Ten Awesome Reasons to Visit Spain's Canary Islands - Featured in the Local ES

To celebrate Canary Islands' Day, The Local takes a look at some of the best reasons to visit Spain's most exciting islands.

For many tourists, the stereotype of the Canary Islands as a package holiday hub is an enduring one. But there is so much more to the volcanic island chain than cheap booze and clubbing.

From the best stargazing in the world to whale and dolphin spotting, from glamorous carnivals to adrenaline-pumping volcano-climbing - the islands have a lot to offer, whatever you're into.

To celebrate El Día de Canarias (Canary Islands' Day) on May 30th, The Local takes a look at ten brilliant reasons to visit Spain's most exciting islands. 

1.Stargazing

The Gran Telescopio Canarias, located on the Canary Island of La Palma, is the world's largest single aperture telescope, providing one of the best stargazing opportunities in the whole of the Northern Hemisphere.

 

2.Volcanoes

The Canary Islands are a chain of volcanic islands, so there is nowhere better to spot some incredible volcanic landscapes, like the one above on the island of Fuerteventura.

 

3.Wildlife

The seas around the Canary Islands are home to up to one-third of the world's dolphin and whale species, as well as a whole host of other creatures.

 

4. Wine: 

The vineyards of Lanzarote look like they have appeared off the set of a science fiction film. The moon-like landscape is fascinating and the wine... delicious! Must be all that volcanic soil...

 

5.Climb Spain's highest peak

The Canary Islands might be known for their year-round sunny weather, but Mount Teide on Tenerife, has a permanent snowcapped peak. At 3,718 metres, it is Spain's highest peak.

 

6. Carnival

The Carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas are two one the most famous in Spain and encompass everything from flour battles to glamorous street parades.
 

7. Surfing

The waves off the Canary Islands are some of the best in the world for surfing and windsurfing.

 

8. Mojo sauce 

The cuisine of the Canary Islands is excellent, but if we had to choose one flavour as our favourite it would have to be Mojo - a variety of spicy sauces, usually served on potatoes, from the Canary Islands.

 

9.Sports

From cycling and paragliding to scuba diving and sailing, the Canary Islands are a paradise for sport lovers.

 

10: Beaches

And last but not least... The Canary Islands have some beautiful beaches, such as the one above on Gran Canaria. They are the ultimate destination for sun, sea and sand!