The Spanish Canary Islands comprise La Palma, La Gomera, el Hierro, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

The Las Nieves Natural Park in La Palma is known for its waterfall and forest of thousand-year-old trees, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

The Park has also been held as one of the best places in Spain for the so-called forest baths.

Forest bathing,or shirin-yoku as it was originally called, means 'taking in the forest atmosphere'.

It originated in Japan in 1982 as an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout, inspiring residents to reconnect with and protect their forests.

Forest bathing can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what's around you.

It is said to improve wellbeing, act against stress, increase calm and positive emotions and improve concentration.

It is believed to act as an anti-inflammatory and, if carried out for long periods of time, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It may also improve the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems , reduce cortisol, decrease sugar levels and have a positive effect on the nervous system.

In addition to Las Nieves, the Garajonay National Park, on La Gomera is a UNESCOWorld Heritage.

On Tenerife the Anaga Rural Park has the Enchanted Forest, another to experience forest bathing.

In addition to the forests, the Canary Islands has seven biosphere reserves; four national parks, including the volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, and eleven natural parks.

Useful links

www.visitlapalma.es