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The Fascinating Islands - Canary Islands

The Islands Of The Canary Islands:
The Canary Islands is an archipelago consisting of seven large and small islands, the names of which are Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro subsequently, where as the smaller Islands are called Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste and Lobos. The islands consist two provinces called Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas respectively. The status of capital city is shared by the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which in turn are the capitals of the provinces of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. The third largest city of the Canary Islands is San Cristóbal de La Laguna (City World Heritage Site) on the island of Tenerife.

1. Tenerife:
Having an area of 2034.38 square kilometers, and 886,033 inhabitants Tenerife is the is the largest of the seven Canary Islands and also the most populated island of the Canary Islands and Spain. Tenerife is famous for its Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and now aspires to become a World Heritage Site, and is the most important of Spain. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island and the head of the island council (cabildo insular). Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna are the two main cities of Tenerife. Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands, until in 1927 a decree ordered that the capital of the Canaries is shared, it remains as at present. San Cristóbal de La Laguna (World Heritage Site) is the second city of the island and the third one of the archipelago. Tenerife is also the highest elevation of Spain, the Atlantic islands and third largest volcano in the world from its base, El Teide, also declared a World Heritage Site. Tenerife is a rugged and volcanic island sculpted by successive eruptions throughout its history (the most recent was at Chinyero in 1909). In addition, the highest point, Mount Teide, with an elevation of 3,718 m (12,198 ft) above sea level is the highest point in all of Spain. Semidesert areas exist in the south with plants resistant to the dryness and Tenerife counts many natural beaches such as the one at El Médano. Other areas range from those protected and enclosed in mountains such as Montaña Roja and Montaña Pelada, the valleys and forests with a tropical and subtropical vegetation and climate, to those with deep gorges and precipices such as at Anaga and Teno. Valleys are another of the island's features the most important of which are Valle de La Orotava and Valle de Güímar. The island also has 67.14 kilometers of beaches.

2. Gran Canaria:
Gran Canaria is the second most populated island of the Canary Islands, after Tenerife. Gran Canaria is located southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura. Being of volacanic origin the island of Gran Canaria is full of fissures and vents. The north tends to be cooler while the south is warmer and sunny. The east coast of the island is flat dotted with beaches while the western coast is rockier and mountainous. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of the province of Las Palmas, and also one of the two capitals of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands, along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Gran Canaria International Airport is the only airport on Gran Canaria. It has so many aircraft and passengers passing through it each year that it is placed as one of the busiest in Spain. This island is called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, with its long golden beaches and endless dunes of white sand, its green ravines and picturesque villages. A third of the island is under protection as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

3. Lanzarote:
Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the islands, and is the easternmost of the Canary Islands. The "Tunnel of Atlantis" is the largest submerged volcanic tunnel in the world. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected site. Being of volanic origin, this island was born out of fiery eruptions and has solidified lava streams as well as extravagant rock formations. The island has its own international airport, Arrecife Airport. The vineyards of La Gería (a sub-zone of the Lanzarote Denominación de Origen wine region), with their traditional methods of cultivation, are a protected area and are a part of the World Heritage Site as well as other sites on the island.

4. Fuerteventura:
Fuerteventura is also the second largest of the islands after Tenerife, and has the longest beaches in the archipelago. The island is a paradise for sun, beach and watersports enthusiasts. Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the Canary Islands dating back 20 million years to a volcanic eruption from the Canary hotspot. Primary tourist areas are around the existing towns of Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in Jandia, plus the purely tourist development at Caleta de Fuste / Costa Caleta south of Puerto del Rosario.

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