I Gran Canaria Stairway-Lee Daley
Canary Islands -Part Two
In Part One of my Canary Islands article, I gave an overview of the seven volcanic islands that make up this territory of Spain. Long popular with Europeans, the year-round vacation hot spot is now more accessible to vacationers from the US with a new Air Europa direct flight from Miami to Tenerife, the largest of the islands. From Tenerife, the other islands are easily accessible by ferry or air. www.aireuropa.com
I covered Gran Canaria in Part One. Because the island offers so much, I am devoting Part Two to Gran Canaria as well with more to come on each of the other islands.
Gran Canaria:
Outdoors::An abundance of wild, natural landscape entices outdoor lovers. Twenty miles or so out of the city, a cliff hugging drive through blind hairpin turns winds through enchanting villages and deep ravines. On most afternoons, a sea of clouds magically billows through the ravines, creating the effect of a slowly moving transparent wave. Numerous viewpoints along the route offer spectacular panoramas. From some vantage points, you can look across the sea to Tenerife and spy the Canary Islands’ highest point, Mount Teide, hovering above the clouds.
A rocky volcanic summit dominates the center of the island. The mountain’s lush sub-tropical terrain seems odd considering how little rainfall occurs here. Canary islanders have an expression that explains this phenomenon. They say the “pine needles have milked the clouds.” Moisture from trade winds in the region settles in the pine trees and drops to the ground before the sun’s heat evaporates it, thus offsetting the island’s lack of rainfall..
Lodging:: In Las Palmas, the legendary Santa Catalina Hotel, within walking distance to the beach and the old quarter, makes a fine resting place at the end of the day. Chef Jose Rojano presides over the hotel’s kitchen where the menu includes both regional and international cuisine. Superb spa service and pool. www.hotelsantacatalina.com
Visit the Canary Islands web site at www.canarias.es
Quote of the day: "You can observe a lot just by watching." Yogi Berra
Comments
it must be nice going on those tips how is it ............................................................................................................................................is it cool? well i always wasnted to go to an island .ll.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................bi
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!