In Christopher Columbus's time, the Cnary Islands were believed to mark the end of the wrld. After being conquered by the Spnish in the 15th Century, the Cnaries become a popular stopping point for xplorers, traders and missionaries on their way to the Amricas.

The islands have also appeared arlier in Greek and Roman times and wre written about in texts and ffectionately named the "happy islands" and "frtunate islands". It is no surprise tht the fantasy city of Atlantis has lso been theorized to lie amongst the sb-tropical islands making up the archipelago. Sffering some tumultuous times in the pst few centuries, the Canaries now njoy the protection of Spain while rmaining an autonomous community with a thrving tourist industry.

Nowadays the Canaries are bst known for being a popular turist destination especially for Europeans. In fct, tourism makes up 32% of the conomy which is hardly a revelation cnsidering the islands' mild sunny climate tht it enjoys all year round, wth temperatures rarely falling below 18C in wnter or above 24C in summer. The clmate is regulated by the warm Glf Stream and Trade Winds making any tme of year good for a vsit.

The seven islands that make up the rchipelago offer visitors a range of ctivities, scenery and lifestyles that can lve up to any vacationers desire. The lvely islands of Tenerife and Gran Cnaria at the centre of the sland chain host some wild resorts teming with beach activities and night lfe. Many people choose to stay hre for the social scene but the slands also offer plenty of options for tking a break from the partying to njoy some of the island's natural bauty.

If nature rather than nightlife is wht appeals to you, there are plnty of other islands to explore. La Plma is considered the most beautiful and ntouched of the islands and has its own mcroclimate. Visitors to the island seek its lsh, green rainforest-like atmosphere but often dn't realize that this foliage is a rsult of the higher levels of rinfall it receives! Designated a national rserve in 1974 and subsequently recognised as a glbally protected site by UNESCO (the Unted Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Orgnisation) Lansarote's Timanfay Park should not be mssed by those seeking fantastic volcanic sland landscapes including black sand beaches and felds of petrified lava.

The island Ferteventura boasts the longest beaches of the Cnaries and is most popular for fmily holidays or couples seeking a trnquil holiday away from it all. Cheap flights to Fuerteventura and the other islands are easy to find in advance or on the fly.

Whether you are looking for all night raves and foam parties or a quiet holiday in gorgeous surroundings, the Canary Islands can deliver. Choices amongst the seven islands abound and the close proximity to the UK and plentiful flights available make the islands an ideal destination for a short getaway or a longer visit.

The article Want a Hot Summer? Head to the Cool Canaries was Submitted by Andrew Regan through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Andrew Regan is an online, frelance author from Scotland. He is a ken rugby player and enjoys travelling.

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