Canary Islands – The Most Popular Travel Destination in Spain

They might be little known to People outside of EU 10 years ago, but now, the Canary Islands are among the busiest travel destinations in Spain and Europe! Over 12 Millions tourists especially Europeans are flocking into these islands each year for holidays. They are situated in South West of Spanish mainland, in the Atlantic Ocean, and are actually just off the North West of African mainland. Because of this, they are better known by the local and EU travelers. Majority of its visitors are from UK, German and even mainland Spanish.

After visiting those traditional travel destinations such as Barcelona or Madrid in Spain for so many times, tourists are now starting to explore further to the Canary islands. Originally the volcanic islands, The Canary Archipelago have many great natural attractions such as national parks, wildlife, flora, ocean views, with beautiful long sand beaches and temperate sub-tropical climate throughout the year. I was stunned by its beauty when I first read about this islands from magazine. People on Canary Islands Holidays are looking for either a quiet getaway or an endless night life. Together with lively night entertainment, it reminds me of Patong Beach of Phuket!

There are 7 major resort islands in the Canary Archipelago that worth a visit:

1. Tenerife – The largest island of the Canary, Tenerife is also the most popular tourists’ destination in the archipelago. It has the highest mountain of Spain, El Teide, which was the 3rd largest volcano in the world and also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, Teide National Park is the second most visited national park in the world. Warm weather, beautiful sunlight and long sand beaches are the main attractions for a Tenerife Holidays.
2. Fuerteventura – The second largest, Fuerteventura is famous for its year-round winds blowing onto the beaches which have become the surfers’ paradise. Sailing, scuba diving and fishing are also popular here. Whales, dolphins, marlin and turtles are all commonly seen in the Atlantic ocean.
3. Gran Canaria – The 3rd largest, Gran Canaria has everything from picturesque landscapes, long golden beaches, dunes of white sand, greeneries to endless natural parks. Half of the island is inscribed as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Wildlife park such as birds park, crocodile park and botanic gardens are the main attractions here.
4. Lanzarote – This island is full of flora and fauna. There are over 500 types of plants and lichen as well as 35 different types of animal lifes living in Lanzarote.
5. La Palma – This island is famous for its volcanic mountain treking and vineyard. The local La Palma wine is distinctive, and is often accompanied with local cheese, roasted pork or goat meat. Due to its high mountain and clean air, it is also a leading location for telescopes like the Grantecan.
6. La Gomera – The second smallest island in the Canary islands group. Identical to the rest, it is a volcanic island with plenty of mountain hiking tracks and natural beauty.
7. El Hierro – The smallest and furthest island in the group.

I’ve been to Barcelona more than 10 years ago. During my recent travel to Western Europe, due to time shortage and distance, I has no choice but to drop Spain from my itinerary. I’m visiting Europe again next year. So I will definitely include the Canary Islands in my travel itinerary! – Travel Feeder, the ultimate travel photo blog

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.