The Canary Islands are a chain of seven islands in the Kingdom of Spain. Their Spanish name is Islas Canarias.

History

Though unconfirmed, it is believed that the name comes from an African tribe called the Canarii. Another explanation is that the name is a modification of Insularia Canaria which is Latin for "island of the dogs". The Romans gave this name to the islands because of the huge population of fierce dogs located on one of the islands, Gran Canaria.

Geographical Features

The seven islands are of volcanic origin and are located off the northwest coast of Africa. Most of the terrain is volcanic. There is very little rainfall and throughout the year the temperature remains comfortably warm. This makes the landscape unique and several large areas of the islands have been turned into protected parks.

What to visit

Fuerteventura (Fuerte, strong and Ventura, happiness) is one of the islands in the Canary Islands that offers a very relaxed way of life with clean streets, beaches, and none of the representations of modern civilization to intrude upon your senses.

The neighboring tourist spots like Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria are too overtly screaming to attract tourists. Fuerteventura, by contrast, is a quite place for those who do not need a busy nightlife.

Fuerteventura is closest to Africa and has many beaches that can be approached via well maintained roads that are blessedly free of traffic.

Traveling

There are many modes of public transport like buses and ferries. All of them are cheap and punctual and make traveling easy and pleasant.

What to do

There are many things to do in Fuerteventura. You could sit in one of the numerous shops and bars and enjoy a quite drink while watching the idle life on the life. Entertainment options include live groups, cabarets, karaoke bars, quizzes, and bingo. You should remember that this is a quite place and people are more laid back so that wont be anyone jumping up and down just itchy to entertain you for a few bucks.

In Fuerteventura, even the airport turns off the runway lights at night.
Other activities can include going sea bathing in the horseshoe shaped beach in Caleta. While the gently sloping beach is open and safe there are reclaimed areas to the south side that have brick constructions for those who desire privacy.

Fuerteventura has often been called "the land that time forgot". If you are really tired of civilization to the point that you want to get away from it in the real sense of the word then you could do no better than visiting Fuerteventura. It is offers several water sports including windsurfing, surfing, and kite surfing.