Gran Canaria offers great eco-friendly locations
Situated near the northern coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are as near to paradise as you’re going to get for the environmentally-conscious traveller. Surrounded by the warm waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canaries have plenty of sea and beach-based activities that are clean and green for the budget traveller to do. But look a little bit further and you’ll find there’s so much more to the Canaries too!
Making up one of the most popular vacation spots for travellers throughout Europe, Canaries holidays are a perfect budget option for those holiday-makers strapped for cash but still hungry for action. Smartly bridging the category of low-cost cheap holidays with those of action and adventure, the Canaries are a perfect place for you to get the best of both worlds. Whether you opt to spend your time on the large islands of the region, like those of Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Tenerife and Lanzarote, or settle for a low-key eco-friendly tour in one of the area’s small towns, the region has got you covered.
Read on for a breakdown on some of the greenest Canary Island holiday spots.
Gran Canaria
Taking some time out to visit Gran Canaria is a very smart move indeed for the eco-friendly traveller. Home to some fantastic green-friendly resorts like the award-winning Sunwing Resort, Gran Canaria has plenty more to see and do also.
The region boasts an impressive environmental record which has been increasing in the past few years making it increasingly more attractive. The recent formation of the Canarian Agency of Sustainable Development and Climate Change has brought a lot to the area, ensuring that tours and trips produce as low amount of emissions as possible and that both locals and tourists alike are aware of the ecological concerns that impact the area.
Tenerife
Tenerife is another fun area for travellers to visit in this region. The largest and perhaps best-known island in the Canaries, Tenerife is a superb location for you to unwind on a green holiday break.
With the Tenerife tourist board recent winners of the AITO sustainable tourism award, Tenerife has great eco-friendly hiking and trekking options in sites like the Anaga Rural Park and its Path of Senses Trail and the tours around the area’s bioclimatic village.
Let’s not forget that Tenerife also has some pretty exceptional attractions including museums, theme parks, water sports and many other amenities. Among our top picks? Spain’s highest mountain El Teidi, the animal protection foundation efforts at the Loro Parque Zoo and the hiking in the Barranco del Infierno.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is another key part of the Canary Islands that is just as unmissable as the rest. With some of the best volcanic views in all of Spain, Lanzarote is one of the more notable eco-friendly destinations that tourists can find in Spain.
Whether it’s checking out the ancient cave system of the Jameous del Agua and getting off the beaten track with Lanza Eco Tours, or a beach front stay in the eco-lodges in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote has a tonne of great options.
It’s also worth checking out the Lanzarote Tourist Boards guide on eco-friendly activities for some extra inspiration.
La Gomera
Little heard of La Gomera shouldn’t be overlooked by the environmentally-minded traveller heading to the Canaries. The rolling hills, jungle-clad valleys and the UNESCO designated Garajonay National Park all offer great green options on things to see and do.
One of the best wine producers in the region, La Gomera also offers other culinary delights in its almogrote and miel de palma. Just 40 minutes ferry ride from Tenerife, you can get there in a relatively green-minded manner also.
Fuerteventura
Characterized by it’s beautiful sandy beaches, Fuerteventura is a spot that offer one of the most peaceful and ideal vacations for holiday makers thinking about heading to the Canaries.
With lots of eco-friendly things to see and do, including a trip to the Antigua Windmall Craft Centre, the Tamaretilla Cactus and Leisure Park and a stop at the palm tree laden ravine at Vega del Rio de Palmas, Fuerteventura should be top of your list.
El Hierro
Last but not least, another stunning location to visit in the Canary Islands, the “Meridian Island” has some pretty steep cliffs, but make no mistake about its beauty.
Pay a visit to it’s UNESCO protected marine reserve in Mar de Las Calmas and you’ll be bowled over by its diverse wildlife, efforts in sustainable fishing and smart use of natural resources.
Make no mistake, the Canary Islands are very beautiful, natural and relatively cheap to visit. With locals dedicated to upholding the ideals of their traditions through many generations, sustainability and eco-minded tourism is at the forefront of everything these islands do.
There’s no better place to spend your next eco-friendly holiday. Gran Canaria offers some of the best green destinations around.
(cc) Hector Garcia