Pilgrimage Places

The Canary Islands have been associated with mysteries since ancient times when Ptolemy wrote that it was difficult to get to them because they had a curious habit of disappearing and reappearing. Some believe they are the tops of the sunken lost continent of Atlantis. It has been rumored that Christopher Columbus learned of the sailing route to the new world in the Canaries, from which he sailed on his first voyage.

The Atlantic archipelago is a part of Spain, and its seven major islands are La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma,Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Its major industry, once winemaking, is now tourism, and it is especially popular with holiday makers from the U.K. who enjoy its sunshine as well as activities such as fishing, hiking, surfing and partying.

Lanzarote, the most easterly, is particularly well known for water sports, including swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and yachting. Getting to Lanzarote by ferry often requires patience, as the sailing times tend to be a bit flexible. The island also has an airport, located near to Arrecife, and there are dependably scheduled flights to it from London Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Birmingham and several other U.K. cities. Once arrived, visitors to Lanzarote are usually impressed by its natural beauty. Much of its charm can be attributed to its government’s efforts to strike a balance between commercial development and ecology.

A must-visit attraction on the island is Timanfaya National Park, which is located among the Montanas del Fuego, mountains that were created only a few hundred years ago during a six-year period of dramatic volcanic activity. Several very rare variety of plants can now be found there. Other popular places are the spectacular Cueva de los Verdes and Los Hervideros caves, the latter of which has numerous water-spouting blow holes. Famara Beach is noted for its wrecked ship.

Taking into account its dramatic volcanic scenery, white sand beaches, reliably pleasant weather and friendly locals, it is no wonder tiny Lanzarote island is such a popular holiday destination.