Campo International - an upscale resort with lots of greenery, a natural palm oasis and luxurious 5-star hotels. Holidays here are relaxing, and in the evening, when all the interesting things are just beginning in Playa del Inglés, Campo Internacional is already falling asleep. The architecture here is mainly low-rise buildings. The main attraction of the resort is the 120-year-old lighthouse, the largest and oldest in the entire Canary Islands archipelago.

In the Campo International resort, in a nature reserve covering 400 hectares, there is a large golf course (18 holes) - the Maspalomas Golf Club. Also here you can take a break from the bustle of the metropolis, watching rare species of birds that live in the local freshwater lake. The beaches of the Campo International resort smoothly merge into the beaches of the Meloneras resort.

Meloneras - a resort with a long promenade - an embankment for leisurely walks, along which there are numerous restaurants. bars and shops. There is also a large Varadero shopping center, several new hotels surrounded by greenery with a huge territory. The most impressive of them is the Gran Hotel Costa Meloneras, which houses one of the two casinos located in Maspalomas. Meloneras is also home to the Convention and Exhibition Center. From Meloneras it is no further to the Maspalomas Golf Club than from Campo Internacional, but much closer there is another golf club with an 18-hole course - Lopesan Meloneras Golf. According to reviews from golf fans, it is even superior to the Maspalomas Golf club, because the Lopesan Meloneras Golf course offers stunning views of the ocean coast.

Pasito Blanco - located in the southwestern part of the island. A small resort with a sandy beach, several shops and restaurants. Here is the yacht port and the Lopesan Meloneras Golf Club.

Not far from Maspalomas there are separate nudist beaches. However, the whole of Gran Canaria is a resort without unnecessary prejudices, and even on ordinary beaches here every second person goes without any clothes at all.

Puerto Rico - the second most important resort of the island, the southern center of water entertainment in Gran Canaria. Here you can rent a yacht, go diving, windsurf, take a boat trip or even a glass-bottom boat, go water skiing or go fishing. There is a port for yachts, but large ships do not come here. Recently, this resort has become a favorite place on the island for tourists with children. Today the port is divided into two parts by the beach, and on the rocky slopes there are several dozen hotels and apartments, all of the same type.

The beach in Puerto Rico is small (only 280 m long), but very cozy, with light sand, located in a bay and therefore protected from the waves.

Puerto de Mogan- a small resort, built on the site of a former fishing village, with Andalusian-style houses, allowing you to plunge into the romantic atmosphere of southern Spain. To the west of Puerto de Mogan there are inaccessible mountains that can be admired from the observation deck. The resort also has a yacht port, making it very convenient for boat trips.

On the northern coast of Gran Canaria there are picturesque cliffs, stones of volcanic origin, small bays with azure ocean water. The central part of the island is a riot of diverse tropical vegetation, evergreen trees and an interesting mountainous terrain with two high peaks (Pico de las Nieves, 1949 m) and Roque Nublo, 1813 m above sea level.

Sights of Gran Canaria

Natural attractions of Gran Canaria

In the central part of Gran Canaria, a few kilometers from the city of Tejeda, there is the famous Roque Nublo National Park(Roque Nublo). The main attraction of this huge (26 hectares) park is the rock of the same name, Roque Nublo, - basalt cliff 60 meters high. From its top you can see the Teide volcano on the neighboring island of Tenerife. In the national park, extremely popular among ecotourism enthusiasts, you will be surprised by the diversity of flora and landscapes.

Roque Nublo National Park address: Los Manantiales, S/N, 35015 Tejeda.

Another natural park is located in the northwestern part of Gran Canaria, this Tamadaba National Park(in the northwestern part of the island, not far from the city of Agaete. Tamadaba occupies 7,500 hectares, and most of it is located in the mountains, at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters. The park is extremely picturesque: here you can admire protected pine forests, dizzying gorges in which unique cacti. The park is also home to a large number of rare bird species.

Away from the coast, south of the town of Carreteria, there is a small Doramas Natural Park. This is a nice landscaped park with laurel and dragon trees, as well as waterfalls and lakes. It was defeated by the British in the 19th century.

Another impressive natural attraction of Gran Canaria is Caldera de Bandama. Located in the northeastern part of the island, a few kilometers from the capital, Las Palmas, near the town of Tafira Alta. This nature reserve consists of two parts: Bandama Peak and Bandama Caldera. At the top of the peak, at an altitude of 569 meters, there is an observation deck from which an impressive panorama of the capital of the island and its surroundings opens, and in clear weather even the outlines of the neighboring island of Fuerteventura (northeast of Gran Canaria) are visible from here.

Caldera (essentially a volcanic crater) Bandama with a diameter of 1000 meters and a depth of 200 meters. At the bottom of the crater, if you go down the path (quite steep, so you need comfortable shoes), among palm trees, fig and orange trees, you can see the remains of farm buildings, and in the 17th century, the Dutch merchant Daniel Van Dam grew grapes on the slopes of the volcano. (And it is in part of this merchant that the park is named).

Very close by is the oldest (founded in the 19th century) and one of the most prestigious golf clubs in all of Spain (Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria).

Cultural and historical sights of Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is home to more than a third of the island's total population. This is where the nightlife of the entire island is concentrated. The city shares with Santa Cruz de Tenerife the status of the capital of the entire Canary archipelago (the status changes from one city to another every 4 years). Among the attractions worth visiting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, it is worth noting:

• medieval quarter of Vegueta with picturesque narrow streets and the famous cathedral Santa Ana with a history of half a thousand years; here, on the square in front of the cathedral, you can admire Bishop's PalaceXVIcentury, city hall buildings and colorful colonial-style buildings. On one of the facades you will see bronze figures of eight dogs - it is these animals that have earned the right to decorate the coat of arms of the Canary Islands with their image.
• Casa de Colon (House of Columbus). The building was the residence of the governors of the island, and, according to legend, Christopher Columbus stopped here during his journey to the shores of America, waiting for his ships to be repaired; today there is a museum dedicated to the great navigators and geographical discoveries of the past, as well as a library and research center.
• Museum of the Canary Islands with an exhibition on pre-Hispanic culture and archaeology. In the 11 halls of this museum you can see many exhibits from different eras (from 500 BC to the 15th century) - figurines of ancient gods, ceramics, Cro-Magnon mummies, models of historical buildings and much more. Particularly interesting here is the exhibition telling about the history of the Guanches - the indigenous population of the Canary Islands archipelago.
• Museum of Science and Technology ELDER(the exhibition is completely interactive; the museum has an impressive collection of aircraft models);
• Atlantic Center for Contemporary Art(opened in 1989, the collection includes about 2,600 exhibits) is an interesting museum of avant-garde art, designed to show the influence of European traditions. Africa and Latin America on Canarian culture. Interestingly, the Center occupies an ancient building of the 18th century, the facade of which has retained the characteristic features of the colonial style.
• Nestor Museum, featuring works by renowned local artist Nestor Martin Fernandez de la Torre. He was born in Gran Canaria and, being part of the Symbolist movements in Europe, left behind an impressive collection of works.

Arucas (Arucas)

14 km from the capital is the town of Arucas, famous for the largest rum factory in the entire Canary archipelago (called the Destilerias Arehucas factory, operating since 1884). However, even for fans of this drink there is something to see in Arucas: much more interesting, in my opinion, is the neo-Gothic Church of San Juan, built in the 20th century. The towers of the church, 60 meters high, and the rest of the facades are lined with black basalt from a local quarry. Because of this, the church looks gloomy, even ominous, against the background of the surrounding light-colored colonial-style houses (from a distance it appears completely black). In the interior of the church, noteworthy are the multi-colored stained glass windows, as well as the figure of the resting Christ, which belongs to the hand of local sculptor Manuel Ramos Gonzalez.

Telde (Telde)

South of the capital, on the eastern coast of the island, is the small town of Telde. Its historical center is included in the list of national treasures of Spain, and not by chance: on the green cobbled streets there are cute colonial-style houses, the facades of which are decorated with carvings and mosaics. The Church of St. John the Baptist, founded in the 15th century, is especially impressive. The Gothic temple itself has undergone numerous restorations and reconstructions (even in the 20th century, the church had a new tower in the neo-Gothic style), but the original gates from the 15th century have been preserved here.

Among the interiors of the church, of particular interest is the Flemish gilded wooden altar (16th century), as well as the crucifixion of Christ, an image made around the same period by Mexican Indians using a unique traditional technique.

Artenara (Artenara)

Not least among all the historical attractions of Gran Canaria is the mountain village of Artenara (in some sources its name is found Artinare). This is one of the oldest villages in Gran Canaria, dating back to before the arrival of the conquistadors. In addition, it is also the highest mountain (located at an altitude of 1270 meters). The village is unique in that many of the houses here are simply built into the rock (and at the same time have all the most modern amenities).

The chapel deserves special attention from guests of Artenara. La Ermita de la Cuevita(La Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita), in which stands the famous miraculous statue of Our Lady of Cuevita.

Archaeological Park and Museum of Pintada Cave

The Pintada Cave Archaeological Park and Museum (Museo y Parque Arqueológico Cueva Pintada) is located in the northern part of the island, in the town of Gáldar. The city of Galdar (Agaldar) was the capital of the ancient Guanche kingdom during the island's pre-Hispanic period. This tuff cave, containing vases, shards and fragments of human skeletons, was discovered by chance in the northern part of the island in 1873 during agricultural work. Presumably, the cave once served as a necropolis for the Guanches.

This cave is popularly known as the Painted Cave in Galdar, which is not surprising: here you can see six interconnected caves, on the walls of which amazing drawings have been preserved - researchers suggest that this is an ancient calendar. Archaeological research in the complex continues to this day.

Amusement parks of Gran Canaria

In addition to excellent beaches and resorts, Gran Canaria has a lot of activities that can make your holiday truly unforgettable! Like the neighboring island of Tenerife, Gran Canaria is famous for its amusement parks.

Waterpark Maspalomas in Gran Canaria (“Aqualand Maspalomas”)

A world-famous water park, belonging to a world-famous network of water parks. In order to simply walk around it completely at a fast pace and visit each of the huge number of attractions once, it will take several days, because the area of ​​the park is more than 13 km 2 . It is this amusement park that is recommended to tourists in Gran Canaria first of all: a good mood and a powerful adrenaline rush are guaranteed! In the park there are attractions that are quite harmless, but there are also ones for real extreme sports enthusiasts. For example, a slide consisting of three almost vertical pipes. The widest slide in the world with the most impressive angle of inclination is also located here. This is why some attractions do not allow children under 12 years of age.

For those who are alien to all this extreme, the park is equipped with a huge swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and a lazy river. The park also has a large selection of attractions for the youngest guests.

The park is usually open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it’s best to check opening hours and ticket prices.

Address: Carretera Palmitos Park, Km 3, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain

SIOUX CITY A PARK

“Sioux City” is a theme park with an area of ​​320,000 square meters, stylized as a Wild West town. Particularly recommended for fans of Westerns, children and anyone who doesn't mind having some fun. The park is built with typical Wild West houses, a church, a ranch, a bank and a saloon.

Actors perform performances here all day long, and the public is offered such shows as “Duel to the Death,” “Saloon Brawl,” and “Indian Rain Dance.” Several times a day, cowboys drive a herd of bulls along the main street, and also show a skit about a bank robbery with the subsequent hanging of the criminal in the city square. Everyone is given the opportunity to take a souvenir photo with the sheriff.

And of course, wherever there are cowboys, there must be Indians... Don't miss the opportunity to look into the Indian reservation!

There are also performances by Mexican acrobats performing tricks with lasso, whips and knives, and much more.

In the saloon you can drink beer and have a snack (don't look for pickles, however: standard fast food), there is also a performance with shooting and a show with dancing and throwing knives at a woman (more precisely, around her)).

For children, in addition to everything already listed, there is a small zoo with cute animals.

Opening hours: from 10:00 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Monday.

On Friday from 20:00 to midnight there is an open air barbecue and evening shows.

Address: Barranco del Aguila, s/n, 35100, Las Palmas, Spain

Official site(alas, only in Spanish): http://siouxcitypark.es/index.php

CACTUS PARK – “Cactualdea Park”

A large botanical garden, the main “exhibit” of which is, of course, cacti. This park is located near the city of San Nicolas and is considered truly unique. It is famous for its amazing variety of exotic ornamental plants from all over the world. There are more than a thousand species of cacti alone, of very different shapes, colors, sizes - it’s hard to even imagine! There are similar nature reserves on all the islands of the Canary archipelago, but the park on Gran Canaria is the largest of them.

The easiest way to get to the Cactus Park is by car, or on one of the tour buses that run from all major cities and beach resorts - almost all of them stop near the Cactus Park.

In the Cactus Park in Gran Canaria, they breed and grow various types of cacti, so if you like a specimen, you can buy one for yourself right in the park for a small amount. (Only the import of plants with soil and roots, for example, to Russia, without special phytosanitary documents is prohibited; so if you want to bring a cactus home as a souvenir, keep in mind that it will almost certainly be smuggling).

In general, if you still think that a cactus is just a prickly plant that has little to do with beauty, you should definitely visit this park to see otherwise.

In addition to many interesting plants from all over the world, the park houses an amphitheater where spectacular Canarian wrestling competitions are regularly held. There are also several historical exhibitions located on the territory of the reserve, the most impressive of which is a copy of the Guanche cave, with rock writings of primitive tribes.

Address: Carretera del Hoyo Tocodoman, 35478 La Aldea de San Nicolas

PALMITOS PARK (Palmitos Park)

Palmitos Park is located in the south of the island, far from the Maspalomas resort area, and is easily accessible from almost any major city or resort on the island, either by car or by excursion bus. This park is both a reserve for many rare species of animals and plants, and an entertainment center for everyone who loves nature and wants to have a good time with family or friends.

One of the unique features of Palmitos Park is the large number of truly rare birds, most of which do not sit in cages, but move freely throughout the park and beyond. Sometimes you can watch them literally at arm's length and even feed them with special food, which is sold at the entrance to the park and in small shops inside the park. Birds are brought to Palmitos Park from countries in Africa, South America and other equatorial zones. In addition to birds, you can observe many exotic animals in the park.

Also in Palmitos Park, rare plants from all over the world coexist with each other. In the park there is a clearing full of various orchids, and very close to it there are cacti - the pride of the Canary Islands.

In addition to simply observing the flora and fauna of the park, you can visit various exhibitions of animals and insects - the local butterfly house will definitely not leave you indifferent, and you can observe exotic fish - both marine and freshwater - in the local Aquarium.

Especially for children and inquisitive adults, the park regularly hosts performances in which trained eagles, falcons and parrots play the main roles. Birds perform amazing tricks worthy of the best circuses on the planet - don't miss this spectacle!

The park is constantly expanding. Not long ago, a dolphinarium was opened on its territory, where anyone, for a fee, can chat and swim with dolphins, or simply watch exciting shows with the participation of these intelligent animals. For monkey lovers, the park has a “primate island” where you will meet many different types of monkeys, from miniature chimpanzees to huge humanoid orangutans.

Palmitos Park in Gran Canaria is full of various places to relax, cafes and restaurants, and souvenir shops. There is convenient parking near the park and a luxury hotel with beautiful views of the island.

Opening hours and show times: http://www.palmitospark.es/timetables/?lang=en

Address: Barranco de Los Palmitos s/n., 35109 Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)

HOLIDAY WORLD to GRAN CANARIA

Holiday World is the largest amusement park in the Canary Islands. Here you can spend time with the whole family and everyone will definitely find something interesting for themselves. Of course, this is not Disneyland, but this park is good as entertainment for the evening.

Entrance to the amusement park is free. You can walk around it for free. And if you want to go on the rides, you will need to buy a magnetic ticket with the required denomination. The conventional units in an amusement park attraction are points. At the entrance to each attraction there is a sign indicating the price in points.

There are rides and other entertainment for visitors of all ages: in addition to the symbol of the park - the Ferris wheel, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow - there are many excellent slides, spinners, carousels, slot machines and much more.

For adults who are not fans of the rides, the park has a 16-lane Punto Zero bowling alley and an Irish pub.

Adults will also definitely enjoy the local wellness center: Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, beauty treatments, outdoor pool with hydromassage and heated. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, Internet cafes, slot machines and billiards in the park.

The amusement park is open daily. The operating hours are different in winter and summer.

On Fridays and Saturdays, attractions are usually open from 18.00 to 00.00, on other days - until 23.00. And you can play bowling on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 02, and on other days of the week - 9 am to 1 am.

Opening hours and prices can be clarified before your visit.

Address: Holiday World Maspalomas Avda.

SUBMARINE (Atlantida Submarine)

Journey to the bottom of the ocean for everyone

If you are not a fan of diving, but the ocean depths still attract you, diving on the “Atlantida Submarine” is what you need!

On board this submarine, everyone can contemplate with their own eyes the beauty of the underwater world, diving to the ocean floor. Company “Atlantida Submarine” S.L. guarantees absolute safety to its passengers. The submarine makes several 45-minute tourist walks every day - dives to a depth of 20-25 m.

During the dive, the guide will tell you about each of the ocean inhabitants that you will meet along the submarine’s path.

Naturally, the design of the excursion submarine differs significantly from military prototypes. The excursion submarine is much smaller in size and equipped with huge acrylic windows for observing the ocean, its inhabitants and inspecting the wrecks that you will encounter along the way.

The pleasure boat runs on batteries and therefore has a limited cruising range, but this 45-minute dive will still remain a very vivid memory in your memory. Special monitors clearly show what is happening above the submarine at the moment. Directly from the hotel there is a transfer by a special bus, directly to the submarine pier.

Address: 35138, Mogan, Las Palmas, Spain

KARTING IN GRAN CANARIA (Gran Carting Club)

In Gran Canaria you have the opportunity to drive a go-kart, getting a lot of fun and a powerful adrenaline rush. Gran Karting Club is located in the south of the island, next to Maspalomas. Upon your request, a free shuttle bus will be sent directly to your hotel (only for hotels located in nearby resort areas - San Agustin, Playa del Ingles or Maspalomas).

On the vast territory of this club there is the longest racing track in all of Spain, 1650 meters long. Anyone can feel like a supercar pilot, from a child (at least 5 years old) to an experienced driver. Some kart models are able to accelerate to 100 km/h.

Truly, every boy’s dreams come true here! There is a separate area for children where all safety rules are followed, and there is no need to worry about your children. Experienced instructors closely monitor young riders and come to their aid in any difficult situation. For children aged 10-15 years there is a separate sector with a junior track. And on the “adult” track (Senior class), racers over 16 years old compete.

All racing participants must follow several important rules:

• Each participant must wear a protective helmet before boarding the kart.

• In the event of an emergency, it is prohibited to leave the kart. In this case, you should call the instructor by extending your hand up.

• If a participant breaks the rules or provokes other race participants into collisions, the club administration has the right to disqualify such a racer and not reimburse him for the cost of the race.

• Drivers under the influence of alcohol are not allowed to operate a kart.

Address: Carretera General, 1, 35107 San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain

How to get to Gran Canaria: There are no direct flights to this island from Russia, so the most convenient way is by plane to Tenerife, and then another half hour by local flight, or for a longer time by ferry to Gran Canaria. There are also flights to Gran Canaria from Madrid, Barcelona, ​​as well as various European cities - London, Frankfurt, etc.

La Gomera

If you are looking for peace and tranquility in the Canaries, this small (with an area of ​​just under 370 km2) picturesque island of volcanic origin is for you. (Don't worry, there hasn't been any seismic activity in this region for a long time). La Gomera is located in the western part of the Canary archipelago and boasts an extremely beautiful, almost pristine nature.

How to choose a resort on La Gomera

Valle Gran Rey (Valle Gran Rey) – the main, most popular resort area, located in the west of the island. Includes several coastal villages - Vueltas, La Puntilla, La Calera, Playa de la Calera.

The area of ​​Valle Gran Rey attracts travelers with its developed tourist infrastructure, excellent sandy and pebble beaches (in some places black, due to volcanic origin) and magnificent scenery. The island is also popular among surfers thanks to the almost continuous ocean waves all year round. It is in this area that the most beautiful road on the island lies, surrounded by picturesque basalt rocks. And the miniature agricultural fields located on terraces along the slopes of the valley are very reminiscent of the rice fields of Bali. The surroundings of Valle Gran Rey are simply ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle of civilization, which is why for several years now the place has been popular among fans of alternative tourism.

Playa de Santiago (Playa de Santiago) - the second largest resort center in La Gomera (after Valle Gran Rey). This resort is located in the south of the island and grew up on the site of a former fishing village.

This place has its own microclimate: it is considered the sunniest on the island. And the local pebble beach (1.5 km long) is very convenient for swimming, as it is protected from the ocean waves by huge breakwaters.

There are a lot of hotels, restaurants and shops in the area.

San Sebastian de La Gomera (San Sebastian de la Gomera) – the capital of the island, this resort can be recommended to those travelers who still want to enjoy the benefits of civilization: go to museums, walk around the city, visit a nightclub. All the sights of this city are in one way or another connected with the name of the great navigator Christopher Columbus.

In the main church of the city (Iglesia Matriz de la Asunción), Columbus offered prayers before continuing his long journey. further path. And he spent the night in the Casa de la Aduana house during his entire stay on the island. Now there is an exhibition dedicated to the voyages of Christopher Columbus to America. In the courtyard of the Casa de la Aduana there is a well preserved, from which water was drawn to consecrate the unknown continent.

If you find yourself in San Sebastian de la Gomera, it is also recommended to visit the Count's Tower (Torre del Conde), built in 1447. The tower was built west of the central city square, by order of the first Spanish ruler.

The length of the beach in San Sebastian on the island of La Gomera is 600 meters, and the width of the coastline is 55 meters. The beach is well equipped: rental of umbrellas and sun loungers, water activities. What is important is that the beach is reliably protected from tides and waves by a breakwater.

There are also several nudist beaches on the island - for example, the Playa de Argaga beach, reliably protected from prying eyes by rocks, is located near the Vueltas resort.

Sights of the island of La Gomera

How to get to La Gomera: There are no direct flights to this island from Russia, so the most convenient thing is to fly to Tenerife or Gran Canaria, and then another half hour by local flight (the local airport is considered the most modern in the entire Canary archipelago, although it only serves domestic flights), or about 50 minutes - by ferry from Tenerife or Gran Canaria to the island of La Gomera.

El Hierro

The islet of El Hierro is the smallest in the Canary Islands archipelago and the most remote island of the archipelago (located 480 km from the northwestern coast of Africa and 120 km southwest of Tenerife). Because of this, the western coast of the island was long recognized as the “end of the world,” and cartographers mistook El Hierro for the prime meridian (which, as we know, was later “moved” to Greenwich.

The area of ​​El Hierro is only 268.71 km². The highest point is 1501 m above sea level. Population: about 11,000 people. The island of El Hierro, like the entire Canary archipelago, is of volcanic origin. Due to the activity of local underwater volcanoes, earthquakes have frequently occurred on the island since 2011. The underwater volcanoes erupted between October 2011 and March 2012, and for safety reasons, the authorities even evacuated the residents of the village of La Restinha for a short time.

How to choose a resort on El Hierro Island

Most of the coastline of this small mountainous island is made up of almost sheer, bizarre cliffs. There are no beaches with regular light sand or pebbles on El Hierro, there are only a few tiny beaches with black volcanic sand (for example, in La Restinha), as well as natural pools with clear water suitable for swimming.

In addition, the island is very popular among divers - the water off the coast is truly crystal clear.

The capital of El Hierro is the city Valverde, where almost half of the island's total population lives. Most of the hotels are also located there. In addition to Valverde, you can also stay in towns Frontera, La Restinga, in villages Timihirake, Tamaduste, Sabinosa or Isora. One thing to remember is that all of these resorts are not beach resorts in the traditional sense, but rather eco-resorts.

Attractions of the island of El Hierro

The most famous historical landmark of the island is the Faro de Orchilla lighthouse - the westernmost lighthouse in Spain, when visiting which you can even receive a certificate of crossing the prime meridian. Otherwise, the main local attractions are stunning nature, unique landscapes, peace and quiet. Due to the lack of full-fledged good beaches, there are usually few tourists on El Hierro, which, you see, in itself is already an advantage of this place.

El Hierro is a unique place with amazing, truly pristine nature. The island is divided into 5 environmental zones protected by UNESCO. In fact, the entire island is a biosphere reserve. The relief of El Hierro is very diverse, with several hundred large craters formed as a result of volcanic activity. For the same reason, a large number of caves and natural tunnels appeared on El Hierro. But at the same time, there are enough dense forests and fertile fields where local residents grow vegetables and fruits. Also, a significant part of the island is occupied by vineyards.

The main natural attraction of El Hierro, thanks to which the island has gained worldwide fame, is its juniper forests. To admire the beauty of the protected park with relict plants, it makes sense to head to the highest point of the island. Along the way, you will have stunning views of the picturesque El Golfo valley. At the highest point of the island - the top of La Dehesa - grows the oldest tree on the island, a real natural treasure of El Hierro. This is a juniper, the tree received the name: “Sabina de El Hierro”. Under the strongest winds, it changed the direction of growth, bent down to the ground and formed an arch with its powerful branches. Located in the West of the island (along the HI-500 highway), near the holy places of Nuestra Señora de los Reyes. A short walk from the parking lot you will see the "Sabina de El Hierro" sign and the tree itself.

La Palma

La Palma is a small, beautiful green island (with an area of ​​only 728 km2), which, like the entire archipelago, is of volcanic origin (some volcanoes are still active, although the last major eruption occurred here in 1971). The coastline of the island of La Palma is mostly rocky, and, just like El Hierro, there are not many convenient beaches here, but it is very beautiful and green (the island is recognized as the greenest of all the islands of the Canary archipelago).

La Palma is an unusually mountainous island. Its highest peak is Peak Roque de los Muchachos– reaches an altitude of 2387 m. The northern part of the island, at an altitude of 500-1500 m above sea level, is covered with cherry laurel forests. Once such forests covered the entire south of Europe, but now they can only be found here. The forested ravines of Cubo de la Galga and Los Tilos are declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. There are numerous hiking routes throughout the reserve. (Alas, in August 2016 there was a severe fire here, caused by a 27-year-old German tourist who “for environmental reasons decided to burn used toilet paper.” The result is sad: about 5 hectares of forest burned. However, fortunately, the fire was managed stop, and there are still many untouched corners left on the island.)

Sights of the island of La Palma

Capital of the island Santa Cruz de La Palma– a cute town with cute narrow streets and ancient buildings. In the city center is the Plaza de Espana, a miniature Plaza of Spain with a stone fountain (1776). On the square is the Church of the Savior (Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador), built in 1503, with a high bell tower. The ceiling is made in the Mudejar style from the heartwood of pine trees. The church's sacristy houses a collection of magnificent Gothic wood carvings.

On the opposite side of the square you will see Town Hall(Ayuntamiento), built in 1569, with an arcade in the Italian Renaissance style. There is also a fortress towering over the city. Castillo de Santa Catalina, which once served faithfully in protecting Santa Cruz from pirates.
At the end of Calle Real you will find a life-size model of Christopher Columbus's famous ship Santa Maria. There is a maritime museum inside.

To the north of the capital, in the mountains, there is a chapel - a sanctuary of the patroness of the island, the Madonna of the Snows ( Nuestra Señora de las Nieves). The altar in the chapel is made of Mexican silver, and it is in it that the terracotta statue of the Madonna is located. Once every 5 years, Madonna is brought to the capital, Santa Cruz, to participate in the festival La Bajada de la Virgen(The Apparition of Madonna) is a purely Spanish “mix” of religious experiences and general fun and entertainment.

Another holiday takes place in the city of Santa Cruz de la Palma on May 3 - the Day of the Cross, when a national competition of decorated crucifixes is held fun, with dancing and music.

But La Palma is especially rich in its natural attractions:

Palmitos Park– a huge garden-reserve for butterflies. In addition to butterflies, you can see about 230 species of exotic birds here.

La Caldera de Taburiente National Park (Caldera de Taburiente)

This extraordinary park is essentially a giant crater with a diameter of 8-10 km and a depth of up to 2 km. It was formed, naturally, as a result of powerful volcanic eruptions. In 1954, this place was given the status of a National Park. The park has a huge number of walking routes (climbing some of them requires truly excellent physical shape). In addition to the giant volcanic rocks (up to 10 km in diameter), there is also the “Gorge of Fear” (the height of the walls reaches 2000 m). The park can be easily reached by bus or car from Santa Cruz (8 km).

Pico de la Cruz is one of the highest peaks in the park. The ascent to it can be completed in 4-5 hours. Roque de los Muchachos is a trail that runs along the highest peaks and offers breathtaking views of the crater. At the very top of Mount Muchachos, at an altitude of 2400 m, the highest observation deck on the island has recently opened. This site is part of the popular tourist route Espigon del Roque de los Muchachos. Roque de los Muchachos is also home to the International Astrophysical Observatory, opened in 1985, which houses Europe's largest telescope. And from the bottom of the crater rises an 800-meter stone spire - Idafe Rock. Legend has it that there was a Guanche altar on which sacrifices were made. But not everything is so scary in this park: there are quite simple and short routes, for example, the Lomo de las Chosas trail.

Los Tilos (Los Tilos)

It is in this park that you can see what people mainly come to the island of La Palma for: on the rocky walls of the Barranco del Agua gorge there is the largest site of ancient laurel forest on the island - laurisilva. In 1983, Los Tilos was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

This small National Park, with an area of ​​only 5 km2, has several hiking trails. One of them leads to the Mirador Las Barrandas observation deck. The longer (6 km) and more challenging route, with steep climbs, leads northwest to the Caldera de Marcos y Cordero, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the waterfalls.

La Zarsa (La Sarsa)

In the archaeological site of La Zarza, evidence of the existence of the ancient inhabitants of the island - the Benajoares - was discovered. Evidence of their existence that attracts tourists is the bizarre symbols carved on the rocks (petroglyphs), which can be seen in the areas of Roque Faro, Don Pedro and Juan Adalid. These writings consist mainly of spirals, linear figures and circles, and their meaning is not understood to this day. The most common designs on postcards and other local souvenirs are those whose style is strongly reminiscent of the Aztecs - this is an image of a man and an abstract figure of a woman with the head of an insect.

There is a tourist information center in the excavation area, which houses a museum. The museum's exposition is dedicated to the life of the ancient Benajoares people. From the 20-minute film you will learn a lot that archaeologists have discovered about the medicine, nutrition and funeral rituals of these people.

For divers La Palma has a very exotic attraction: Las Cruces de Malpique (Las Cruces de Malpique)

Not far from the southernmost point of the island of La Palma, at a depth of 25 meters in the Atlantic Ocean, there is a unique underwater cemetery. The story goes: in 1570, a ship carrying 40 Jesuit monks was attacked by pirates. The captain of the ship invited the monks to take up arms and defend themselves, together with the entire crew. But they refused to kill, preferring to humbly pray for salvation and help the wounded.

The ship ended up in the hands of Protestant pirates, who demanded that the brethren renounce the Catholic faith. But the Jesuits preferred death to apostasy. Local residents installed 40 stone crosses at the bottom of the ocean, at the site of the heroic death of the monks, in memory of their feat.

At the end of the 20th century, UNESCO included this memorial complex in the list of natural reserves (i.e. places that clearly demonstrate the harmonious interaction of man with nature). Every year this mystical place attracts thousands of diving enthusiasts, but only the luckiest ones get to see the burial with their own eyes, because diving to 25 meters in this place is only possible in clear and windless weather.

How to get there: Las Cruces de Malpique is located at the very beginning of the Costa el Faro highway, not far from the famous Fuencaliente Lighthouse (Salinas de Fuencaliente, or, in English, Lighthouse Fuencaliente), built at the southernmost point of the island.

Resorts and beaches of La Palma island

Despite the fact that the coast of the island of La Palma is rocky and there are not too many beaches here, several amazingly beautiful beaches can still be found here:

1. Puerto Naos– black sand, an abundance of palm trees and developed infrastructure;
2. Tazacorte– black sand, clear water and an abundance of fish restaurants;
3. Charco Verde– a small beach with black volcanic sand, surrounded by picturesque cliffs; ideal for a leisurely day;
4. Los Cancajos– the best place on the island for lovers of diving and snorkeling. Small secluded bays, a separate pond for children and clear water are the main advantages of this beach;
5. Playa Nueva– there are constant waves here, so the beach is popular with surfers;
6. Las Monjas– official nudist beach, located 1.5 km from Puerto Naos.

The island of La Palma has excellent opportunities for all water sports and hiking. In the capital of the island, the city Santa Cruz de La Palma, there is a yacht club, as well as a famous sports fishing club - La Gaviota.

Puerto de Naos- the largest and most popular resort on the island with stunningly beautiful black sand beaches. Nearby is the village of San Nicolas, buried in 1949 as a result of the eruption of the Nambroque volcano. Now, among the frozen lava fields, only a lonely church rises here.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canary archipelago (after Tenerife). Its maximum length is 100 km, width – 25 km, area – 1660 km 2. It is called the island of sun and tranquility, although Fuerteventura owes its name to the wind that almost never ceases here (in Spanish “fuerte” - strong, “el vento” - wind). This island is considered to be the oldest of all in the Canary archipelago, formed, like its neighbors, as a result of volcanic eruptions many millennia ago.

Fuerteventura was originally covered with dense forests, like its neighboring islands, but these forests fell victim to the archipelago's turbulent naval past - in other words, they were used for the construction of ships. Now the landscape of the island is quite deserted. But, unlike Lanzarote and Tenerife, some of the beaches in Fuerteventura are covered not with black volcanic sand, but with golden sand.

There are no noisy nightclubs and discos in Fuerteventura; relaxation here is quiet and secluded, family-friendly; The island is also loved as a holiday destination by surfers from all over the world.

Sights of the island of Fuerteventura

There are, of course, not as many historical attractions and amusement parks in Fuerteventura as, for example, in neighboring Tenerife and Gran Canaria - the local attractions are mainly natural. However, you won’t be bored on your holiday in Fuerteventura.

Oasis Park (Oasis Park)

– the largest amusement park on the island (with an area of ​​about 800,000 m2). In fact, this is a huge zoo, which has a dolphinarium and a lot of other entertainment for tourists, such as a camel safari in the park, etc.

Walking along the shady alleys and various recreation areas of this park, you will meet on your way more than 6,800 species of plants and animals brought from all over the world.

Rare birds (living not in cages, but almost in a natural environment), giant reptiles, monkeys and lemurs, kangaroos, hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, ... - in such an environment, complete immersion in the atmosphere of a real African savannah is guaranteed! Special areas of the park - a camel farm, an antelope valley, an elephant trail, a dolphinarium with a daily sea lion show - will not leave anyone indifferent. The park also has a good selection of restaurants and cafes, so you could easily spend a whole day there.

Prices and opening hours of Oasis Park – at official website

Aqua Water Park

A water park in the Corralejo area with a lot of water activities for children and adults. A pleasant place with free parking, free sun loungers and opportunities for both active recreation (slides and other attractions) and not so much (lazy river, jacuzzi area, relaxation area, area for the youngest visitors, etc.)

Check the opening hours and entrance ticket prices on the official website.

Village of Betancuria

The most beautiful village on the island of Fuerteventura, with a rich historical past, the village of Betancuria was founded in 1404 and received its name in honor of the conqueror of the island, Jean de Betancourt.

Betancuria was well protected from pirate raids, but in 1593, a Berber bandit named Haban de Arraez finally reached this city and destroyed all the buildings of Betancuria, including the Church of Santa Maria. The church was rebuilt in 1620, and Betancuria continued to serve as the capital of the island until 1834.

Today in the village of Betancuria you can admire the picturesque ruins of an ancient monastery and the “devil's hollow” (Pozo del Diablo) located next to them. According to legend, local heroes managed to chain the Devil to a rock and force him to break out and carry stones to build the monastery walls.

The exhibition of the city Archaeological Museum is dedicated to the life and rituals of the Machos - this is the local, Fuerteventuran, name of the Guanche people.

"American Star"

The luxury cruise liner, launched in 1940, was converted for the needs of the US Navy during the Second World War and took an active part in sea convoys.

Since 1946, American Star again began operating transatlantic flights as a passenger ship. In December 1993, the ship was decommissioned and planned to be used in Thailand as a floating hotel. However, unable to withstand the storms, the American Star was thrown aground off the west coast of Fuerteventura and broke into two parts.

Today, tourists specially come to the coast near the Playa de Garcey beach (otherwise unremarkable) to take pictures against the backdrop of the bow of the liner, or rather, its skeleton.

Yes, the sights are not what most tourists come to Fuerteventura for, however, there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment and a busy holiday, for example:

• Deep sea fishing(fishing boats depart from the ports of Corralejo and Morro Jable).
• Boat trips(from Corralejo - on the glass-bottomed catamarans "Celia Cruz" and "Blue Delfin" or on the sailing catamaran "Catlanza", the captain of which, on the way to the island of Lanzarote, will kindly allow you to “steer”; or on a yacht chartered just for your trip).

Pleasure boats also depart from the port of Morro Jable on the Jandia Peninsula, but the choice of boats and route options here is significantly less.

Detailed information on the websites:

• Diving

Due to cold currents, there are no coral reefs off the coast of the Canaries, and the fauna of the Atlantic Ocean is not as diverse as in warm tropical seas. However, diving enthusiasts here will still be able to get a lot of impressions from observing underwater caves, volcanic landscapes and the unique spirit of the ocean.

Diving is indeed very popular in Fuerteventura, and you can find a diving center in almost any popular tourist area of ​​the island.

Detailed information on the websites of diving centers:

• Windsurfing and kitesurfing in Fuerteventura

Thanks to the incessantly strong wind here, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are the most common sports in Fuerteventura. Add to this the year-round beach season, and as a result, Fuerteventura is now the most popular place in Europe to practice this sport. Every year, tens of thousands of professionals and amateurs of various types of surfing flock here to hone their skills, and in the summer even the World Championships are held here.

The largest windsurfing center not only on the island, but throughout the world is called “Pro Center Rene Egli” and is located on Sotavento beach, next to the Sol Gorriones hotel. Visitors to this center have about 450 boards and 1000 sails at their disposal.

And there are several more windsurfing centers in different parts of the island of Fuerteventura.

Detailed information is available on the websites:

Winter's Mysterious House

During the Second World War, in which, as is known, Spain formally maintained neutrality, the Jandia Peninsula was a closed area where, according to guesses and assumptions, a top-secret German submarine base was located.

Speculation began to appear not unfounded: in 1939, all local residents were evicted from the peninsula, and on April 28, 1941, a notary in Madrid registered an agreement for the sale of the Jandia Peninsula to the company “Dehesa de Jandia S.A.” under the management of the German engineer and industrialist Gustav Winter.

On Cofete Beach, in the most secluded place of the peninsula, Winter built a villa in which he lived with his family until old age. Legends and speculation still hover over this villa. Historians claim that in caves among the rocks, which could only be reached from under water, German submarines “sat out” between campaigns, and Winter’s house is just a “surface”, very small, part of the iceberg. It is known for certain that there were underground passages under Winter’s villa, the entrances to which were walled up during the reconstruction of the villa in 1985. One of these tunnels, according to Gustav Winter’s son, connected Cofete Beach with the village of Morro Jable. Today, rumors about Nazi treasures hidden here “until better times” haunt many treasure hunters.

How to choose a resort on the island of Fuerteventura

The main resorts of the island of Fuerteventura are located on the Jandia Peninsula (in the south of the island) Costa Calma, Morro del Jable and Playa Matorral, as well as Corralejo (or Playa de Corralejo) and Caleta del Fuste. Each of the resorts has its own characteristics.

Peninsula Jandia famous for its stunning white sandy beaches. Also, this is where the highest point of Fuerteventura is located - the 807-meter Pico de Zarza, a peak from which stunning views of the island open. Tourists come to Jandia for a calm and peaceful holiday in nature, without noise and fuss. Jandia and the towns on this peninsula are the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Fuerteventura.

Costa Calma (Costa Calma) – a resort popular among windsurfers, who are especially numerous here from March to October. This is the greenest resort on the island, with truly lush vegetation. The thickets of palm trees and other plants in Costa Calma are especially striking in contrast to the desert landscapes of other Jandia resorts. From the town of Costa Calma begins the many kilometers and almost deserted coast of Sotavento - the longest beach line in all of Fuerteventura. This resort is especially popular among German tourists.

Morro del Jable (Morro del Jable) – near this town the many kilometers of beach coast of Sotavento ends, and at the western borders of the resort the coast is already rocky. Morro del Jable has a beautifully preserved historic resort center with charming houses and a picturesque port. On the waterfront, in countless restaurants you can try a variety of dishes made from freshly caught fish.

Playa del Mattoral (Playa del Mattoral) – here you will find an amazing, wide and clean snow-white beach, stretching for 12 km. This beach receives the Blue Flag award year after year. The Playa del Mattornal resort itself is much larger in size than the neighboring Costa Calma: there are more entertainment options, hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Corralejo, or Playa de Corralejo is one of the largest resorts on the island of Fuerteventura, but this does not prevent the residents of the town from leading a calm, measured lifestyle and maintaining the lifestyle and atmosphere of a tiny provincial town. At the same time, Corralejo is considered a more modern and party resort than Jandia. A large number of people always relax on the coast of the city (mostly English, in contrast to the resorts of Jandia, which are completely “occupied” by German tourists). The most attractive for tourists is the southern part of Corralejo, where there is a stunning 10-kilometer beach. The distance from Corralejo to Fuerteventura Airport is 70 km.

Castillo Caleta de Fuste, often referred to simply as El Castillo, is located just 9 km from the only airport on the island. It is this convenient location that, first of all, determines the popularity of the resort among tourists. The beaches of Caleta de Fuste are mostly rocky. But within the resort town itself there is an artificial sandy beach, perfectly protected from the waves by the shores of the bay.

In all the resort towns and villages of the island of Fuerteventura, diving clubs with diving schools and windsurfing schools are organized: this place was literally created for practicing these sports. Also in Fuerteventura you can have plenty of golf on courses specially equipped for this game. In addition, an underwater photo and video photography competition is organized on the island every year.

How to get to Fuerteventura island

You can get to Fuerteventura by plane from Barcelona, ​​Madrid, or from the island of Tenerife, which has air connections with Russia. There are ferry and air connections between Fuerteventura and the other Canary Islands. It is convenient to get around the island by bus, taxi or rent a car.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote- the fourth largest island of the archipelago. Lanzarote is the most unusual of all the islands of the Canary archipelago: it is an island-reserve of volcanoes. There are about 300 volcanoes on its territory, for which the island received the name “island of fire-breathing mountains.” In 1730, an almost simultaneous eruption of 30 volcanoes began here. It lasted 6 years. Since then, approximately 30% of the island's surface has been covered with volcanic ash and hardened lava. Because of this, the plants seem to grow directly from dry soil. The landscapes here are more Martian than typical island: bright colors of the earth (or rather, lava) and absolutely no signs of life.

Entertainment and attractions in Lanzarote

Located in the western part of Lanzarote Timanfaya National Park- this is where the volcanoes are located, which once so dramatically and forever changed the appearance of this island. Tourists travel around the famous hardened lava field “Fire Mountains” by bus. Even so, you can easily feel the heat emanating from the depths of the earth, because already a few centimeters from the surface the temperature reaches +350°C.

The territory of the Timanfaya Nature Reserve is especially protected, so walking on the solidified lava is not allowed here.

In the northeast of the island there is a massif La Corona, where, under the vast lava fields of the Corona volcano, there are unique volcanic pipes Los Jameos del Agua And volcanic cave Cueva de Los Verdes. Cueva de los Verdes is the largest volcanic cave in the world, 6 km deep. Some of its halls reach 15 meters in height and 24 meters in width, and thanks to the excellent natural acoustics, they were able to equip a unique concert hall inside. Attending a concert in this cave is almost a must for any self-respecting traveler who gets to Lanzarote!

In the coastal area of ​​Los Ervideros, where lava intricately merges with the sea, there is the amazing green crater El Golfo.

Connoisseurs of ancient architecture will love the fortress. Castillo de San Jose- an impressive fortification built in 1779 on a high basalt ledge to protect the entrance to the port of Lanzarote. Inside the fortress is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC), which houses a rich collection of paintings and sculptures of the 50-70s of the twentieth century, in the style of abstract art, as well as works by the great founder of the museum, Cesar Manrique, who was friends with Picasso and Miró.

In the north of the island there is a beautiful " Valley of a Thousand Palms", visiting which you will get an idea of ​​what the landscape of the island was like before the volcanic eruptions. The northern part of Lanzarote is separated by a narrow, 1.5-kilometer strait from the tiny island of La Graciosa, where, according to legend, pirates hid looted treasures.

Once in Lanzerote, it is also worth visiting:

• Rocks of Tamar. In the northwestern part of the island, a beach of golden sand stretches for 5 kilometers - Playa de Famara. The beach is located within the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park, between the maritime settlement of La Caleta de Famara and the base of the impressive Famara Rock. It is especially beautiful here at low tide: the sky and rock are reflected in the water, which covers the wide one in a thin layer, like in a mirror. If you are lucky enough to watch the low tide here at sunset, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Canary archipelago, with the island of Graciosa visible on the horizon.
• cactus garden(the creation of landscape architecture by the same Cesar Manrique);
• Mirador del Rio observation deck, which offers stunning views of the neighboring Chinijo archipelago.
• Volcanic cave complex Jameos del Agua- like the Mirador del Rio observation deck, was created by the most famous resident of Lanzarote, the restless Cesar Manrique. This unique complex includes, for example, a small bar overlooking the lake, a water grotto with a lake (which serves as a haven for small blind albino crabs), a huge cave with tropical plants and a swimming pool (swimming in this pool is strictly prohibited, but, they say, the king of Spain once did this) and a cave-concert hall for 600 people. Jameos del Agua, like the Cueva de los Verdes cave, is part of a 6-kilometer lava tube formed during the eruption of the Montaña La Corona volcano about 4,000 years ago. Cesar Manrique sought to combine art and nature in his native Lanzarote and create unique attractions, contrasting them with popular water parks, amusement parks and standard, tourist-trodden resorts. And, I must admit, he succeeded quite well.
• In the town Salinas de Janubio, in the southwest of Lanzarote, there are salt marshes - a habitat for small shrimp. Numerous flocks of pink flamingos flock here to feast on seafood - an amazing sight, simply a fantastic landscape!

How to choose a resort on Lanzarote

The best beaches of the island, with clear water and white sand, stretch along the southern coast of Lanzarote, in the bay Papagayo (Playa de Papagayo). But getting to this bay is quite difficult, perhaps that is why the beaches have not lost their pristine beauty.

In the southeastern part of Lanzarote are the oldest resorts of the island: Puerto del Carmen (Puerto del Carmen) and Costa Teguise (Costa Teguise) . The constant winds blowing here have made them favorite resorts for windsurfers. But just relaxing on the beach here is unlikely to be comfortable (due to the same rather strong winds). Costa Teguise is literally a 15-minute drive from the airport.

Playa Blanca Resort(PlayaBlanca) - relatively young, but already now it can boast of excellent service, as well as very beautiful beaches that are easily accessible to tourists. This resort is perfect for families with children. Off the coast of Playa Blanca, at a depth of 12 meters, is the first underwater museum in Europe. About 300 human-height sculptures standing on the seabed are available for inspection here. The author of all these creations is British sculptor Jason Taylor. The exposition is available for inspection by divers and free divers, and other curious people can look at the sculptural exposition from a special vessel with a glass bottom.

Restaurants with cuisine from a variety of nations and regions of the world are abundant in Lanzarote: Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Caribbean, Mexican, Indian, etc. As a result, even real gourmets will be able to find many noteworthy places here.

Excursions from the Costa Brava

Monastery of Montserrat

Girona

The Islands of Eternal Spring, a quiet, secluded place, which at the same time has a reputation as the best resort in the world. The Canary Islands forever captivate those who have ever been here. And I was no exception either.

The Canaries are an amazing journey through time and space. Formally, this is . In practice, you won’t find much Spanish here: just the language. This is where the ancient Guanche tribes, the indigenous inhabitants of the islands, lived. True Canarians do not consider themselves Spaniards and are even offended if they are called that.

Why are the Canaries called the islands of eternal spring? Here the temperature is approximately the same all year round: not too hot, shaded by pleasant ocean freshness, truly spring-like. There are 13 climatic zones concentrated here and the highest point in Spain is located - the stunning and mighty Teide volcano. Most tourists from Russia come to the island. He's definitely good. But other islands of the archipelago also deserve attention. There are seven in total:

• Lanzarote;
• Homer;
• Palm;
• Hierro.

If you ask me to name the best island of the Canary Islands, I will say: Fuerteventura. But you might like something else best. They are all beautiful and unforgettable in their own way! But my heart belongs to Fuerteventura - the island of freedom, wind, flying sails of kitesurfers and happiness.

Many people think that the Canary Islands are named after canaries. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. These small birds were first seen here and named after the islands. And the archipelago is named after dogs. The Spanish word for dog is el can. There are several versions of why dogs received such an honor. Some believe that ancient wild dogs lived here, others say that among the local residents the dog was a sacred animal. Nevertheless, the fact remains: the islands get their name thanks to dogs.

How to get there

The question of how to get to the Canary Islands is the simplest and most difficult at the same time.

The simplest - because there are not so many options. The most difficult - because most of them are expensive or inconvenient. Since the islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, practically the only way to get to them from the “mainland” is by plane. But between the islands you can either fly or travel by ferry.

By plane

In the Canaries there are airports on the following islands - Tenerife, Hierro, Las Palmas.

There are 2 airports in Tenerife - North (Los Rodeos) and South (Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia). The northern airport serves flights coming from Spain and departing to other islands. Yuzhny, in turn, is international and flights from Russia come here. There are many options for flights with transfers, but the most convenient direct flights from Russia () are carried out by 2 companies - Aeroflot and charter flights from Vim-Avia.

How long does it take to fly to the Canary Islands?

Travel time is 7 hours. But such a direct flight will cost about 500 EUR (34,000 rubles) per person in both directions from Moscow and a little more expensive from St. Petersburg (usually with a transfer in Moscow). More accurate prices can be found.

Clubs and nightlife

If you want to hang out, it’s better to go to youth resorts or to Corallejo. Although no city in the Canary Islands can be called truly "disco", this area still offers a calmer and more peaceful holiday.

1. In Lanzarote, nightlife lovers flock to Puerto del Carmen. In Corralejo, Fuerteventura, it is worth going to Mafaska or Waikiki Beach Club.
2. In Gran Canaria, the main center of nightlife is Playa del Inglés and the surrounding area.
3. But the leader among all Canary discos is considered to be Lounge Cabana, which takes place in the Seaside Park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Canary Islands: holidays with children

I vacationed in the Canary Islands without children, but it seems to me that they are well suited for vacationing with children: the mild climate practically does not cause acclimatization, it is safe, comfortable and quite predictable.

In addition, there are many ways to entertain children in the Canaries: this is the Loro Park in Tenerife and the large Zoo in Tenerife, the Ostrich Farm, the Camel Park, and the water park.

The first is more expensive and elite, perfect for families with children and older travelers. The second is accessible and simple: youth, surfing, with many hostels. The beaches of Cofete and Barlovento in the western part of the island deserve special attention. These are many kilometers of beaches, where there is practically no human habitation (only one village of Kofete) - the real end of the Earth!

Tenerife

In Tenerife, the city of Puerto de la Cruz is interesting in the northern part, the capital is Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the southern part of the island is more suitable for a beach holiday.

Palm

On the island of Palma, tourists travel both to the capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, and to the north of it. A special atmosphere awaits you in the southern and western parts of the island, small villages, beautiful beaches, virgin nature! This type of holiday is suitable for those who love privacy and silence.

Homer

A small rocky island that is popular among lovers of outdoor activities and rock climbing. There is often fog here, but in the very south of the island the sun always shines. The northern part is covered with lush vegetation.

Hierro

It is also a small and very unique island: it can be really cool and damp in winter, but the high humidity makes it green and attractive.

Gran Canaria

In Gran Canaria, two areas are clearly distinguished: the northern part, together with the capital - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - is a busy and very densely populated area for the Canary Islands. And the cozy, southern, tourist and quiet south of the island. Everything here is quite simple: if you want to see the sights, go north. If you want to relax on the beach, head south.

Lanzarote

It is called the “fire island” (it’s about the volcanoes), there are two main resort areas - north and south, as well as Arrecife - the capital of the island, located exactly in the middle. In large resort towns, tourists will find many hotels: from modest to luxurious, in In smaller towns, guesthouses and rental apartments and houses are common. In areas where surfers surf, there are hostels and hotels that provide equipment rental and training.

***

Here everyone will find accommodation to their liking. Those who love luxury can head to the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duqe - a luxurious and very expensive hotel in Tenerife. Those for whom living conditions are not so important can choose from a variety of hostels.

It is best to book hotels through. You can view room prices at. In addition, if you want to live in real Canarian apartments, I recommend finding apartments (compare prices), it’s cheaper and you can feel “real life”.

Features of mentality

Canarians are friendly, reserved and calm people, not very similar in temperament to their mainland compatriots. Here you will not find “Spanish passions”, loud speech and active gestures.

Local residents consider themselves descendants of the Guanche people. They are friendly, but unobtrusive, always ready to help tourists, but not overly attentive.

It seemed to me that people who grew up and live in such open spaces have a lot of ocean and wind in their character. Local residents value distance and modesty, but at the same time are tolerant of a variety of manifestations of other cultures and customs.

5 must-do things in this region

1. Hear the silence in the roar of the ocean.
2. We went hiking along one of the routes in the national parks of the Canary Islands.
3. Experience the colonial architecture of one of the two (or both) capitals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
4. Watch birds, lizards, chipmunks or goats in the wild.
5. Feel like a tiny part of this huge, beautiful world!

How to get around the region

The two most convenient ways to travel within the islands are taxis and buses.
The two most convenient ways to travel between islands are planes and ferries.

Taxi. What features exist

All taxis in the Canary Islands are official; the cars are painted white with a red stripe. If the taxi sign glows green, it means the car is available.

Payment is made by meter. Only on the smallest islands there are taxis with a fixed fee. As a rule, before the trip, the driver can give you an approximate estimate of how much the trip will cost.

The drivers are friendly, polite, ready to help, but unobtrusive.

Approximate prices: 1–1.5 EUR per kilometer. You can order a car in advance, or you can catch it on the street (it’s even cheaper).

If you take official taxis and not private taxis, then no problems will arise!

Public transport

The Canary Islands have a well-developed bus network. The schedule can be found at bus stations and stops; you can board the bus along the entire route.

Buses run on schedule. This is a good, modern and convenient transport. At bus stations, you can buy a ticket at the ticket office or from the driver, or you can sit down at any stop and pay at the entrance. We traveled inside the islands by bus. I heard that there are situations when the bus simply does not come, but in my experience this has not happened. The buses always arrived on time and never let us down.

Buses run between all major cities, the only thing you need to take into account is that the trip may be much longer than by taxi, since the bus will call at small villages and pick up passing passengers. But if you check the schedule in advance, you'll know what to expect.

Transport rental

Getting around each island by car is also very convenient. They are rented. But I don't drive, so it wasn't relevant to me. In general, there are car rental points in every town and every resort. Car rentals are available to travelers over 21 years of age. As a rule, a deposit is not required, but then you will not be able to leave the island by ferry. In some cases, you may still be asked for a deposit. Renting a car costs from 30 EUR per day, but if you rent a car for a week or more, you can get a nice discount. By the way, you can order a car in advance, from home, and it will be provided to you right at the airport. You can see prices for rental vehicles in convenient cities.

All the roads I saw are free. But you need to be prepared for the fact that in some places the ideal route may end, and behind it a dirt road will begin. Although recently almost all roads have already been updated and repairs are ongoing. The car must have full insurance. You will also need a passport and driver's license.

A yellow line on the side of the road means you cannot park there. Blue - that parking is paid.

You should not drive a car to Cofeta (it is dangerous and the road there is not covered by any insurance). In the Canary Islands there are very large fines for traffic violations, so it is better to follow them carefully.

The Canary Islands are rightly called the place of eternal spring, where there is never rain or bad weather. The mild climate, lush valleys, picturesque beaches and quaint cliffs have made the Canaries one of the most famous places on the planet, where everyone dreams of visiting.

Officially, the Canary Islands belong to Spain and are its autonomous province, but the local views and atmosphere in general have little in common with Europe. People come here for exotic things. The unique natural conditions of this place have no analogues. Magnificent beaches and beautiful landscapes, as well as accessibility (just a few hours of flight from Europe) and well-developed tourist infrastructure - all this makes the Canaries one of the most popular resorts, which has long earned worldwide recognition.

The Canary archipelago includes seven main islands and several smaller ones. Of course, each island is unique and interesting in its own way, but the most popular among vacationers are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria and Tenerife have the best developed tourism and hotel infrastructure: there are the most fashionable hotels and plenty of opportunities for any kind of recreation and entertainment. Well, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote will be of interest to those travelers who prefer peace and solitude.

Climate and weather

The Canaries have a tropical trade wind climate, making the weather moderately hot and dry. Moreover, from the point of view of the level of humidity and precipitation, as well as the number of sunny days, the climate of the Canary Islands is considered almost ideal. Literally the whole year the weather here is dry, sunny, comfortable: in summer the air temperature is +24...26 °С, and in winter - + 18...20 °C. The water temperature is constant all year round and never drops below +19 °С, and on average stays within +20...+25 °С.

It is worth saying that while it is warm on the coast of the islands, it is always cool in the mountainous regions. Also, from time to time, the African sirocco wind reaches the Canaries, suffocating and dusty.

You can visit the Canary Islands all year round, but the peak beach season is from mid-July to October.

Nature

The Canary archipelago, which consists of 13 islands of volcanic origin, lies off the northwestern coast of Africa and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The largest islands of the archipelago are Tenerife, Gomera, Palma, Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria And Lanzarote.

The nature and landscape of the islands are extremely diverse: tropical forests, volcanic plateaus, palm oases, green fields, beaches, vineyards, olive plantations, extinct and active volcanoes. The vegetation is dominated by evergreen trees and shrubs, as well as many species of cacti.

Attractions

The main attractions of the Canary Islands are, without a doubt, its natural treasures and magnificent beaches, which are simply impossible to list. However, there are also man-made objects here that deserve attention and admiration. For example, in the north-west of the island of Gran Canaria there is an ancient city Galdar. He's famous Cueva Pintada cave with wall paintings of Guanche tribes, remains of settlements of indigenous islanders and graves Necropolis de Galdar.

No less remarkable is the ancient fortress of the 16th century on Lanzarote island, which now houses a large archaeological museum. In addition, there is another fortress on Lanzarote - Castillo de San Jose, within the walls of which is located the Museum of Modern Art with a large collection of abstract paintings and sculptures. Also interesting objects are the pyramids in the Guimar desert on the island of Tenerife. Moreover, they were built according to all the principles of the buildings of Peru, Mexico and ancient Mesopotamia. Now on the territory where they are located there is an Ethnography Park with a museum Casa Chacona, gift shop, cinema and cafeteria.

It is also particularly popular among tourists Loro Park, which boasts a huge number of parrots, as well as an aquarium, a penguinarium and an Orchid House. Another interesting island park is Teide, attracting tourists with a rare sight - a huge crater of an extinct volcano.

If we talk about natural attractions, then the most beautiful La Palma island With volcano Caldera de Taburiente which is surrounded by high mountain peaks. You can't visit the Canaries and not see Giant's Cliffs, which are magnificent rock formations, mountains and with traces of archaeological excavations and hell's Gulch waterfall, and Dragon tree in, which is more than 1000 years old.

Nutrition

To try authentic Canarian cuisine, we recommend visiting establishments whose names include the word tipico. The local cuisine has much in common with Spanish traditions, so such treats as “paella” with seafood or chicken and “tortilla” made from potatoes are widespread here. In addition, Canarian chefs can boast of their own inventions. Firstly, these are fish and seafood dishes: "sardinas"(boiled fish), "sakonkho"(dried fish with garlic and sweet potatoes), "zarzuela"(fish soup), roast tuna, sole, octopus and squid meat, etc.

Meat dishes are no less popular in the Canaries. Among them, the most frequently offered "carne de fiesta" from marinated pork or goat meat, "conejo en salmorejo"(rabbit dish) and "puchero"(stew of beef, corn, pears and apples). Well, as a side dish - boiled potatoes (“papas arrugadas”).

Typical Canarian food is simply unthinkable without sauce "moyo" and gofio cereal flour, which is used as an independent dish and as an additive.

You can’t help but try the local desserts - "bienmeabe"(cream made from egg yolk, cinnamon and almonds), flan pudding made from eggs and sugar, baked milk, palm honey, as well as all kinds of exotic fruits.

Among the alcoholic drinks, it is worth highlighting Canarian wine, honey rum, banana liqueur and local beer brands Dorada and Tropical.

Of course, in addition to national dishes, Canarian restaurants offer European cuisine for literally every taste and budget. There are also many fast food establishments ( McDonald's, Pizza Hut, KFC and etc.).

Accommodation

The Canary Islands are ready to offer their guests a wide range of accommodation options: from first-class hotels 5* to guest houses in rural areas. There are also many campsites, budget hotels, apartment hotels with kitchenettes, bungalows and hotels operating on the islands "all inclusive".

The main advantage of hotels in the Canary Islands is excellent service and a high standard in literally everything. Moreover, the vast majority of Canary hotels are four-star, which are excellent for a comfortable but not ruinous holiday. Well, luxury hotels 5* and can completely leave even the most sophisticated and capricious tourists speechless.

Entertainment and relaxation

The main source of prosperity of the Canary Islands is the tourism business, so the choice of all kinds of entertainment here is simply colossal. The main vacation spots on the islands are numerous beaches. Most of them are marked with the Blue Flag of the European Union, which indicates a high level of service and cleanliness. In addition, most beaches have breakwaters for safe swimming. In general, the islands have both developed beaches, wild ones, and even nudist ones. There are a lot of ways to have fun on the beaches: all kinds of water sports, fishing in the open ocean, windsurfing, yachting, sea excursions and parachute jumping. In addition, the Canary Islands are ready to offer jeep safari, karting, rock climbing, hiking along numerous tourist routes, cycling and horseback riding. Also here you can always play on the tennis courts, practice shooting at moving targets, visit the magnificent golf courses, and even watch cockfights.

The Canaries offer almost any leisure option: nightlife is in full swing here, and during the day entertainment venues and amusement parks are in full swing. The islands can also boast of their numerous restaurants, elite country clubs, zoos, sports facilities, gyms and health centers.

There are a lot of holidays, festivals and carnivals in the Canaries: they are celebrated here literally every week. First of all, these are religious holidays, which are celebrated here with special joy and unprecedented scope ( Epiphany, St. Joseph's Day, All Saints' Day, Good Friday in Holy Week, Corpus Christi, Immaculate Conception and etc.). In addition, each island holds its own original fiestas and festivals.

Purchases

Since the Canary Islands are a free economic zone, prices for many goods here are significantly lower than in Europe. High-quality imported alcohol, by general standards, is sold here practically for nothing, the choice of perfumes is large and pleases with reasonable price tags, and tobacco products, cameras, video cameras, radios, watches and jewelry are cheaper than in the countries of their production. Although it is worth noting that European brands of clothing and shoes are not represented here in a very wide variety, so it is better to pay attention to Spanish brands. You can also buy items made from crocodile skin at a good price on the islands. Standard souvenirs (toys, postcards, magnets) are sold almost everywhere and are very cheap. However, it is recommended to pay attention to more original things, for example, handicrafts (ceramics, embroidery, lace, wickerwork, etc.), local tobacco and souvenirs made from Canarian pine, as well as natural and artificial pearls.

In addition to the fact that prices in the Canaries are much cheaper than in Europe, seasonal sales (rebajas) are held here twice a year. They start in mid-July and at the end of the first week of January. Initially, discounts do not exceed 20-30%, but gradually increase and reach 90% by the end of sales. The biggest sales take place in Santa Cruz, where there are many shopping centers and galleries.

Most shops are open every day except Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00, large supermarkets and department stores are open from 10:00 to 21:00.

Transport

The Canary Islands have a large number of airports that provide international and domestic passenger transport. Among them, the most significant and largest are Gran Canaria Airport, Lanzarote Airport, Tenerife South Airport and Tenerife North Airport. In addition, the islands of the archipelago are connected by ferries that can transport cars. There are high-speed boats between the islands of La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Tenerife. Internal communication on the territory of all islands is carried out through highways.

City public transport is represented by a wide network of TITSA bus routes. Bus fares are low. As a rule, the trip is paid to the driver at the entrance to the front door.

In addition, on the islands you can always use taxi services, which operate on a meter. It is worth keeping in mind that local taxi drivers rarely speak any foreign language, but they know the names of all hotels, restaurants, commercial centers, etc. very well.

Also in the Canaries you can always rent a car of any brand. Moreover, there are often preferential rates (for three days or more). To use car rental services, you must present a document confirming your identity and age of at least 21 years, as well as international rights and security deposit. Several companies on the islands offer bicycles, scooters, mopeds and motorcycles for rent.

Connection

For international calls, the most economical option is the blue-green Telefonica payphones, which are installed on the streets of all cities. They work from any small denomination coins, and the minimum amount for a call to Moscow is $0.5. By the way, from some local payphones you can not only make calls, but also send SMS or email messages. In addition, you can call from telephones that are available in almost all bars, from call centers of travel agencies and from a hotel room. In the latter case, an international conversation will cost an order of magnitude more.

Cellular communications on the islands are of excellent quality and uniform coverage. Roaming is available to all subscribers of major operators. It is possible to purchase a local SIM card or rent a phone.

24-hour Internet access is provided in almost all hotels, however, it is not cheap ($6-8 per hour). It will be much more economical to go to an Internet cafe or slot machine hall, where cheap access to the Internet is provided. Many public places have wireless Wi-Fi hotspots.

Safety

There are unlikely to be any dangers awaiting you in the Canary Islands. Tourists here walk absolutely calmly in any place and at any time of the day. Of course, no one has canceled the basic precautions: you need to take care of the safety of your wallet, do not leave things unattended, and store large sums of money and documents in the hotel safe (you can only have a copy of your passport and visa with you). It is also worth keeping in mind that on the streets of most cities you can often find sellers of so-called free lottery tickets. They are absolutely harmless, but extremely intrusive. To avoid becoming a target of fraud, it is recommended to simply ignore them.

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for a trip to the Canary Islands, and the likelihood of getting any infection is extremely low.

Business climate

In the Canary Islands, tourism is the basis of economic and business life. More than 3 million tourists come to Tenerife alone every year. Rapid economic growth here began at the end of the twentieth century and is associated with large foreign investments in the tourism and hotel industries.

The most important industries here are oil refining, chemical and food processing. Also, as a duty-free zone, the islands have important trade importance and are a major international transit base in the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, some of the Canary Islands' income comes from industry and agricultural exports.

Real estate

The main advantage of real estate in the Canaries is its high rental potential, which is explained by the year-round attendance of the resort. In addition, the islands' real estate market was not too affected by the crisis.

The most popular property is on Tenerife, the largest and most populous island, which is the easiest to reach from Europe. Most often, apartments are offered here in residential areas, as well as small bungalows in secluded areas near the ocean. On any island there is the opportunity to buy a villa, both luxurious and more modest.

The procedure for purchasing real estate in the Canary Islands is carried out in accordance with Spanish legislation, registration is notarized.

According to customs rules, citizens of countries that are not members of the European Union are allowed to import no more than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 2 liters of wine and 1 liter of alcoholic beverage with a strength of more than 22° to the Canary Islands. The import of drugs, weapons and certain medicines is prohibited. The export of jewelry, historical valuables and antiques is permitted only upon presentation of a special permit. The import of foreign currency is not limited in any way (if the amount exceeds 500 euros, a declaration will be required). The export of previously imported foreign currency is permitted upon declaration.

Visa information

The Canary Islands belong to Spain, therefore, to enter their territory from a country outside the European Union, a Schengen visa is required. In Moscow, it can be issued at the Spanish Embassy (Bol. Nikitskaya St., 50/8) or the Consular Section (Stremyanny Lane, 31/1), in St. Petersburg - at the Consulate General (Furshtatskaya St., 9).

It is necessary to take into account that when departing from Spain, a mark on leaving the country is often not placed in the passport. In this regard, you must always save your air tickets, as they will be required when you subsequently apply for a visa to a country included in the Schengen zone.