The islands' long beaches, dramatic landscapes and rich variety of wildlife are a hit with British holidaymakers. SUE SMYTHSON gets the bigger picture on this popular winter warmer

THE archipelago of the Canary Islands has long been a firm favourite for British holidaymakers with each of the seven sunny islands unrivalled when it comes to the diversity of breaks available.

From great beaches and dramatic landscapes, to superb wildlife and top-class theme parks, the islands are just waiting to be discovered.

With a flying time of just under four hours from the UK and temperatures hovering around 25C (75F) all year, there's no better place to get a dose of winter sun.

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NATURE-LOVERS

The Canary Islands offer such biodiversity that conservation projects and sustainable tourism initiatives feature prominently.

Fuerteventura has been declared a Unesco-protected Biosphere Reserve allowing it to focus on programmes such as reintroducing loggerhead turtles to the island via work conducted at the Sodabe Turtle Reserve.

Divers are well-catered for too with a massive drop-off just offshore providing a breathtaking environment to spot exotic marine life among the caves and grottos.

Fuerteventura is also a magnet for windsurfers and kiteboarders thanks to its reliable winds, particularly on the east coast.

You can also head offshore on a whale-watching trip off Tenerife and La Gomera. Possible sightings include short-finned pilot and beaked whales as well as dolphins.

Head up to the Mount Teide volcano on Tenerife.

At 12,200ft its imposing peak can be seen all across the archipelago.

If you do it by foot, you'll walk over extraordinary rock formations or you could take the cable-car up to a viewing area.

On the small island of La Palma, you can follow the European Ramblers' Association's signposted trail, deep into the lush, mystical forest or along the breathtaking coastal routes.

FAMILY FUN

You can't beat Tenerife for top family fun. It's the unofficial capital of theme parks. At Loro Parque, the tropical plant complex, you'll get to see roller-skating parrots and you can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks.

Alternatively, go wild at Jungle Park Las Aguilas, home to more than 500 animals. Follow the route of tunnels, hanging bridges, waterfalls, lagoons and caves, all the way learning about Tenerife's eco-system.

For thrillseekers, you can't beat Aqualand Costa Adeje. Ride the Tornado on a pulsating run featuring twists and turns inside a series of giant flumes. However, the real stars of the park are the docile dolphins who perform in an entertaining show.

For more of a family-friendly, eco-experience, Lanzarote's unique volcanic landscape is just the ticket.

Explore Cueva de los Verdes, a four-mile-long volcanic tunnel and in Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, you can watch a fascinating demonstration of fires and geysers bursting out from the earth.

End your day with a camel ride across the other-worldly terrain.

On Fuerteventura you can head off on a fun trip exploring the island by quad bike or by horseback.

CULTURE-VULTURES

Casa de Colón, once the home of the La Gomera governor and now a museum, was where Christopher Columbus stayed when he dropped into the Canaries.

It houses replicas of three of his ships, navigation instruments, maps and charts.

In the town of La Laguna on Tenerife, you'll get a glimpse of its glorious past as you wander through the narrow streets and alleys past houses with wooden balconies and lavish portals crowned with crests.

Famous Canary Islands architect César Manrique built an impressive parador on El Hierro, the smallest island of the group and you can visit it to see its roof-garden and enjoy the expansive views over the plains of El Golfo.

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See some of Manrique's work on Lanzarote, his birthplace, where he championed against mass development resulting in strict rules for developers dictating height and style of buildings. His signature sculptures (wind toys) can be seen on roundabouts across the island.

Keen astronomers will love the Roque de los Muchachos observatory on La Palma. Largely free from artificial light pollution, it offers superb star-gazing.

WINING AND DINING

Most of the islands are self-sufficient thanks to the abundance of food available, with each having its own distinctive cuisine.

Some of the appetising local dishes include potatoes with spicy sauce, watercress potage and fish stew.

There's plenty of typically robust dishes too.

Try roast leg of pork, "ropa vieja" with chickpeas and rabbit in sauce.

Local cheeses are also popular and are eaten daily.

Not forgetting desserts, top favourites include "bienmesabe" with almonds and local honey and "huevos mole" which is made with cinnamon, eggs and lemon.

Marry your dishes with local wines which are just as good as those from more developed wine destinations.

In fact, wines have been produced on the islands since the 16th century and have a very distinctive taste, thanks to the volcanic earth.

There are plenty of wine routes for exploring too and these are mapped out across the islands. Stop off at the "bodegas" to sample varieties such as Malvasia, Moscatels, reds and whites. Look for those classified as Denomination of Origins: these are the top of their range.

ACCOMMODATION

From rustic cottages to historical paradors and all-inclusive resorts, there's an enormous array of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Paradors, converted historic buildings such as palaces, fortresses and monasteries, are quite beautiful and state-run.

Apartments are popular for families or couples; some form part of a complex and most have swimming pools.

The rural hotels (casas rurales), converted farms or houses, are more suited for couples seeking quiet, with most of them found in small towns and villages.

Hotels such as the large resorts are a great option for families.

They are usually in town centres or on the beachfront with most offering sea views and an array of sports facilities.

 

THE KNOWLEDGE:

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, operates flights to Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria from Birmingham and Manchester and to Lanzarote and Tenerife from Birmingham, London Gatwick, Luton and Manchester, with fares to all from £46 one (including taxes).

No booking fee when paying by debit card or PayPal.

For further information or to book Monarch Flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, visit www.monarch.co.uk or call 08719 405040.

Further information from the Spanish National Tourist Office at www.spain.info and www.turismodecanarias.com