Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hector Garcia

Canary Islands also feature rocky volcanic peaks. The one on the island of Gran Canaria is called Pico de las Nieves. Its slope descends to the ocean and is cut by numerous canyons. The island is divided into two climatic zones. North is more fertile and wetter, while south is more dry and warmer. Actually, we can say that the whole island is quite diverse.

Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the Canary Islands, it is also one of the most popular and therefore most vibrant tourist destinations in this area. The capital is Las Palmas. Varied landscape consists of sand dunes which you can enjoy from the camel back, palm and pine groves, and also of inland mountain forests. Thanks to the favorable climate the island is also suitable for banana trees. Very famous is spectacular botanical garden Palmitos Park – an artificial oasis in the canyon near Playa del Inglés.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cristian Bortes

The next stop you should certainly do in a picturesque port of Puerto de Mogan. It is indeed a picturesque town where you can meet with genuine Canarian residents and taste some of the local specialities in one of many nice restaurants. It is an island full of souvenirs and Spanish specialties. People in Gran Canaria are very hospitable and respectful.

Do not miss also the botanical garden Jardin Canario in the town of Alta Tafira (southwest of Las Palmas). Admission is free and you can see all the original flora here.

There are two famous ports suitable for Yachtsmen – Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan. You can find here both a school for sailors, as well as for divers. Puerto de Mogan is also a paradise for fishermen, because there are strong ocean flows that bring a food for fish. Grand Canaria offers ideal conditions for golf fans, you can even organize your own golf tournament here.

The hot favorite for accommodation on this island are well-furnished caves.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Juan Sosa

Best beaches in Gran Canaria Island

Playa Amadores – Beach with white sand lined with various shops and restaurants, has a reputation as one of the most beautiful in the whole of Gran Canaria. Playa Amadores is located near the center of Puerto Rico. Interesting is, that the beach which is located among the rocks has been created artificially to meet the requirements of even the most demanding clientele.

Playa del Ingles – The longest beach on the island, located in the middle of Maspalomas. Playa del Ingles with its charms is the most visited beach of Gran Canaria. Jumbo Multifunction Center located directly on the coast provides a wide range of services.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alberto Garcia

Other places worth visiting in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas When you visit Las Palmas you should definitely pay for a sightseeing tourist bus. It runs from the city station and take you to all the places that are worth seeing. Additionally, you can easily get off the bus any time, and later get in (with the same ticket) the next bus.

The historic city of Telde
About 13 km south of Las Palmas you can see the second largest city on the island – Telde. There is a picturesque Basilica of San Juan Bautista. There is also the widest coastal strip on Gran Canaria with many diverse beaches (such as Hombre, Melenara etc.).

Artenara
Artenara is a beautiful place with Canarian atmosphere and beautiful nature, situated in the mountains and the valley are. It offers stunning views of the surrounding forested hills and small mountain lakes.

View Gran Canaria – the most diverse island of Canary Islands Spain in a larger map

The post Gran Canaria – the most diverse island of Canary Islands | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Elba is located between Liguria Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea and is often called as The Pearl of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Elba offers wonderful natural sceneries and beautiful mountains. Sandy beaches are very popular here and many tourists prefer to visit Portoferraio for its National Park activities. The island of Elba is about 150km long and covers the area of 224 km2. The Monte Cappane – the highest mountain on Elba (1019m) is very popular for hiking and it is also called “roof of the Tuscan Archipelago”.

Since Portoferraio has the historical value, many scholars are doing research in the island. About thirty thousand people are living in this island and about eleven thousand persons are staying in Portoferraio city. On Elba you can find lots of monuments.

You can enjoy here the sunbathing, fishing, the pirate ship battle, hiking, visiting Napoleon’s palace (Napoleon was here in exile as governor), or even sitting in pubs and tasting excellent local cuisine.

Regular boat services are available from Piombino. Our tip is to rent a boat and discover the coast of Elba where you can find lots of unknown and empty wonderful beaches.

Tourists visiting Italy should not miss to visit Elba, as we think it is one of few places, which have to be visited, at least once in a life.

View Island of Elba – pearl of the Tuscan Archipelago in a larger map

The post Island of Elba – pearl of the Tuscan Archipelago appeared first on Europe Explored.

Cyprus is an ideal place for sport lovers. In winter you can both ski in the mountains of Troodos and also swim in the waves of the sea. There are golf courses, tennis courts and you can enjoy plenty of water sports here.

Cyprus coast by Anton S.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 into two independent parts – the northern Turkish and Southern Greek, the boundary leads even through the center of the capital city of Lefkosia (Nicosia). Reserve at least one day for a visit to the Turkish part of Cyprus – architecture buffs will appreciate the Gothic cathedral converted into mosque.

If you would have the opportunity to attend famous local outdoor wedding with a reception, often involving the whole village, breaking the pomegranate – a symbol of fertility, singing and dancing until dawn.

Cyprus has lots of archaeological sites and an enormous number of monuments from the times of biblical apostles Paul and Barnabas, Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders. You should try easy hiking into the Troodos mountains and Akamas gorge.

Cyprus also boasts several UNESCO Heritage sites, such as Paphos, Troodos Churches with wall paintings and Chirokoitia.

The post Cyprus – hot country appeared first on Europe Explored.