February 28, 2006
Canary Islands, Lanzarote
The Canary Islands see with more than 10 million vacationers (or perhaps I should say holiday-makers since many tourists are British or Irish) each year. They are more popular with Europeans than with Americans largely because they are located off northwestern coast of Africa which is more difficult for American tourists to reach than popular islands in the Caribbean or Hawaii.
My information comes from this Canary Island web site that has a map and a good overview for tourists. I also found a good web site for Lanzarote, the easternmost Canary Island.
Lanzarote's tourist attractions include a castle, a cactus garden, a volcano, and a Sunday market. After I move to Italy and go on my safari, I'll visit Lanzarote and stay in Puerto Del Carmen (the Old Town, not the New Town). The Old Town is said to be like an old Spanish village. The 'Strip' (New Town) is where you find bars and shopping more easily.
That's still a few years away, but I like to plan early and often!
Posted by James Trotta at February 28, 2006 5:50 PM
Hello. I have visited Gran Canaria twice since 1991, for a total of six weeks, as the American "mom" of our former exchange student from Gran Canaria. I have attended local weddings and other family oriented events. I have never slept in a hotel there, rather I have been welcomed as a member of their family. My ultimate dream vacation would consist of side trips to Maspalomas beach, Mogan, Puerto Rico, as well as a few secret beaches and other special places. The people are wonderful, warm, and welcoming. Most speak some English, and the young people are delighted to hear that I'm from California. I would live on Gran Canaria if I ever had the chance. It is the ultimate for me. Thanks for letting me share.
Posted by: Janie Anderson at March 1, 2006 3:08 AMI have visited the Canaries many times over the past 8 years, as this is one of my favorite destination. The climate is the best in the world, 2 weeks sunning on the mile-long dunes of Mesopalamas beaches, and evenings spent with plenty of restaurants and entertainment right in the heart of the city - at the Yuca center, make it a totally stress free holiday. I also find it refreshing to spend time outside of the traditional American destinations, surrounded by European culture of every type. I have met several wonderful, long term friends here from Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Turkey.
As a side trip - a day spent at the top of the hills of Tenerife, in a wonderful quaint university town, La Laguna, is sure to cap off the experience.
GO and Enjoy. Maybe I will bump into a few other "yanks" this year when I return at the end of November.