Category Archives: Canary Islands

Unveiling Gran Canaria’s Natural Splendors: Join the 12th Gran Canaria Walking Festival 2023 for an Unforgettable Adventure!

Are you a nature enthusiast? Have you had the pleasure of experiencing the beauty of Gran Canaria? If not, now is the time to seize the opportunity and embark on an unforgettable adventure at the 12th Gran Canaria Walking Festival 2023

Introducing the 12th edition of the Gran Canaria Walking Festival 2023 – an event tailored to nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Step into the world of international hiking and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Gran Canaria. This annual extravaganza gathers walkers from across the globe, offering an unparalleled and unique experience.

Unveiling Gran Canaria's Natural Splendors: Join the 12th Gran Canaria Walking Festival 2023 for an Unforgettable Adventure!
Continue reading Unveiling Gran Canaria’s Natural Splendors: Join the 12th Gran Canaria Walking Festival 2023 for an Unforgettable Adventure!

Acantilados de los Gigantes (Tenerife): Majestic Cliffs and Endangered Wildlife

The Acantilados de los Gigantes, located between Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide, are part of the Teno Rural Park in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands in Spain. These cliffs, aptly named “Cliffs of the Giants,” offer breathtaking views from Los Guíos beach on the island’s western coast.

Hacienda del Conde

World-class service at Hacienda del Conde. A member of the “Meliá Collection”. Featuring free WiFi, 3 restaurants and 2 pools, Hacienda del Conde member of the “Meliá Collection” is a luxury hotel located in Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife.

Soaring to a height of approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean, the Acantilados de los Gigantes create an impressive sight. Stretching along a coastline that spans about 15 kilometers (9 miles), these cliffs are renowned for their towering height and stunning natural beauty.

Not only are the cliffs visually striking, but they are also home to a diverse range of marine life. The surrounding waters are popular for dolphin and whale watching tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Have a look at these tours from Get Your Guide

Access to the Acantilados de los Gigantes is convenient, with several viewpoints and walking trails offering excellent vantage points to admire the cliffs. Additionally, boat tours operate in the area, providing a unique perspective from the sea.

Centuries ago, the Guanches, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands, referred to these cliffs as the “Wall of Hell” due to their volcanic geography. Today, the Acantilados de los Gigantes remain one of Tenerife’s most spectacular natural treasures.

The Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia)

The Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia) is a recently discovered lacertid species endemic to Tenerife. It is the smallest member of the family that includes the giant lizard species found in the western Canary Islands. In Spanish it is known as the lagarto canario moteado.

Discovered in 1996 by biologist Efraín Hernández in the Macizo de Teno in the northwest of Tenerife, the Tenerife speckled lizard was once widespread throughout much of the island. However, it is now only known from a small area of coastline in the extreme west and Montana de Guaza in the extreme south.

The Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia)
The Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia) – By Siegfried Troidl – https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/38225983, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93157416

The northwestern distribution area supports approximately 500 lizards in 40 isolated populations along 9 km of coastline (as of 2008). In the south, there are about 100 animals. The main threats to these lizards are predation by feral cats and, to a lesser degree, rats. However, their numbers have been increasing since the early 2000s due to efforts to control introduced mammals.

The Acantilados de los Gigantes in Tenerife offer not only awe-inspiring views of towering cliffs but also serve as a crucial habitat for the endangered Tenerife speckled lizard. Visitors can witness the remarkable beauty of these cliffs and the unique wildlife that calls them home.

Explore the Acantilados de los Gigantes (Tenerife)and embrace the wonders of Tenerife’s rich biodiversity.

More information about the protected areas in the Canary islands here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/the-canary-islands/


Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Visit Cádiz

Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides. https://visitingcadiz.com/