
The sun-dappled Canary Islands have always been a popular escape for Europeans, as they afford a taste of the tropics relatively close to home.
Tenerife, the largest of the islands, is famous for grand carnivals that rival Rio’s in scale. It’s also home to Puerto de la Cruz, long celebrated for its lush gardens and spa-like atmosphere. Lanzarote’s nickname, “Island of 100 Volcanoes,” hints at the fascinating sights that await: a captivating lunar-like landscape and gaping caves to explore.
The cosmopolitan Gran Canaria has been called a miniature continent because the diverse, compact climates make it possible to sunbather on a beach while gazing at snow-capped mountains.
Gran Canaria also contains the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas, a rare sight on an island filled with black volcanic sand.
