The islands are characterised by their volcanic scenery with cliffs and steep rock faces, as found along the western and northern coasts of Gran Canaria, and vast sandy beaches with outstanding reefs, capes and bays. The most impressive natural feature has to be Mount Teide in Tenerife, which stands at 3,718 metres and is the tallest mountain in Spain. Other natural beauties include Blanca Mountain (2,743 metres) and Viejo peak (3,100 metres).

A noticeable characteristic of the Canary Islands is their rich cultural heritage. You will find many museums such as the Museo Arqueológico y Etnográfico in Betancuria, Fuerteventura; the Museo-Fundación César Manrique in Villa de Teguise, Lanzarote and the Canary Island Museum and House of Columbus in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Other sites of interest include the Cueva de los Verdes and Cueva de los Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, the cathedral of Las Palmas, the Hermitage of la Luz and the Castle of la Luz. Away from the hustle and bustle of the town centres you can retreat to the breathtaking national parks in Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Furthermore, some of the most spectacular Spanish beaches can be found in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

Situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands bask in the warm coastal currents enjoying a very pleasant subtropical climate. The Spanish often refer to the Canary Islands as the "Islas Afortunadas" as there are over 300 days of sunshine per year. The average annual temperature is 20 degrees centigrade, ranging from 18º to 24º C (64,4 and 75,2ºF), which varies little in the higher areas. In La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria you may find tropical rains from time to time, while Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are very dry and can almost guarantee sunshine without interruption.

The climate in the Canary Islands is perfect for the cultivation of certain types of tropical fruit such as papaya, melon pear, peach, mango, avocado and pineapple. The local cuisine combines traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin-American influences creating a variety of dishes using fruit, meat and fish. Simplicity is the key and one of the main ingredients found in the majority of dishes is 'gofio'. 'Gofio' is roasted maize or wheat, can be served at breakfast, as an accompaniment to stews and is even used to prepare a special variety of local nougat. 'Mojos' are piquant sauces served with the majority of local dishes and are equally straightforward to prepare. The 'mojo picón' (pepper, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt and paprika) and the 'mojo verde' (made based on parsley and coriander, and with a milder taste) have become real culinary institutions in the Canary Islands. If you like fish, the 'caldereta' and 'sancocho canario', salted fish in a 'mojo' sauce, are definitely worth sampling.

In addition to producing their own liquers and spirits, such as banana liqueur and honey rum, there are also ten producing wine regions such as Abona, El Hierro, Lanzarote and La Palma.

An excellent network of sea and air routes meets the demands for some of the largest tourist numbers in all of Europe, with regular connections to the mainland and the rest of Europe and America. Main ports of the islands are Santa Cruz in Tenerife and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. The busiest airports are Los Rodeos, Reina Sofia, Gando in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. There are also good air and sea links between the various different islands in the archipelago.

More information:

Tourist Office of Las Palmas: Calle/ León y Castillo,17 - 35003 de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Gran Canary), Tel.+34 928219600 Fax+34 928219601

Tourist Office of Tenerife: Plaza de España,1 - 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife) Tel.+34 922239811

Source: Web server of Instituto de Turismo de España, TURESPAÑA: www.spain.info