Canary Islands

The Canary Islands’ appeal is down to a heady combination of beauty, variety, accessibility and sunshine. Just four hours from the UK, this clutch of islands off the Moroccan coast offer year-round blue skies, golden and black-sand beaches, breathtaking volcanic landscapes and a formidable food scene.

With near-perfect temperatures year-round, the Canary Islands are a perennial favourite. Yet it’s not just the warmth that draws people in – the beautiful landscapes, beaches, boutique hotels and family-friendly resorts are all a big pull.

Sweeping countryside dominates the landscape, from the stark flatlands flanking Tenerife’s Mount Teide to the volcanic peaks of Lanzarote and the steep slopes and deep valleys of Gran Canaria. With great landscapes come equally great opportunities to explore, with visitors able to hike the many footpaths intersecting the islands, including meandering coastal trails, challenging mountain treks and tranquil forest walks.

Other activities include diving, snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and leisurely boat trips. Gran Canaria’s soft rolling dunes, Tenerife’s sandy golden arcs and Lanzarote’s black volcanic sand make for beautiful beaches, providing a major attraction for tourists in search of some needed winter sun.