Mount Teide, Tenerife
It's no exaggeration to say that Mount Teide is one of the most famous attractions in the Canary Islands. On the slopes of this volcano lies a national park with stunning, otherworldly landscapes. Teide is the highest point not only in the Canary Islands but also in all of Spain, standing at 3,718 meters in height. The last volcanic eruption occurred in the early 20th century, and since then, Teide has been dormant. You can drive up to an altitude of 2,356 meters, where a cable car station is located. From there, you can continue ascending on foot or by cable car, which will take you to an altitude of 3,555 meters in just 8 minutes. To reach the very summit and overcome the last 163 meters, you need to obtain a special permit, which is free but should be arranged in advance. In any case, even if you simply take the cable car, the views are absolutely worth it!
Loro Park, Tenerife
Loro Park is usually recommended for travelers with children, but we believe that it can be interesting for adults as well. The name translates to "Parrot Park." Currently, more than 300 species of these colorful birds inhabit the park. In addition, Loro Park has an excellent aquarium where you can even see sharks. The dolphin and orca shows will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your visit to Tenerife. The park is also home to the world's largest penguin habitat, the "Planet of Penguins." The conditions for penguins here are as close to reality as possible, creating a little piece of Antarctica.
San Sebastián de la Gomera, La Gomera
San Sebastián de la Gomera is the capital of the island of La Gomera. Everything here is somehow connected to the name of Christopher Columbus. This is where you can find the house where Columbus spent the night before embarking on his famous journey. In the courtyard of the house stands a well from which water was drawn to bless the newly discovered lands. In the main church of the city, Columbus prayed before setting out on his voyage.
Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
Garajonay National Park covers an area of 40 square kilometers, which is a tenth of the entire island of La Gomera. The park features numerous hiking trails that pass through mountain villages. The oldest village is Chipude, which is located at the foot of La Fortaleza mountain.
Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria
Maspalomas Dunes is a small desert covering an area of 403 hectares. The territory of the Maspalomas National Park can be divided into two main parts: La Charca lagoon and the dunes. The desert is home to wildlife and insects that are more characteristic of the African continent. The dunes move under the influence of the wind, creating a truly impressive sight. In the oasis of La Charca lagoon, you'll find palm trees and the habitat of giant Canarian lizards. At the end of the lagoon stands the ancient lighthouse known as "Farro de Maspalomas." It rises to a height of 60 meters and is still operational to this day.
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
Lanzarote is often referred to as the "Island of Fire Mountains," and Timanfaya National Park fully lives up to this name. Within its 51 square kilometers of territory, you'll find 220 dormant volcanoes. It's a landscape of solidified lava and black-grey ash. If you've ever wondered what Martian landscapes might look like, they bear a striking resemblance to this remarkable corner of our planet. Since 1974, the park has been open to visitors, but you can only enter with an organized tour. There's a restaurant called El Diablo located on one of the craters. Here, the food is prepared not on a regular stove but with geothermal heat from the Earth's depths—on a volcano!
Jameos del Agua Volcanic Caves, Lanzarote
Jameos del Agua Cave was transformed into a natural and cultural complex thanks to the initiative of the artist César Manrique. Here, the creations of nature blend harmoniously with architectural ingenuity. The cave consists of two grottoes. The smaller one contains a beautiful lake populated by albino crabs. The larger grotto has been turned into a concert hall where regular concerts take place. The caves are connected by an open gallery with an artificial blue lagoon. In the underground cafe, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in this unique setting.
César Manrique House-Museum, Lanzarote
César Manrique, a native of Lanzarote, was an artist, architect, and sculptor. His house follows the creator's principle of "architecture without architects." Handmade elements and natural landscapes blend harmoniously here. The house consists of both above-ground and underground levels. You will see a tree growing within a room, lava flowing into windows, and rooms located in caves. Today, it serves as a cultural center hosting various exhibitions. The permanent exhibition features works by Manrique himself, as well as Picasso and other artists.
Sotavento Beach, Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is known for its winds, which attract not your average tourists but windsurfing enthusiasts. Sotavento Beach stretches for 30 km. It is divided into several sections, and every year, the World Windsurfing Championship takes place here. If you're more interested in fishing, you can head to the areas of Morro del Jable and Playa de Corralejo. Divers will find the strait between Fuerteventura and the island of Lobos to their liking.
Restinga Reserve, El Hierro
The island of El Hierro is the smallest of all the Canary Islands. It covers an area of 278 square kilometers, and only 10,000 people live here. The "Restinga" reserve is protected by UNESCO. It is home to fish and invertebrates that you won't find anywhere else in the world. The island is famous for its trees, which appear as if they are pressed to the ground by an invisible force.
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma
The observatory is located at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level and has the largest number of telescopes in the world. This location was chosen for the observatory because it has record visibility and atmospheric tranquility. It offers ideal conditions for observing the Sun and the night sky. The observatory was opened in 1985. Since 2010, it has been open to the public for free, but only in the morning to avoid disrupting the work of the scientists.
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