A Unique Experience: Five UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Islands, Four World Heritage Sites, Three Starlight Reserves, and 146 Protected Natural Areas
The natural beauty of the Canary Islands is both pristine and captivating. Among the islands, five have been designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: La Palma, Lanzarote, El Hierro, and Fuerteventura in their entirety, and Gran Canaria, with 46% of its surface area. Each of the eight islands boasts a unique blend of aboriginal and colonial heritage, enriched by their distinct geographical locations.
The Canary Islands are also home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites, recognized for their natural splendour, indigenous history, colonial heritage, and unique cultural expressions. Notable sites include La Gomera’s whistled language, the Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and El Teide’s rich biodiversity and geological features. Additionally, the archipelago features four national parks and 146 protected natural areas.
Nature-Centric Tourism with Diverse Activities
Lanzarote’s stunning landscape captivates all who visit. It is home to the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Natural Reserve, the largest in Europe, spanning 70,700 hectares. The clear waters of the Canary Islands, with visibility exceeding 20 meters and year-round temperatures between 18 and 25°C, offer ideal conditions for diving, with over 100 dive sites in Lanzarote alone.
La Palma, though only 708.3 square kilometres, offers remarkable diversity, from volcanic terrains and laurel forests to black sand beaches and secluded coves like Nogales Beach in Puntallana. The island is also renowned for stargazing, supported by stringent laws against light pollution and its designation as a Starlight Reserve.
La Gomera is celebrated for its serene climate and lush landscapes, particularly the palm groves and the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich biodiversity. The island is perfect for trekking and active tourism, with guided walks and circuits available.
Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Fishing
The Canary Islands prioritize ocean conservation with three Marine Reserves of Fishing Interest in La Palma, El Hierro, and La Graciosa. These reserves protect ecological values, promote resource recovery, and ensure sustainable fishing practices. The waters are home to key species like turtles, tuna, and sharks, safeguarded by centuries of artisanal fishing. The marine area between Tenerife and La Gomera is recognized by the World Cetacean Alliance as a Whale Heritage site, one of only three globally, due to its abundant and nutrient-rich waters supporting large cetacean populations.
The Canary Islands are a renowned destination for recreational fishing, known for well-regulated catch-and-release programs.
Commitment to Climate Neutrality
In the past three years, the Canary Islands’ tourism sector has reduced its carbon footprint by over 20%, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2030. This is being achieved through energy-saving measures, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and water conservation initiatives.
ENDS
For more information:
https://www.hellocanaryislands.com/ https://turismolanzarote.com/en/discover-lanzarote/sustainability/