Canaries

Europe's southernmost island, the Spanish archipelago off Morocco consists of seven major and other smaller islands of volcanic origin. The Canary Islands are well known to sailors because they are an almost obligatory base for oceanic crossings to Central America and the Caribbean. The mild climate, the variety of landscapes, the possibility of combining fun and sport with relaxation in nature, however, have long made it a popular destination for many tourists, and a buen retreat for Europeans in search of a new life. In the bases selected by Mondovela, excellent boats and comfortable catamarans are available for charter, with or without skipper/equipment, the whole boat or the cabin, to sail the fascinating waters of the Atlantic.

Starting from the north, the first small island is La Graciosa, a marine park and part of the tiny Chinijo archipelago. There is only one inhabited centre, no paved roads, beautiful beaches, such as La Francesa and an avifauna of great naturalistic interest. A few miles and here is Lanzarote, a rugged corner of Sahara in the middle of the sea, with famous resorts such as Playa Bianca, Costa Teguiste and La Santa and wonderful interiors. In particular the Timanfaya National Park, the most spectacular and powerful testimony of the volcanic origin of the archipelago declared World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

We sail south to Fuerteventura, a wild island, not very touristy and a popular destination for surfers. Sand dunes and scarce vegetation frame enchanting beaches with multicoloured sand, according to many the most beautiful in the archipelago, especially in the protected areas of Corralejo and Jandia. South West bar to meet a world-famous sailing eldorado on the island of Gran Canaria. In Las Palmas you will find everything you need to sail, spare parts, accessories, supplies, before facing the demanding Atlantic crossing. A lively and colourful environment, with crews who meet here every year. Many clubs, bars and restaurants reflect the "frontier" atmosphere of the island. There is no need to introduce Tenerife, the largest and most touristy of them all. Dominated by the majestic Teide volcano, it really offers everything: forests, snow-capped peaks, wide and sandy beaches, including Las Teresitas, Playa de las Americas, El Medano. For a dip in the nightlife in a perpetual fiesta climate, this is where you must come, with an eye to the wild Carnaval.

Green and mountainous La Gomera is a land especially suitable for trekking and hiking. If you fancy a good trip, go to the Parque Nacional de Garajonay, otherwise there are the small and quiet playas, such as Caleta, San Sebastian de la Gomera, Playa de la Cueva, simple but with excellent restaurants for a pescado to try. Still steep and rocky coasts in La Palma, also known as Isla Bonita. Pure nature and lush vegetation triumph in the Caldera del Taburiente, a slit eight kilometres in diameter and up to one and a half kilometres deep, covered with thick Canary Island pine forests and furrowed by deep ravines, with incredible biodiversity. El Hierro, at the southwest end of the archipelago, is as authentic as can be found in the Canaries. Rocky and green, the real attraction is the magnificent seabed, particularly in Ponta Restinga, which makes it one of the most popular diving destinations in the world.