The 7 Specks of Spain, known of course as the Canary Islands, float conspicuously off the coast of Africa. They enjoy a great climate and of course a wonderful Spanish flair, each with an individual twist. They make an ideal holiday destination but it can be hard to decide which of the Canary Islands is right for you. Here’s what you expect from each of them.
El Hierro
Small and unspoilt, El Hierro will be your hero if you yearn for a holiday blessed by natural beauty and serenity. It’s the ideal place for a true rest and relaxation with ample opportunity to recharge your batteries. Classified as a Biosphere Reserve, El Hierro boasts stunning flora and fauna and thus is perfect for walking and hiking. The coastline is also protected. Therefore, the diving is some of the best of the specks of Spain. You’ll meet not only a wide variety of fish but also turtles, dolphins and perhaps even sharks.
Fuerteventura
As the second largest of the Canary Islands after Tenerife, Fuerteventura welcomes plenty of visitors and caters for them well. Some areas of the island are doused in large resorts to ensure every need is catered. Other parts remain untouched. Well known for its excellent windsurfing and kite surfing, watersports are pretty popular as are the huge stretches of sandy beaches and golden dunes. In fact, they are regarded as some of the best beaches in Europe. With a climate matching that of Florida and Mexico, it’s one of the perfect specks of Spain for beach lovers.
Gran Canaria
Busy and bustling, Gran Canaria with its capital Las Palmas offers a little bit of everything. It’s often nicknamed a miniature continent thanks to the diversity it offers, both in terms of landscape and climates. Beautiful white sandy beaches are juxtaposed by lush green ravines and volcanic mountain. Add to this interesting towns and cities, action-packed resorts, a great nightlife and, activities from golf courses to theme parks to enjoy, Gran Canaria appeals to everyone.
La Gomera
As the second smallest of the islands, La Gomera is pretty and petite. It retains a traditional feel and is relatively undeveloped making it another popular choice for a relaxing, untouristy trip. There are no direct flights here; it is reached via a 40 minute ferry from Tenerife. Boasting exceptional flora, it is a walker’s paradise. La Garajonay National Park, a world heritage site, is pretty special too. The capital and port town San Sebastian has a friendly charm. Due to the small number of towns to be found on the island, it tends to make the perfect base from which to explore.
Specks of Spain – La Palma
Despite being one the larger islands, surprisingly, La Palma doesn’t welcome anywhere near the level of visitors as say Lanazarote or Fuerteventura. This can only be a good thing though! This one of the specks of Spain offers beaches and forests, mountains and volcanoes and of course stunning panoramas. You don’t have it share with many other people at all! You will love exploring the spattering of traditional towns and villages too.
Lanzarote
Although all of the Canary Islands are of volcanic descent, Lanzarote displays particularly bizarre lava landscapes. It is often described as lunar and very dry and dusty. It is perhaps best celebrated by a visit to the Timanfaya National Park. 
On the other side of the coin, you will find several striking white beaches that welcome the waves. With plenty of all round attractions to enjoy, Lanzarote is a popular family holiday destination.
Tenerife
Undoubtedly the best known of the Canary Islands is Tenerife. Distinguished by Mount Teide, the highest peak in the whole of Spain and its fantastic resorts. Flit from adventure to relaxation in a heartbeat, all while enjoying the beloved sun-kissed climate. If you are looking for a good nightlife, Tenerife does it better than any of the other islands.
Have you ever travelled to the Canary Islands – which is your favourite? Or, are you planning a trip and if so to which island?
