The Canary Islands have attracted the attention of scholars from all over the world ever since the 18th century. Today, the large number of ecological gems on the Islands, continues to attract hundreds of thousands of nature lovers. Unique species of flora and fauna live side by side in an extraordinary diversity of landscapes that makes it impossible to talk about a single typical Canary topography.

The geographical position of the Canaries and their surprising natural wealth have helped to preserve an impressive abundance of ecological treasures to reward visitors.

Both in the more populated Islands, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and in the less populated El Hierro, there is a wealth of ecologically valuable areas.

The Canary Islands have four of Spain's ten national parks, a fact that more than justifies its title of Natural Site, especially in light the region's small size. However, there are many more areas throughout all of the Islands that enjoy special protection status.

The Canary Islands Natural Spaces Act, enacted by the regional parliament in 1994, provides special protection for a large percentage of the Island territory, in accordance with the natural assets and features to be conserved. So, apart from the national parks of Las Cañadas del Teide, Garajonay, Caldera de Taburiente and Timanfaya, which could be joined in the future by Roque Nublo Park in Gran Canaria, there are other ure parks, reserves, and sites of scientific interest.

All of this reflects the reality of the Canary Islands, with its enormous diversity and contrasts in both land and climate.

From the beautiful volcanic desolation of Timanfaya in Lanzarote to the snows of Teide in Tenerife, the green jungle of La Gomera's Garajonay, or the traditional charm of the Caldera de Taburiente in La Palma.

Macronesia. The natural wealth of the Canary Islands, an archipelago of volcanic origin located in what is known as Macronesia, is characterised by a large number of native species and a wide diversity of landscapes caused by volcanic activity peculiar to the geological evolution on each of the Islands

Some of the Islands have a moderate profile like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura; others like Tenerife and La Palma reach great heights, but they all have a specially gentle climate, thanks to the influence of ocean currents and the trade winds, meaning that all these natural spaces can be enjoyed all year round. Furthermore, the short distances, both on and between islands, make it possible to change scenery in just a few hours.

Trails. An ideal option for enjoying the natural environment of the Canaries is trekking. Nature lovers, to discover places of singular beauty and enjoy their very essence, now use the old trails that the Islanders used to get from one place to another before the motor age. Almost all of them are simple, well-signed trails, although it is not always advisable to hike them alone

Another option is to try one of the so-called nature sports. It would be impossible to find a more spectacular setting for them. Although there is an increasing range of rural accommodations located close to these natural attractions, there is an extraordinary supply of hotel and self-catering units throughout the Islands that are easily accessible as well.

A short journey will take you from the liveliest coastal resort to a more tranquil environment. As well, you can travel to any other Island by plane or boat to broaden the horizons of your visit and discover a different world, just a few kilometres away.

Special thanks to The Consejería de Turismo y Transportes del Gobierno de Canarias