The Canary Islands are a tropical paradise, with lush vegetation thriving in the fertile volcanic soil, beautiful beaches, and the warm, dry weather you'd expect in a holiday haven. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and Spain mainlanders pack the numerous island resorts year 'round. No wonder the Canaries have been known since ancient times as the "Fortunate Islands."

There are seven islands in the Canary chain, divided for administrative reasons into two provinces: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which includes the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera and Hierro, and Las Palmas, which includes the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.


All the islands share a constant spring climate, but a visitor hopping from one to another would have no trouble telling the islands apart, with the terrain ranging from sub-tropical to volcanic desert strewn with cactus, from green cliffs filled with flowers to arid sand dunes off the sea shore.

Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary archipelago, with amazing views of fertile valleys and the gigantic 29 km crater known as Las Cañadas del Teide from the mountain chain which splits the island. Tenerife's capital is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a modern city known for its friendliness, as well as its beautiful gardens.


The second-largest island is Gran Canaria, whose famous capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has a beautiful Gothic Cathedral gracing its old quarter, lined with magnificently varied and colorful flowers and plants as well as splendid and large beaches -- La Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas.

The island of La Palma, always called the "Beautiful Island," should be noted for its lush beauty and verdant forests as well as the important historical role the Santa Cruz de La Palma harbor had in the trade between Europe and America


Here are the pick of some of the the best hotels located around the canary islands.

The San Blas Reserva Ambiental is located on the beach of a beautiful nature reserve, this unique hotel provides a wide range of activities based around nature and tradition as well as boasting luxurious facilities and sleek design. Soak up the glorious sunshine on the San Blas Beach where sun loungers are provided for you to relax while gazing at the Atlantic. Cool off in one of the 8 swimming pools. Later, enjoy a work out in the fitness centre before you unwind in the sauna and Turkish baths. Why not treat yourself to a soothing massage.

The Esmeralda Maris is just 600 m to the beach, these smart apartments have the luxury facilities you need for a truly relaxing escape to Fuerteventura and you can cool off in the outdoor pool. The Esmeralda Maris has a privileged location in a peaceful, residential area of the island and enjoys fantastic views over Barca Bay. The complex is situated beside a natural park while the commercial centre of the resort is just one kilometre away.

Other popular hotels include the Suite Fariones Playa Suite Hotel Fariones has direct access to Puerto del Carmen’s Playa Grande Beach. It has 3 outdoor swimming pools, sports facilities and a sauna. The aparthotel is set in the heart of this Lanzarote resort. It is a short walk from the fishing port. There are shops and restaurants nearby.

A great value hotel is the Sol Tenerife located on the beach front, in the centre of Playa de las Américas and offering you fantastic panoramic views over the beach.