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Canary Island living, Lanzarote

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Things to see and do in Canary Islands

Caldera de Taburiente

Take a hike in the Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma, one of the largest and most fertile volcanic craters on earth. Or just take in the view from the Mirador de La Cumbrecita. Then explore the charming little capital, Santa Cruz.

Carnaval

If you can, visit during Carnaval (February/March). The celebrations on Tenerife, in Santa Cruz and Puerto Cruz are some of the biggest and most colourful outside Rio de Janeiro.

César Manrique

See as many of the seven César Manrique visitor attractions as you can. This great Lanzaroteño artist, landscape designer and ecological champion defined the essence of the island with his fantastic creations. Don't miss Jameos del Agua or Jardín de Cactus.

Las Palmas

Visit lively Las Palmas, capital of Gran Canaria, with its magnificent location between two bays. Sights include the Casa de Colón (Columbus House), cathedral, market, Pueblo Canario and several museums. It has a fine beach too.

Mount Teide

On Tenerife take the cable car up Mount Teide, the highest point in all Spanish territory at 3,718m (12,198ft). It climbs to within 300m (1,000ft) of the summit - from where you can walk the rest (free permit required). Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2007.

Puerto de la Cruz

Spend a day in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife's north coast. Splash out in the César Manrique-designed Costa Martiánez lido, explore the Colonial-style old town and enjoy Loro Parque, one of the world's finest marine and wildlife parks.

Santa Cruz

Explore the cosmopolitan city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (website: www.infosantacruz.com), the island capital. Enjoy its rich architecture, churches, museums and colourful bustling market. Afterwards relax on the golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas.

Teguise

Visit Teguise (www.costateguiseturismo.org), the picturesque Colonial-style former capital of Lanzarote, with aristocratic palaces, historic convents, churches and a castle built on a volcanic cone with great views over the town. Come on a Sunday to enjoy the colourful market.

Timanfaya National Park

Visit Timanfaya National Park, an awe-inspiring moonscape created by an 18th-century volcanic eruption that covered around one-third of Lanzarote in lava. Take the coach tour, feel the heat of the dormant volcano and book a walking tour.

Windsurfing

Go windsurfing or kitesurfing off Fuerteventura's fabulous soft golden beaches. Giant dunes back unspoiled beaches in both the north of the island, at Corralejo, and in the south at Jandía, where world championship events are staged.

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