The seven volcanic Canary Islands lie just over 100 miles off the coast of Africa and have a sunny, hot climate with little rainfall and snow only on the highest peaks, crowned by El Teide, Spain's highest mountain at an impressive 3718 metres. Although the islands are often very rough and rocky, with high and often inaccessible cliffs, they are also criss-crossed with tracks and paths that offer many interesting walking routes. Much of the landscape is astoundingly beautiful and it is easy to escape the busy holiday resorts. There are mountain ridges and peaks to climb; deep and rocky barrancos to explore; extensive forests of pine and ancient 'laurisilva' woodlands; flowery hillsides, rugged cliff coastlines, and cultivated terraces bearing all manner of fruit and vegetables. This guidebook includes a rich and varied selection of 50 walks on the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
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