La Gomara, El Hierro, La Graciosa Among the archipelago’s eight main islands, these three Canarian siblings are the family’s smaller ones. Their small size does not, however, diminish their various attributes or attractions, including what they have in common with the archipelago’s bigger members – stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, charming villages, whale-watching and more. Like the bigger islands, the smaller three have developed their own personalities. La Gomara is known for its ancient, subtropical laurel forests and the unique whistled language (Silbo Gomero) historically used by islanders to communicate across deep ravines and valleys. This language is alive and well and island visitors often witness demonstrations of it in various public settings. El Hierro, the smallest of the Canaries, is renowned for excellent scuba diving and snorkelling in its crystal-clear waters. Hiking through a diverse volcanic terrain and shady forests, as well as cycling, paragliding and more, help illustrate that the island is a true microcosm of its bigger relatives. The same can be said for La Graciosa, even though it’s the only uninhabited island among the chain’s main group. With an abundance of attractions much like those found on its larger siblings, its reputation for some of the finest golden sand beaches in the archipelago give it legitimacy within the Canary Islands family. Overall, the exceptional commonalities that exist throughout the chain, from the largest to the smallest, tend to level the playing field across all eight Canaries. Canary Islands Travel Planner ▶ A valid Canadian passport good for three months beyond the planned departure date from Spain is required. ▶ A visa is not required for Canadian citizens for tourist stays up to 90 days in length. ▶ Customs officials may ask to see a return or onward flight ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay. ▶ The currency of Spain is the euro (EUR). ▶ The official language in Spain and the Canary Islands is Spanish, although English is widely spoken. For more Canary Islands travel information, visit the official online website at www.spain.info/en/region/canary-islands/ 22 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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