II.

Physical Geography

The islands are of volcanic origin. Of the volcanic peaks, the highest is the dormant Pico de Teide, or Pico de Tenerife (3,718 m/12,198 ft). The Canaries are noted for their scenery and mild, dry climate, which makes them an ideal site for astronomical observation. The observatory sited at 2,423 m (7,950 ft) on Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma, is the home of some of the world's most important telescopes, including the William Herschel telescope, a large optical telescope with a diameter of 4.2 m (165 in). Precipitation occurs mainly during the winter season.

In areas below about 400 m (1,300 ft) elevation, the vegetation is typically northern African; characteristic varieties are the date palm, dragon tree, and cactus. Growing at higher levels are laurels, holly, myrtle, eucalyptus, pine, and a variety of flowering plants. Four of Spain’s national parks are located in the Canary Islands—Caldera de Taburiente National Park (1954) on La Palma; Teide National Park (1954) on Tenerife, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007; Timanfaya National Park (1974) on Lanzarote; and Garajonay National Park (1981) on Gomera, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1986.