Canary Islands

Points of
Interest and
Places to Visit
 Los
An extraordinary collage of rocks, caves and lava tubes looming over Lanzarotes west coast,
Hervideros
the coastal cliffs of Los Hervideros rank among the islands most unusual geological
attractions. Formed during the 18th-century eruptions of the Timanfaya volcanoes, the
dramatic coastline is now adorned with sharp rock columns, oddly shaped archways and
natural rock sculptures, created as the hot lava met with the icy waves. While the unique
landscape makes for some remarkable photo opportunities, the real highlight of visiting Los
Hervideros is watching the waves crash against the coast. Looking out from the cliff top,
visitors can witness the all-natural spectacle as the waves explode against the rocks and the
water funnels through the spillways, sending spurts of sea water roaring into the air a fitting
example of how the cliffs got their name - Los Hervideros is Spanish for "boiling waters."
 Casa de Colon
Charming Casa de Colon was reportedly a rest-and-repair stop for Christopher Columbus and
his ship, La Pinta, en route to the New World in 1492. Originally belonging to the Governor of
the Canaries, Casa de Colon was one of a small number of houses that became Las Palmas'
first settlement, marking the beginning of the city in 1478. As you might expect, displays at
Casa de Colon have a strong nautical theme and include a replica of a ship's cabin that
belonged to Columbus fleet, navigation instruments, nautical maps, charts and paintings
related to voyages made by the famous navigator. The site's ornate doorways, latticed
balconies and chocolate-box-like exterior make it one of Las Palmas most eye-catching
buildings. If its pretty facade doesn't make you want to discover more about the building's
history and Columbus's visit here, the interesting and well-run museum inside will.
 Timanfaya National
Spanning 20 square miles (51 square km) of southern Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park is a
Park
unique and eerie landscape of dormant volcanos and lava fields. Visitors flock to the park from
nearby beach towns to explore the otherworldly terrain that looks more like the moon than
the Canary Islands. Visitors pay a small fee to enter the park, and it includes a guided coach
tour but lines can get long during busy season. You can avoid the wait and get round-trip
transport from elsewhere in Lanzarote by booking a half-day or full-day tour in advance. Many
of these tours take you through the park on a coach bus and make stops where you can get
out to walk or hike the volcanic landscape, while others also include options to ride a 4x4 or
take a camel ride through the lava fields.
 Teide National
The largest and oldest National Park in the Canary Islands and home to Spains highest peak,
Park
Mount Teide, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Teide National Park is one of the top
attractions on the island of Tenerife. At 3,718m, the landmark peak of Teide - the worlds third
highest volcano from its base - is omnipresent and taking the cable car to the top is one of the
most popular pastimes for visitors, with views spanning the surrounding islands. Even from
ground level, the parks rugged landscape is magnificent, a geological wonder featuring an
expanse of rugged lava fields, ancient calderas and volcanic peaks.
 Auditorio de
With its sweeping white faade looming over the waterfront of Santa Cruz harbor, the
AuditorioTenerife
de Tenerife (Tenerife Auditorium) is an instantly recognizable landmark of the
Tenerife capital. The futuristic design by architect Santiago Calatrava has drawn comparisons
to the Sydney Opera House and its signature white concrete arc looks particularly spectacular
at night when the rooftop is lit up from beneath. Although guided tours are a popular way to
admire the interiors of the Auditorio de Tenerife, the best way to experience the famous
venue is to book tickets for a show. Theres a varied schedule of music and dance
performances throughout the year, with highlights including the Tenerife Opera, the
Symphony Orchestra of Tenerife and special Christmastime musicals.
 Church of the Immaculate
With a history dating back to 1498, the Church of the Immaculate Conception is Tenerifes
Conception
oldest church and an iconic landmark of the capital of Santa Cruz. Legend dictates that the
original church was erected under order of Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, commander of the
Spanish conquerors, but the modern-day church dates back to 17th and 18th century
renovations. The churchs most striking feature is its bell tower, a prominent city landmark, but
the Mudjar-style tilework, elaborate baroque interiors and silver altarpiece are also notable
highlights.
 Fire Mountains
A vast range of black and red peaks dominating the landscape of the Timanfaya National Park,
the evocatively named Fire Mountains (Montaas de Fuego) serve as a lasting reminder of
Lanzarotes explosive past. Although the last eruption was recorded in 1824, it was a series of
eruptions in the 18th century that was most memorable the blasts covered a large portion of
Lanzarote with hot ash and lava and created much of the islands unearthly topography,
including natural wonders like the El Golfo crater lake and the Los Hervideros cliffs. Today, the
mountains are classed as dormant, but an anomalous magma chamber still remains under the
surface, leaving a geothermic area riddled with steaming vents and fire pits. Due to the intense
heat and geothermal activity, hiking around the Fire Mountains is prohibited and the best way
to take in the views is on a guided coach tour around the scenic Route of the Volcanoes.
 Museo Canario
The Museo Canario (Canarian Museum) houses the most complete archeological collection in
the Canary Islands. Its permanent exhibition can trace its beginnings to the founding of the
museum in 1879 and consists of an impressive range of artefacts devoted to the original
inhabitants of the Canaries (the Guanches). Visitors are invited to develop an understanding of
how these early humans lived as the exhibition leads you through 11 rooms displaying
mummies, skeletons, jewelry, pottery, statues and other items that played an important role in
the Guanches lives from the second half of the first millennium BC to the 15th century. Displays
include scale models of their dwellings and a replica of the Cueva Pintada (Painted Caves) at
Gldar.
 Roque Nublo
The Roque Nublo is a unique rock formation on Gran Canaria that truly is a sight to behold. At
70 meters tall, the red basaltic monolith is the most dramatic formation on the island.
Translated it means cloudy rock and after a short hike visitors are rewarded with panoramic
views of surrounding nature. The rocky landscape is dotted with pine trees and shrubbery and
drops off into cliffs. The rock was formed by volcanic eruption on the island about 4.5 million
years ago, and today is an icon of the island and is protected as a national monument. On a
clear day it is possible to even see the Teide volcano in the distance. Often though, the rock will
disappear into or appear out of dense fog and clouds (hence the name.) It is one of the tallest
natural crags in the world, and is also a climbing destination. Trekking tours to the rock are
available to those who preferred a guided hike.
 Playa Blanca
If white-sanded beaches are your thing, then look no further than Playa Blanca (quite literally
meaning white beach) in Lanzarote. This once-humble fishing village offers more than just a
beach, though, but several beaches, as well as a lively restaurant and shopping scene. Though
the southern town is home to a cluster of resorts, it still retains a low-key vibe, minus much of
the nightlife buzz found in Puerto del Carmen. It is, however, ripe with restaurants, bars and
harbor-front seafood establishments eager to satisfy visitors cravings for the kind of mellow
but swanky beach holiday that comes along with some good eats. Playa Blancas location on the
southern tip of Lanzarote also places it within convenient distance of other major island sights,
including Los Hervideros a geological masterpiece of caves and lava tubes -- and El Golfo with
its Lago Verde, the vibrant-green, ocean-side lagoon.
 La Laguna
La Laguna (or San Cristbal de La Laguna) might have passed its role as capital over to Santa
Cruz in 1723, but the lively student town remains one of Tenerifes most important cities, linked
by tram to Santa Cruz. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the Old Town of La
Laguna is most famous for its colonial architecture and strolling the cobblestone streets unveils
a number of historic gems, including the elegant townhouses of Las Casas Consistoriales and a
number of noteworthy churches. The city is also home to some of the islands most important
museums, so you can brush up on local history at the Museo de Historia, then indulge in some
interactive fun at the innovative Museo de Ciencia y El Cosmos (Museum of Science and the
Cosmos).
 La Graciosa
Those looking a change of pace from the busy beach resorts and lively nightlife of mainland
Lanzarote will find the tranquil isle of La Graciosa to be an enchanting place, just a short boat
ride from the islands northern coast. The largest and only inhabited inland of the small Chinijo
archipelago, La Graciosa is home to just 600 people, has no roads or natural water supply, and
no hotels, making it the perfect spot to get away from it all. With its dreamlike landscape of
sandy beaches, sweeping dunes and volcanic hills, most visitors come to La Graciosa to soak up
the scenery and getting around the 30 square-kilometer island is easily done on foot, by jeep or
water taxi.
 Playa del Janubio
You can smell the salty air as the edges of white waves crash into the black sands of Playa del
Janubio. Beside the beautiful beach, historic salt ponds sit that have been used to collect and
extract salt from the seawater for centuries. Water evaporates in the shallow lagoons, leaving
the salt behind. In the days before refrigeration, salt was even more prized for its food
preservation qualities. Remnants of the old salt production and trade here, including a small
windmill, remind of the areas past. Today the beach, formed by the breakdown of black
volcanic rock, is still a lovely place to stroll by the sea. Depending on the season you may see a
variety of local birds as well. Currents are often quite strong on the beach, and the powerful
waves are beautiful to watch from the shore.
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Details
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