Suffice it to say, the flavor of the islands is nothing short of exotic, and the landscape is dotted by hundreds of volcanoes, rich forests, rugged cliffs, and sand dunes. The weather frequently varies from one island to the next, so while you are experiencing sunny tropical weather on one, you could be enjoying either rainfall or snowfall on one of the other islands.

The islands offer a wealth of sightseeing experiences for the visitor. You can catch a ferry to Lanzarote, ride a camel through Timanfaya National Park and see the volcano, visit Mount Teide (Spain’s tallest peak) on Tenerife, romp on any of the many pristine beaches, or hike through La Gomera’s Garajonay National Park. Additionally, you will find more adventures on the peaceful island of Fuerteventura, the tiny island of El Hierro, or the lush verdant island of La Palma. And these are just for starters.

No matter which one of the 7 islands you visit, you will find a wealth of experiences at your fingertips, despite the fact that a lot of the tourism is focused on the two capital cities of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. If you’ve grown tired of the same types of vacations or vacation spots, then the Canary Islands are a must-visit destination. The following is a list of the top 5 sightseeing targets to consider if you make the trip:

1. Plaza Charco in Puerto de la Cruz

If you’re looking for a street that is lined with cafes and restaurants, this plaza is the place. A wide variety of cuisines, both local and international await you, as well as the many shopping opportunities that it holds.

2. Calle Triana in Las Palmas

Known for its more upscale shopping, if you’re hoping to find a wide pedestrianized street lined with shops, as well as a bus station at each end, Calle Triana is a must-see experience.

3. Veronica’s Strip in Playa de las Americas

This is the nightlife spot of the Canary Islands. The Strip is lined with bars, discos, and relaxing pubs so no personal tastes in this type of entertainment are overlooked.

4. Los Gigantes in Tenerife

For a great setting to enjoy a drink or a meal, the marina in Los Gigantes is perfect. Watching the boats coming and going, can be very soothing but just be advised that during the peak periods, that peaceful relaxing setting turns into a hub of activity that often gets noisy as well.

5. Rambla del General Franco in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

One of the most historical streets anywhere in the Canary Islands, this venue is the perfect setting for a walking tour of the island.

Photo of Lanzarote volcanic landscape by BK59

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It’s been where Brits lounge in the sun for a week, for very little money thanks to all the wonderful tour operators and their tempting packages, and eat familiar food, drink familiar drinks and even watch familiar television. It’s a home from home and for many people the last place on earth they’d would want to holiday. But poor old Tenerife is being cruelly under-valued. If you want all the things mentioned above then you’re likely to find yourself in the southern towns, probably in the aptly named Playa de las Americas. But if you want to see a totally different side to Tenerife, it’s only about half an hour up the road.

The northwestern side of the island is like being on a completely different island altogether. Gone are the hoards of sun-burnt tourists screaming for Eastenders and gone are the poor locals having to make a living by putting up with their abuse. Up in the north, you have the real Tenerife.

Hire a car and then make a decision that could affect the rest of your life. If you go up the west side of the island then you’re looking at a very skillful drive to the dizzy heights of the mountain route, but if you fancy playing it safe then you’re going to have to go all the way around the eastern side but on the much safer (sort of) TF-1 and TF-2 motorway. If you’re coming from the airport though it’s fine, as you just have to get across the north side, he says.

However you get there, veer the car towards the town of Garachico. It’s what Tenerife must have looked and felt like fifty or so years ago. Garachico is a small fishing town that makes you feel like you’re in southern Spain. The quiet streets are dotted with a few bars, cafes and gift shops and there are a few great fish restaurants down by the harbour, as you’d expect. The town would have looked a great deal different a few hundred years ago, as Mount Tiede erupted and more or less destroyed the entire area in 1706. It’s profited from the eruption though and you can bath in some of the black rock pools down by the beach.

Right next door to Garachico is the slightly smaller town of Icod de los Vinos, which houses perhaps the island’s most prized possession. The Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) stands proudly in a preserved garden and is said to be around 1000 years old. There hasn’t actually been any scientific proof of this though, and it’s probably more likely to only be in the hundreds, but don’t tell the Icondenses. The town isn’t just about the old tree. It houses some of the most interesting historical buildings on the island such as the Convent of San Augustin and the Church of San Marcos. There is also an amazing tropical garden, complete with butterfly population.

If you want to more or less guarantee hot and sunny weather and want to prove the critics wrong, then the north west side of Tenerife is the new north side of Majorca.

Photo of sculpture by Kan Yasuda, Garachico, Tenerife orginally posted by extranoise

Rome has banned snacking near its famous monuments in the historical center, reports CNN.

The Canary Island of Lanzarote is ready to welcome flocks of tourists thanks to the new Almodóvar movie, starring Penelope Cruz, due to be released in early 2009. We can’t wait!

Tips on ideal travel insurance coverage can be found this week at news.com.au.

International news coverage of Venere’s acquisition by Expedia:

• Expedia finds its European Holy Grail, Forbes.com
• Advent sells travel web site to Expedia, Private Equity News
• Expedia buying European Hotels Site Venere, Washington Post
• Expedia acquires Venere but what does it mean?, Hotel Blogs
• Expedia promises independence for bed brands, Travolution