Canary Islands

For many nationalities, the Canary Islands mean holidays. All the islands have almost perpetually perfect weather being bathed in a permanent pleasant spring.

The Canaries lie off the coast of Africa and, while they are administratively Spanish, have their own unique culture and ambience. There are few traces of the original inhabitants – the Guanches – who were still living a stone-age existence in the Middle Ages.

This chain of volcanic islands has enormous variety – from volcanic areas including one of the highest volcanoes in the world on Tenerife, mountains, sub-tropical areas, sand dunes and cliffs. On Gran Canaria, there are inland snow-capped mountain ranges, desert areas, and sub-tropical forests, as well as beautiful white-sand beaches. On Lanzarote relatively recent volcanic eruptions – in the 19th century – have left a moon-like landscape. La Palma has the distinction of being the steepest island in the world, with an observatory at the top of its 2400m high peak.

The cuisine of the islands mixes Spanish, African and Latin-American influences. Many of the islands’ signature dishes feature ‘mojo’ – a sauce made out of oil, garlic, chillis and paprika: papas arrugadas - boiled potatoes and mojo; or Mojo Cochino – pork stew. The islands produce tropical fruits, including bananas, avocados, pawpaws – and several rum-based drinks.