Playa de las Teresitas on Tenerife in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an archipelago of seven islands in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Spain.

Located close to the northwest of Africa, the islands are rich in both European and African influences.

The Canary Islands are a prime travel destination for sun-starved Europeans and are becoming increasingly popular with visitors from North and South America as well.

The northern islands in the chain are in subtropical latitudes so the weather is temperate. The southern islands are generally much drier and hotter.

Visitors are drawn to the Canary Islands for their dramatic volcanic scenery, beautiful sandy beaches and consistently warm weather. Of the four largest islands - Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura - Tenerife is probably the best-known vacation destination.

Tenerife has luxurious coastal resorts, glittering hotels and self-contained cottages. Its nightlife is legendary. The capital of Tenerife is Santa Cruz. There you will find art galleries, museums, historical sites and the Church of San Francisco.

Fuerteventura is the biggest of the Canary Islands and is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing and snorkelling are all popular activities. The coast of Fuerteventura has a wealth of clean, beautiful beaches. There are also plenty of facilities for playing golf, tennis, riding horses or simply shopping until you drop.

Over on Lanzarote, the landscape is volcanic, offering great opportunities for hiking through forests and over the rugged terrain. When you venture up the rocky mountains, be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and carry plenty of water. A unique alternative to exploring the volcanic areas by foot is to do so by camel. For those who prefer to expend a little less energy, Lanzarote has an interesting heritage to discover in the towns.

Gran Canaria is home to one of the liveliest cities in the Canary Islands - Las Palmas. The city is located in a scenic spot just between two bays. There are many memorable sights in Las Palmas, including the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the historic old town. Arts and culture thrive in Las Palmas with plenty of live music, dance and opera. There are also several museums in the city where visitors can view ancient artifacts.

Getting to the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are very accessible by air, with regular international flights serving Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Many cruise liners also make stops in the Canary Islands.