Las Palmas, Canary Islands
Located on the circular island of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is one of three distinct areas that exist in this region. Las Palmas is the capital, and is home to 370,000 inhabitants. It is a shipping port and a thriving, fast-paced business center. The south coast is completely different, with glorious white-sand beaches that stretch for miles. Next is the interior of the island, which is rural and fairly plain.
Las Palmas is the largest and most active city in all of the Canary Islands. A multicultural and diverse region, tourists, sailors, shoppers, and heavy traffic make it an incredibly bustling port city. The city is lined on one side with docks that house huge container ships. On the other side, four-and-a-half mile long Canteras Beach stretches down the shore. Las Palmas connects two waterfronts of the Gran Canaria Peninsula that stretches for six miles. The northern end of the peninsula is the portion that sees the most action. However, the southern end is where the majority of noteworthy and interesting sights are located. The Plaza Santa Ana is a great place to start your tour of Las Palmas. The bronze dog statues in the plaza are intriguing, and have an interesting history. Ancient explorers found a rare breed of dog on the Grand Canaria Island, and they named the island after these dogs, not after the yellow songbird, as one might presume. This particular breed of mutt is named Canum in Latin, hence the name Canary. Years later, however, the aforementioned birds were, in fact, named after the island.
There is a surprising amount of fantastic nightlife and dining facilities on the island, mostly located in Las Palmas, and you will not be disappointed with the great selection of restaurants, discos, and hot night spots. The fabulous sights and nature areas on Las Palmas are complemented by the wide array of activities available once the sun sets.
Cape Town
Cape Town is a beautiful and historical location that demands a visit. It is alive with style and has taken the best from other cultures and incorporated them into a unique blend of heritage and excitement. A little bit of Britain, some Moslem traditions, and buildings that bring a touch of the Dutch are all found here.
There is truly an abundance of things to do and places to go in Cape Town. The outdoors welcomes hiking, swimming, sailing, and mountain biking. Cape Town's cultural highlights will convince you to step inside one of its numerous museums and galleries. This is the land of plenty and it wants you to enjoy all of its fruits.
Cape Town is very accommodating to its guests because of its multitude of sights and activities. Some people like the mountains, while others prefer the sea, and Cape Town has both. With the famous Table Mountain as a perfect backdrop, walk under the sky that holds millions of stars and revel in the moon's reflection off the surrounding mountains. These mountains invite you to explore trails during the day and explore beaches when you arrive at their base. If you'd rather stay away from the hiking and the sand, then perhaps wine tasting would be enjoyable. If so, the best place to go is Constantia and the Winelands. Feel the sophistication and witness the wealth of the surrounding estates. This countryside defines relaxation and comfort. There is no sense of time and no pressure to rush, and your only duty is to enjoy the essence of its atmosphere.
Wherever your interests lie, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is also a great place to visit. Here you will find a newly built treasure containing more restaurants and stores than one could possibly imagine. Watch a movie, stroll down the promenades, and view the moon reflecting off the canals. Cape Town is romantic, it is alive, and it never fails to warm its visitors with its radiance.
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