Canary Islands Cruise - from Palmeira - 126472

This island group of volcanic origin lies off the coast of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises 10 larger and several smaller islands. The Cape Verde islands are a paradise for those who love adventure holidays and amaze visitors with their variety and unspoiled nature: mountains up to 2,000 metres high, green all year round, tropical valeys with sugar-cane, coffee and cassava plantations on the island of Santo Antão, which is perfect for hiking. In stark contrast to this is the bizarre volcanic landscape of the Island of Fogo, with 'Pico de Fogo' reaching 2,829 m. The island Sal, meanwhile, surprises with its perfect white beaches, but the real attraction is under water: divers have found shipwrecks dating from the 16th century beneath the waves.

This island group of volcanic origin lies off the coast of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises 10 larger and several smaller islands. The Cape Verde islands are a paradise for those who love adventure holidays and amaze visitors with their variety and unspoiled nature: mountains up to 2,000 metres high, green all year round, tropical valeys with sugar-cane, coffee and cassava plantations on the island of Santo Antão, which is perfect for hiking. In stark contrast to this is the bizarre volcanic landscape of the Island of Fogo, with 'Pico de Fogo' reaching 2,829 m. The island Sal, meanwhile, surprises with its perfect white beaches, but the real attraction is under water: divers have found shipwrecks dating from the 16th century beneath the waves.

This island group of volcanic origin lies off the coast of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises 10 larger and several smaller islands. The Cape Verde islands are a paradise for those who love adventure holidays and amaze visitors with their variety and unspoiled nature: mountains up to 2,000 metres high, green all year round, tropical valeys with sugar-cane, coffee and cassava plantations on the island of Santo Antão, which is perfect for hiking. In stark contrast to this is the bizarre volcanic landscape of the Island of Fogo, with 'Pico de Fogo' reaching 2,829 m. The island Sal, meanwhile, surprises with its perfect white beaches, but the real attraction is under water: divers have found shipwrecks dating from the 16th century beneath the waves.

This island group of volcanic origin lies off the coast of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean. It comprises 10 larger and several smaller islands. The Cape Verde islands are a paradise for those who love adventure holidays and amaze visitors with their variety and unspoiled nature: mountains up to 2,000 metres high, green all year round, tropical valeys with sugar-cane, coffee and cassava plantations on the island of Santo Antão, which is perfect for hiking. In stark contrast to this is the bizarre volcanic landscape of the Island of Fogo, with 'Pico de Fogo' reaching 2,829 m. The island Sal, meanwhile, surprises with its perfect white beaches, but the real attraction is under water: divers have found shipwrecks dating from the 16th century beneath the waves.

The largest of the Canary Isles is Tenerife. Due to the mild climate and its geography, the island has a number of micro-climates. A mountain range spans the island at the centre of which is the impressive volcanic crater Cañadas del Teide with a diameter of around 20 km, and 'Teide' itself, which measures 3,718 metres in height. The valleys on either side of the mountains are extremely fertile, with important banana and tomato cultivation. By the sea there are beautiful sections of coastline with craggy cliffs and others with wide, fine sandy beaches. Active holidaymakers should visit Teide National Parks, Loro Parque, Barranco del Infierno, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, the pyramids at Güimar, the Anaga mountains, La Laguna, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and the Aqua Park.

El Hierro is the smallest and most westerly of the Canary Isles with an area of 278 km². It has successfully retained its quaint rural charm - a far cry from mass tourism. In a tiny space, volcanic elemental forces created a bizarre natural landscape, which could not be more contradictory in terms of its countryside and climate. El Hierro is a paradise for hikers, fans of mountain biking, diving enthusiasts and nature lovers wishing to discover this breathtakingly beautiful island for themselves. Visitors who are happy to be away from sandy beaches and holiday entertainment will find peace and quiet and untouched nature on this island recently designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

A flight of approximately 20 minutes (or around two hours by boat) separates Madeira from the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, which is only 41 square metres in size but has a beautiful wide golden sandy beach measuring 9km. Everything Madeira is famous for - blossom, forests and mountains - is absent on Porto Santo. Instead, the "Holy Port" has an asset its big sister cannot claim - beautiful fine sandy beaches and a steady climate. The sand erosion at the Fonte de Areia, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the cliffs of the northern coastline, are well worth a visit. In the South-West, by Ponta da Calheta, bizarre lava cliffs jut up out of the water. Since there is little by way of vegetation on the island, the sandy beach dominates. A short trip to Camacha with its picturesque mill or to the Ponta de Calheta for a meal of fish with a spectacular view, means you will not be bored.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and lies at the South coast of the island. The port stretches from a relatively flat area of the coast to high up in the adjacent mountain chain. Funchal is perfect not only for relaxing in one of the floating cafés by the harbour, but also for shopping for delicacies in the market hall, which has a huge assortment of fish, flowers and vegetables. The city centre is also worth seeing: in the old town area is the famous fort. The upper town is dominated by the "Castelo de São de Pico", also known as "Pico Fort". At the foot of the fort lies the English cemetery. Further attractions: the cathedral, the old customs house, the fort "São Tiago", the city park, "Quinta das Cruzes" gardens with an archaeological park.