Villas in the Canaries

I can say from personal experience that the Canary Islands offer the most varied natural landscapes in Europe, and resultantly the most interesting hiking. So where will you start? The mountainous Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife, with its sharp peaks and deep ravines covered with a delicious carpet of laurel trees? Caldera de Taburiente in La Palma, where you can hike around a mountain crater? The area of the Mirador de la Peña in El Hierro, with its strictly sensational sea views? The Jurassic park-esque landscapes of Tamadaba Natural Park in Gran Canaria? The choice for hikers is simply outrageous!

Beach buffs suffer from the same problem as hikers – there are so many extraordinary places to visit, which to choose first? Most of Lanzarote's beaches are spectacular, but Playa Papagayo deserves a special mention. Its turquoise waters and perfectly symmetrical round shape is the stuff of vacation fantasies. The beaches on the island of La Graciosa are the wildest of all, with La Cocina being a must-see. Located next to the Yellow Mountain, the contrast of the blue sea with the yellowish tone of the volcanic rock is simply spellbinding. A day on the beaches of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria on the backdrop of endless sand dunes is simply an awesome experience. This list really could go on for page after page. There is no way around it, beach buffs have no choice but to check out the Canary Islands!

Fuerteventura is the watersports center in the Canaries due to its excellent wind and wave conditions. El Cotillo to the north of Fuerteventura is one of the surf meccas of the Canary Islands, with its turquoise waters being an excellent place for beginners as the waves are fairly gentle. Experienced surfers head en masse to El Hierro for the best breaks on the island. Wind and/or kitesurfing your thing? Fuerteventura is one of the most illustrious destinations in the world for your sport!

The Dunes of Maspalomas are one of the great treasures of Gran Canaria, a natural reserve akin to the Sahara! It is a protected area and home to several endemic species, such as flamingos and giant lizards

San Cristobal de La Laguna is the most beautiful city in Tenerife, with a historic center packed with colonial-style buildings. Behind its colorful facades you can find all kinds of shops and bars where you can stop for a refreshing drink and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the town.

Ready to take a trip to another planet? Timanfaya National Park is the result of several violent volcanic eruptions that began 300 years ago. The desert landscape is a work of art comprising brown, ochre and reddish tones. A protected area, bus tours take you around this unique multi-colored moonscape.

In Lanzarote’s Los Hervideros you can witness the sea boiling! We are talking about a stretch of bizarre-shaped cliffs and underwater caves that are a unique spectacle of nature. The waves force water into the caves with such power it looks like the sea is boiling. Stroll across pathways on the cliffs and find the best viewpoint.

Isla de Lobos is just off Fuerteventura. It is an uninhabited paradise island, especially for those who love snorkelling, with pristine beaches lapped by crystal clear waters that are home to a great variety of marine fauna. The interior of the island contains numerous trails where you can explore the volcanic landscape.

Gran Canaria Carnival has been celebrated in style since the 1500s! Every year it brings together thousands of people in the streets of Las Palmas for dancing, prancing and to experience the pulsating rhythms of the Spanish/Latin American crossover culture.

From Fuerteventura the Milky Way is clearer than anywhere else in Europe. After the sun sets, head to Morro Velosa, two statues that overlook the gorgeous mountains of the island, and see the stats like you have never seen them before! A wonderful way to wrap up your trip to the Canaries!