The Canary Islands: Europe's sunshine (2)

Accommodation for any traveler

While the variety of landscapes and images attracts thousands of visitors each year, the peninsula’s hotel offerings confirm it as an ideal destination. Luxury hotels, tourist complexes, rural houses, and Paradores de Turismo adapt to each traveler’s needs and interests.

Those looking for sunny days and busy nights can choose from amongst the numerous developments spread along the coastline. These are tourist complexes with all their comforts and services at the visitor’s disposal. Magnificent beaches, perfect places for relaxing or any number of activities, lead onto restaurants, bars, discotheques, cinemas, or shops when the day ends. The Canaries also offer spectacular locations for those who wish to get away from urban areas and tourist centers.

Recent years have seen an increase in rural tourism, an option associated with the enjoyment of protected spaces, easily done give the quality of the Canary waters and coasts. In terms of quality tourism, the Paradores Network offers four superb hotels on the islands. These are modern buildings with a real island feel, where peace and the landscape are the true stars.

Many of these accommodations are located near golf courses where travelers can play any time of the year. Internationally-acclaimed designers have created the courses with great care, taking into account both their surroundings and environmental conservation issues. Both new and experienced golfers will enjoy these courses which are integrated in the Canary Island landscape.

Plans for every hour

The leisure options are virtually infinite, with greater variety around the tourist developments and urban centers. Water parks, zoos, go-kart tracks, camel safaris, and amusement parks are just a few of the possibilities. Cultural choices include cinemas, theaters, exhibitions, and concerts.

Festivals of all kinds fill the calendar with such important events as the Canary Islands Womad Festival or the Festivalito – the La Palma International Digital Cinema Festival. Nor should we neglect to mention the local festivals – some of which have been named International Tourism Events, such as Carnival on Santa Cruz de Tenerife. They immerse the traveler in a true oasis of color, dance, enjoyment, and above all, the joy of the Canary people.

Another pleasure is the exquisite cuisine of the islands: stewed, fried or grilled, Atlantic fish take on added nuances with the addition of “wrinkled” potatoes and green dipping sauce. The traditional recipe book also includes tasty dishes such as gofio, rabbit al salmorejo, sea urchin, and watercress soup. A total of nine official designations of origin vouch for the quality of the wine, a required accompaniment for any meal. Two more products, Palmero and Majorero cheese, illustrate the islands’ high-quality culinary traditions.

Shopping is another thing for which the islands are known. The former free port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria attracted a multitude of merchants offering goods from all over the world. Despite this special fiscal status having disappeared, the Canaries continue to offer high-quality electronics at lower prices than those in the European Union.

Connected to the world

This entire world of sensations is just a few hours’ flight from the great capitals of Europe. The archipelago offers eight airports distributed amongst all of the islands. Gran Canaria is linked to more than 85 countries throughout the world, and flights from Tenerife Sur travel to over 100.

The airports are also strategically located near tourist areas and island capitals. All of the tourist centers are easily accessible, although we should not forget that the complex geography of the islands often means mountain crossings. In some cases, inter-island travel can be achieved by boat. These pleasant journeys over ocean waters offer a different perspective on the outline and landscape of the Canaries.

So close, so easy, and so splendid. Come experience spring 365 days a year on the Canaries, with sun, sand, and fun. Everything is waiting to make your visit an unforgettable experience, one which you will undoubtedly wish to repeat.

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