The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are much closer to the coast of Africa than to mainland Spain and it is the mid-Atlantic location that accounts for the remarkably mild climate. While best known for their pristine beaches, the seven islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera and Hierro), all of volcanic origin, offer strikingly diverse landscapes: sub-tropical rainforests, arid plains, pine woods, sand dunes, mountain peaks and remarkable flora.
The main tourist resorts are excellent for watersports, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, tennis, golf and so on. The local people take great pride in their folklore traditions and the carnival festivities are famous throughout Spain.
