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All you need to know about the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands

The Greek writer Homer called the islands “Elysium” – where the good and great spent an idyllic afterlife. Hercules visited the daughters of Atlas here, in their paradise island home. The Romans bestowed the enviable name “Fortunate Islands” on them. Even Shakespeare sang the praises of these Islands, gushing that Canary Island wine “perfumes the blood.”

As for the name, the Canary Islands are named after the large dogs (Canes) found living on the islands.

These Atlantic islands are located off the northwestern coast of Africa and have been part of Spain since 1479. The Canary Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially with Europeans.

The Canary Island’s archipelago includes seven major islands, all remnants of very steep, extinct volcanoes. Weather conditions here are considered almost perfect, and the beaches are some of the best in the world.

Beaches

The Canary Islands are blessed with a wealth of natural resources, the most notable of these being the numerous and exquisite beaches. Most of these beaches have white sand and some are completely unique in the world. Almost 60 of the 236 kilometres of Gran Canaria´s coastline consist of beaches of various descriptions, ranging from the impressive Maspalomas beach, where you can find 250 hectares of sand dunes right next to the sea, to the concealed and unspoilt beach of Güigüi, as well as the lively beach in the capital, Las Palmas, known as Las Canteras beach.

Taste Buds

In 1493, Christopher Columbus called at the Canary Islands to take on provisions. Columbus enjoyed a month-long romance with the lady governor of the islands, and she gave him a bundle of sugar cane cuttings as a souvenir. In those days sugar cane was grown in warm spots around the Mediterranean, but it was a difficult crop to harvest and process, and sugar remained an expensive luxury.

The governor’s gift was planted on the island of Hispaniola. It was the first sugar cane in the New World, which as far as the cuttings were concerned was sugar-cane heaven. The first harvest took place a few years later, and a sugar boom was under way. A sweet story indeed!

The Land of Atlantis?

Are the Canary Islands the last remnants of the lost continent of Atlantis? Some say they are. Keep an open mind and discover for yourself…

Papas Arrugadas Recipe:

If you visit the Canary Islands, then you must try Papas Arrugadas with red or green Mojo sauce. You can also prepare this dish at home, but it tastes so much better when eaten in a tapas bar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean!

Ingredients:
Small New Potatoes
Sea Salt

Preparation:

Add the potatoes to a pot of very salty water (in the past the Canarians used sea-water).
The potatoes should float in the salty-water, if they don’t you need to add more salt.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

Now drain most of the water from the pot and cover the potatoes with a layer of salt.
Turn down the heat and gently shake the pot so that salt crystallizes on the potatoes.
Finally, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a tea-towel for 5 minutes (so that the potatoes turn ‘wrinkly’).

Serve with Mojo sauce.

Did You Know?

In February 1927 the celebrated novelist, Agatha Christie, visited Canary Islands to recover from the psychological strain of the events that took place late in 1926. She mysteriously disappeared for eleven days due to emotional stress. Her mother, Clarissa Miller, had died after a severe illness, her husband was in love with another woman and she was going through a period of financial difficulties. She too found the Canary Islands an ideal holiday destination to help her overcome her problems.

The Canary Islands Banana

Bananas are to be seen everywhere in the Canary Islands, and particularly on the western sides of the islands. Originally, the Portuguese brought the banana to the islands from West Africa and planted them as exotic ornamental shrubs. In the 16th Century the plant was taken from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean and Mexico.

In the 19th Century, an Englishman in the Canary Islands spotted a business opportunity. His company imported the dwarf banana from the Far East and grew it on the islands. The company exported the bananas to England, and by 1878 many cargoes of bananas were leaving the Canary Islands for the UK.

The banana, known as the plátano in Spanish, has been the most important crop and the chief commercial product of the islands for well over a century. The dwarf banana is still popular today and sold throughout Spain. Its skin is thinner and it tastes much sweeter than other varieties on sale from other parts of the world.

Artificial irrigation is needed for bananas grown in the Canary Islands. About 400 litres of water are required to ripen two pounds of fruit. The Canary Islands do not have regular or plentiful rainfall, which is why so many holiday makers choose to come here for winter holidays!

There is a danger that the cultivation of bananas in the Canary Islands will reduce. Many of the islands’ young now look to make their income from the tourist industry, and not from growing bananas.

Canary Islands’ bananas remain popular and are being grown to fulfil demand, although growers are diversifying by growing other tropical fruits such as mangoes and avocados as well.

seven islands with all the landscapes of the world — TwentyFirst Living Properties

Sea life all year round, certainly, but the Canary Islands have all-round entertainment possibilities thanks also to a temperature that even in summer generally does not exceed 28° and allows the tourist excursions through thick forests and lunar landscapes, observe the falling stars from observatories at over 2,000 meters but also pamper yourself with geo-therapy and aloe vera, lots of sport and “volcanic” wine.

Sotavento Beach – Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands are an archipelago composed of seven islands located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. They enjoy one of the best climates in the world: they are considered the archipelago of eternal spring, because the temperature is mild and constant throughout the year under the positive influence of the trade winds. Visiting the Canary Islands is not just about having a sea life, but discovering some unique natural treasures in the world.

1. El Teide, Tenerife – On the island of Tenerife is El Teide, the third highest volcano in the world, after Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in Hawaii. The visit to the volcano can be done on foot, walking for 5 and a half hours, or by using a modern cable car that takes you 500 meters from the top. All around the territory constitutes the Teide National Park, the most visited national park in Europe and the second most visited in the world. More experienced hikers can follow a path that reaches the summit, at the Pico del Teide (3718 meters), for which a special permit is required. The view, both from the Belvedere, to the arrival of the cable car, and on top of the volcano will take your breath away.

2. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria – If you think that in the Canaries the beaches are made only of pebbles and dark sand, you have never been along the beaches of Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria. Here the sand is very fine and golden, in contrast with the deep blue of the Ocean. This oasis is the right setting for sunbathing and walking on the shore. Las Maspalomas extends for 3.5 km from La Punta, the southernmost point of the island and the ancient lighthouse, whose lantern was lit in 1890 and is still in use today: from the terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view. Behind the beach, sand dunes up to 10 meters high, where you can feel a bit in the desert, in fact there is no shortage of camel rides between palm trees and sand dunes. The most striking area is the first series of dunes of the Charco de Maspalomas lagoon.

Mas Palomas – Gran Canaria

3. Art and environment in Lanzarote – César Manrique, a native of Lanzarote, is the artist, architect and activist for the preservation of the territory of which the Canarios are very proud. His relationship with the landscape was not only aesthetic, but also a commitment to defend the Canary Islands and their delicate habitat. Jameos del Agua is a volcanic cone open on the surface where you can admire a natural lagoon of transparent and emerald waters that houses a native species of the island, a tiny, albino, blind and shimmering small crab of unknown origin. Mirador del Rio is a building located at an altitude of 500 meters on top of the Risco cliff that offers an amazing and suggestive view of Lanzarote. The headquarters of the César Manrique Foundation is built on a lava flow and uses, on the lower level, the natural formation of five volcanic bubbles to create a surprising living space.

4. Lanzarote, volcanic wine – The Canary Islands are an exceptional wine region due to the volcanic nature of the soil and the dry heat. The lava rocks are porous and retain moisture, those sparse drops of water that are created during the night taking advantage of the thermal shock, the roots of the vines are so safe and the soil traps heat and sunlight. In Lanzarote the rows of vines are protected from the wind by stone walls, in the shape of an almond and the vine leaves stand out in contrast with this lunar landscape. In the vineyard region fifteen wineries offer wine tasting and visits to vineyards, most of the wineries are included in the Timanfaya National Park.

Volcanic Wine – Lanzarote

5. Aloe Vera – The spas of the Canary Islands are known and exploit all the natural resources of the place to offer wellness treatments. Among the best known are the thalassotherapy that exploits the benefits of sea water, geotherapy that uses mud and volcanic clays, and above all therapies based on aloe vera, a medicinal plant already known locally since the time of the Guanches, the ancient and mysterious indigenous population. The variety that grows in the Canary Islands, the Barbadensis Miller is famous for its quality and its beneficial properties.

6. La Palma and the real stars … – The Canary archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean, in front of the coast of Africa and the Sahara desert, off the coast of Morocco. The island closest to the mainland, Fuerteventura, is about 95 km from the African coast, and all the islands are 940 km from the European mainland coast. This inevitable “isolation” has made these volcanic lands a natural observatory of heavenly wonders. The sky of La Palma is one of the best places in the world for astronomy and the astronomical observatory of Roque de los Muchachos, at 2,396 m. above sea level, it hosts one of the most important telescope systems in the world. The observatory organizes visits to its structures, and there are astronomical visits organized by guides such as La Palma Astronomy Tours which also offer a gourmet experience: “Tapas and Stars”.

Stars – La Palma

7. …Tenerife and Michelin stars – Tenerife has six Michelin stars distributed in five restaurants. Among these is the cuisine of the Roman Andrea Bernardi that you can try at the NUB, a restaurant built in a beautifully restored colonial building, its tasting menus blend Italian, Chilean and traditional Canarian flavors. While the famous Basque chef Martín Berasategui has his restaurant M.B. at the Ritz Carlton Abama hotel with its two Michelin stars. It is renowned for its interpretation of Spanish cuisine with influences from the Basque Country and selection of local ingredients. The Rincón de Juan Carlos, owner of a star, offers a choice of à la carte or tasting menus, with particular attention to seafood and seasonal produce from the island market.

8. Whales in sight in El Hierro – To bring out the natural treasures from the bottom of the sea, tourists must land on the islet of El Hierro, the smallest of the Canaries that was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2000. This island has also a marine reserve with steep slopes up to 300 meters, submerged terrace, sandy platforms and caves. Privileged site for diving with more than ten superior category spots, where the uniqueness of the volcanic territory together with the marine beauties merge. It is also the perfect place for whale and dolphin sighting, as several species can be seen all year round.

Charco Azul – El Hierro

9. Lush forests in La Gomera – Valleys filled with palm trees, deep gorges, black sand beaches with crystal clear waters, lush forests and ancient forests cooled by streams. We are in La Gomera, the last strip of land touched by Christopher Columbus in 1492 before the discovery of America, where the forests are lush and the valleys are covered with palm trees and pristine nature. It is a true natural paradise, where species that have disappeared elsewhere survive, and an ideal place for hiking thanks to a network of over 600 kilometers of trails. The island was awarded as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2011, in the category of excellences, for the uncontaminated nature of its marine and terrestrial ecosystems: for example the laurisilva, the laurel forest of the Natural Park of Garajonay, a green mass of vegetation prehistoric that survives only in La Gomera, thanks to its incredibly temperate climate.

10. Surf in Fuerteventura – Fuerteventura is known for its 150 km of white sand beaches and emerald green waters, a paradise immersed in the sun, perfect for relaxation and water sports. While the north of the island offers spots suitable for more experienced surfers, there are also less demanding places for beginners, the south is swept by reliable winds all year round which, together with the flat sea, offer some of the best conditions in the world for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

BOOK NOW YOUR NEXT HOLIDAYS

CANARY ISLANDSTwentyFirst Living31 October 2019TwentyFirst LivingCANARY ISLANDS, FUERTEVENTURA, SOTAVENTO BEACH, KITE-SURFING, WINDSURFINGComment

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Supporting the Sustainable Energy Transition in the Canary Islands: Simulation and Optimization of Multiple Energy System Layouts and Economic Scenarios

Introduction

Most of the islands that are far from the mainland are highly dependent on fuel imports for transports and power generation. This leads to high costs of supply as well as to well-known environmental issues (Lee et al., 2020). The use of local energy sources, such as wind, solar, and tidal energy can mitigate the fossil fuel consumption and reduce the island vulnerability (Alves et al., 2020). Nevertheless, the high intermittence of renewable energy sources (RES) slows the advance of the 100% renewable islands. In this framework, storage systems play a crucial role in the island energy transition, enhancing both the renewable energy penetration and the reliability of the electricity supply (Nastasi et al., 2021).

Several islands experimented with new energy production mix and planned new strategies to increase the implementation of RES at its highest potential. At the same time, some islands already succeeded in fully meeting the demand through renewables, leading the way toward energy transition. The topic of Renewable Energy Island (REI) attracted the attention of many researcher and policy makers since islands, and isolated areas in general, are interesting test fields for such projects (Kapsali and Anagnostopoulos, 2017).

Karl Sperling critically analyses the renovation process of the Danish island of Samsø obtained by upgrading its energy system—mostly based on fossil fuel technologies—to a fully RES-based one (Sperling, 2017). Here, the author investigated the global context in which the project—internationally recognized as a best practice example—was carried out and provided interesting insights to effectively transform island communities. Government support, future vision, and population cooperation have been identified as the main discriminating factors of success.

Other research works addressed the techno-economic feasibility of several technological solutions reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, such as the interconnection with other neighboring islands or mainland, as well as the adoption of energy storage systems (Groppi et al., 2021). However, technological solutions are strongly dependent on the specific island geographical, morphological and political cases.

To give some representatives examples of the current studies on the topic, in Cauz et al. (2020) different plant layouts comprised of photovoltaic panels, lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen based storage and wind turbines was investigated for the Easter Island case study. Authors concluded that the most diversified renewable energy mix is the most viable solution. This resulted from a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization algorithm, an established optimization method that ensures the global optimum solution (Alberizzi et al., 2020). Authors successfully adopted the MILP algorithm to find-out the configurations with the minimum investment and operation costs. The cost of the system was chosen as the only objective function.

The use of batteries is demonstrated to be an interesting solution as also reported in Lorenzi et al. (2019); in this work two battery technologies—lithium-ion and vanadium ones—are compared. Batteries implementation into the island of Terceira (Azores) allows to increase the renewable energy share up to 46%. The paper focuses on the optimal unit commitment of the hybrid polygeneration system of the island. A suitable optimization algorithm developed in Matlab environment was coupled with the electricity dispatch control model of the system to guarantee the minimum operation cost at each time step. Batteries not only increase the use of renewables but also have positive impact on the profitability of the entire system.

Much attention is now paid to the production and storage of hydrogen. It is widely recognized as a valuable alternative to store the surplus of renewable energy, therefore, many studies focused on the use of this technology in larger isolated energy systems. In Kavadias et al. (2018), an Hydrogen-based Energy Storage system (HES) was studied for a cluster of nine islands in the Aegean Sea. The system behavior was modeled in Matlab and an optimization was carried out to identify the best system in terms of RES exploitation. The optimal solution allowed to use a significant amount of renewable energy (up to 39%), otherwise lost. Authors estimated an overall average process efficiency of 57%. Moreover, the HES system was tested in the transport sector as well, achieving promising results. However, authors did not investigate the enterprise in terms of economic expenditures and did not include cost functions in their optimization procedure.

Further studies focusing on water electrolysis for hydrogen production in islands are reported in Khosravi et al. (2019) and Zhao et al. (2019). This technology coupled with other RES-based systems will certainly play an important role in the energy transition, especially for its storage capacity for a longer time scale compared to chemical batteries. However, the obtained conversion efficiency of the entire process was low and the need for further studies was recommended to make the system more competitive (Cauz et al., 2020).

On a large scale, Pumped Hydro Energy Storage systems (PHES) are particularly effective as they permit large potential energy storage and increase the reliability of the power network (Pérez-Díaz et al. , 2015). PHES is a well-established technology but requires high investments and management costs, as well as careful design.

Despite their high costs, such systems can be economically viable as demonstrated in Nikolaou et al. (2020). With the aim to exploit the highest amount of the in-site produced renewable energy, the construction of a PHES was investigated for the Crete island. The system was simulated on different scenarios by a suitable dynamic simulation model developed in Matlab. Optimal solutions were found from an economic point of view and provided an investment cost of the system around 41 ÷ 42 M€ for each simulated scenarios.

Bueno and Carta (2005a) developed a mathematical model to be used as general tool for sizing PHES systems coupled with wind turbines. Then, their model was applied to find the minimum cost layout of a Wind Pumped Hydro Storage System (WHPPS) on the island of El Hierro, Canary Islands (Bueno and Carta, 2005b). By their studies, authors estimated a maximum renewable energy penetration of circa 69%, and placed the basis for further studies and the construction of a similar system in 2014 (Garcia Latorre et al. , 2019), the first of its kind in Canary Islands. It is worth noticing that the design of such energy systems based on the minimum implementation and operation costs does not guarantee the minimum use of primary energy as well. As stated, reducing the fuel importation issues in islands is challenging and needs to be faced in the next future. Therefore, to ensure a sustainable growth, both the economic and energy/environmental aspects deserve more attention. Several methods can be adopted for multi-criterion optimization, such as exhaustive search, random sampling (Monte Carlo methods) or evolutionary algorithm. All of them are based on the non-dominance concept (Ippolito et al., 2014).

A recent work reported in Das et al. (2021) provides an interesting example of such approach. Specifically, a RES-based plant in the Saint Martin’s island (Bangladesh) was designed by two different heuristic optimization algorithms: (i) the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II, and (ii) the infeasibility driven evolutionary algorithm. Compared to a single-objective approach, the multi-objective provides better environmental benefits with comparable costs.

Similar results are obtained in Giudici et al. (2019), where authors developed a dynamic simulation model to evaluate the water and energy production potential in the island of Ustica, Italy. Then, authors optimized the system (PVs, Wind turbines, Diesel engines, and desalination plants) by a genetic algorithm considering the net present value, the electricity surplus, and the water deficit as conflicting objectives. Evolutionary methods are particularly convenient with high number of decision variables which would lead to high computational costs. They can be successfully adopted in the solution of multi-objective optimization problems of distribution networks or Electrical Energy Storage systems (EES) management to minimize energy losses, as in Ippolito et al. (2014).

Despite the convenience of multi-criterion optimization in the design workflow is largely demonstrated, the current literature shows that such a tool is not widely adopted in the specific case of renewable energy generation systems in off-grid islands involving energy storage devices.

Several studies focusing on the energy transformation of Canarian Islands were published (Cabrera et al., 2018; Meschede et al., 2018; Gonçalves et al., 2020). The construction of the WHPPS in El Hierro represents the first step of a switch in the energy policy of the archipelago government. As discussed in Uche-Soria and Rodríguez-Monroy (2020), the future energy strategies have to rely on renewable energy, self-consumption, energy efficiency, electrification of demand, interconnections and sustainability. In this context, the Spanish grid operator, Red Electrica de Espana, has made important investment to increase the grid reliability, the share of energy produced by RES and the supply security of the archipelago. This will lead to the construction of the Soria-Chira pumped-storage hydropower plant in the island of Gran Canaria (Red Eléctrica de España, 2021).

This article fits in the context of the energy renewal taking place on the island of Gran Canaria with the aim of supporting the design and the construction of the new energy infrastructure and of proposing a case study analysis as a best practice example of how a community can transform its fossil fuel-based energy system into a renewable energy-based one. Specifically, a calculation algorithm is developed in Matlab/TRNSYS environments to simulate both the energy and economic performance of multiple WHPPS configurations. The analysis is conducted with the approach of the dynamic simulation to ensure high resolution calculation and detailed simulation outcomes. Furthermore, by considering real electricity load data and the actual generation mix of the islands, the decommissioning of the existing fuel oil-based generators is investigated along with the integration of the WHPPS in the island power grid.

The proposed energy scenarios are modeled in TRNSYS and then, by a Matlab script suitably developed, a co-simulation approach is used to carry-out a multi-objective optimization. The modeling approach based on dynamic calculation of the energy fluxes within the islands and the multi-objective optimization represent the main novel aspects of this work. Dynamic simulation is capable to reliably predict energy system performances and provide a deep understanding of hybrid generation systems behavior, which is fundamental to avoid operation failures. Nevertheless, while small energy systems are largely investigated by this approach, in very few works dynamic simulation is applied to small- or medium-scale energy communities, such as islands. Furthermore, islanded community optimizations based on both energy and financial indices are rare, so this paper aims to fulfill this literature gap.

Moreover, the multi-objective optimization, unlike the published works reported in previously discussed papers (i.e., Bueno and Carta, 2005a,b; Kavadias et al., 2018; Lorenzi et al., 2019; Cauz et al., 2020; Nikolaou et al., 2020), has been conducted by considering two objective functions: the primary energy consumption and the net present value on a time span of 20 years. They are suitably selected according to the need for reducing both the fuel consumption and the electricity production costs which will guarantee a sustainable growth to the island population. The optimization is carried considering two annual fuel cost growth rate.

Modeling and Optimization Methodology

The mathematical model for the dynamic simulation of the proposed renewables-based energy production system is developed in TRNSYS environment (Klein, 2006). Furthermore, to identify the energy and cost optimal layouts of the investigated systems, a simulation and optimization script has been suitably implemented by means of Matlab which allows the programmatical manipulation of the TRNSYS model and the management of the simulation results.

As depicted in Figure 1, the algorithm comprises three main subroutines: the simulation manager, the calculation engine, and the optimization procedure. It allows the user to define the search domain of various model parameters, to sequentially launch and keep track of the TRNSYS simulations and further manipulate the outputs of the other subroutines. However, no detailed description of the simulation manager is provided for sake of brevity, while, the developed power system model and the method adopted to optimize its design are described hereinafter.

Figure 1. Algorithm architecture.

System Modeling

To carry out the proposed analyses, an approach based on dynamic simulation is adopted. Specifically, TRNSYS is used to develop a model of the considered energy system and dynamically simulate it. Such tool is conceived to be adapted to small and off-grid islands and their specific needs, in diverse locations, and on multiple scales. The model includes all the energy production and storage devices, as well as their related control strategies.

TRNSYS was chosen as it is powerful and flexible to simulate transient systems. The tool allows for the transient simulation of many plant configurations which can be modeled by its large “Type” library, each representing system components. In addition, a wide database of weather data files is available by the tool.

With respect to the developed dynamic simulation model, the diverse proposed technologies are modeled: the windmills and the hydro power/storage system coupled together forming a wind pumped hydro storage system, WPPHS. This solution successfully fits the needs of islands, namely the high availability of renewable energy sources (strongly intermittent) and the difficulty to dispatch their potential overproduction since there is often no connection to the mainland power grid.

The system allows to store the renewable energy surplus during the peak power production and shift the availability of renewable energy to maximize the RES penetration. When the wind turbines (WTs) produce more electricity than needed, the electricity surplus is stored in form of gravitational potential energy by pumping the water from a lower reservoir to a higher one. Whenever necessary, the stored potential energy is converted again into electricity and delivered into the island grid by means of the hydropower turbines (HTs). A sketch of the described system layout is shown in Figure 2, whilst a more detailed methodology description of the adopted TRNSYS components is reported in Table 1. Here, the TRNSYS types adopted for the plant elements and the modeling approach are given.

Figure 2. Schematic diagram of the model developed in TRNSYS.

Table 1. Description of the model components.

Energy Management Modeling

This section provides information about the control logic of the entire systems. All the following working strategies are implemented by custom equations using suitable TRNSYS types.

The base load is balanced by the combined cycle (p_cc) which works more efficiently than other fossil fuel technology, nevertheless it is characterized by high inertia. The plant power production is kept at its highest capacity (p_cc,max) accordingly with the island power demand (p_d). The logics of the combined cycle power plant is shown in Equation (3). It is regulated to decrease its output power only if the island’s electricity demand is lower than its maximum power capacity.

pcc={pcc,max   if pcc,max≤pd pd                if pcc,max>pd    (3)

The rest of the island electricity demand is covered by renewable energy sources, such as wind (p_w) and hydro power (p_h), when they are available, or by fossil fuel technologies (p_gt) as back-up systems if required. Specifically, the share of wind and hydro power that are exploited is calculated by Equations (4) and (5). They describe the behavior of the WPPHS system. Specifically, when wind power is available (p_w,a>0), this is primarily used by the electricity network. The hydro turbines are activated to integrate the rest of the power need. Furthermore, in the case of both the wind and hydro power are not sufficient to fully balance the island’s needs, the supplementary required power is provided by gas turbines as described by Equation (6 ).

pw={pw,a           if pw,a≤pd−pcc pd−pcc     if pw,a>pd−pcc     (4)

ph={pd−pcc−pw,a         if pw,a≤pd−pcc0                                      if pw,a>pd−pccph,max         if pd−pcc−pw,a>ph,max     (5)

pgt= {pd−pcc−pw−ph    if pd−pcc−pw−ph>0  0                                            if  pd−pcc−pw−ph≤0    (6)

The available wind power not dispatched to the grid is stored by pumping (p_p) the water from the bottom to the upper reservoir according to Equation (7 ).

pp={    0                                               if pw,a≤pd−pccpw,a−pd−pcc    if pd−pcc<pw,a≤pp,max      pp,max                                        if pw,a≥pp,max     (7)

It should be emphasized that the swirling and pumping cannot take place simultaneously as it is not allowed by the hydro power technology considered. Its operation is also dictated from the actual state of charge of the upper and bottom reservoirs. No water pumping occurs if the upper tank is full and no power integration takes place if it is empty. The reverse is true for the lower basin. Any surplus power which cannot be directly dispatched or stored is calculated according to Equation (8 ).

psurplus={0                                                           if pw,a≤pp,maxpw,a−pp,max−pd−pcc   if pw,a>pp,max    (8)

Energy and Economic Assessment

In order to assess both the energy performance and the potential economic savings of the analyzed system, several indexes widely adopted in the literature are introduced. Each considered system layout is compared to a reference one to evaluate its convenience.

The annual primary energy consumption (e_p,annual) is calculated according to Equation (9) by considering only the technologies based on fossil fuel combustion. p_ff,t and η_ff,t are respectively the power production and the conversion efficiency of the ff-th technology at the time t, whilst T is the number of the simulation time step (Δt) in an annual calculation.

ep,annual=∑t=iT∑ffpff,t·Δtηff,t    (9)

The primary energy saving is calculated by Equation (10) where the annual primary energy consumptions of the reference (ref ) and proposed (prop) scenarios are compared.

PES=1-ep,annual,propep,annual,ref    (10)

The economic profitability of the implementation of the considered system layout is estimated by means of a detailed economic model included in the simulation/optimization subroutine mentioned in the previous sections. The model accounts for all the costs related to initial investments for design, purchasing and construction (I_n ), replacements (c_r,n), operation and maintenance (c_O&M), and fuel costs (c_fuel). The total annual cost (c_annual) is assessed for every year (n) of the analyzed time horizon (N) by Equations (11) and (12). The latter involves the unitary cost of the various fuels (c_kWh,ff) and their related combustion low heat value (LHV_ff). The annual fuel cost growth rate fcgr is also considered.

cannual,n=In+cr,n+cO&M+cfuel·(1+fcgr)n    (11)

cfuel=∑t=iT∑ffckWh,ff·pff,t·Δtηff,t·LHVff    (12)

Thus, the economic savings (R_n) are calculated by Equation (13) and then the net present value (NPV) by Equation (14), calculated by taking into account the annual discount rate a.

Rn=cannual,ref,n-cannual,prop,n    (13)

NPV=∑n=0NRn·(1+a)-n    (14)

A further considered economic index is the discounted pay back, DPB, which is evaluated as:

DPB(0,N)  :  NPV=0    (15)

To carry-out the system optimization, two objective function are selected: the primary energy consumption (OF₁ = e_{p, annual, prop}) and the net present cost (OF₂ = NPC = −NPV). Several system layouts are simulated, and the set of the non-dominated solution is identified. Then, the optimal system layout, x, is selected by Equation (16 ).

x  :  [OF1(x), OF2(x)]=min(‖[OF1(x)−min(OF1(x)),OF2(x)−min(OF1(x))])    (16)

Case Study

The capability of the proposed methodology—use of dynamic simulation and optimization for the early design of hybrid renewable systems of large islands—and the feasibility of the proposed renewable based system are investigated through a suitable case study analysis referred to the island of Gran Canaria. The system implementation in the island power network is analyzed by modeling and simulating its energy and economic performance, optimized by maximizing the use of the available renewable power sources and the related incomes for the island community. The energy system of Gran Canaria currently strongly relies on the use of fossil fuel, therefore, the implementation of smart power and storage energy systems is essential to radically change the growth scheme of the island. In this framework, the current policy of the government of Gran Canaria, and the Canarian Archipelago in general (see Figure 3), is strongly oriented to the exploitation of the in-site energy sources and the reduction of imported primary energy. For such a reason, the Gran Canaria government has planned the construction of a reversible hydro power plant between the existing water reservoir of Chira and Sorio, two of the several surface water that presently guarantee the potable water supply for irrigation to the island population. The two basins will be connected by a high pressure circuit, a low pressure circuit, an energy evacuation system and a plant with high pressure and low pressure distributors. The Chira and Sorio dams are 2 km distant and have respectively a water storage capacity of 5.6 × 10⁶ and 32.2 × 10⁶ m³. They will guarantee an effective head of 293 m (901 m, Chira; 608 m, Soria) to the reversible hydropower turbine. A high voltage power line (220 kV) will ensure the energy transfer. Furthermore, a 20 km underground circuit will also supply desalinated water to the reservoirs (Red Eléctrica de España, 2021). As discussed above, significant benefits are expected in terms of harmful gas emission and energy security, even more by exploiting two existing reservoirs. However, the project also implies some potential environmental externalities. The concerns about the impact that the project will have on the selected area are reported by the authors of Jaime Sadhwani and Sagaseta de Ilurdoz (2019). The construction of the infrastructure will alter the island’s hydrology which could affect the related flora and fauna in unpredictable ways.

Figure 3. Gran Canaria island and potential locations of the investigated systems.

As stated in the EECan25 document (Estrategia Energetica de Canarias 2015–2025) (Gobierno de Canarias, 2017), wind power is a pillar of the Canary Island energy transition. Indeed, an increase in the on-shore and off-shore wind power capacity is set, respectively to 1,025 and 310 MW by 2025. Several studies have been conducted to support the development of the wind power implementation in the Canary Islands. According to Martín Mederos et al. (2011), González et al. (2017), and Schallenberg-Rodríguez and García Montesdeoca (2018), the best locations to exploit the off-shore wind source in Gran Canaria are the area between Tenerife and the west-northwest coast and the south and southeast part of the island. As concern the on-shore wind power availability, the major wind zones are located in the northwest and the southeast coasts, an estimated area of 255 km² (Cabrera et al. , 2018). It should be noted that modern wind power plants can also reach a land use of 0.2 km²/MW (Paul Denholm et al., 2009), which means that high installed capacity would significantly impact on the natural and landscape heritage of the island.

In Figure 3, the location selected for the hydropower construction, as well as the main island’s areas suitable for the wind power plant installation are reported.

The averaged and the maximum wind speeds are respectively 6.9 and 20.8 m/s, whereas the maximum frequency of occurrence is recorded in the range 4 ÷ 7 m/s, evaluated by the Meteonorm weather file of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

As depicted in Figure 4, the electricity demand of the island in the 2019 (blue boxes) is quite regular over the year with a maximum and minimum load of about 534 and 261 MW, recorded in October and January, respectively. It also can be seen by the monthly power generation showed in Figure 4 that only the 16% of the total annual electricity needs is generated by renewables (i. e., from wind power turbines, 86 MW, and photovoltaic fields, 40 MW). The rest of the electricity production is demanded to two large power plants and several generation sub-stations which are fuelled by fuel oil and gas oil. The actual energy generation mix is summarized in Table 2 with their related power capacities, according to the information provided by Padrón et al. (2011) and Cabrera et al. (2018).

Figure 4. Statistics relative to 2019 and 2020 electricity demand (top) and monthly electricity need coverage (bottom) related to 2019.

Table 2. Proposed case.

It worth noticing that the data shown in Figure 4 refer to 2019 and 2020 and are extrapolated from the 10 min measures of the Spanish grid operator.¹ The 2019 electricity demand is considered more representative of the actual island demand than the 2020 one (red boxes), as a significant decrease in demand is recorded since March, probably due to the lockdown period due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The energy system described so far is taken as baseline for the energy and economic analysis of the proposed system which is characterized by the WPPHS system and a new configuration of the existing power plant. The optimization of the system is carried out by also assuming the decommissioning of the fuel oil generators, such as steam turbines (STs) and diesel engines (DEs), and part of the combined cycle plant (CC). The latter is resized considering a new capacity of the plant which is varied in the range 100 ÷ 220 MW. Furthermore, a higher capacity of ~300 MW is made available by retrofitting the gas turbines (GTs) that are part of the combined cycle. The new hypothesized scenario provides the CC and GTs as base load and peak load system, respectively, following the behavior described by Equations (3) and (6 ).

As concern the WPPHS, the power capacities of the renewable energy technologies range for both the wind turbines and the hydro/pumping system. Specifically, the integration in the island grid of a wind farm of 50 ÷ 400 MW and the reversible hydro turbines (HTs) of 100 ÷ 400 MW are simulated. The power capacities of the new energy scenarios are reported in Table 2, where the storage capacities (evaluated by Equation 1) of the two water reservoirs—being part of the reversible hydropower system are also reported. Simulations are carried out considering wind turbines with a rated capacity of 2 MW, therefore, the number of turbines can vary in the range 25 ÷ 200 units covering an area of 10 ÷ 80 km².

The analysis is also carried out for two different scenarios characterized by an annual fuel cost growth (fcgr) rate of 2.0 and −2.0%, respectively, for which the same optimization procedure is implemented.

All the parameters involved in the economic and energy analysis and the system optimization are reported in Table 3 (Marrero and Ramos-Real, 2010). Note that the economic analysis is conducted on a time horizon of 20 years. Moreover, no investment costs are considered for the existing generators, whereas a replacement of such components is hypostasised after 10 years. Being a public investment and assuming a concessional interest rate for the loan, the discount rate is set equal to 5.0% according to the minimum discount rate suggested in Cigala (2016).

Table 3. Parameters used in the energy and economic analysis.

The optimization is carried out only considering the non-renewable loads.

Results and Discussion

Simulation results of the conducted analysis are discussed in this section. An exhaustive search is conducted among all the system layouts obtained by varying the combined cycle plant and the hydropower capacities, as well as the number of wind turbines. A total number of 120 annual simulations are performed, and for each investigated configuration, the two defined objective functions (e_{p, annual, prop} and NPC) are calculated. Simulation results are shown in Figures 5, 6 where the net present cost of each simulated system is plotted against the corresponding primary energy consumption for the two simulated scenarios.

Figure 5. Objective functions of the simulated layouts and Pareto front, 2% of fuel cost growth rate.

Figure 6. Objective functions of the simulated layouts and Pareto front, −2% of fuel cost growth rate.

By the procedure described in the methodology section, the non-dominated solutions (Pareto front) are identified (blue circle markers) and then the optimal layout (red circle marker) is selected among them by Equation (16). Note that the scatter plot also reports the solutions excluded by the optimization (x markers) since they require a peak load capacity higher than ~300 MW, which is the maximum power capacity of GTs.

The solutions that comprise the Pareto front are also reported in Table 4. It can be noted that the scenario with an annual fuel cost decrease (fcgr = −2.0%) is characterized by a higher number of non-dominated solutions and, therefore, a wider range of layouts to choose. However, according to the adopted criteria (Equation 16), layout 19 results to be the best trade-off between the primary energy consumption (1. 68 TWh) and the net present cost (−1.84 × 103 and −1.19 × 103 M€) of the system in both the scenarios. Note that a negative NPC corresponds to a positive NPV.

Table 4. Layout characteristics of non-dominated solutions: annual fuel cost growth rate of −2%.

Layout 19 allows for saving 67.1% of primary energy which is lower than the valued obtained for Layout 24, 29, and 30 that account for a primary energy saving of 68.0, 68.1, and 68.1, respectively. In fact, a lower share of renewable energy is involved in the production of electricity due to the greatest use of the GTs due to the lower hydro pumping capacity. However, this solution has a lower global cost over 20 years which leads to more affordable electricity purchasing costs for the island population.

The global energy consumptions and the share of energy production by sources are summarized in Figure 7 for the layouts reported in Table 4 (for both scenarios). It can be noted that a very high penetration of renewable energy power generation can be reached by the implementation of the proposed system. Both the wind and the hydro generators significantly contribute to the electricity supply. Furthermore, due to the large storage capacity considered and the reduced availability of energy surplus by WTs, the HTs mainly work as electricity generators, as demonstrated by the reduced amount of energy stored by pumping depicted in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Share of energy consumption by sources for the layouts of the Pareto front in the two considered scenarios.

It is worth noticing that decision-makers could also be interested in Layout 30 which returns the highest pumped/generated power ratio of HTs leading to a more reliable energy supply. However, this is the most expensive alternative despite certain environmental advantages. Also, Layout 8 is interesting for its maximum NPV in the scenario in which the fuel cost decrease over the year but it has the highest primary energy consumption.

For the same system layouts, the detailed cash flow analysis is shown by Figures 8, 9 where the net present value over 20 years is indicated for each layouts of the Pareto front. The costs of the 0th year represent the investment costs of the system, as high as 0.63 × 10³, 0.86 × 10³, 0.94 × 10³, 1.03 × 10³, 1.11 × 10³, and 1.26 × 10³ M€ for the Layout 8, 14, 19, 24, 29, and 30, respectively. The assumptions described in the previous section lead to DPBs of 6.6, 7.2, 7.9, and 9.1 in the first scenario (fcgr = 2.0%), while DPBs, respectively of 5.2, 7.1, 7.6, 8.4, 9.1, and 9.4 were calculated in the second scenario (fcgr = −2.0%). At the 10th year of the analysis, further incomes related to avoided costs of fossil fuel systems replacement allow the NPVs to rapidly increase. Layout 8, 14, and 19 entail the higher NPVs at the 20th year, although they increased with a lower rate because of the higher fuel consumption and their related costs. It should be also highlighted that the second scenario is characterized by lower NPVs than the first one. It is due to the significant economic savings due to the lower cost of fuel.

Figure 8. Cash flow analysis: annual fuel cost growth rate of 2%.

Figure 9. Cash flow analysis: annual fuel cost growth rate of −2%.

In order to complete the analysis, the dynamic profiles of electricity generation are plotted for the optimal system layout (Layout 19) for both a winter and summer sample week in Figures 10, 11, specifically, the 2nd and 30th weeks of the year. Here, it is possible to see the different behavior of the investigated system between the winter and summer seasons. Due to the lower availability of wind energy source, the winter season is characterized by a high use of hydro power (light red area in Figure 10). On the contrary, a high overproduction of WTs is recorded in the summer season with a high rate of energy storage (light blue area in Figure 11) which implies no use of GTs. It should be pointed out that the load profile depicted in Figures 10, 11 as a light blue line is obtained by subtracting the power generated by the wind turbines and photovoltaics that are already present on the island from the total island demand. This resulted in a lower demand for the new system during summer, due to the grater exploitation of renewable energy.

Figure 10. Winter sample week (2nd week of the year).

Figure 11. Summer sample week (30th week of the year).

Conclusions

This manuscript focuses on the use of dynamic simulation and optimization for the early design of renewable based systems for large islands. More specifically, the proposed methodology is applied to the implementation of a Pumped-Storage Hydropower plant coupled with Wind turbines and the partial decommissioning of the existing power generation systems of the island of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. The selected case study aims at providing insights on how to foster the sustainable transition of island communities. To this aim, a dynamic simulation model of the proposed renewable based system is developed in TRNSYS, whereas a multi-objective optimization based on dynamic simulations of the system is conducted by a suitable algorithm implemented in Matlab/TRNSYS with the aim to maximize both the renewable energy share and the related incomes for the island population. The analysis is conducted by using energy demand data of the island of Gran Canaria provided by the Spanish grid operator and by considering two different scenarios characterized by a positive and a negative annual fuel cost growth rates.

The layout—consisting of 300 MW hydropower/storage system, a 300 MW wind farm, and a 100 MW combined cycle plant—is identified as the best trade-off between energy performance and economic profits for both the simulated scenarios. This system configuration enables for an important reduction of primary energy consumption corresponding to a PES value of 67.1% and a RES penetration of 58%. By the economic point of view, such plant layout has an investment cost of 0.94 × 10³ M€ and NPVs, calculated on a time span of 20 years, of 1.84 × 10³ and 1.19 × 10³ M€ for the first and the second scenarios, respectively. The analysis proved the economic viability of such a system along with the greater renewable energy source exploitation due to the high-capacity storage system integrated in the island isolated power network.

Furthermore, it is possible to generally conclude that the choice of the optimal system configuration can be significantly affected by the financial background of the archipelago. Specifically, the annual fuel cost growth rate has an important role in the economy of the enterprise. As demonstrated, a negative annual fuel cost growth extends the set of the non-dominated solutions and makes more economically viable the exploitation of fossil fuel technologies. On the contrary, an increasing price of oil would encourage the implementation of a high capacity of renewable energy. Decision-makers must carefully evaluate the consequences that this choice will have on the island economy along with the effect of the system layout will have on the stability and security of the energy supply.

Finally, the proposed case study analysis can be considered as an example of mix of innovative technologies for the deployment of renewable energy toward the energy self-sufficiency of islands, whereas the proposed methodology is a valuable tool for islands energy planning. As conceived, the simulation and the optimization model can be applied to other isolated communities on multiple scales and with different energy sources. This flexibility is necessary to effectively contribute to the international goal of the sustainable development.

Further investigations to resolve the limits of this research should include the analysis of grid stability issues and the generalization of obtained results. Concerning the first topic, further research should be dedicated to address grid voltage fluctuations issues due to the presence of intermittent energy sources. Finally, the proposed methodology and scenarios could be applied to different large islands subjected to diverse economic, and weather and natural resources conditions, with the aim to generate diverse case studies. These analyses could extend the obtained findings both qualitatively and quantitatively for the use of stakeholders and decision makers, increasing the knowledge of potentials and limits of islands energy communities and technologies. Red Eléctrica de España. Available online at: https://www.ree.es/en (accessed February 2021).

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Glossary

Conserving Biodiversity in the Canary Islands on JSTOR

journal article

Conserving Biodiversity in the Canary Islands

David Bramwell

Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden

Vol. 77, No. 1 (1990), pp. 28-37 (10 pages)

Published By: Missouri Botanical Garden Press

https://doi.org/10.2307/2399622

https://www.jstor.org/stable/2399622

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Abstract

The flora of the Canary Islands is rich in endemic species and shows typical insular evolutionary features, such as large-scale adaptive radiation (Echium, Sonchus, Argyranthemum, Aeonium) and interisland vicariance. It is also a relict flora of the Tertiary Epoch of the Mediterranean Region and the drier regions of Africa, and as such has enormous scientific value. Many taxa (e.g., Olea europaea subsp. cerasiformis, Brassica bourgaei) are valuable economic plants or close relatives whose conservation is of considerable importance. Locally, action has been taken on various levels to provide protection, especially for natural areas. This involves major legislation (Ley de Espacios Naturales), planning via a series of “Planes Especiales para Proteccion de Espacios Naturales,” and establishment of national parks, biosphere reserves, and a World Heritage Site. This is supported by intensive research on endangered species involving studies of genetic diversity, population biology, breeding systems, resource evaluation, micropropagation, and restoration of some ecosystems. Some of the theoretical and practical difficulties encountered in this field are noted. The role of local botanical gardens in planning, conservation-oriented research, and the extremely important field of environmental education is explained, and the value of the garden as the interface between ex situ and in situ conservation is considered.

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In 1914, the Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, the
flagship journal of the scientific publications program, was founded
to contain research contributions from staff members at the Garden,
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Since that time, the Annals has grown to be one of the world’s
premiere peer-reviewed botanical journals, published quarterly,
with an emphasis on systematic botany and taxonomy. Articles are
accepted in English and Spanish, from botanists at the Garden and
from the international botanical community.

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The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 by the successful English
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Within its 79 acres are spectacular display and demonstration gardens and rare
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The Missouri Botanical Garden Press, an integral part of the Garden’s research
division, has a history of over 100 years of scientific publications. Since
the publication of the Trelease article in 1890, the program has grown phenomenally.
It includes two quarterly scientific journals, a series of books on various
aspects of botanical research, and several floras that cover botanically significant
areas of the world. The Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, the
Garden’s primary scientific journal, was founded in 1914 and concentrates on
systematic botany and taxonomy. The Annals is known for its traditional
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and bryophytes. The number of pages continues to grow from year to year, an
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at the Missouri Botanical Garden, see www.mobot.org.

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Canary Islands – WorldAtlas

The Atlantic Ocean has numerous islands and archipelagos spread across its waters. The Canary Islands is one of the Atlantic Ocean’s island groups. The archipelago is a Spanish territory and is its southernmost autonomous community. It comprises the Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas provinces, with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife cities as the islands’ capitals. Some of the largest islands in the archipelago are Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife.

Contents

• Where Are The Canary Islands?
• Geography
• Major Islands
• Brief History
• Economy
• Wildlife

Where Are The Canary Islands?

Map of Macaronesia.  

The Canary Islands are located in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean. The island group is on the west coast of continental Africa, approximately 100 km from Morocco and southwest of Spain. The archipelago is approximately 1,300 km southeast of Gibraltar. Geographically, the archipelago is part of continental Africa, but politically and economically it is part of Europe. The islands’ location in the Atlantic Ocean and their proximity to four continents (Africa, Europe, and the Americas) make them a popular tourist destination.

Geography

Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Teide volcano in the background, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

The Canary Islands is Macaronesia’s largest and most populated archipelago. The archipelago comprises seven major islands and numerous other minor islands or islets, divided into two groups depending on their geographical location. The western group consists of La Palma, Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, and Ferro. This group is made up of mountain peaks rising directly from the deep seabed. The eastern island group comprises Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and six islets (the Chinijo Archipelago) that all sit on an underwater plateau, the Canary Ridge. All the western islands are at least 1,200 m at their highest points. The highest point in Spain, Teide Peak, located on Tenerife, rises to 3,718 m.

The Canary Islands formed millions of years ago through volcanic eruption, and some of the volcanoes are still active. The archipelago is the only Spanish region where a volcanic eruption has taken place in the modern era. Four islands, Tenerife, Lanzarote, El Hierro, and La Palma, have had eruptions since their European discovery. Most beaches along the Canaries have black sand due to their volcanic composition.

The Canary Islands’ climate is described as desertic and tropical, moderated by trade winds and the surrounding sea. Different regions also experience microclimates, but the archipelago mainly experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by warm temperatures, with little or no seasonal variations. The yearly average high is 25 °C (76 °F), with August as the hottest month and January as the coldest month. The region receives an average annual precipitation of 151 mm.

Major Islands

Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.  

The Canary Archipelago comprises seven main islands, one smaller island, and several islets and rocks. La Graciosa is a small island located in the Chinijo Archipelago, approximately 2 km north of Lanzarote Island. It covers approximately 29 km² and is home to over 700 people. The island is within the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park.

Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Archipelago, spanning 2,034 km². It is the second-largest island in Spain after Mallorca Island in the Balearic Archipelago. It is also Spain’s most populated island, with close to 917,000 inhabitants. The Canary Islands’ capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located on the island. Tenerife also hosts Teide, Spain’s highest point.

Fuerteventura is the archipelago’s second-largest island, spanning 1,659 km². It is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, preserving one of only two surviving Canarian Egyptian vulture populations. The other Canarian Egyptian vulture population is on Lanzarote Island. Fuerteventura is home to about 117,000 people.

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island of the Canary Archipelago, covering 1,560 km². It is also Spain’s third most populous island, with 851,000 inhabitants. Its capital, Las Palmas, is also Canary’s capital, alongside Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Gran Canaria is also home to some high peaks, including Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves.

The other major Canary Islands are Lanzarote (846 km²), La Palma (708 km²), La Gomera (370 km²), and El Hierro (269 km²). Some of the archipelago’s islets are Roque del Oeste, Roque del Este, Montaña Clara, and Alegranza.

Brief History

Cenobio de Valeron archeological site, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.

The islands were discovered for the Western world by King Juba II in the first century BCE, who is reported to have found the islands uninhabited but bearing traces of previous human settlement. In the late Middle Ages, the Europeans began exploring the islands, encountering several Indigenous peoples. The Guanche and Canario peoples that the Europeans encountered likely shared their origins with the Berber peoples of North Africa. In the 14th century, explorers from Portugal, Mallorca, and Genoa visited the islands frequently.

In the early 15th century, the Castilians began their conquest of the Canaries. Lanzarote was the first island to be conquered, followed by Fuerteventura. After the successful Castilian conquest, the Castilians imposed several measures, including single-crop cultivation. Several cities, such as Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife were established as important stopovers for Spanish conquistadors heading to the New World. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Barbary pirates attacked and took captive several islanders, mostly in La Gomera and Lanzarote.

Today, the archipelago is home to close to 2.2 million people, representing about 4.5% of Spain’s population. The region has a population density of 290 people per km². Tenerife is the most populated island, with 918,000 people, followed by Gran Canaria with 851,000 people. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have at least 110,000 people each, while the other three islands have a combined population of about 115,000 people. About 383,000 people live in Las Palmas, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to about 207,000 people.

Economy

The Canary Islands are a popular tourist destination due to their agreeable climate and beautiful beaches.

The Canary Islands’ economy largely depends on tourism, which accounts for about 30% of the region’s GDP. About 12 million tourists visit the Canaries annually. The islands’ major attractions are the beaches and climate, while the chief attraction is Teide National Park. The main exports from the islands are tobacco and banana, with Europe and the Americas as the main market. The archipelago’s GDP was valued at  €45.72 million in 2018 and has experienced tremendous growth since the 1980s, with the GDP having doubled between 1990 and 2018. Foreign direct investment, especially in tourist hotels, and European funds were the main economic drivers during this period.

There are eight airports on the Canary Archipelago, with Gran Canaria Airport as the largest airport. Two airports, Tenerife South and Tenerife North Airports, are located on Tenerife Island. Besides airports, two of Spain’s main ports are on the Canaries. Las Palmas port is a major freight port, while Santa Cruz port is a major fishing port. Tenerife Tram connects Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristóbal.

Wildlife

The Canary lizard

Before the first inhabitants settled on the islands, endemic animals such as giant lizards, giant rats, and giant tortoises roamed freely on the islands. The archipelago has a wide range of habitats that support various animal species. Some of the endemic bird species on the islands include the black-bellied sandgrouse, Tenerife goldcrest, plain swift, and Bolle’s pigeon. Other terrestrial wildlife includes wall lizards, geckos, the El Hierro giant lizard, and Salmor giant lizard. Fish species include ray, shark, jack grunt, and triggerfish. There are at least five marine turtles, including the loggerhead sea turtle.

John Misachi March 11 2021 in Landforms

The Top 8 Natural Pools Of The Canary Islands

Valle Gran Rey Charco del Conde | © Rebexho / Wiki Commons

Rubén García Ramos

9 February 2017

The Canary Islands exist in an everlasting summer, and finding impressive beaches on these islands is as easy as breathing. It’s commonly known that seawater is therapeutic due to its effect on the pores of the skin. The Canary Islands have, through the centuries, developed a number of natural pools where the seawater produces nature’s own free spas.

Charco Azul (La Frontera, El Hierro)

El Hierro is a place everybody should look at when discussing renewable energy, due to the green politics established on the island. Thanks to Eolic and hydraulic energy, the two cities on the island survive due to renewable resources. El Hierro boasts an abundance of natural pools in which to lay back for hours. Charco Azul, located in La Frontera, offers the rich benefits of seawater. Stay at the modest and comfortable Jucar Aparments near the natural pool, and get most out of your free spa session between the volcanic rocks.

Charco Azul, Calle Charco Azul, La Frontera, El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

La Caleta (Valverde, El Hierro)

After visiting Charco Azul in La Frontera, it’s time to escape to the other city on El Hierro, Valverde. Spend an ideal day in the tranquil, natural pools of La Caleta. Get the vital elements of seawater, and activate your body’s healing mechanism while lying in a pool that resembles those created by luxury hotels. Just a few meters from the sea, these blue pools get the seawater every time the ocean rises over the black rocks of La Caleta. Stay at the Villa Marina Aparments near this spot and discover the modest and relaxing environment of Valverde.

La Caleta, Valverde, El Hierro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

El Mirador de La Peña Isla de El Hierro | © El Coleccionista de Instantes/Flickr

Charco del Conde (Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera)

The most family friendly pool is located on the island of La Gomera; Charco del Conde is a natural pool in which seawater has created a mini-lake among rocks and palm trees. Charco del Conde is Spanish for ‘The Pond of the Earl’; it is called this due to the Spanish colonization of the islands in the 15th century. While on La Gomera, consider visiting one of the best protected natural spaces on the archipelago: Garajonay National Park. Thanks to Princess Gara from La Gomera and Jonay from Tenerife, the wind has blown a special breeze of mystery and sadness through the park ever since the lovers decided to jump from the tallest spot on the island, due to their families’ rejection of their love.

Charco del Conde, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Charco Azul (San Andrés y Sauces, La Palma)

Boost your immune system, open your pores, and absorb sea minerals while visiting Charco Azul on La Palma, also known as La Isla Bonita (The Pretty Island). The site is famous for its green landscapes and peaceful environment. Charco Azul is another free, luxurious spot on the archipelago and has won several ‘Ecoplaya’ prizes for the quality of the installations and environmental sustainability.

Charco Azul, San Andrés y Sauces, La Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Piscinas naturales El Charco Azul, Calle El Melonar in San Andrés y Sauces | © Frank Vincentz/Wiki Commons

Charco del Viento (La Guancha, Tenerife)

The salt of seawater helps to remove toxins from the skin, as it turns into a natural exfoliator, removing dead cells. This is what you can expect when visiting Charco Viento, located in the northern part of the island of Tenerife. When volcanic eruptions spread along the sea centuries ago, the aftermath created this impressive bay where two huge arms of dry lava protect the natural pool from strong trails of waves. The volcanic origin gives the water a special healing ability. After getting your free spa session, visit the third biggest volcano in the world, El Teide!

Charco del Viento, La Guancha, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife | © Ian Palmer/Flickr

Roque Prieto (Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria)

Roque Prieto is a relaxing spot where the sea in the north parts of Gran Canaria flow into the natural pools. The red volcanic rock embraces everyone who wants to spend a tranquil afternoon in this beautiful spot along Gran Canaria‘s coast. The lack of background noise and crowded spaces make Roque Prieto an ideal place for a unique spa experience. It is located near the city of Gáldar, giving visitors an option to see the first capital of Gran Canaria. Consider visiting the archaeological museum of Cueva Pintada and discover one of the gems of precolonial life on the islands.

Roque Prieto, Santa María de Guía, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Cueva Pintada de Gáldar – Exposición al aire libre Escrito en piedra Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. | © El Coleccionista de Instantes/Flickr

Puertito de Lobos (Isla de Lobos, Fuerteventura)

The words ‘calm,’ ‘tranquil,’ and ‘serene’ are proper descriptors for the natural pool in the Isle of Lobos near Fuerteventura. Take a boat at Corralejo to get to this paradisiacal isle that once was a home to sea lions. The crystal waters of these natural pools will expel the toxins from your body and benefit your skin; in the case that it’s damaged or irritated, sea water can reduce inflammation and improve atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. There is also a unique restaurant nearby where you can try some of the best dishes of Canarian gastronomy.

Puertito de Lobos, Isla de Lobos, Fuerteventura, Spain

Well protected habor at Puertito, Isla de Lobos | © Ina Widegren/Flickr

Punta Mujeres (Haria, Lanzarote)

Find two kilometers of natural pools in the north of Lanzarote. Surrounded by delightful white houses, these pools offer a traditional atmosphere, allowing everyone to enjoy the seawater while benefiting from the refreshing sea air; did you know that sea mist contains negatively charged hydrogen ions that are among the best and most powerful antioxidants? The only artificial touch of man at these pools is reflected in some stairs and solaria. And while on Lanzarote, visit some of César Manrique‘s masterpieces, like Jameos del Agua or Mirador del Río, in order to not only heal your body but your soul, too.

Punta Mujeres, Haria, Lanzarote, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Lanzarote 9/2014 | © Alf Altendorf/Flickr

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Flora and fauna | Tenerife

Despite its relatively small territory (2034 square kilometers), the island of Tenerife will surprise you with its ecological diversity, made possible by its unique natural conditions. Due to the uneven topography of the island, local weather conditions vary significantly, resulting in a variety of microclimates. The diversity of the microclimate, and consequently the natural environment, has contributed to the formation of a rich and varied flora, consisting of 1400 species of higher plants, 200 of which are endemic to the Canary Islands and 140 are endemic to Tenerife. As a result of the inventory of the fauna of Tenerife, 400 species of fish, 56 species of birds, 5 species of reptiles, 2 species of amphibians, 13 species of terrestrial mammals, several thousand species of invertebrates, as well as some species of sea turtles and cetaceans were identified.

Tenerife is the largest and highest island of the Canary Islands, making it the most biodiverse of the archipelago. There are more than 800 unique species of flora and fauna here. In addition, it is impressive that the Canary Islands, which make up only 1.5% of the Spanish territory, contain more than half of the country’s endemic species.

One of the main features of the islands is the abrupt change of vegetation at a distance of only a few hundred meters. The reason for this is the difference in altitudes and microclimates, forming up to 6 different ecosystems. Thus, in the coastal areas one can see magnificent specimens of Canarian and balsam milkweed, characteristic of exotic deserts and arid regions, while in the higher areas, the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean appears: thickets of shrubs, thermophilic forests and large areas of pine forests. There you can walk among trees and junipers, wild olives, palms and even dracaena, one of the main symbols of the Canary Islands.

Lush forests grow in the northern part of the island, receiving sufficient moisture from the trade winds. In this area you will also find trees that are a real living relic. Canarian laurel forests of the Tertiary period occupied most of the territory of the Mediterranean basin, but with time they practically disappeared.

Above these forests, also known as Monteverde, pine forests appear, especially in the southern part of the island.

Tenerife has six ecosystems in which vegetation is distributed, which are divided according to altitude and orientation:

• zone “Cardonal-Tabaibal”: Starts from the coast and extends to an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. Xerophilous shrubs grow here, adapted to drought, strong winds and the scorching sun. Among them are many endemic species.
• Thermophilic forests: This transitional zone, located at an altitude of 200-600 meters above sea level, is characterized by rains and moderate temperatures, favorable for the growth of junipers, dracaenas and palms.
• Laurel forests This dense forest with large trees, mostly of the Tertiary period, is located at an altitude of 500 to 1000 meters above sea level. It also grows various types of fern, laurel trees, small-leaved holly and Indian perseus.
• “Fayal-Brezal” zone: It is located at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters above sea level and is of great importance for forestry.
• Pine forests: Pine forests in Tenerife are located at an altitude of 800 – 2000 meters above sea level.
• Alpine zone: Above 2000 meters the climate is very dry, with extreme temperatures and hot sun. The flora of this area consists mainly of endemic plants well adapted to such conditions, such as red buglos, gorse and Teide violet.

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The fauna of Tenerife, like all other islands, is related to the fauna of northern Africa and southern Europe. However, the main distinguishing feature of the island is the high percentage of endemic species (unique in the world), which is facilitated by the conditions of genetic isolation regarding the animals living on the island.

In Tenerife, endemic species are concentrated mainly in areas such as Anaga, Teno and Cañadas del Teide. It is worth highlighting such a group of animals as invertebrates, numbering a total of 3 thousand species, 40% of which are endemic. It should also be noted that over 200 species of birds live in Tenerife during the year.

Herons or ducks, for example, are migratory and come to the island to spend the winter. Other bird species such as the Canary and Laurel pigeons or the blue finch are unique species on the planet, permanently inhabiting the Canary Islands. In certain areas of the coast, birdwatchers can observe the Atlantic Pied Petrel or Osprey with prior permission.

The group of mammals is represented by 13 species, most of them introduced by humans. The appearance of indigenous people on the island 2500 thousand years ago also meant the appearance of sheep, goats, dogs and pigs on the archipelago. They adapted so well that the indigenous breeds of these animals were isolated in the Canary Islands. Similarly, rabbits, rats, shrews and Algerian hedgehogs were introduced. More recently, the Corsican mouflon appeared on the island, released into the Teide National Park for hunting.

When it comes to reptiles, Tenerife has a lot of them and they deserve special attention, as they are home to unique species that you will not find anywhere else in the world. The island is home to five species, including the endemic Tenerife spotted lizard. The remaining four species, such as the skink and a special and unique species of lizard, Gallotia galloti, also live on other islands. The other two species are the Tenerife wall gecko and the Turkish half-toed gecko.

As for amphibians, two species of frogs are known on the island, introduced by Europeans and inhabiting reservoirs and streams. In some gorges of Anaga and Teno, an endangered species of eel has been found.

In addition, “tourists” come to the Canary Islands from various parts of the world. Here you can find species that usually live in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, the temperate zone, and even come from the Caribbean, for example, various types of sea turtles. Tenerife is also one of the best places on the planet for whale watching, as 21 different species of whales live in the waters of the island.

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Canary Islands

Home \ SPAIN \ CANARY ISLANDS – TENERIFE

The Canary Islands is one of the 17 provinces of the Kingdom of Spain, located 1200 km from the Iberian Peninsula and only 100 km from the west coast of Africa. The archipelago consists of seven large inhabited islands and several small ones. In the center is the largest island – Tenerife. To the east are Gomera, Hierro and Palma. Gran Canaria is located to the west of Tenerife. It is the third largest island in the archipelago. Further west are Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. This archipelago is one of the most popular and fashionable resorts in the world.

Each of the islands of the archipelago is unusual and interesting in its own way, but the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the most attractive for holidays.

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most visited Canary Islands. The tourist infrastructure is best developed here, the most luxurious hotels are located, and there are plenty of opportunities for a variety of leisure and entertainment.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will interest those tourists who are looking for solitude and peace, preferring deserted beaches and African expanses to water parks.

Historically, the islands of the archipelago were the last resort for travelers going to the New World. It is not surprising that vegetation from all over the world appeared here, which adorns the islands to this day. And only the Canarian pine is the “property” of the archipelago, as it does not grow anywhere else! Four national parks – Timanfaya, Teide, Garajonay and Caldera Taburienta – and more than 100 natural parks and tracts provide a great opportunity to enjoy nature.

The unique natural conditions of the Canary Islands annually attract millions of tourists fleeing the cold and dampness of the continental winter. Most of them come here again and again. Accessibility (just a few hours by plane from Europe), magnificent beaches, exotic subtropical landscapes with volcanoes and forests, a well-developed tourist infrastructure that serves as an example for many countries – all this makes the Canary Islands one of the most important centers of European tourism.

The beaches of the Canary Islands belong to the municipal authorities, so all services on the beaches are paid (except for the entrance to the beach).

The climate in the Canary Islands is mild, springy, allowing you to enjoy your vacation at any time of the year without suffering from excessive heat. The average monthly air temperature does not fall below 2°C (December – February) and does not rise above 28°C (July – August). And the water temperature in the coastal zone fluctuates slightly around 20 ° C, so you can swim in the ocean all year round.

Time on the islands of the Canary archipelago is 4 hours behind Tashkent. Siesta occurs throughout Spain, including the Canaries, from 13:00 to 16:00. At this time, most banks, shops and government offices close for lunch.

Political structure In 1982, a constitutional monarchy with a parliament was established in the Canary Islands, and the Canaries became one of the seventeen autonomous regions of Spain. The Parliament of the Canaries, which is elected to 60 deputies, traditionally sits in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Population and language On average, there are about 1.5 million Canarians. The official and spoken language is Spanish. The Canarians speak Castilian, but much softer and faster than the Spaniards on the mainland. In addition, the Canarian vocabulary is very rich in words that came mainly from the Guanche language.

Currency of the country – Euro (EUR). You can exchange currency at any exchange office, bank, hotel or tourist complex. When exchanging, you may be charged a commission fee. In exchange offices where the fee is not charged, there is a sign “No commission”. All banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 (9:00) to 14:00; Saturday only until 13:00. Some banks are also open in the afternoon until 17:00 (Monday to Thursday).

Electricity Depending on the time the building was built, the voltage can be 110 or 220 volts. We recommend bringing a round two-prong adapter with you.

Kitchen is one of the best in the world in terms of quality and variety of products. Spanish cuisine is distinguished by the traditional preparation of dishes with olive oil as a vegetable fat and lard as an animal, as well as a wide variety of fruits and herbs that the Arab culture brought, and the use of other products, such as potatoes and tomatoes brought from America. . On the other hand, the great success of Spanish cuisine in recent decades is also due to the emergence of a cohort of skilled professionals who have managed to breathe new life into traditional dishes and recipes in accordance with the spirit of the times and have given Spanish gastronomic art new qualities and tastes. Widespread “tapas” – national snacks. They are served at any time of the day or night – with beer, wine, cider or as an appetizer before dinner. Of the first courses, cream soup is the most popular, for example, semolina cream soup with almonds. The soup is followed by an intermediate specialty appetizer of pasta or stewed vegetables without a side dish. The meat second course is usually stewed or grilled. Along with beef, veal, pork and young lamb, poultry dishes are also popular among the Spaniards. It is impossible not to mention the famous Spanish dish – paella. Its main components are rice, butter, chicken and pork pieces, crustaceans, artichokes, peppers, garlic, onions, saffron and aromatic herbs. Wash down paella with dry wines. Of the desserts, the most popular are puddings, in addition, the Spaniards love sweet pies stuffed with almond cream.

Transport. The only type of public transport is scheduled buses. The fare is paid at the entrance through the front door of the driver. All taxis on the island are white with a green light. Car rental companies offer a fairly wide range of models and prices. If the offer sounds very tempting, immediately ask if insurance and taxes are included in the price of the service. You should pay attention to the types of insurance that are included in the complex of services provided. To rent a car, you must have an international driver’s license. But this is only formal. You can even get a driving permit here with a fax copy of your national driving license.

Public holidays:

January 1 – New Year

January 6 – Epiphany

March 19 – St. Joseph’s Day

May 1 – Labor Day

July 25 – Saint James Day

August 15 – Assumption

October 12 – America’s Discovery Day, Columbus Day

November 1 – All Saints Day

December 6 – Constitution Day

December 25 – Christmas

Emergency numbers:

Rescue Service – 112

Ambulance – 061

Civil Guard – 062

National Police – 091

Municipal Police – 092

Road information – 900 123 505

Help Desk – 010

Post – 902 197 197

International dialing code – 34

Canary Islands on the map.

Yacht. Relaxation. Tenerife. Gran Canaria

Canary Carnival. 4 facts and many photos Carnival at Tenerife . Getting there The main event of the Canary Carnival caught us on the island of Tenerife. To go to the capital in the northeast of the island from San Miguel, which is in the south, during the carnival days it is better to take bus

Borscht on the yacht and looking dashing and silly)) Moving to the yacht, stocking food and preparing for sailing This week is dedicated to gathering, shifting and drying lockers, sorting food stocks, pouring kilograms of cereals and flour into 6-liter plastic bottles

10 observations in 4 days of moving to the yacht. About friends The “Lady Mary” team returned to the yacht I somehow got lucky with my friends. I don’t know why they do it, but…

Setting up a vegetable garden on a sailing yacht What are we going to eat in the ocean? In addition to canned food, we will eat products of our own production (well, how to “eat”? . . – have a snack :)). Unless, of course, I remember to take dill and parsley seeds with me,

At the start, attention, march! — Race across the Atlantic Race across the Atlantic. The start of the Atlantic Race for Cruisers (ARC-2015) transatlantic regatta from Gran Canaria is scheduled for November 22. The 2,700 miles to the Caribbean island of Santa Lucia will be covered by maxi yachts in about two weeks.

Captain’s birthday Today is the captain’s birthday. It so happened that our crew had not yet had time to reunite for the big voyage. And Andrey, like a true sea wolf, celebrates his birthday alone.

Around Gran Canaria. Captain’s travel notes The passage from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Puerto Mogan was hot and almost windless. Only the oncoming wave, after a two-week, unusual for Canaries south wind, was not very hospitably hitting the stem.

The charm of leisurely travel Captain’s Notes. What is the beauty of leisurely travel? You don’t have to run anywhere every day to keep up with the sightseeing tour schedule, which you yourself invented.

How we got fresh water. Illegally anchored for five days near the town of Mogan in the south of the island Gran Canaria , we decided to fill up with water in the marina. Well, we just arrived in a dinghy with our own hose and canisters to the pontoon.

Canary Islands. About storms and strong winds…

In anticipation of a storm The weather forecast promised a wind increase to a storm. At this time, it is important not to leave the yacht at anchor alone and be ready to either jump out to sea or drop another anchor

Lanzarote. How we were blown away from the parking lot Diary of a first mate, May 10, 2015 There were rumors about the southernmost marina of Lanzarote that it was very expensive. The rumors were confirmed, and in 15 minutes the marvelously beautiful smiling mooring officer was mooring us back

Past the island of Buyana, to the realm of glorious … How the captain and Lady Mary from Morocco went to the Canaries Part 3, final Still, the approach to land causes an exciting feeling after offshore transfer. Exciting not in terms of “oh the land, finally!”, But “How not to miss the sea and drive straight into

Canary Islands. El Hierro

Christmas in the international yacht party Who are all these people and where are they from on their yachts – those who roasted a ram on a spit on Christmas night in the La Restinga marina on El Hierro. Captain’s notes

Drying the oars for Christmas Grinding and painting work and electricity problems on the eve of Christmas Eve From a letter from Captain El Hierro. When I raised the yacht for grinding and painting, I exhaled that we did not have a catamaran. I dry the boat on the shore.

Why my mother taught me to tell the truth even at the end of the earth. Small world – … And what will we tell her? Let’s say we lost something. “Cho, let’s all go look for it together?” – No, I pass. Go, I’ll wait for you here. I will cover from the rear.

Mom was right, it’s not good to lie. Continuation of the story that began yesterday When we arrived at the bus station, we found it open and empty, like the whole city. From the timetable on the wall it followed that the bus would not be until tomorrow. Resting Marina, where our house is located, is 40 km away.

Such places are shown in the movie North Shore of El Hierro. Hotel Punta Grande Having approached a small ascetic building made of volcanic stone, we had no idea that this was Punta Grande – the smallest hotel in the world

El Hierro. The westernmost lighthouse in Europe Further – only the ocean. Before Columbus, people believed that this lighthouse stands on the border of the worlds, known and unknown. Here passes the zero meridian of the Middle Ages.

El Hierro. Sunset by hand or Why do sailors need an anchor winch? The art of traveling is the art of changing plans. In the morning, as is customary at Canaries , the wind came sharply from the opposite side in the evening. It happened right at the time of breakfast.

El Hierro. Arriving at the end of the Earth on April 9 at one forty-five, the Lady Mary moored in the marina of La Palma and with a steady light gulf headed for the island of El Hierro – the very end of the earth

Canary Islands . La Palma

Leaving for the ends of the Earth On El Hierro, the end of the pre-Columbian era, we sail tonight. The farewell promenade along La Palma was dedicated by the crew of the Lady Mary to the capital city of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

La Palma: the search for a safe harbor and life at the bottom Rolling kilometers on La Palma by car, the captain and the first mate did not give up hope of anchoring off the island. We traveled south in search of a suitable bay. Fishing villages on black stones, wagons,

La Isla Bonita. Continuation La Palma is one of the highest islands in the world in terms of area and height ratio (in my opinion, the third one). The highest mountain – Roco de los Muchachos rises to 2425 meters.

La Isla Bonita We wake up at 4 am, and after a quarter of an hour we choose anchor and leave Masca for La Palma. 52 miles while completely calm.

Canary Islands. Tenerife

Yacht children At Tenerife in the marina of Las Gaetas we met a settled cruising yacht flying the Dutch flag. Awnings, vegetables and fruits in nets under solar panels, a grill suspended behind the stern and the smell of homemade soup…

Tenerife. Mask for the whole family. Continuation. At night, a light burned in the Mask. In the evening, through binoculars, we examined the good fellow with a camera and a tripod. For some reason, he did not leave for the mainland, spending the night in the open.

Tenerife. Mask for the whole family We try to avoid touristy places. But some are simply must-sees because of their wondrous beauty. Masca Gorge and the village of the same name are considered the most picturesque on the island Tenerife .

Tenerife. As our “tuzik” of the cave was looking for, the wind gloomily walks along with the clouds. Nastya sat down for lessons, and we went from Maska to Los Gigantes on a dinghy (a boat with a motor, she is a dinghy), to look for our comrades from a Russian yacht

The island that does not exist Prologue . .. It is generally accepted that the Canary Islands are seven. Travel sites politically correct add – 7 large. La Graciosa, a small Canary Island, has internet access and about 500 permanent residents.

Diamond arm or why a tourist needs medical insurance Gran Canaria 2012. Medical insurance. All photos, except the first one, reflect the beauty of the Canary Islands, have nothing to do with the content of the report and were taken a week later with one non-cast hand. Slipped, fell…

Separately – visa issues for yachtsmen:

Informality in the Canaries Useful for those traveling by sea. As we expected, no one is particularly interested in the presence of a visa for sailors (so far, on this side of the Atlantic). For three days on La Graciosa, we did not succeed

Informality: visa-free exit from the Canaries Visa-free exit from Canaries . The procedure for leaving the insular Spanish territories requires a separate story. Over the past week we’ve gone from Canaries and got to Morocco. The port of exit was Arrecife on the island of Lanzarote.

Canaries without a visa. Continuing the theme Las Palmas, Gran Canaria . The other day, as a respectable newly arrived citizen, I went to check in at the port office of the immigration service. Locally – Policia Frontiera.

Wine regions of Spain: Canary Islands

Slightly south of mainland Spain, on a volcanic archipelago, is one of the oldest and most extreme wine regions with unusual and amazing vineyards.

The archipelago of the Canary Islands is made up of eight main islands known for their outstanding ecosystems. Tropical beaches, mountains, jungles and volcanic terroir make the islands unique. Here is the highest point in Spain – Mount Teide. The interior of the island is ideal for hiking, cycling and rock climbing. But the main attraction are the beaches, which attract tourists from all over the world to soak up the sun and enjoy water sports. The Canaries also boast the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Cristobal de La Laguna, which is a cultural hub.

The natural conditions of the Canary Islands are not very favorable for winemaking. Hot and humid climate, harsh terrain, extreme ocean winds – it seems almost impossible that quality wines can be produced on these islands.

However, the Canary Islands create one of the most heroic wine regions, producing exciting and unique wines under these conditions. The grapes and wines of the Canary Islands will turn your head in both their flavors and aromas. A huge part of the vineyards is located in the volcanic region – Tenerife. You will be surprised to know that ashy soil can give rise to luscious wines and fragrant vines.

Basically, six regions of the Canary Islands produce wine: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera. Each region presents the world with a unique style of wine made using a mixture of traditional and modern methods. Between them there are 13 wineries and 225 vineyards. DO zones cover the entire island, with the exception of Tenerife. All areas of D.O. differ in that they have their own microclimate and special soil composition, creating unique, rich in organoleptic wines.

What are the types of Canarian wines?

The Canary Islands boast some of the oldest vineyards in Spain, dating back almost hundreds of years. Since the region is located far from the mainland, the disease called phylloxera never came here. Despite the hot climate and volcanic soil, there are many more white varieties in wine production than red ones.

Popular wines produced in the Canary Islands wine region include Malmsi or Malvasia, dessert wine Moscatel, Marmajuelo, Tintilla, Rosé, and Listan Negro and Listan Blanco.

Malvasia used to be a preferred grape variety by Canary Islands vintners for making sweet wines, which was very popular with foreign travelers and was also easier to transport. Over the years, with the growing tourist influence in the region, vintners have been forced to produce dry, acidic white wines.

Grape varieties: Muscatel, a white variety that can be found in almost all parts of the region, along with Malvasia Volcanica, Listan Blanco, Forastera and Diego. Of the red varieties, Listán Negro, Baboso Negro, Vijariego Negro, Trousseau, Negramoll and others are mainly grown.

The wines here can be roughly divided into two types – white and red. Both of them differ from each other in taste and texture. White grapes are sweet and juicy, while red grapes are aromatic and fermented in stainless steel vats. In some areas of the Canary Islands, wineries still use wooden oak barrels to age and refine their wines. Here you can observe the perfect combination of tradition and the most modern technology. Fortified and dessert wines still occupy a unique place in this area and are able to compete with the great wines of the world.

In addition, red and rosé wines remain the most fashionable, with some regions paying more attention to them than others. The red wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks and then aged in oak barrels to give them dominant characteristics and intense aromas. In addition, fortified and dessert wines have managed to get into the list of favorites, and some regions of the Canary Islands are engaged in their production.

Among the hills of Teide and the Atlantic Ocean lies the charming town of the Canary Islands – Adeje. Here you can get acquainted with the rich architectural history, as well as admire panoramic landscapes. Get the chance to indulge in whale watching and then explore Spain’s highest peak. The area is now so developed that guests can enjoy luxury accommodation with a pool and several other outdoor activities. Adeje cuisine is known all over the world for its unique way of cooking. These gourmet dishes can be enjoyed in a beautiful setting surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

One of the famous tourist spots on the island is Tias. Everything is worth appreciating here – charming villages located on a volcanic landscape are worth every minute of your expedition. Throughout your tour of this 6 km coastline, there are excellent tourist sites. Puerto del Carmen is a huge coastal enclave of this amazing tourist destination where you can sample regional recipes available in almost all restaurants. Also don’t forget to make time for sports activities such as scuba diving and fishing, two of the region’s many gems and renowned water sports. Take a guided boat trip where you can learn about rare wild boars. And in any of the food outlets overlooking the sea and bathed in the sun, you can try the best dishes of Lanzarote.

Spread over a vast area stretching from the center to the south of Gran Canaria, the municipality is home to a vibrant culture. Its main village, San Bartolome, is located in the interior of the island, next to the Tirajana crater. Tirajana is an exquisite volcanic landscape with steep slopes and abundant vegetation, especially vineyards. Moving south, you can see the desert dunes that were once lush countryside. Some of the major tourist centers such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés or San Agustin are tourist oriented places where visitors can enjoy water and land based sports such as golf, hiking, trekking and more.

There are also four national parks in the archipelago. The region surrounding the Canary Islands offers a range of cultural attractions, including sightseeing of the monuments of San Cristobal de La Laguna, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Clear skies, bright sunshine and charming countryside – El Hierro combines everything Mother Nature has to offer tourists. The weather on the island of El Hierro is defined and that is what makes it so special among visitors. On this smallest island, it only rains three days a month and almost never in the summer – the perfect climate for a holiday away from home. The nights here are incredible – the perfect place for couples to enjoy romantic astronomy with clear and bright skies. In addition, due to the tropical location of El Hierro, mild cold trade winds blow here all year round.

The most attractive island in the Canary Islands, La Palma is known for its lush landscapes, spectacular beaches, incredible volcanoes, deep cliffs and more. At night, tourists can enjoy the starry sky, giving a breathtaking view of astronomy – a fantastic place for stargazers. In 2002, it became a UNESCO heritage site, World Biosphere Reserve.

The guide will take you past the waterfalls to the top of La Palma, from where you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the entire island. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the black sand beach of La Palma, well known for sunbathing, diving and snorkelling. If you have enough time, spend it in the Los Tilos forest and get to know the unique flora and fauna.

La Gomera, with an area of ​​about 370 km2, is the second largest island in the Canary archipelago. Enriched with volcanic fluctuations, this is a lush island with several mysterious trails that still remain untouched. There are many places on the island that are still not open to tourists, and one of them is a tiny historic chapel built in 1962, located in Guara, near the abandoned city of Gerian. Most of the territory of La Gomera is covered with volcanic rocks dotted with sand and eggplant.

This archipelago is famous for its huge variety of seafood and local cuisine. Some of the region’s unique dishes are inspired by African and American flavors combined with traditional European spices, making them a one-of-a-kind combination of uniqueness and innovation.

Papas Arrugadas – wrinkled Canarian potatoes. Papas is the regional name for the potato in the Canary Islands and parts of South America. Due to years of volcanic activity, potatoes have acquired a different texture and flavor, perfect for making unique dishes. Without peeling, papas are boiled in salted water for half an hour. After 30 minutes, the cooks empty the pan and add more salt until the papas are dry. After that, the dish is served on the table paired with moho picon and vula. Although this dish is quite simple, in one taste it reflects the entire archipelago.

Ropa Vieja is the national dish of Cuba. Confusing names are a common occurrence in Spanish gastronomy. This Cuban dish, called Ropa vieja, means “old clothes” in Spanish. Strange, right? But don’t worry, it has nothing to do with old rags. Initially, when this dish was discovered, it was made from leftover puchero. In this cuisine, the ingredients are chickpeas, meat, onions and papas. Each house or restaurant has its own style and technique for preparing Ropa Vieja. No two examples of this dish will taste the same. If you want to enjoy a traditionally prepared Ropa Vieja, we recommend visiting the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide.

Sancocho Canario is a traditional fish dish. Sancocho Canario is a local specialty that perfectly captures the various gastronomic influences of the archipelago. This dish gained great importance when immigrants from several regions of Latin America moved to the Canary Islands. This traditional dish is made from fully fried fish, served hot with sweet potatoes, gofio and papas. This is a healthy and simple dish that is complemented with mojo picon. You can also cook it at home by adding just the right amount of sweetness, spiciness and saltiness.

Attractions of the Canary Islands

ATTRACTIONS

Tenerife

Tenerife attracts millions of tourists every year. The luxury of hotel complexes, the magnificence of casinos and concert halls, the bright colors of the carnival, the rich cuisine of restaurants, the democratic atmosphere in entertainment centers and nightclubs, a paradise for shoppers, ample opportunities for outdoor activities and water sports – all this and much more leaves an indelible impression of a holiday spent here.

Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands of the Canary archipelago, located 300 kilometers from the African coast and 1300 kilometers from the Iberian Peninsula. It is no coincidence that Tenerife is called the “island of eternal spring”: even in winter, the air temperature here does not drop below 18ºC, and in summer there is no suffocating heat. The water temperature is even more constant – from 20 to 23ºC all year round. Natural contrasts are most pronounced in the winter months, when you can sunbathe on the beach and at the same time observe the snow-capped peak of the Teide volcano, which is only a few tens of kilometers away from the coast in a straight line.

The main attraction of the island of Tenerife is undoubtedly the most visited national reserve in Spain Teide . This is a huge volcanic park, the area of ​​which is 18.990 hectares, and the average height exceeds 2000 meters above sea level. A special lift delivers those who wish to a height of 3555 meters, from where you can walk to two viewing platforms, and with special permission – to the very peak of Teide, from where the whole island appears in full view, and in clear weather, unforgettable views of all neighboring islands open .

The island’s capital city Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a cozy port, beautiful modernist buildings and green streets. The city of La Laguna – the ancient capital of the island – is a historical and university city. In its historical center there are many residential buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries. and the best examples of church architecture in the archipelago.

Lanzarote

Living in harmony with the environment is the main secret of amazing attractiveness Lanzarote . Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, the island impresses with its rugged beauty of volcanic landscapes, contrasting with the dazzling whiteness of traditional Canarian houses.

Volcanic eruptions in the 16th and 19th centuries created a picture of beauty and diversity on the island. Mysterious volcanic caves, lava lakes and craters give way to white sand beaches and clear water!

Timanfaya National Park

This area is called the Fire Mountains. A few centimeters from the surface, the temperature reaches 350 ° C, which allows you to instantly set fire to a bunch of straw or fry a thick piece of meat.

Gran Canaria .

An island that beckons with golden sands of beaches, captivates with the beauty of landscapes, striking with contrasts, amazing with unexpected discoveries and captivating with its hospitality.
On the island of Gran Canaria (1532 km2) you can find most of the landscapes of the archipelago. For tourists, there are good beaches and a variety of natural conditions.
Most of the beaches are concentrated in the south of the island, where the climate is drier and sunny. Due to the fact that the mountains in the center of the island hold back the clouds coming from the north, it is sunny almost all year round in the south, which allows you to sunbathe and swim both in summer and in winter. Near some of the best beaches in this part of the island, tourist centers of various sizes have been built, which in some cases offer services at the level of a large city, and in others they provide complete peace or the opportunity to practice water sports.

Gran Canaria is the most populated island of the archipelago (715 thousand people). More than half of the population lives in the capital – the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is one of the largest ports in the Atlantic Ocean.

o. Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the perfect place to relax by the sea. The gentle relief with vast plains, atypical for the Canary Islands, as well as proximity to the African continent, determined the arid climate of the island, which in turn led to the formation of dune and sandy ecosystems that occupy most of the island’s territory.

Countless beaches and crystal clear waters.

Forteventura has without a doubt the best and longest beaches in the archipelago. Most of its coastline (340 km) is white sand beaches.

The abundance of sand on the island allows you to enjoy the sea alone. Even on the most famous beaches.

The sea here is also special, because due to the peculiarities of the Fuerteventura shelf, it is shallow and the water is extremely clear, turquoise. The underwater fauna here is very rich and varied, which is favorable for spearfishing.

Windsurfing in Fuerteventura is a major sport and thousands of amateurs come to its coast each year, convinced that they are in one of the best places in the world to practice this sport. Jandia Beach has hosted the World Championships several times.

Currently, most of the tourists are concentrated on the peninsula Jandia , in the south of the island. This natural space is separated from the rest of the island and is almost completely surrounded by white sandy beaches.

Holidays in the Canary Islands. Instructions for a proper holiday in the Canary Islands.

THE POWER >>> OF THE WIND

Whales, jungles, volcanoes and the most beautiful beaches in the world

Eternal summer, ocean expanses, exotic fruits and unearthly landscapes – all this describes the Canaries archipelago exactly. Each island has a unique atmosphere, beaches ranging from black volcanic sand to white dust, and weather ranging from severe storms to desert heat. On the eve of our New Year holidays in the Canary Islands, we tell you how not to miss anything.

Whatever the purpose of the trip – to swim in huge waves, climb the highest volcano in Spain or test yourself in the fight against the elements – everyone will find something special on these small pieces of land that will be remembered forever.

Lanzarote

The most eastern and mysterious island of the archipelago is famous for its impressive and even frightening landscapes: black sand dunes, ash and basalt rocks, gloomy gray deserts, rare absolutely white houses and endless craters. These unearthly expanses are like the scenery for science fiction films, in the frame of which you suddenly managed to find yourself.

The most famous harbor of the island is Rubicon Marina: there are hotels with casinos and swimming pools, restaurants, a supermarket, car rentals and even a squash court. And on weekends, a tourist market with numerous jars of aloe and jewelry made from volcano fragments is set up right on its territory.

Renting a car, you should go inland just to look at the scenery. A couple of centuries ago, 30 volcanoes began to erupt simultaneously on the island, and this went on for several years in a row. The surface was flooded with lava, and the local flora simply had no chance. Now it’s almost a desert. Lunar, Martian and lifeless, but very beautiful. You can walk through this desert landscape alone, feeling like you are on another planet, or with company, imagining that you are the last survivors on Earth.

A must-see is the Timanfaya Volcanic Reserve, a cosmic world of hardened lava, basalt and black-and-red craters. It seems that these are landscapes from science fiction films. And not in vain – this dead land has been filmed more than once. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to walk on the surface – tourists are transported around the reserve only in buses. But incredible colors and frozen lava flows are impressive even through glass. At the top, you will find a restaurant where you can fry eggs over the mouth of the volcano. But you will have to bring a dozen eggs with you and ride with them on a sightseeing bus. Otherwise, it will not be scrambled eggs, but chicken cooked in front of your eyes.

After the volcanoes, you can safely go to the beach. Few places will give you that choice. There are options with white, red and black sand in different parts of the island. There is a chance to take a selfie in front of everyone. Perhaps the most famous of them is the fantastic Papagayo. And on El Golfo beach, don’t forget to look at the green lake, an essential element of any photo report from Lanzarote. But you can’t swim in this water: a special (and dangerous, yes) form of bacteria gives it a bright shade.

Everyone will be interested in visiting the world’s deepest volcanic caves in Cueva de los Verdes. Inside one is a tropical garden and a restaurant, the other is a concert hall for a symphony orchestra. In some places, the passages in the cave tunnels are so small that you have to make your way on all fours. And the water surface of the underground lake is so perfect that it seems like an endless abyss.

It is worth paying attention to the architecture of Lanzarote. The whole style and original appearance of the cities was created by the architect and artist Cesare Manrique, a friend of Picasso and Miró. It was he who banned billboards, huge hotels and “ugly” houses in Lanzarote, and built his own dwelling in the voids of solidified lava. Now it is the most popular museum on the island.

Fuerteventura

An island of tranquility and solitude – this is what Fuerteventura is known for among connoisseurs of the archipelago. There are almost no clubs and discos here, but there are a lot of beaches with fine golden sand, strong winds and huge waves that attract kiters and surfers from all over the world.

Petting a chipmunk is one of the mandatory tasks on the island. In fact, they are quite difficult to catch – they are very dexterous. But near the Faro de Morro Jable lighthouse, there are an insane number of them, so with a little treat and courage, you can get to know a couple better.

You can swim in the ocean waves on one of the many white sand beaches. Corralejo is considered the most beautiful. The wind brings sand from the Sahara here, and at times the stone desert turns into dunes, and the whole island looks bright and dry.

Toward evening, you should definitely find a cozy place on the rock and stay to watch the sunset. A deserted beach, waves crashing against rocks, and the sun slowly sinking below the horizon. Seems like it could last forever.

A good way to get an impression of the island is to go for a walk, pointing at the map with your eyes closed. There will definitely be the best that you can see in life. In the natural park of Jandia, standing on a rock, you can watch hour after hour how a tiny wave originates far on the horizon, reaches the shore as a giant carcass and crashes against the shore with a wild noise. The feeling of helplessness and meaninglessness compared to the invincible element will not let you get bored.

What else is Fuerteventura famous for? With their surf and kite spots. This is almost the only island in the archipelago where schools are stacked on top of each other, and the season continues all year round, with a wetsuit, of course.

New Year’s regatta
in the Canary Islands

“Power of the Wind” invites you to celebrate the New Year in the midst of eternal spring in the Canary Islands. On holidays, whales, jungles, black, white and red beaches, a volcano, exotic fruits and ocean expanses are waiting for us – in general, all the attributes of real happiness. No special training or sailing experience is required, this adventure is suitable even for beginners

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Gran Canaria

The central island of the archipelago, which brings together the most active entertainment. After enjoying the wildlife of other islands and the freedom of the ocean, you can safely go here for dancing and restaurants.

It is customary to have fun on this island in the usual resort ways. There are several large tourist centers with many hotels, bars and attractions. If the ocean seclusion has become boring, the goal of visiting the maximum number of discos, bars and casinos is easily achievable here. The center of it all is the resort of Playa del Inglés. Do not forget that Gran Canaria is considered an island without prejudice. So there is no need for caution here.

Waking up in the morning after discos, you should start the second stage of entertainment. This time you can visit the largest karting track in the Canary Islands, an aero club with helicopter rides and parachuting, or an amusement park with a water park. Yes, it’s all here.

Watching kayakers at sunset in Las Palmas, the capital of the islands, will not leave indifferent the calmer travelers. In any weather and at any time of the year, it is pleasant to spend an evening doing this activity. Not far from the main marina of Las Palmas is another one. For only 10 € per night, you can get a 50-meter swimming pool, a gym, several squash courts and a sauna.

And for 4 € you will have at your disposal chic practice golf courses with a view directly to the ocean. Many go to the Canary Islands just to play golf, but not for training, but for huge playing fields, which, however, cost a little more.

It is also worth remembering one feature: on one side of the island it is constantly raining, on the other, the sun is always shining. It won’t be useful, but it’s still nice to know.

Tenerife

The largest and most popular tourist island, Tenerife caters for a variety of needs. There is everything here: from quiet beaches to noisy resorts, from oceanariums to a volcano. And the mountain range divides the island into two contrasting halves: the hot and noisy south and the mild, unruffled north.

The main attraction of the island is the huge volcano Teide, the highest point in all of Spain, 4000 meters. You can go upstairs by car or by lift, if you’re lucky with the weather. And only those who signed up in advance or ran quickly, climbing over the fence, are allowed to the very peak. To do this, of course, you should stock up on comfortable shoes so as not to drown in the viscous rock. The incredible size of the caldera is located above the level of the clouds, so you can safely imagine yourself as a Greek god contemplating the ocean from above.

Wildlife lovers, fans of BBC documentaries and just lovers of pets should visit Loro Parque – a botanical garden, a zoo, a dolphinarium and an aquarium at the same time. An incredible number of various parrots have been collected here, which, by the way, can show various tricks and eat very nicely from a spoon. Many of them have already died out in the wild, and remained only in this park. In addition to parrots, here you can admire the largest collections of penguins, orchids and sea lions with killer whales.

If visiting excursions does not contradict the internal settings, it is worth visiting the boat trip to the Los Gigantes cliffs. Huge cliffs hang over the ocean waves, in which, they say, you can meet quite peaceful whales. But it is even better to go there on your own yacht.

At the beginning of June you can visit the national Carpet Day in La Orotava. To do this, you just need to look at the schedule of national holidays for the current year. On this day, all the streets of the city are covered with colorful canvases of flowers, stones and sand. There will be something to show mom.

In general, Tenerife is an island where magnificent festivities are accepted. So the celebration of many church or simply international holidays in any major city is accompanied by large-scale carnivals that can compete with Brazilian ones in brightness and beauty.

Gomera

The main attraction of the island of Gomera is unspoilt wildlife. There are almost no people and civilization here, and tourists come here literally for a couple of hours on their way from Tenerife. Someone considers the island devoid of individuality, while someone comes and stays here to live forever.

You won’t have to choose from a huge number of cities on the island. Here it is almost alone – San Sebastian de la Gomera. Small colored houses cascade down the cliff, and in front of them in the port are huge ships and ferries. If you go here in the fog, the city grows out of it, like in a fairy tale.

First of all, you have to enjoy nature here. The island is quite small and not touristy at all. Here you can find many wild camps and cozy bays. One of them is in the place of La Cantera. You can get there either along a steep rocky path winding along the southern slope of the valley, or by water. On the tuzik, you can land directly on the beach or use the old stone pier. Although the ocean-eaten surface of the rocks surrounding the bay looks harsh, it is extremely comfortable to stand there, and even more comfortable to splash in the clear water among the wildlife of an almost uninhabited island.

Homer used to have a fish factory. It has not been working for a long time, but it is still not difficult to catch predatory and very tasty fish in the bays.

On this wild piece of the Canary archipelago you can meet interesting inhabitants. For example, with Claude and Lorraine, who literally cleaned and equipped the island with their own hands, took out the garbage, built a pool near a source of fresh water, planted bananas and mangoes everywhere, and even accidentally got a cat.

Still, the main and most popular attraction of Gomera is the national park. These are several tens of square kilometers of mountains, hills, descents and ascents and a beautiful forest overgrown with moss. Just take a taxi in the center of San Sebastian, head to the park and walk up the steep slopes.

La Palma and El Hierro

The two smallest green islets are located to the west of the entire archipelago. Farther from the resorts and closer to the open spaces of the Atlantic. No tourists, only nature, the ocean and the starry sky above the mountain peaks.

If you make an appointment in advance, on the island of La Palma, you can look into the observatory of the Great Canary Telescope, on top of an extinct volcano. It has the largest mirror in the world, which probably means that the most beautiful stars are visible in it. If you didn’t manage to get on the tour, but you want romance, you can climb even higher and watch the stars from there. The top of the volcano is above the main part of the clouds, which allows you to see the sky more clearly. In addition, a surprise awaits at the top in the form of tame crows, accustomed to the delicacies of tourists.

As with the rest of the islands, there are a couple more volcanoes on La Palma. Well, it is most convenient to look at them from the new observation deck from Mount Muchachos, the highest on the island. It also shows low clouds and outlines of the neighboring islands of the archipelago.

For endurance training, choose one of the walking routes in the park along the giant 8 km crater. Some of these trails require fairly good health and certainly no bad habits. Along the way, there are waterfalls, petroglyphs of the ancient inhabitants of the island, and stunning views of the crater.

For those who are terribly tired of megacities, people and everything connected with them, El Hierro will be the perfect island. Only nature. Only silence and peace. Well, the only cultural monument is a church in a small capital. But for lovers of scuba diving, the local marine nature reserve can be a valuable tick on the map of visited places.

If wildlife isn’t enough, visit the Lagartario Nature Reserve on El Hierro. There are one and a half meter lizards Lagartos Gigantes, which live only on this island.

Text: Svetlana Kravchenko, Alexander Skolkov
Photos: Sergey Arianov, Olga Burkova, Alexei Ivanovsky, Kirill Malykhin, Evgenia Milshina, Ildar Sayakhov

Olga Burkova, Kirill Malykhina, Maria Mamaeva, Ildar Sayakhova, Yulia Sukhanov, Yulia Shadrin, Dolce Far Niente team

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Telling a brief history of the appearance of equipment

How to go yachting: white-soled shoes look

New Year’s regatta in the Canary Islands

28 December – 4 January.