Things To See And Do In The Canary Islands guide

UNDERWATER WONDERS FROM THE 

CANARY ISLANDS

Many uphold that spontaneity is the key to a good time but sometimes a ringside seat for a natural spectacle needs to be booked in advance to avoid any disappointment.

A two-hour marine life watching voyage aboard the Spirit of the Seas off the shores of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands is one such experience.

The ship”s itinerary is barely the same twice as she leaves three times a day from the south-western port of Puerto Rico at 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00.

Spirit of the Sea has been specifically equipped as a purpose-built aquatic life search vessel and can get much closer to underwater wildlife than most vessels because of her modified ”silent” engines.

Up to 30 people can be accommodated in the two glass-bottomed keels to give guests a rare glimpse of a little-explored domain.

Because of the limited fishing allowance, the area is known for its wide variety of sea life and constant contact with other vessels practically guarantees sightings of several species such as bottle-nose dolphins and pilot and finback whales.

Spirit of the Sea dolphin cruises must not be missed but 48 hour booking notice is advised to ensure a seat.

Culture and Sightseeing – City Tours – Whichever city you are in these tours will help to ensure you do not miss a thing

CANARY ISLAND WINDSURFING AT THE WIND FACTORY

Many of the world”s biggest events in the windsurfing calendar take place during the summer at Playa de Pozo Izquierdo – known within the water sports fraternity as ”The Wind Factory”.

The Gran Canaria PWA Grand Slam 2008 took place here in July taking advantage of the perfect conditions the location provides for professionals and holidaymakers alike all year round.

Locals are born into windsurfing and the area is home to the renowned International Centre for Windsurfing; considered to be second only to Hawaii for facilities.

Its reputation precedes it as ”a brutal proving ground where scores are settled” and the sport”s biggest names do just that regularly here.
This year”s events include competitions such as men”s slalom, women”s freestyle, and the wave event where spectators are treated to spectacular, gravity defying aerial jumps.

Visiting competitors will be looking to gain entry to the windsurfing hall of fame by trying to out-do the local hotshots who have the luxury of being able to train here all year round.

Active and Adventure – Air Activities – Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter ride over New York or a serene hot air balloon ride over the Australian outback.

CLASSICAL MUSIC COMES TO THE 

CANARIES

Holidaymakers who want to escape somewhere warm but with a heavy splash of high-brow culture should consider the Canary Islands this winter.

The Canary Islands Music Festival, running until February 16th, brings together some of the finest classical music in the world.

Each concert takes place in both the Tenerife Auditorium in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Palmas’ Auditorio Alfredo Kraus on Gran Canaria.

Some of the highlights include Christoph Eschenbach and the Philadelphia Orchestra playing Schubert symphonies on January 29th and 31st, while Michael Gielen along with the Baden Baden and Freiburg SWR Orchestra will tackle Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 4 on January 28th and 31st.

Other big names which will be performing include Santa Cecilia Orchestra from Rome and Martha Argerich playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto Number 1.

The Canary Islands Music Festival began in 1985, the 300th anniversary of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti’s birth.

Over the past 25 years it has grown in popularity and is now looked forward to by both performers and spectators.

SOAKING UP WINTER SUN IN THE CANARY ISLANDS,

Chilly foggy weather, shorter days, looming dark evenings – just plain cold and depressing! Could we all do with a bit of sunshine this winter to get us through until spring; and what better place for a family holiday than the Canary Islands to do just that! It is close to the UK, meaning low-cost travel; and for guaranteed heat where rain is rare during winter and where temperatures range between 20 and 30 degrees, it is a no-brainer. The Canaries can also provide you with that sought-after summer tan in January.

With a whole lot of beaches to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect location from the choice of beaches the Canary Islands have to offer. Miles of golden sands are the greatest attraction of Fuerteventura, while the beaches at Costa Teguise in Lanzarote are man-made and are a firm favourite for the windsurfing community. If naturist/nudist type of beaches is your thing, Tenerife’s Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Granadilla beaches are for you. However, if you are like me looking for less-visited and quiet islands, the islands of La Palma or La Gomera are ones to check out for!

Of course, some of the islands have more than just beaches. You can’t miss the Teide National Park in Tenerife, the highest peak in Spain. Or, you can take the family to the Camel Safari and Oasis Animal Park near Costa Calma in Fuerteventura. There are just simply loads of other things you can do on the Canary Islands; beaches, nature, wildlife, nightlife, restaurants, culture, activities and many more – you have it all here. My only regret is I didn’t have enough time!