The Canary Islands offer year long hot temperatures and a great beach holiday destination, but there is more to the islands than just that. The different islands offer amazing natural formations that are breathtaking and unusual to any other part of Europe. Visiting the islands of the volcanoes with their lunar landscapes but also lush vegetation is something out of the ordinary and makes it worth a visit to this Spanish region.
Teide National Park, Tenerife
The Volcano Teide
One of the oldest National Parks in Spain and the most visited park in the country makes it no surprise that Teide is classified as “one of the 12 treasures of Spain”. The Volcano Teide is known for being the highest peak in the Canary Islands, and by travelling up to the top you will pass by wonderful breathtaking flora but also barren lunar landscapes. Make sure to bring a sweater as the temperatures are mild at the top with the snow caped volcano.
La Garajonay, La Gomera.
Lush Vegetation of the Garajonay National Park.
The National Park of La Garajonay is a UNESCO world heritage site and a magical dense forest extremely rich in terms of flora and diverse vegetation, located in the center of the island. The impressive cliffs and deep ravines that are located around the island drop dramatically into the ocean giving impressive views overlooking the horizon. Even though the last volcanic eruption was over two million years ago, the unique erosion over this period of time has left amazing unique scenery to be explored.
The Fire Mountains of the National Park Timanfaya.
Timanafaya National Park, Lanzarote.
During the years 1730 until 1736 over 100 volcanoes arose and erupted destroying this part of the island which today is the national park. The last eruption occurred in 1824, and in 1968 the area was declared a national park. The volcanoes are called the Montañas de Fuego (Fire Mountains) which comes as no surprise as the temperatures reach up to 400-600 degrees Celsius just a few meters below the surface. The volcanoes and craters are set within a unique “martian” landscape which really gives one the feeling of being on the moon. Due to the unique landscape many car commercials have been made here as the scenery gives a very futuristic and appealing touch.
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma.
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.
Located on the island of La Palma you will find the second best location for optical astronomy in the northern hemisphere. The observatory offers one of the best views of the stars, however due to it being an institution for basic research only a few days during the year it opens it doors to the public after application and registration to visit the observatory.
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