The Canaries - Islands of the Dogs
The Canaries are a group of seven volcanic islands off the Atlantic coast of North Africa. The islands cover an area of 7,450 sq km (2,900 sq ml) containing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. Each island has its own unique landscape and flora and fauna, ranging from the desert of Fuerteventura to the lush mountainous forest of La Gomera. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the cosmopolitan capital of the archipelago, reputed to have the best climate in the world.
The name Islas Canarias is likely derived from the Latin words Insula Canaria, meaning “Island of the Dogs”. It is speculated that the so called dogs were actually a species of Monk Seals which are now extinct.
The Spanish first invaded the Canaries in 1402, but it took the better part of a century to gain complete control of this strategic point on the Atlantic trade route. For the next 300 years, the islands grew increasingly rich from trading profits until, in the 19th century, a recession led to mass emigration to America. The development of the tourist industry eventually turned the tide and today, around 10 million tourists visit the islands every year.
Tenerife, the largest island, has the most varied scenery. It has a landscape of fertile valleys, steep cliffs and wide sandy beaches dominated by the towering outline of El Teide, the third largest volcano on earth at 3,718 m (12,195 ft) high. La Palma, the green island’, has the world’s largest volcanic crater, La Caldera del Taburiente with a diameter of 9 km (6 ml) and a depth of 770 m (2,525 ft).
The smallest island, Hierro is also the rockiest with a dramatic coastline plunging straight into the sea. Lanzarote is the most extraordinary of all. It boasts a surreal volcanic landscape of petrified lava from 18th and 19th century eruptions. The stark beauty of its eerily empty scenery, dotted with ancient vineyards, brilliant coloured flowers and sparkling white houses is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Visiting these islands is a truly memorable experience.
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North Stradbroke Island - Profile
Sometimes known as Straddie by people from Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island is the postcard beach holiday. Approximately 30 km (19 miles) southeast of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it is located at the south end of Moreton Bay. At 30 km (19 mile) long, it is one of the worlds largest, boasting clean beaches, a ragged coast and inland freshwater lagoons.
It lost its aboriginal name of Minijerribah in 1827, when Captain H. J. Rous, or Viscount Dunwich, Commander of the HMS Rainbow, named the haven after his father the Earl of Stradbroke, the main town after his own title, and Rainbow Beach after his ship.
A cluster of three picturesque villages — Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout — act as convivial bases for many of the islands local and international visitors.
Dunwich was once a prison colony and quarantine station, and, as is often the case, its graveyard is a telling record of the islands historical past. At Point Lookout, the aptly named Whale Rock is the perfect spot from which to scan the vast oceans in search of migrating humpback whales, dolphins and turtles.
In the 1960s, sand mining operations began to impact on the fragile island eco-system, but by the 1990s environmental issues came dominant and half of the island became a national park. Mining is still very active on the island, but mainly away in the restricted southern end.
Point Lookout on the eastern surf side of the island is a natural attraction. Spreading across Straddies single rocky headland it overlooks a set of bleached beaches. The western side enjoys the calmer waters of the bay and is safer for boating. The island is famous for its fishing — with the annual Straddie Classic every August being one of Australias richest and best-known fishing competitions.
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