The Canary Islands

Tenerife

If the Canaries are priceless jewels in an azure setting then Tenerife would be the Hope diamond. Geographically known as Macaronesia the Canarian Archipelago is located about 70 nautical miles west of the Sahara. Though politically part of Spain, they are geographically most defiantly part of Africa, scattered as they are over some 300 miles, with an approximate land area of 7500 km2.

The canaries lie on the same latitude as the Gulf of Mexico (west) and North Africa (east) approximately 10 degrees above the equator, which of course means that the Islands are semi-tropical and boast a vast selection of varied flora and fauna including the eerie "Caruha" bird which for the uninitiated when first heard can be quite disconcerting as they sound remarkably like Gremlins from the film of the same name, these birds only fly at night and are indigenous to the islands as are many other animal, insect and plant types. Lizards and Geckos abound and are tame enough in some circumstances to take food (crumbs and crisps) from the visitor brave enough to offer them, in fact it is considered by the locals to be the best of luck if one has a gecko take up residence in the vicinity of one's house or apartment (we have one on our roof terrace).
A remarkable short 4hr flight from the UK, the Canaries certainly live up to there name as Paradise Islands, and you will be pleasantly surprised to know that British goods are now commonplace and can be bought from most local "Supermacardos" all be it slightly more expensive than there Spanish counterparts.

 

 

 

 

 

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, approximately 40 km (at its widest part) by
75 km and crowned by Mount Teide which at 3,718 mtrs is the highest mountain in Spain. One of the most startling aspects of the Island are its micro-climates which can generate some amazing contrasts, for instance, a morning (in winter) spent building a snowman on Mt Teide could be followed by an afternoon spent sunbathing and swimming in 26 degree temperatures. With the temperature fluctuating no more than a few degrees summer and winter, Tenerife has always been the destination of choice for those people wanting a break from the dreary British winter. The coastline of some 358 km is home to all manner of water sports, and in the summer, contrary to rumours, the water temperature can reach an amazing 24 c, and no lower than 18 c during the winter season.

Rich in history and tradition, Tenerife is also the land of legend and mystery, from the lost lands of Atlantis to the disappearing Island of San Borondon , reputedly named after St Brenden, who was the first person to actually write about it, San Borondon has mystified and captivated seamen (and woman) of all types, the first reports came from the Carthaginians, then Spanish fleeing from the Moorish invaders and one Italian engineer by the name of Giovanni Torriani even drew a map of the Island, but for all that it has still not appeared on any satellite photos, but who knows! (Try looking nor, nor, west of La Palma, and you may just see its high peaks poking out through the clouds).
The original inhabitants of Tenerife are also somewhat of a mystery, "Guanche" to the Spanish conquistadors, the islanders called themselves "Bimbaches". They actually held the Spanish invaders at bay for more than a hundred years and were reputedly very strong bold warriors, a tall majestic people with (some say) blond hair and blue eyes, descendants of Atlantis perhaps?