Villa accommodation varies depending upon your requirements. Villas range in size; from those adequate for a couple, up to large complex villas that can sleep as many as 20 there is something for everybody. Villa holidays in Mallorca which cater for such large groups are normally set in their own garden/grounds and have their own swimming pool.

Areas in Mallorca

You can rent villas in the middle of the bustling city of Palma de Mallorca. Such apartments are often rooftop villas and they offer stunning views across the city and down into the port of Palma and into the turquoise beyond. Such villas are ideal for some city break living that you might not normally associate with an Mallorca holiday.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain by SBA73

Port-side and coastal villas at Palma city can include a pool and grounds complex. Here you can enjoy all the benefits of city living whilst also having access to the beach and beautiful Mediterranean waters.

Other areas on the island that are popular for villas are; Alcudia, Cala Dor, Magaluf, Puerto Pollensa, and below we will explore Alcudia and Magaluf in more detail:

Villa holidays in Mallorca – Alcudia

Alcudia offers an array of stunning holiday apartments ranging from budget accommodation to top-of-the-range luxury. Terraces, swimming pools, coastline views are all available in this beautiful region. This is one of the many reasons why it is one of the most popular destinations for villa holidays.

The streets of Alcudia town, Mallorca, Spain by Karl Baron

Villa holidays in Mallorca – Magaluf

Perhaps the most famous holiday destination on Mallorca among the Brits is Magaluf. Probably not a place for those with a young family or for retirees – Magaluf delivers the ultimate party experience on a budget. Villas here are available in large 20 birth complexes, centred around swimming pools. There is easy access to both the beach and the main town where the famous strip of bars and clubs can be found. Again, Magaluf is not for the faint-hearted and if you are looking for a cultured holiday then another region of the island is probably best for you!

Magaluf beach, Mallorca, Spain by Hullernuc

The island of Mallorca really does offer a perfect holiday experience, whatever your preference. For 22 million visitors a year, the island needs accommodate to meet a variety of interests and tastes. Even for the history enthusiast there is more than a holiday’s worth of experiences, which is why many people return time and time again. The island has been conquered and re-conquered constantly for the last two thousand years by nearly all the civilizations in the Mediterranean – causing for an eclectic mix of history – making the city of Palma de Mallorca such an interesting experience, alongside its modern designer labels of Gucci, Prada and the successful La Liga team – Real Mallorca!a

After working as a content writer in the travel industry for many years, Kristian regularly frequents Mallorca and therefore, understands a lot about villas to rent in Mallorca.

The post What You Need To Know About Villa Holidays In Mallorca appeared first on Europe Explored.

Break of dawn, Majorca, Spain by David Petty

Here are some of the best ways you can save money on a trip to Majorca.

Flights

Comparison websites are the best way to check out your flights. They do the legwork for you, finding the cheapest deals on your selected dates. Travel Supermarket, Expedia and Cheap Flights all offer a useful service.

Contrary to popular belief it can pay off to book flights early. Particularly during the popular months there may be a late rush to buy tickets. Avoiding peak times, such as the school holidays and weekends may also help to cut costs.

A good tactic is to sign up to email alerts from your favourite travel sites. Then you don’t miss out on any ticket sales. This article by the Guardian offers expert advice on bagging cheap flights.

Food

The key to eating on the cheap is to avoid the major tourist spots. You will often pay a premium to dine where the masses want to go. Instead find out where the locals recommend. Not only will you save money, but you will get a real feel for native life and cuisine.

The best tactic is to dust off your Spanish, and talk to shop owners or the proprietors of your hotel. If you want to establish what’s out there before you depart, you can find useful lists of expert recommended restaurants online.

Playa de Muro, Majorca, Spain by PRINSOTEL HOTELS

Activities

Majorca’s warm climate means that there are plenty of activities you can do that won’t break the bank. The island is strewn with beautiful beaches like Playa de Muro, a never-ending stretch of golden sand and turquoise sea.

Adrenaline junkies can get their fix with Experience Mallorca and their range of instructed activities, such as scuba diving for around sixty pounds.

Accommodation

Just as with flights the key to getting a deal on your accommodation is to do your research and compare. Sites like Hotelopia offer hotels in Majorca for as little as 15 pounds a night.

You can get deals if you book last minute or out of peak season. The best thing is to subscribe to emails from travel sites to get alerts about sales.

Palma de Majorca, Spain by Cristian Bortes

Extra Tips

If you fly with a budget airline you are likely to pay extra to store luggage in the hold. Instead try to minimise how much you take and pack it as hand luggage.

Many travellers also overlook the fact that most credit cards add a 3% cost to the exchange rates banks themselves get. The Halifax Clarity credit card has no foreign exchange rate fee anywhere in the world. Using one just for spending overseas can save you money, as long as you make sure to pay it back in full to avoid interest.

A holiday in Majorca doesn’t have to break the bank. In comparison to many destinations you can find very reasonable deals. A little extra legwork could mean that you can enjoy a great family holiday for a great price. Do you have any money saving tips to share?

The post How To Do Majorca On A Budget: All The Fun Less Of The Cash appeared first on Europe Explored.

Many northern Europeans, attracted by Javea’s mild climate, have bought retirement homes there, and the town boasts a lively expatriate community. It is a popular tourist destination as well, combining the charm of a traditional fishing village with an abundance of facilities and activities for tourists. Here are 10 things to see and do when you visit.

Javea beach, Spain by Adrian Scottow

1. Playa la Granadella

This rocky beach is situated in a secluded cove about 20 minutes drive from Javea. The beach is popular with divers and snorkelers. Dramatic pathways wind around tall forested cliffs surrounding the beach area.

2. Arenal Beach

This beach is clean, sandy, and dotted with palm trees. There are several play areas and a wide selection of beachfront shops and restaurants.

3. Arenal Promenade

The newly refurbished Arenal promenade offers a wide selection of shops and market stalls, plus outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants. It is a great place to linger over coffee and people watch. A night market is open along the beachfront every night in the summer until midnight.

Playa de la Granadella, Spain by Carlosu7

4. Montgo Natural Park

This park features winding paths up the Montgo mountain. The paths zigzag most of the way, with a steep rock scramble near the peak. At nearly 2,500 feet above sea level, the climb is well worth it for the fantastic views over the town. There is a variety of trails, both easy and challenging, for hiking or cycling. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park.

5. Churches

Two very different churches dominate the landscape of the town. The Church of Nuestra Senora de Loreto, near the fishing port, was built in 1967 of reinforced concrete in a modern style. Its roof depicts a ship’s hull, and twelve anchors supporting the church are meant to represent the 12 apostles. The Church of San Bartomeu dates back to the 14th century, and is the centerpiece of Javea’s historic district.

6. Javea Golf Club

This is an inexpensive, pleasant 9-hole golf course with a terrace restaurant.

7. Old Town

The Old Town offers winding streets to explore, the town hall, museums, art galleries as well as a wide variety of restaurants and nightclubs.

Sunset over Javea, Spain by Adrian Scottow

8. The Town Market

Every Thursday morning, Javea hosts a market in the center of town, with dozens of stalls selling fresh, locally grown produce. It is an ideal place to pick up your picnic lunch for your hike up Montgo Mountain.

9. The Marina

Visit Javea’s picturesque marina and fishing port for a flavor of old Spainish maritime life.

10. Cap de la Nau and Cap de San Antoni

Both of these spots have scenic lighthouses and spectacular views of Javea and the coastline.

This article was sent in to us by British expat Bob Green. Bob is retired and moved to Javea in 2010 when he purchased his villa in Javea from expert property finders Spanish Property Sales. Bob enjoys writing about his expat life in Spain and plans to start a blog.

The post 10 Things To Do And See In Javea, Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Beach in Mallorca, Balearic islands, Spain by Boris van Hoytema

Mallorca

This is the largest of the islands and hosts the capital city of Palma. Tourists flying in to the Balearic Islands will land here before going on to their final destinations. It is also the port of entry if arriving by ship. Some of the most modern sea vessels offering a delightful experience ply the route between the mainland, from Barcelona to Palma.

Minorca

The name Minorca refers to the smaller island as opposed to Mallorca’s larger island. History buffs visit the island to view the many stone monuments that populate this island. The megaliths give evidence to the notion that there was prehistoric civilizations in this part of the world. Its latest claim to fame was its historic pirate activity at the end of the Punic wars. This was the other attraction from history buffs.

Ibiza

Aside from all the partying that Ibiza is usually associated with, this is another historian’s paradise. Ibiza was at the forefront of the changes that occurred to this area after decline of the Phoenicians. The area was inhabited by settlers as far back as 650BC. As the Assyrians ascended to power while the Phoenicians waned, Ibiza came under the control of ancient Carthage. Today, its status as a party town is almost legendary and it continues to attract a crowd that is young and energetic.

Typical coastline of Balearic islands, Spain by David Sim

Formentera

Of all the Balearic Islands, this is the smallest and lies far to the south of the group. It is also the least populated of all the islands and offers a serene and tranquil Mediterranean lifestyle. The island is a throwback to the ways of the ancients that inhabited the island and it is a real getaway from all the walking and dancing the other islands offer. The best thing to do here is to lie on the beach and enjoy the ocean spray and pristine air as it cools your skiing while the sun tans it.

Travel Tips

As with any venture out into the unknown, or away from your home, it is always best to understand the exact local culture and local offerings of your destination. The best way to enjoy it is to plan everything and be prepared for everything. Getting European travel insurance is not a bad idea. This will give you peace of mind as you venture into the unknown.

James Rowland works in SEO for a prestigious marketing company in the UK. With years of experience in copywriting he enjoys writing about travel, insurance, finance and sport.

The post Balearic Holidays – A Guide to the Balearic Islands appeared first on Europe Explored.

Sunset in Ibiza, Spain by Steven Straiton

1. Go Shopping at Las Delias Marketplace

With over 200 stalls to explore, the market at Las Delias takes place on Saturday afternoons between 10am-8pm and Monday nights from 8pm-1:30am. Selling a variety of unique items such as books, jewellery, antiques and paintings, the vibrant atmosphere of Las Delias is a must for those eager to immerse themselves in the heart of Spanish culture. After experiencing the delights the stalls have to offer, visitors are able to unwind at a number of the market’s outdoor restaurants and bars. If that doesn’t fully satiate your entertainment needs, after hours, Las Delias bursts into life with music from live bands in the concert hall, and Pascha DJ sets at Soul Bar.

2. Dine at Sa Capella Restaurant

Renowned for its breathtaking décor, Sa Capella is a dining experience like no other. Based in a sixteenth century church, this restaurant is perfect for those wanting to discover the architectural beauty of old-world Ibiza. Serving a traditional Mediterranean menu, Sa Capella is sophisticated and serene, with a magnificent stone hall and accompanying outdoor terrace for early diners to watch the sun go down.

3. Chill Out At Cala Xuclar

If you want to escape the inevitable overcrowding of many of Ibiza’s beach destinations, the secluded Cala Xuclar is a perfect getaway for those wanting a more tranquil atmosphere. Situated in the North-West of the island, the serene cove of Cala Xuclar may not have the extensive range of facilities the more popular beach destinations in Ibiza flaunt, but its authentic picturesque surroundings and highly-commended beach bar make this the perfect day out for those wanting to relax.

4. Pamper Yourself At The Atzaro Spa

If you’re thinking of adding a bit of high-class to your holiday, a day at the spa is a perfect way to unwind. Atzaro has a Far-Eastern theme, with treatment rooms designed like temples and a waterfall backdrop, creating a beautifully serene and relaxing environment. Run by a team of Balinese trained therapists who offer a wide range of different treatments, why not go ahead and treat yourself?

5. Go Clubbing At Space

The night-life scene in Ibiza is arguably one of the most talked about in the world, and if you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about, Space is the place to go. With a six-room layout playing electronic music from a range of famous DJs, you’d be foolish not to visit one of a handful of clubbing institutions that put this tiny Spanish island on the map.

These destinations alone make the island more than worth a visit, and with its glorious climate, unrivalled vibrant atmosphere and a range of stunning accommodation such as luxury villas, Ibiza is definitely the place to be this summer! Already been? Tell us what you recommend!

Daisy Greaves is a holiday fanatic with a passion for travelling and night-life. She is currently completing an English degree in Manchester, specialising in creative writing. She writes for Dynamic Lives.

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Ibiza Scenery, Balearic Islands, Spain by Teo Romera

Ibiza- All about Beach, Sunshine and Night Dazzles

While in Ibiza, the options of travel include

• Torre del Pirata
• Atlantis, Las Dalias (the hippie market)
• San Antonio (for Sunset Trip)
• Beaches (Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, Cala Tarida, and Platja de Ses Salines)
• Eivissa Dalt Vila
• Santa Eulària des Riu
• Puerto de San Miguel
• Necròpolis del Puig des Molins
• Iglesia de Santo Domingo
• Museu Arqueològic d’Eivissa i Formentera
• Santa Maria d’Eivissa cathedral
• San Telmo Church
• The Caves of San Marca

The contagious laughter, smile and sunshine start from one end of the town islands of Ibiza stretches to the other. None is spared, be a hotel dweller or a villa renter. Now, for some of prismatic choices of the luxury villa in Ibiza, the below list could be a great help.

Ibiza beach, Spain by David Sim

Beach Villa

Cala Jondal, located on the South-west side of Ibiza Island, is the place where Beach Villa is found. The name of the villa does a complete justice because of the situation of Blue Marlin and Tropicana Beach. Inside, the villa has four suites with bar, swimming pool and hot tub. The private club below it has decks, disco lightings, etc for the family and friends to party whole night without any need to get into the main town. Once out of the door of this property, the person will be greeted with the huge blue of the sea.

Moreover, do not forget to take in to account the professionally trained staff adding to the experience.

Calo un Real

A hilltop villa, it features the panoramic view of Mediterranean Sea and surrounding views. It is exteriorly coloured in Moroccan Red giving hints on the luxury of the interiors. The four bedroom villa, the terrace to enjoy sunsets on sun beds provided alongside the dining areas and the swimming pool leave no stone unturned to make the holidays as special as they could ever be. The facilities of TV, stereo, DVD player, fire place with bar, restaurant, tennis court, etc only add to the vacation experience.

Like the one above, this villa also provides the service of local concierge with a facility to book private yacht or jets.

Casa Voyger

For someone who has come down to Ibiza with family or a big group, this could be perfect with its one double bedroom and 3 room with two single beds. Additionally, a modern kitchen is provided, meant for all the intimate moments that find their place in the culinary heaven while experimenting with new recipes. Enjoy a gas BBQ for the picnic feel and open discussion with spouse / partner, kids and peers alike. When done with the get together, give yourself a secluded time walking along the beaches of Cala Carbo and Cala Vedella.

Not to be forgotten, the availability of helping hands making the Ibiza holidays more comfortable.

The loud parties might present a great contrast to the silence found in secluded private properties but selection of where one stays and what he enjoys, depends upon the mood and inclination. Everyone can find one thing or the other to make the luxury escape in this part of Spain more cheerful than anywhere else.

Rent a villa after going through individual requirements and making sure they match. Then, feel free to explore this tiny piece of heaven, known as Ibiza!

The post Escape to Ibiza and Find Luxury in Private Clubs or Secluded Villas! appeared first on Europe Explored.

Tourism is big on the east coast of Lanzarote and the architecture reflects this. However, drive up the coast in a northerly direction and you can enter another world. The landscape changes and there is more of an authentic feel to the place. Arrieta is a wonderful village that is home to local fisherman. It is a charming place to stop for lunch; there are various restaurants around the harbour that produce some knock out fish dishes.

Driving through Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park, Canary Islands, Spain by Son of Groucho

After a delicious lunch, drive further north to Punta de Majors for a dip in a natural swimming pool. There are several pools formed by the rocks and they fill up when the tide comes in. This is a great and unique place to have a refreshing swim. The pools are very pretty and outstrip a hotel swimming pool every time. They were originally used as a place for locals to do their washing. Remember too throw a towel in the boot before you set off.

Keep heading north until you reach the signs for Famara Beach. This is a natural wonder on Lanzarote. If you have ever felt the need to surf then this is the right place. There is a beach of 400m of fine sand – don’t expect the white sand of traditionally beautiful beaches as the sand is brown due to the volcanic nature of the island. However, the water is a great blue colour and the surfing is very good here. The famous Lanzarote surf school is based here so it is a great place to start your surfing career. As the water can be fairly turbulent, swimmers are officially advised to swim close to the shore.

Famara Beach, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain by torephoto

If you have set off on your Lanzarote adventure on a Sunday, then a trip to Teguise would be certainly worthwhile. It is the old capital of Lanzarote and as such it has some impressive colonial architecture. The Sunday market is a grand affair, with stalls selling local crafts. It is a bustling affair and it is often a great place to pick up those souvenirs that we love to buy. There are various food stall that make lunch a cheap and tasty event. A hot tip is to get there early for a great parking spot.

Lanzarote is not just an island of high rises and drunken tourists. It is a beautiful and rather unique island that has a lot more to offer than a clichéd holiday in the sun. The trick to finding the hidden gems is to use a hire car and explore the island at your own pace. It is not a huge island and it can be circumnavigated within a day. The stunning yet eerie volcanic scenery is breathtaking and provides great photographic material.

Written by Elizabeth James who writes for www.carrentals.co.uk. For more information, click here.

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As the largest of the Canaries, Tenerife’s coastline stretches out for 350km. The impressive shoreline is ideal for surfing, horse riding and, of course, sun bathing.

Tenerife Coastline, Spain by Jose Mesa

Put on your walking shoes

Further land inwards, a good pair of walking boots will come in handy as you’ll be tempted to foray into tropical-forest and volcanic lava. Almost 200 km² of the island is covered by the dramatic Teide National Park, which consists of 80% of the world’s volcanic formations. Over 37 marked walking tracks snake through rough badlands, past volcanic pipes, cones and smoothly twisted rock formations called pahoehoe and lajial lava. If you’re up for a climb, head to the northern end of Teide National Park where you’ll find the highest summit: Mount Teide. The park actually owes its name to this 3718m peak, which famously casts the biggest shadow on the sea worldwide. It’s a live volcano but don’t worry, it hasn’t erupted since 1909.

Unique species of Tenerife

Teide National Park is home to 14 plant species that don’t grow anywhere else on earth and 70 species of spiders, beetles and other invertebrates that have never been spotted anywhere else. But these rather wonderful little creatures aren’t the only endemic fauna of the island. The park also is the only home of the Canary Island Lizard, the Canary Island Wall Gecko and the Canary Island Skink.

If you’re into bird watching, keep an eye out for Blue Chaffinches, Bolle’s and Laurel Pigeons, tiny Tenerife Goldcrests, Crowned Cranes, Berthelot’s Pipits, Yellow Legged Gulls, Southern Grey Shrikes, Hoopoes and Canarian subspecies of Chiffchaffs, Blue Tits, Robins, Kestrels and Grey Wagtails as well as Atlantic Canaries.

Unexplored Guanche sites

As if this isn’t exciting enough, there also are hundreds of unmarked and unexplored archaeological sites with remains from the Guanches (the indigenous inhabitants). If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon one of these sites, admire what you see and do take lots of pictures, but please leave it exactly as you found it. Even taking just a small souvenir is plunder!

The Guanches are enveloped by mystery. All we know is that they migrated from North Africa to Tenerife sometime between 1000 BC and 100 BC and that they brought wheat, barley and domesticated animals such as dogs, goats, pigs and sheep with them.

Camels and Gorillas

The camels weren’t introduced to the island until after the Spanish Conquest, between the end of the 15th Century and the beginning of the 16th Century. But when you visit the Camel Park near Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, you can see they’ve really taken to the island.

If the Camel Park sounds exciting to you, wait till you hear this: the largest all male troop of western lowland gorillas in the world is based in Villa Gorilla on Tenerife. The natural habitat for these gorillas consists of the rainforests of equatorial Africa, but zoo Loro Parque has managed to recreate the right environment in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife. Gorillas tend to live in groups, but they usually emigrate from their natal troop when they grow up. When single males can’t attract enough females to form their own troop, they sometimes form an all-male troop. This is the situation that has been recreated in Villa Gorilla, the 3500 m2 area in Loro Parque that is reserved for the seven bachelor friends.

In March this year, the zoo keepers and vets of Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz left no stone unturned to celebrate the 40th birthday of the eldest statesman of the group: Schorsch. This is a very respectable age among gorillas, as only around 2 per cent of males in captivity reach this age. Schorsch, is only a couple of months older than the zoological park that he calls his home – Loro Parque will celebrate it’s 40th anniversary on 17th December 2012. If you want to escape Britain’s brass monkey weather this winter, book a flight to Tenerife for December and go ape at the zoo!

Experience this extraordinary beach destination for yourself. Prices for one way flights to Tenerife start at £51.49pp this January with Fly Thomas Cook.

The post Treasure in Tenerife: lunar landscapes and unique wildlife experiences appeared first on Europe Explored.

The area

Historically Torrevieja was renowned for its production of sea salt, which has been one of the area’s leading exports since Roman times. In more recent times the area has become famed for its golden sandy beaches and superb water sports and sports fishing opportunities. As recently as the 1980s Torrevieja was a sleepy fishing village, but in the last couple of decades the area has been transformed into a holiday maker’s paradise. The area boasts some fantastic restaurants offering tastes from all over the world, and if you’re a sucker for the beach, there are four sandy stretches with calm, clear waters right on your doorstep.

Cove in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Jose M Martin Jimenez

The beaches

If you like nothing better than spending a good portion of your holiday flat out on the beach then you will not be short of choice in Torrevieja. Playa de los Locos is one of the larger beaches within walking distance of Torrevieja centre that boasts a 700 metre stretch of sand as well as calm, blue waters perfect for swimmers of all abilities.

Playa del Cura is particularly popular with the locals due to its stunning backdrop of palm trees and charming restaurants. The beach’s small size and popularity does mean it gets busy in peak season, so you might have to set off early to secure your spot.

Playa de la Mata is regarded by many as the most beautiful beach in Torrevieja, and is less protected than the area’s other beaches, making it a haven for water sports lovers. Windsurfers, kite surfers and sailors flock to the beach from miles around, but thankfully the beach has a large of expanse of sand, so you should always find your own little sunny spot.

Beach in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, Spain by Phillip Capper

The attractions

The town’s rich heritage as a major producer of sea salt is encapsulated by Torrevieja’s sea and salt museum. Although you may not think you’ll be immediately taken by the history of the salt industry, this museum is of real interest and well worth an hour of your time.

The Park of Nations is an excellent place to relax, escape the crowds and enjoy an oasis of tranquillity. The beautifully landscaped and verdant park, complete with lake, fountain and palm trees make you feel like you’re a million miles away from a bustling tourist resort.

And what better way to walk off your dinner than with an evening stroll along Torrevieja’s gorgeous beach front and marina. Order a drink and watch the world go by in one of the town’s charming cafes or bars.

Author: If you’re looking for great apartments in Costa Blanca then Los Locos Beach offer comfortable, well equipped, spotlessly clean self-catering apartments with breathtaking sea views. Pop along to the website to see the full range of apartments.

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The islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote in particular are popular destinations for Canary Islands holidays and are well developed but even these have some fantastic wildlife to see. If you’re a lover of animals then the islands are great places to visit. Here are a list of the best wildlife to spot while on your holiday:

A male Atlantic Canary in Parque Rural del Nublo, Gran Canaria, Spain by Juan Emilio

The Atlantic Canary is named after the island chain, and is one of the most common pet birds in the world. They are most recognisable for their yellow plumage and distinctive song. The canary is endemic to the islands and they are very common on all of the islands, apart from on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote where they are surprisingly rare. Generally they can be found anywhere with decent amounts of trees and shrubs ranging from the pine and laurel forests to parks and orchards. It’s not unheard of to find them in sand dunes too.

Where to see them: Almost everywhere (apart from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura!)

Geckos

Various species of geckos can be found in the Canary Islands and they are by far the most common lizards. Being reptiles and therefore cold blooded, they can usually be found basking in the sun both in towns and in the country. The East Canary Gecko is one of the most common and can be identified by its pale stripes. Generally, they grow to be around 15-20cm including their tail and can only be found on the islands of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Lobos.

A word of caution – the gecko’s camouflage is excellent and they are surprisingly easy to step on so watch where you are walking, especially in the more rural areas.

Where to see them: commonly found basking in the sun

Giant Lizard

There are three species of the critically endangered Giant Lizard which are named after their respective islands of El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma. These are extremely rare and in the case of the La Palma Giant Lizard, the last confirmed sighting was in 2007. All of these species live in very isolated areas (usually on cliffs) and are very difficult to catch a sighting of. The La Gomera lizard can be seen in captivity but it is recommended not to go actively searching for wild Giant Lizards as the population is extremely fragile.

Where to see them: the captive breeding population on La Gomera

Sea Turtles

There are five types of sea turtle that can be periodically seen off the islands on their migratory routes. These are the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Kemp’s Ridley and the Green Sea turtle. While they no longer breed on the islands, it is thought that the Leatherback turtle once did and efforts are being made to introduce the Loggerhead species into the ecosystem.

Seeing any of these turtles is often luck of the draw but if you go scuba diving or take a boat out then you will increase your chances. The best time to see these turtles is during the summer months.

Where to see them: deeper waters around the islands

Marine Life

Dolphins and Pilot Whales pass by the islands on their migratory routes and consequently form a big part of the tourist industry in the Canary Islands. There are many boat operators that will take tourists out to see them and it’s a very popular activity. Similarly, it is possible to see various species of sharks, rays, eels and other fish. Again, specially organised boat and scuba diving trips are the best way to see these creatures.

Where to see them: All the surrounding waters of the islands

Other Species

The Canary Islands are great for wildlife and, other notable occupants include the Canary Big Eared Bat, the Canarian Egyptian Vulture, the Blue Chaffinch and various small mammals such as shrews and rats. The Mouflon (wild sheep) is an introduced species and can be seen up in the mountains in the summer and at lower altitudes in winter.

Bill Weston is a travel writer who writes about a number of locations including Canary Islands holidays – find out more at BlueBayResorts.com

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