The beautiful Canary Islands are home to four of Spains ten national parks.

Timanfaya National Park – Lanzarote

UNESCO named the whole of the island of Lanzarote a World Biosphere Reserve in 1993. The island is home to the Timanfaya National Park which is located in the southwest of the island. The park covers an area of about 20 square miles and is made up of volcanic soil with wonderful flora and fauna.
The park was created when over 100 volcanoes erupted in the space of six years during the 1700′s, completley destroying part of the island. In 1968 this area of devastation was declared a national park, Timanfaya National Park.
The land here is like a lunar landscape, with the temperature just a few yards below the surface reaching 400-600C.
You can explore the park on your own or take a coach trip, camel ride or guided walk around the park.
The El Diablo Restaurant is situated in the park and offers meals prepared using the geothermal heat from the earth and also wonderful panoramic views across the park.

Teide National Park – Tenerife

The Teide National Park was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. The park comprises of Mount Teide and its surrounding area which covers about 73 square miles. Mount Teide is an active volcano and is Spains highest mountain.
The park includes a huge volcanic crater which has a circumference of 30 miles.
This vast wilderness is home to fascinating rock formations, pine forests and many species of birds, animals, insects, flowers and trees.
The park offers guided walks or you can make your own way around the park using one of the many hiking trails.
If you wish to hike to the peak of Mount Teide you will need to obtain a special permit from the National Park office, bearing in mind that there are only a couple of hundred permits granted each day.

La Caldera de Taburiente – La Palma

Designated a national park in 1954, it was originally thought that the Caldera de Taburiente, which is located in the park, was a giant crater but it is now known that it is a mountain arch with a strange crater shape. Here in the park you will find a large forest made up of the Canary Island Pine and also the Canary Islands Juniper which is an endangered species of flora.
There are lots of walking routes in the Caldera, if you prefer to walk on your own rather than with one of the organised walks you will need to obtain permission from the Caldera Information offce.
There are 25 recorded bird species here making the park very popular with bird watchers. You will also find fascinating geological formations, waterfalls and lovely flora throughout the park.

Garajonay National Park – La Gomera

Declared a national park in 1981, Garajonay was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. The park was named after the rocky formation Garajonay which stands just under a mile high.
The park has lots of footpaths through the laurel forests which cover nearly three quarters of the park. There are lots of springs and streams that run through the park which ensure the vegetation is always green and radiant.

There are lots of travel deals available to the Canary Islands which are ideal for the whole family.

Watch out for those last minute holidays that are on offer to these beautiful islands which offer so much more than just sun, sea and sand!

If you are looking for a destination with plenty to do and see then look no further than the Canary Islands, you won’t be disappointed.
Here are just a few of the many attractions of the islands, there are far too many to mention them all!

Corralejo

WINDSURFING & KITESURFING – FUERTEVENTURA

Fuerteventura has soft, golden, unspoiled beaches which are ideal for a spot of windsurfing or kitesurfing. There is Corralejo in the north and Jandia in the south, where world championship events take place.

TEIDE NATIONAL PARK – TENERIFE

The Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2007. Here you can take the cable car up the 12,198ft Mount Teide. The cable car takes you to within 1,000ft of the summit from where you can walk to the peak of the mountain.

Costa Martianez Lido

PUERTO DE LA CRUZ – TENERIFE

Here in this old colonial-style town, you will find the Costa Martianez Lido, designed by Cesar Manrique, and the marine and wildlife park, Loro Parque.

CARNAVAL – TENERIFE

During February and March there are great colourful celebrations in Santa Cruz and Puerto Cruz.

CALDERA DE TABURIENTE – LA PALMA

Caldera de Taburiente is one of the biggest and most fertile volcanic craters in the world. Whilst taking a hike here you can also visit Mirador de la Cumbrecita with it’s wonderful views and also explore the charming capital, Santa Cruz.

Timanfaya National Park

TIMANFAYA NATIONAL PARK – LANZAROTE

The landscape here was created by a volcanic eruption that covered around a third of the island of Lanzarote. Whilst on a walking tour here you will be able to feel the heat of the dormant volcano.

TEGUISE – LANZAROTE

This picturesque colonial-style former capital of Lanzarote has great views and a castle which is built on a volcanic cone, palaces, churches and a Sunday market.

Jardin de Cactus

THE ATTRACTIONS OF CESAR MANRIQUE – LANZAROTE

Cesar Manrique, the renowned artist, landscape designer and ecological champion, has several visitor attractions on the island, including Jameos del Agua and Jardin de Cactus.

LAS PALMAS – GRAN CANARIA

Located between two bays, Las Palmas has a lovely beach and several attractions, including the Casa de Colon (Columbus House, Pueblo Canario, museums, a cathedral and market.

If you are looking for last minute holidays you will find 1,000′s of late deals on offer throughout the internet.

For more information on the Canary Islands and to view my latest articles please visit my Canary Islands Blog.