Of course a summer break could include all kinds of other
locations, such as a visit to famous city, some high altitude walking in
the mountains or time spent in one of the famous Lakeland areas of the
world such as the Italian Lakes like Garda or Como, the Canadian great
lakes or the Swedish Fjords. But more often than not there is likely to
be some type of beach involved in most people's summer vacation. The
Spanish Canary Islands are a small group of islands that have their own
variety of beaches that provide holidaymakers with plenty of choice,
whatever their preferences.
So what is it about a beach that
attracts so many people? After all warm sunny weather can be experience
in most locations, and swimming opportunities are found in many inland
areas, either in lakes or rivers. Beaches have several unique
characteristics that perhaps contribute to their allure. First there is
the sand itself. The soft sand is comfortable to lie on, feels nice to
walk on and of course provides a great play environment for small
children. But sandy beaches are not the only popular ones, with shingle
and rocky beaches also proving attractive. The views offered by coastal
locations are also a factor. There is something pleasing about an
outlook where the land has ended and the sea stretches off into
infinity.
Imaginations run riot about what may be over the
horizon, and the hustle and bustle of the world inland can be left
behind. Of the course the sea itself plays a part. Unlike lakes, the sea
is altogether a more dramatic and powerful beast. Gentle swells or
crashing waves make the sea and ever changing environment and one that
can either be just looked at or made use of as part of other pastimes.
Fishing, swimming, surfing, sailing, diving, kayaking and windsurfing
are just some of the sports and hobbies that make use of the sea. One
other aspect is of course wildlife. Either in the water, above it or
along its shores the sea supports a myriad of life forms that vary
across the world. Beaches can be a naturists heaven at all times of the
year.
For those seeking a place to lie in the sun there are
beaches all over the world that easily fulfil that requirements. From
the beaches of the Spanish Costa Blanca to Australia's Gold Coast, long
sandy beaches are everywhere it seems. For the ultimate in sandy beach
tranquility one of the 1000's of Maldives islands may be the ideal. Tiny
islands, some with room for just one dwelling and surrounded entirely
by white soft sand, these are perhaps the sand lovers dream. On the
island of Fuerteventura are perhaps some of the Canaries' best sandy
beaches. In the north of the island is the biggest beach, stretching for
several kilometers south from Corralejo. The waters here, looking
across to the nature reserve on the Isla of Lobos, can be a turquoise
blue and soft sand reaches inland across dunes for over 2 kilometers.
They present almost a desert scene looking inland towards the hills of
extinct volcanoes like Volcan de la Olive.
