The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands: A paradise in the Atlantic

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the north-west coast of Africa, are a unique destination that attracts visitors from all over the world with its year-round mild climate, scenic diversity and cultural richness. The volcanic islands offer a fascinating mix of stunning nature, vibrant cities and a relaxed atmosphere. The main islands are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, each with its own character and charm.

The Canary Islands are renowned for their stunning beaches, ranging from the golden sands of Fuerteventura to the black volcanic beaches of Lanzarote. The mild climate makes the islands a popular holiday destination all year round, with outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing and scuba diving particularly popular. Tenerife's Teide National Park, home to Spain's highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking hiking trails and is a paradise for nature lovers.

The Canary Islands also have a lot to offer culturally. In cities such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spanish and African influences create a fascinating blend in the architecture, music and cuisine. The famous Tenerife Carnival, one of the biggest and most colourful in the world, attracts large numbers of visitors each year and showcases the vibrant culture of the islands.

The Canary Islands are an attractive area for sailors, with good wind conditions and well-equipped marinas. As well as fantastic sailing, the islands offer sheltered anchorages and the chance to explore rugged coastlines and unspoilt coves.

Whether you are a beach lover, hiker, yachtsman or interested in culture, the Canary Islands offer an incredible variety of experiences to captivate every visitor.

Highlights and places of interest

The Canary Islands offer an impressive variety of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural highlights. Among the most famous is the Teide National Park in Tenerife, home to the majestic Teide volcano, the highest mountain in Spain. The bizarre lunar landscape around the volcano attracts hikers and nature lovers. On Gran Canaria, the dune landscape of Maspalomas is a highlight, adjacent to magnificent beaches. Lanzarote is home to the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park and the unique art of César Manrique, who left his mark on the island. For those interested in culture, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with the Auditorio de Tenerife, and the historic centre of La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a fascinating insight into the history and modernity of the islands.

Special features and attractions of the sailing region

The Canary Islands are a paradise for sailors. Thanks to their location in the Atlantic and the constant trade winds, the islands are a popular destination all year round for sailors looking for varied and challenging conditions. The routes between the islands are particularly popular with both experienced and novice sailors. The nautical infrastructure is excellent, with numerous well-equipped marinas on the main islands, such as Puerto de Mogán on Gran Canaria and Marina San Miguel on Tenerife. The islands' rugged coastlines and hidden coves invite you to drop anchor and explore. Sailing in the Canary Islands is also possible during the winter months, as the climate is mild and pleasant. Numerous whale and dolphin sightings between the islands add to the sailing adventure.

Sailing routes and highlights

The Canary Islands offer countless sailing routes that reveal the beauty of the archipelago. One of the classic routes is from Gran Canaria via Tenerife to La Gomera. On this route, sailors can not only see the imposing Teide, but also anchor in secluded coves and enjoy the tranquillity of the islands. Another popular route is from Lanzarote past the islands of Fuerteventura and La Graciosa. The clear waters and volcanic landscapes are particularly impressive. The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) starts in Gran Canaria and leads to the Caribbean, making the islands an important stop on international sailing routes. The trade winds are reliable and the routes are well protected, making them ideal for long-distance sailing.

Activities on land

On land, the Canary Islands offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The islands are famous for their volcanic landscapes, which are perfect for hiking. Climbing Mount Teide in Tenerife or walking through the lush forests of La Gomera in the Garajonay National Park are particularly popular. Beach lovers will find endless sandy beaches and excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions on islands such as Fuerteventura. The islands' cuisine is also a highlight. In towns such as Las Palmas or Puerto de la Cruz, visitors will find numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes such as papas arrugadas with mojo. The Tenerife Carnival, one of the largest in the world, is a cultural must, with a vibrant mix of music, dance and colourful parades.

Information on nature reserves and wildlife watching

The Canary Islands are a biodiversity hotspot and are home to several nature reserves and national parks that protect the region's unique flora and fauna. Lanzarote's Timanfaya National Park is famous for its volcanic landscapes, while Tenerife's Teide National Park is home to a giant volcano. La Gomera offers Garajonay National Park, a dense laurel forest and a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The seas around the Canary Islands are also teeming with life. The waters around Tenerife and La Gomera are considered some of the best in Europe for whale and dolphin watching. There are special whale watching tours where the sighting of pilot whales and dolphins is almost guaranteed. The islands are also an important resting place for migratory birds, which can be observed in the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park. The combination of a unique natural environment and biodiversity makes the Canary Islands an ideal destination for nature and sailing lovers.

The Canary Islands are undoubtedly a unique destination that will appeal to sailing enthusiasts, nature lovers and culture vultures alike. With a mild climate all year round, an impressive variety of landscapes and a fascinating culture, the islands offer unforgettable experiences. With constant trade winds and well-equipped marinas, the Canary Islands are a true paradise for sailors. From the stunning coastline of the Costa Brava to the hidden coves of the islands, the opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the region from the water are endless.

On land, visitors can choose from a wide range of activities, from hiking through the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife's Teide National Park to culinary adventures in vibrant cities such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas. The unique blend of Spanish and African influences in the islands' culture and cuisine makes for a rich and authentic experience.

The protected nature reserves and national parks are a mecca for nature lovers who have the unique opportunity to observe whales, dolphins and rare bird species. The Canary Islands offer the perfect combination of nautical adventure, nature and cultural richness. A place that touches the senses and leaves a lasting impression, a true paradise in the Atlantic.