The splintered archipelago off the African coast forms the outermost rim of the European Union. These little islands and islets that are also part of the Spanish Autonomous Communities have two capitals, Santa Cruz and Las Palmas. Volcanic in origin, this paradisaical archipelago was annexed in 1496 when Columbus set out to discover El Nouvel Mundo or the New World.

The Canary Islands are a great favorite with honeymooners and holiday-makers because of the mild temperature that prevails throughout the year. It is not for nothing that the place has been billed as 'The Happy Islands'. Incidentally, the word 'canary' is a derivative of the word 'Canes' which means dog and has nothing to do, whatsoever, with little yellow bird.

Lovely long beaches, long extinct steep volcanoes, coral reefs... the Canary Islands offer all this and much more. No wonder nature lovers and naturalists throng to these islands which are also home to four of Spain's national parks.

With a population of two million, the Canary Islands are well-connected with a highly upgraded communication system, ports, and airports. The population comprises mainly Europeans, South Americans, and sub-Saharan and northern African. There is also a fair sprinkling of Koreans, Indians and more recently, Russians.

Traveling around these islands you should think of renting a car instead of hiring a taxi which can actually lighten your pocket. And if you travel between islands you are best off catching a ferry which is comfortable and relatively inexpensive compared to the ships dotting the docks.

Apart from their rich bio-diversity, the region is also rich in art, culture, and tradition. The islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Palma house as many as 40 museums showcasing archaeological ruins and aboriginal art. The Museo Canaria and the Museum of Science and Technology are worth a visit in the island of Gran Canaria, for instance.

Among the eagerly anticipated events in this archipelago is the classical music festival attracting the most prominent orchestras from the world over. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra have made frequent appearances in these islands with resounding success.

Apart from steeping yourself art and culture there plenty to do on these picturesque isles. You could go wind or kite surfing around Fuerteventura's blond bleaches or you can take a ride in the cable car in Tenerife right up to Mount Teide, the highest summit in all of the Spanish territory in the world. You can also take time off to visit the Teide National Park which, in 2007, was declared a World Heritage Site.
Tenerife is a terrific place to park yourself in with its four and five star luxury hotels. Of particular interest to the wealthier set is the Jumeirah Hotel with its five star facilities, luxury spa, and other goodies like the club executive lounge, breakfast, complimentary internet access and so on.

Lovely sights, great communication, fabulous beaches.... the Canary Islands offer a treat beyond the ordinary. Call your travel agent NOW!