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Surfing In The Canary Islands

30/08/2013

 
The Canary archipelago is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between the European, American and African continents. Because of its position, some of the islands are well frequented by surfing enthusiasts .

The most popular island for surfing is Fuerteventura owing to the fact that its beaches far outnumber all the other curso para Copywriter islands. Another reason why Fuerteventura is so popular with the watr sport crowd is that the wind conditions are perfect.

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In the Southwest of the island you'll find a real windsurfing paradise.
Places such as Sotavento and the whole coast of Costa Calma are highlights for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Along the coastline you can find some excellent surfing schools where you can make attend surfing courses and rent surfboards along with all the necessary special surfing equipment.

Some of the surfing schools on Fuerteventura organize surf camps for beginners and advanced surfers.
By joining one of the camps you can get to know the best surf spots dotted all over the island. 

For windsurfers and kite surfers the south coast is more adequate while for classic surfing, it's best to try the beaches further up in the Norht of the island.

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Another famous beach for surfers on Fuerteventura is El Cotillo in the North of the island, near Corralejo.
This beach is fantastic for advanced surfers and really tests your skills to the maximum.

All over the coast between El Cotillo and the National Park of the sand dunes of Corralejo you can find plenty of beaches and surf spots with beautiful picturesque surroundings to have a great surfing experience.

The second famous island for surfing in the Canary Islands is Tenerife. You can find beaches both on the Northwest coast and in the South.

A real mecca for windsurfers and kite surfers on Tenerife is the beach at El Medano. Over the years it's become very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers alike. There are other smaller beaches in the surrounding area that you can try that carry less surfers and afford you more room. It's important to be aware of the currents as they can change very quickly and can be dangerous if you are not aware of them.

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Near to the touristic resort of Las Americas you can find some surf spots for beginners where you can practice and the waves are not as large as in the North of the island.

If you want to surf in the North of Tenerife, then you should try Puerto de la Cruz or the Socorro Beach near to San Juan de La Rambla.
quite a famous surf spot in Puerto de La Cruz is Playa Martianez, where you can find a surf school and some nice bars.
There are other surf spots on Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, but for the most part and for those who are proficient at surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, Tenerife and Fuerteventura offer  far better beaches and conditions for those looking to test their abilities and skills.

Lucia is an avid surfer and also blogs for Tenerifeloca.com who specialise in holiday accommodation on Tenerife.

 

Canary Islands: A picture perfect blend of Spain & Africa

07/08/2013

 
Located close to the northern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are an archipelago consisting of seven different islands. The islands are beautiful destinations, thanks to their 22ºC average year-round temperature, their beaches and incredible variety of natural landscapes, and they each offer a wealth of sightseeing experiences for the visitor.

No matter which one of the 7 islands you visit, you will find a wealth of things to do at your fingertips. Their beaches, their volcanic nature, their energetic and friendly lifestyle will make you want to visit time and time again. If you’ve grown tired of the same types of holidays or particular holiday hot spots then the Canary Islands are a must-visit destination!

The following is a list of the top sightseeing targets to consider if you make a trip to any of the Canary Islands:

Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park is a charming nature reserve completely made of volcanic soil in Lanzarote. Shaped by devastating volcanic outbreaks in the 18th century, the unreal scenery of Timanfaya is out of this world. By visiting the park, you will witness remarkable craters, lava sculptures, and volcanic cones in an intense display of colours from dark red to purplish black. Because of Lanzarote’s dry conditions, vegetation there grows slowly therefore very little has changed over the last 300 years, meaning you can appreciate the raw beauty of the landscape. In fact, the park is named after the active volcano; Timanfaya Volcano.


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Maspalomas Sand Dunes , Gran Canaria

The Dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria are a remarkable 4km field of sand, situated in between the resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, and deserves a place on every visitor's itinerary.

The dunes are protected by a nature reserve but can still be accessed by tourists to take part in a variety of activities including horse and camel riding. It is recommended that each visitor keeps their flip flops on as the sand can become scorching, even during the winter period.

Certain areas within the dunes are nominated as naturist zones and nude sunbathing is allowed within these areas. Behind the dunes, there is also the Maspalomas golf course which is the largest course on the island. The Maspalomas sand dunes can also be reached on foot from Playa del Ingles and Meloneras resorts.

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Island of Lobos, Fuerteventura

For those holidaymakers who find the hustle and bustle of everyday life on Fuerteventura too much, there is always a tranquil sanctuary - Lobos. Just a short boat trip from Corralejo you will find the Nature Reserve of Lobos – a peaceful setting, with crystalline waters that will undoubtedly take your breath away.

The island is small enough to be walked round in a few hours, but large enough for you to be able to feel that you are the only person on the island. There is also the chance to spot a variety of flora and birds not to be found anywhere else on the planet. Interestingly the name of the island came from the large population of Monk Seals that once lived there, however they are all but extinct from the island now after they were mass hunted.

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Tenerife; Lunar Landscapes and Golden Sandy Beaches

08/04/2013

 
Enjoy the pleasures of swimming and sunbathing on one of the many beaches around Tenerife while glancing up towards the spectacular snow tipped volcano El Teide. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and the evident contrasts is more apparent than on any of the other islands. The south being famous for its long stretches of white sandy beaches, the north famous for its rocky coastline and stunning green nature, while the central part of the island is dominated by lunar like landscape which is the result from all the volcanic activity on the island.   

Where to stay

Find your perfect holiday home in Tenerife and then relax and marvel around the island to see the top attractions and sites. There are numerous places to stay while visiting Tenerife; bigger tourist destinations include Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas in the southern part of the island, know as the perfect destinations if you are looking for fun and guaranteed sun. The north offers the authentic Canarian culture and fertile and green landscapes which is a great contrast to the barren south. Places of interest to rent a holiday home in the north are Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Santa Ursula, or San Juan de la Rambla.

Family Fun

The island of Tenerife is a great family destination due to the many activities and theme parks spread across the island. There are many great chances to enjoy the year long warm weather while sharing a day of fun with the family.  For some inspiration have a look at the list below, and get ready for some Splashing Fun! 

Aqualand Costa Adeje – One of Europe´s largest water parks and definitely Tenerife’s most famous one.  There are dolphin shows, children areas, and many different slides for all ages. The water park in located near Playa de las Americas in the souther part of the island.


Loro Parque – “Loro” actually means Parrot, however there is much more than just a parrot park. The world’s largest collection of parrots is located within an amazing tropical garden and the park also includes a great variety of other animals such as penguins, dolphins, orcas, and sea lions. Within the park there is also aquarium with a underwater tunnel. The Loro Park is located in the north, in Puerto de la Cruz. 

Siam Park- Tenerife´s new water kingdom and is also known as one of the best water parks in the world.  It will bring you into another world as the park is inspired by Thailand and offers an opportunity to enter an exotic and adventurous world with many adrenaline pumping attractions.
Teide National Park
The landscape surrounding the volcano of El Teide is so spectacular that it comes as no surprise that it is Spain´s most visited national park with over 4 million annual visitors. The central point is the highest elevation in all of Spain, standing at 12,198ft, and Mount Teide, an active volcano, is the third largest volcano in the world. The national park is a declared a World Heritage Site and consists of both amazing lunar, barren, and lush forest nature.
Lago Martianez
The pride of Puerto de la Cruz is the man-made coastal transformation which was created by the famous Canarian artist and architect Cesar Manrique.  It is an artificial lake which contains 27,000 m3 of sea water, and has several pools both for adults and for children. Enjoy Lago Martinez everyday during your holiday by renting a holiday home in Puerto de la Cruz.
Carnival of Tenerife
During the month of February one cannot miss the biggest carnival celebration in the world apart from the event held in Rio de Janiero. During the second month of the year the island comes alive with music, dancing, colorful costumes, and street parades. It is one of the most dazzling and flamboyant experiences, and loads of fun that lasts up to three week!  
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes which means the “Cliffs of the Giants” are breathtaking cliffs which ascend to the heights of over 500 to 800 meters.  The sheer rock walls that plunge into the Atlantic are found on the western coast of Tenerife. The best way to experience the vastness of the cliffs is by boat, and once you see the greatness of the nature in front of you, you will understand why the they were considered sacred to the islands ancestors. Would you like impressive views from your holiday home? Then theese apartments in Los Gigantes will give you just what you are loooking for.
Guimar Pyramids
The six step pyramids located on the eastern coast of Tenerife are mysterious as the origins are still unknown to archaeologists. The Norwegian anthropologist, Thor Heyerdahl, indicated that the pyramids where constructed on similar principles to the ones in Ancient Mesopotamia, Mexico, and Peru, insinuating that the Canary Islands was a major transshipment point for trade between the Mediterranean and the Americas in ancient times.
 

4 Idyllic Tenerife Getaways for Honeymooners

15/03/2013

 
If you’ve recently become engaged and have the dress and date sorted, your thoughts might have turned to where to holiday on your honeymoon. These days a traditional honeymoon is considered to be spending a week or two in a tropical location, but mini-moons, where newlyweds go away for a few days fairly locally, are also on the rise.

 Regardless of how long you’re going away for, a honeymoon is a magical trip unlike any other – after all, you get to spend one-on-one time with your partner and relax after your wedding, which can often be a stressful, if happy event.

 Tenerife has plenty of honeymoon holidays that could work you and your budget – here are four of my favourites.

1) Thrill Seekers

Due to its island location, Tenerife is an ideal destination for adventurous couples. From hiking in the volcanic hills to scuba diving in the Atlantic, there is plenty to pack in to a week long holiday.

Walking holidays are also popular, as are hand gliding package deals. The Teide National Park in the heart of the island is Spain’s largest national park and is a great destination for walkers and photographers. Take a cable car to the peak and work your way back down on foot for an active afternoon full of exotic flora and fauna.

2) Budget Mini-moon

For cash strapped couples the Canary Islands are a great choice, as they are easy to get to from most European destinations and four or five days in Tenerife can be just enough to experience the magic of these volcanic islands.

One way to keep it cheap is to shop around for budget Tenerife hotels or hire out an apartment in Santa Cruz or Playa de les Americas, where there’ll be plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within a short walk of your apartment. Keep breakfasts and lunches cheap so you can splash out on dinners at MISHI Sushi Club and El Molino Bianco (both Playas de les Americas).

3) Luxury Spa

If you have money to splash you could experience the five star treatments on offer at The Oriental Spa Garden, sat in the grounds of Hotel Botanico in Puerto de la Cruz. Indulge in an open-air massage on a Thai pagoda, or pick one of the 20 treatment rooms for scrubs, wraps, massages and facials.

You don’t even need to leave your new fella as there are also packages available for couples, so you can both treat yourself to Turkish baths and treatments in the spa’s private Dragon Spa. If you want a truly pampering holiday then this is the one for you!

 
4) Post Wedding Wellness

Pamper your body, relax your mind and get fit too with a luxurious ‘wellness’ holiday at the Abama Golf & Spa Resort near Play San Juan, on the south eastern side of the island. The stunning terracotta buildings have African and Mediterranean influences and sit majestically overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

While the location is quite remote, the resort is packed with entertainment including a sprawling golf course, infinity pools and spa. You can even hire personal trainers if you’re determined to keep up your fitness routine! There are also numerous bars and restaurants to dine in each night.

With their gorgeous scenery, warm climate and distinct lack of rain, the Canary Islands are a fantastic destination for every budget. So whether you’re after a honeymoon to invigorate your spirits or one to relax your mind, Tenerife is the perfect destination for your romantic getaway.

Do you know any other Tenerife locations that would be fit for a happy couple?.
 

Monopoly Fuels Change in the Spanish Petrol Market

14/03/2013

 

Its little secret that petrol prices across the world are steadily on the increase, and as precious fossil fuels are in finite supply, areas where there’s heavy demand will naturally see the biggest increases. Europe as a whole is notorious for high fuel prices, but Spain (including the Canary islands) is somewhat of an anomaly.

Residents will be more than aware that fuel prices fluctuate drastically throughout the week in Spain, in fact routine EU research highlighted that, 70% of the time, fuel in Spain was cheaper on a Monday, returning to nearer its average weekly price on Wednesday – cue stampedes at Spanish petrol stations on Mondays!

This study has sparked an investigation by the Spanish government as to exactly why such a phenomenon occurs. Spain’s top three fuel providers; Repsol, Cespa and BP are to be the subject of the investigation, which is set to determine if there is any foul play at hand. As a side note, Spain went from one of the most expensive EU countries for fuel, to one of the cheapest!

In addition to this investigation, the Spanish Government are also taking steps to abolish the monopoly that the ‘big three’ currently have on the fuel market. To give some perspective on this situation, Spain currently has around 10,200 Petrol stations, this breaks down into;

  • 2,500 are owned and operated by one of the ‘big three’
  • 4000 are franchises, using the ‘big three’ name
  • 4000 are ‘own brand’, this includes supermarkets
The idea behind this move is to reduce the amount of influence the big three have on fuel prices in the country, which will mean consumers have more opportunity to get cheap fuel consistently, rather than just when Repsol et al. decide to lower prices. The ruling will also mean that brands with a market share over 30% in a single Spanish province will not be permitted to open any more stations in that province.
Tenerife and the other Canary Islands can also expect to see these changes, and holiday makers will also feel the knock on effects, and not just those who use hire cars. Consider that with more competition and therefore cheaper petrol prices, airport transfers and taxis into town centres could be more affordable. This new move therefore could stand both residents and holidaymakers in good stead for the future.
 

    Author

    Peter has a passion for the islands and enjoys writing about them to help visitors get the best experience.

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