A Handy Travel Guide to the Canary Islands

The Irish airline Aer Lingus is looking at creating extra flights to the Canary Islands.

Situated off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean near Morocco and Cape Verde, the Canary Islands have been a popular choice for European holiday makers over the years.

The proposed increase in the number of flights from Belfast to the Canary Islands comes in response to an increased level of holiday bookings to Lanzarote over the last month. The enthusiasm shown for vacationing in the Canary Islands, which are considered to be part of Spain, has made the Aer Lingus company think of setting up flights to Tenerife.

Lanzarote is a volcanic island which is part of the Canary Island chain and has some spectacular scenery including the National Park of Timanfaya.

Enda Corneille, commercial director of Aer Lingus, said: "We are looking at a second operation to the Canaries from October, and it could be Tenerife.

"Lanzarote has performed very well for us with people booking well in advance and flights which are virtually full all the time."

Tenerife has two airports and is the largest of the Canary Islands. Tenerife has the highest mountain in Spain, El Teide, a huge volcano which at more than 3,000 metres is the world's third biggest volcano.

Right now it is possible to fly from Manchester to Tenerife and stay at the four star Sun Bahia Principe Tenerife Hotel for prices starting from £549 per person. This holiday is available from April 17th and the hotel is particularly geared towards families as it has plenty of swimming pools and sports available. Flights arrive at the Tenerife South Reina Sofia International Airport in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital

Aer Lingus is doing a roaring trade to the Canary Islands thanks in part to a ticket promotion where seats cost less than a tenner including taxes and airport charges.

Of the other Canary Islands which are popular with tourists Gran Canaria is the busiest with many travelers flocking to its capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Right now the five star Palm Beach Hotel is offering a seven night deal to Gran Canaria for £790 per person (based on two people sharing a twin room on half board basis). The hotel can offer guests a large swimming pool set amidst palm filled gardens, a spa and many specially designed rooms within this retro themed establishment.

To take up the deal you need to be willing to fly from London Gatwick international airport on March 30 with Monarch airlines. Visit the Monarch website for more information.

The Canary Islands have something for everyone. Fuerteventura is especially attractive to windsurfers, while walkers and hikers may prefer to go to La Gomera which is home to an incredible rainforest. Another nature paradise can be found on the tiny island of El Hierro. El Hierro has been declared at a UNESCO biosphere reserve because of the amazing variety of flora and fauna which can be found there.