The Canary Islands is an archipelago made up of seven main islands and six islets, all of which are actually the tips of a vast volcanic range that lies beneath the Atlantic Ocean. They cover a total area of approximately 7,500 sq km and the population of almost 2 million people are largely Spanish speaking, although their nearest neighbour is Morocco, lying 95 km off the east coast of Fuerteventura. The variety of landscapes is vast for such a relatively small area, ranging from stark volcanic plateaus and storm lashed cliffs to lush, green olive groves. The island of Tenerife is home to the world's third largest volcano, Teide, and all the volcanic activity of the Canaries has produced a rich, fertile soil. A profound lack of rivers anywhere on the Canaries has meant water shortages have been frequent, but nowadays much of the domestic water to some of the islands is provided by desalination plants.

The climate of the Canary Islands is pleasant all year round with mean temperatures rarely dropping below 18 degrees C, even in winter. The northern side of the island group is sub-tropical, while the southern side is drier, and the islands with flatter terrain receive virtually no rain at all. A hot day on the beach can become much cooler if you travel up onto higher ground, and at high altitudes in winter, it will feel decidedly cold. Due to its diversity of natural habitats and weather, the Canary Islands are a popular choice as a summer holiday destination and tourists are well catered for with an abundance of self catering holiday villas with pools or apartments in the Canaries. The guaranteed sunshine and stunning array of landscapes are irresistible, as is the local culture and natural heritage of the islands. The unique volcanic environment of the Canaries gives so many vacation opportunities, from walking and water sport to just lounging on a sun-kissed beach. What better way to cool off than to take a walk up the mountains into the cloud forests swathed in mist?

Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary archipelago, and a mountain chain running through its heart gives rise to a wide range of dramatic scenery, climaxing at the peak of Teide, which cuts an impressive silhouette especially with its snowy winter cap. Amongst the mountains can be found a gigantic natural crater, of about 29km across, that displays a wide range of habitats and plant life and has now been declared a National Park. The coast is a delightful mix of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches and the perfect location for a holiday apartment in Tenerife from where you can explore this exciting island.

Fuerteventura is the island with the longest coastline and huge beaches of unbelievable beauty that promise an escape from the pressures of today. Its rolling plains and fertile valleys offer a tranquil haven to the many visitors that snap up holiday apartments in Fuerteventura in pursuit of the quiet life. It is known as the Old Canary Country, and the pace of life and local traditions have stayed virtually unchanged by progress, adding to the atmosphere of calm and quaintness of the rustic villas that litter the countryside. If you like a bit of a challenge, you could always try your hand at fishing in the crystal waters that surround Fuerteventura, a sport which is attracting more and more people to the opportunities presented by swordfish, sardine and tuna.

A holiday in Gran Canaria can give you so much in the way of natural diversity, you'd probably never get to witness all of its treasures in one visit. Its central peaks, rising over 2000m, plunge to the shore leaving dramatic ravines in their wake, and the mountains and steep cliffs are shrouded in tropical vegetation, including palm forests and banana trees. Coffee plantations and vineyards nudge desert areas and sandy beaches and Las Palmas, the thriving, bustling capital, offers a contrast for those who enjoy scouring shops and exploring the richness of local architectural heritage. For the best of both worlds, a holiday villa in Gran Canaria will give you a chance to experience this fascinating island at your own pace.

Lanzarote lies 200km north-east of Gran Canaria and ferries make regular trips to Fuerteventura, offering the tourist an opportunity to easily discover two of the Canary Islands in one glorious holiday! Lanzarote is particularly arid and has a totally unique volcanic terrain that is incredible; so much so that it has been deemed a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and well worthy of thorough investigation. A popular tourist resort, holidays in Lanzarote are enjoyed by visitors from all over the world soaking up the guaranteed sunshine virtually all year round, and taking advantage of the abundance of facilities and excellent choice of holiday accommodation, including self catering villas in Lanzarote with private pools.

La Gomera is round with a National Park at its centre, Alto de Garajonary, situated 1,487m above sea level. It is a mountainous, densely wooded island; another rich example of nature's ability to fill us with awe. The coastline is spectacularly rugged and punctuated by cliffs that plummet into the transparent waters where Columbus once prepared his ships. La Gomera has a tangible sense of history and its breathtaking variety of landscapes make a holiday villa in Gomera, as on any of the Canary Islands, the starting point for a vacation experience of a lifetime.

Back to holiday rentals in the Canary Islands