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The Canary Islands are a popular holiday destination as they offer the sun, sea and sand that you expect somewhere like the Caribbean, but they are much closer to home. Each of the seven islands has its own personality and fantastic places to visit, so how do you decide between them? Read this handy guide to the Canary Islands to discover which is best suited to your specific interests. Culture Vultures – Tenerife If your idea of a great vacation involves museums, art galleries, impressive architecture and immersing yourself in local culture (and plenty of sun!) then Tenerife is the island for you. It is the most popular of the Canary Islands, but this is mainly due to the tourists heading to the south coast where there are many inviting sandy beaches. This leaves the lively port and capital city of Santa Cruz largely tourist free and it is here where you can soak up plenty of culture. There are many fascinating museums and galleries to enjoy, but it is the Auditorio de Tenerife that I highly recommend. Completed in 2003, this striking modernist building hosts many concerts throughout the year so be sure to see what is on during your stay. If you happen to be there in the autumn, the Tenerife Opera Festival is supposed to be a marvellous event and something that any culture vulture will get a real kick out of. Nature Lovers – La Palma & La Gomera Nature lovers will want to head to the peaceful La Palma and La Gomera islands, which are somewhat hidden gems as they are largely free of tourists (shh, keep it a secret!). These islands boast outstanding and varied natural beauty, which make them perfect for those that like to hike or simply enjoy being surrounded by nature. La Palma Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers many rewarding walks along epic cliffs that allow for spectacular views of the ancient forests and volcanoes that inhabit this rugged yet beautiful island. La Gomera Just 14 miles in diameter, keen walkers will adore this tiny yet scenic island. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, La Gomera is bursting at the seams with volcanic mountains, thick forests and black-sand beaches. The best area to explore is the superb Garajonay National Park, which is located in the heart of the island and is a magnificent place for hiking. Golf Enthusiasts - Gran Canaria If you have read any other guide to the Canary Islands then there is a good chance that you have heard that it is a great place for golfers and this is absolutely true. Best of all is Gran Canaria, where there are 10 highly rated courses that were designed by top architects. Maspalomas Three of these courses can be found on the south coast at Maspalomas. Many clients have commented on the 18-hole Maspalomas Golf course as somewhere that is very welcoming and perfect for mixed ability groups. It is also a beautiful spot that is surrounded by a 400-acre nature reserve – you can’t beat a leisurely round at this top resort. Salobre Old and New Avid golfers will want to head to Salobre Golf Resort, which features two excellent 18-hole courses. That’s right; here you can enjoy a full 36 holes (the only resort in the Canaries where you can do this). The Old Course can be played by those with mixed abilities, whilst those who like a challenge will want to tee-off on the more technical and demanding New Course. Hopefully this guide to the Canary Islands will help you to decide which of the fantastic islands is best suited to your interests, but contact the team today if you would like to know more. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. If you're looking for a guide to the Canary Islands John has a wealth of local information to share. An expert in luxury accommodation in Bermuda, Croatia, Sicily, the Canaries and many other destinations around the globe for over 30 years, John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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