Canary Islands, Madeira, Vigo

We travelled by ship from Southampton, England, to the Canary Islands, Madeira and Vigo Spain, returning to Southampton.

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Africa. The ancient Romans saw a large number of wild dogs and called it insula Canum - hence the name 'Canary Islands." Later, when the little yellow finches were discovered, they were called canaries. The islands are volcanic and have a wide variety of microclimates.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

In Gran Canaria, Vicki took a tour of a botanical garden - it was about 10C !

Gran canaria - beach

Gilles went to a beach a few kilometres away where it was 29C !

 

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife - Puerto de la Cruz

Tenerife - Puerto de la Cruz

Tenerife - Orchid Garden

A beautiful orchid garden on Tenerife

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote looks much more volcanic than the other islands we visited. We travelled to an ancient lava tunnel that has been transformed into a garden and pool.

Tiny blind white crabs (about 2 cm long) live in a lagoon in the tunnel.

Madeira

Madeira, a Potuguese island is also volcanic in origin. We travelled to the top of Monte, and the took a "toboggan" ride down.

Madeira - gardens

One of many beautiful gardens in Madeira

Madeira - toboggan ride

Literally, a hair raising event !

Vigo, Spain

Vigo is on the west coast of Spain, not far from Portugal. From Vigo, we travrlled to Bayona, an historic seaside village.

Bayona

Bayona

replica of La Pinta

A replica of "La Pinta"

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