The 3 Best Canary Island Attractions
Photo by David Dennis
You could be forgiven for overlooking the Canary Islands when booking your summer holiday. After all, these seven islands are situated 1,150km off the coast of Africa, far enough away for many people to assume that they have little or no connection to the rest of mainland Spain. But when even mainland dwelling Spaniards – who themselves enjoy high temperatures, beautiful beaches and warm seas – consider the Canary Islands as holiday paradises’, you begin to understand just how appealing cheap canary island holidays are. But if you are planning a visit, where should you go to? What are the main attractions and must see sights?
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
For many, Tenerife conjures up images of beautiful weather, open air restaurants and cafes, a slower pace of life and a generally relaxed feeling flowing throughout the place, and the resort of Puerto de la Cruz has all this in abundance. Puerto De La Cruz is one of Tenerife’s oldest towns which for many years had the fishing industry at the heart of its community. These days the links to fishing are clearly along with tourist friendly bars and restaurants which line the streets where locals and visitors rub shoulders throughout the year. There is plenty of culture to explore too if you enjoy exploring stunning architecture.
Castle of San Jose, Lanzarote
For art lovers, a trip to Lanzarote must also include a visit to the Castle of San Jose. Built between 1776 and 1779 as ordered by King Don Carlos III, inside you will find the Museum of Contemporary Art which includes paintings and works by the likes of Picasso and others. The castle and museum have been entertaining visitors since its opening in 1976 and has a very popular restaurant inside too if you get a bit peckish whilst browsing the works. The museum is open every day from 11am to 9pm, admission costs €2.50, so it is a cheap day out if life on the beach gets a bit too much for you!
Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
Playa del Inglés is what budget holidays are all about. It is the largest Gran Canaria holiday resort and the second largest in the whole of Europe, meaning if you want lively days and even livelier nights, this is the place to be! Young and carefree crowds will be found partying the night away in Heaven, Hard Rock Cafe or Pacha nightclubs, whilst during the day families and couples mix on the golden sandy beaches and warm blue seas.
In 2012 the Canary Islands are set to be as popular as ever with tourists throughout Europe and beyond. If you are set to visit, whichever island you land on be sure to check out the main attractions – you’ll regret it if not!
Written by Ricky Durrance for Beat the Brochure.
