The canaries lie on the same latitude as the Gulf of Mexico (west) and North Africa (east) approximately 10 degrees above the equator, which of course means that the Islands are semi-tropical and boast a vast selection of varied flora and fauna including the eerie "Caruha" bird which for the uninitiated when first heard can be quite disconcerting as they sound remarkably like Gremlins, these birds only fly at night and are indigenous to the islands as are many other animal, insect and plant types. Lizards and Geckos abound and are tame enough in some circumstances to take food (crumbs and crisps) from the visitor brave enough to offer them, in fact it is considered by the locals to be the best of luck if one has a gecko take up residence in the vicinity of one's house or apartment.

A remarkable short 4hr flight from the UK, the Canaries certainly live up to there name as Paradise Islands, and you will be pleasantly surprised to know that British goods are now commonplace and can be bought from most local "Supermacardos" all be it slightly more expensive than there Spanish counterparts.