Eilandhoppen | Canarische eilanden

About the destination: Gran Canaria it is the third island in size of the Canary Islands, an African archipelago which is part of Spain. Located in the Atlantic Ocean about 150 kilometres off the northwestern coast of Africa and about 1,350 km from Europe. Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the archipelago in both area and altitude. The capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was founded on June 24, 1478, under the name "Real de Las Palmas". Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is, jointly with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. This island is called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, with long beaches and dunes of white sand, contrasting with green ravines and picturesque villages. A third of the island is under protection as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Most of the tourists visit the southern part of the island. The north tends to be cooler, while the south is warmer and sunny. The island possesses 32 Natural Protected Spaces, notably the Rural Park of Nublo, The Doramas Jungle, the Azuaje Ravine, Tamadaba, Pino Santo, etc. Resorts are concentrated in the central eastern part of the southern coast in the Maspalomas area, which includes the towns of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras. In Tarajalillo, an Aeroclub exists from where tourist flights can be taken over the island. Still further to the west along the southern shore, in the Municipality of Mogán, are the communities of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, a village referred to as "Little Venice" on account of its many canals. Other attractions include Cocodrilos Park, Roque Nublo, Cenobio de Valerón with more than 350 storage cavities, Painted cave of Galdar the most important archaeological park in Canary Islands, or the botanical gardens Jardín Canario (in Tafira Alta) and Cactualdea (in La Aldea de San Nicolás). El Dedo de Dios, or "God's Finger", was a rocky spire jutting from the sea in Puerto de las Nieves, and was previously the signature attraction of the Canary Islands until it was destroyed by tropical storm Delta that crossed the archipelago on November 2005. Las Canteras beach, a protected area and diving zone, lies in the heart of the city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also known for its annual carnaval. Other attractions in the capital city include the Museo Canario (the most important archaeology museum in the archipelago), the cathedral and the Plaza del Espíritu Santo. The town of Agüimes, on the eastern part of the island, has been carefully restored. The district also includes the most renowned scuba diving area on the island: the marine reserve at the playa de El Cabrón just outside the town of Arinaga. Other important towns are Telde, known among other things for their surf schools in Salinetas, Vecindario (within the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana) and Gáldar, that contains an important diving zone.

About the destination: Fuerteventura, the second-largest island in the Canary archipelago after Tenerife, is a natural paradise, so much so that the island was granted the status of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in May 2009. The airport on Fuerteventura is on the coast close to Puerto del Rosario, its capital city, but the main tourist resorts are located at Corralejo, to the north, and Morro Jable, to the south. In addition to the island's dramatic natural landscape, Fuerteventura boasts some of the most dazzling beaches found anywhere in the world. This aspect of the island's geographic make up, combined with the constant breezes, makes it extremely popular with water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike and at least two of the sandy beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award. The islanders, like the inhabitants of the rest of the Canary Islands, are warm and friendly. This previously overlooked island has become increasingly popular with the European holidaymaking community. Fuerteventura is one of the most unspoilt places that you will ever see. With clear blue sea, miles of endless golden sand and views to die for, you just won’t want to leave!

About the destination: Situated just 79 miles off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. As with the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is Volcanic in origin. Due to the recent eruptions during the 18th and 19th Centuries, many parts of Lanzarote appear to be from another world, often described as 'lunar' or 'Martian'. Amongst the many stunning volcanic features of Lanzarote is the longest Volcanic Tunnel in the world, the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Despite the Volcanic nature of the island, Lanzarote has several beautiful white beaches such as those at Playa Blanca, Papagayo and Caleton Blanco. Alternate lying on the beach with visits to the extraordinary sights created in the volcanic landscape by local artist and environmentalist César Manrique. Don’t miss a tour of the Timanfaya national park either. Take the boat over to the island of La Graciosa off the northern tip for a blissful day swimming in crystal clear water. Visit some of the vineyards in La Geria and hire bikes to test your stamina on some of the excellent cycling routes around the island. The capital city, Arrecife, where cruise ships dock, is uncharismatic but welcoming. South-west of here is the main resort of Puerto del Carmen. It is a buzzing place with a long, tiled promenade linking four miles of beaches and bays. It is ideal for a family with teenagers looking for a bit of excitement, or for holidaymakers who require a dose of shopping, eating out and nightlife. Costa Teguise, on the other side of Arrecife, is a more modest and peaceful alternative which has gone steadily more upmarket in recent years. It tends to appeal to an older generation.