The Canary Islands unfurl like a ribbon in the Atlantic Ocean. An autonomous region of Spain actually is much closer to northern Africa. On your island holidays, you'll have the chance to visit golden-sand beaches, mighty volcanoes, hip cities, relaxing resorts, fantastic shopping, lush gardens, natural wonders, and so much more.

Tourism opportunities are mainly found on the seven largest Islas Canarias: El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and La Palma. While each of the islands offers a distinctive experience, they all offer facets that make the Canary Islands an interesting destination. Along the coasts, you'll find the beaches, ranging from quiet, off-the-beaten path coves to volcanic beaches with all of the visitor amenities, primed for fun.

There is an abundance of things to do on the islands. Around the various Islas Canarias, you'll have the chance to tour volcanic craters, explore caves, and wind your way through interesting national parks. The tallest mountain in Spain, Mount Teide, is located on the island of Tenerife and is a part of a national park. Much of the islands have been set aside as World Biosphere Reserves, as declared by UNESCO, which will protect the varied landscapes for generations to come. Whatever your ideal Canary Islands vacation, you'll find an array of things to do when you arrive.

Canary Islands Map

Travel to the Canary Islands is possible by air and sea. Regular flights depart from Madrid, Barcelona, and other hub cities in Europe, as well as from Morocco. It's also easy to get from island to island since Canary Island flights regularly travel between the seven major islands, as do ferries and catamarans. For boaters with their own vessels, a vast network of well-stocked marinas covers the coasts of the various islands. A modern transportation network will ensure that vacationers can get where they want to go after they've arrived. Outside of the national parks, where transportation is usually available, you'll find car rentals, shuttles, taxis, and public transportation to get you where you need to go.

While enjoying a Canary Islands vacation on the island of La Gomera, you'll have the chance to see explore the place where Christopher Columbus gathered supplies for his trip to the New World. The pristine laurel forests, today protected by the National Park of Garajonay, look much like they did when the famed explorer stopped by. The island is a favorite place for hiking and bird watching. Even though much La Gomera is set aside as a nature preserve, you'll still find all of the modern comforts today's vacationers enjoy. You'll find well-equipped Canary Islands hotels, savory restaurants, many choices for shopping, spa treatments, museums, and a golf course on the beautiful island.

The same goes for the other Canary Islands—whether you make reservations for a resort on the beach at Gran Canera, a hotel in one of the cities of Tenerife, or one of the secluded villas of Lanzarote, there will be a mix of natural beauty and modern amenities waiting for you on your Canary Islands vacation.

Another main draw is the Canary Islands weather. With a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees and more than 300 days of sunshine every year, the Islas Canarias are a wonderful place to visit no matter what the season.