A holiday to the Canary Islands is like an adventure to the farthest flung corner of the Spanish territories but just a stone throw’s away from North Western Africa’s coastline; a real mix of cultures yet a cluster of islands offering seclusion, dreamy coastlines and a unique culture so you feel like it’s a whole destination of its own. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma and La Gomera; islands far from the rest of Spain’s mainland and Balearics, they offer something a little bit different from the norm. For some, it’s the paradisiacal beaches and 5 star luxury resorts that really draw them into the Canaries dream; for others, it’s the dramatic volcanic landscapes and the promise of endless nature trails across the islands’ stunning national parks that really makes it; but for most, it’s simply not what they might expect from a Spanish destination. Full of surprising sights, intriguing topography and mind-blowing views at sunrise and sunset, the Canary Islands is a fantastic holiday alternative to islands in the heart of the Med.

Due to its proximity to the equator, the Canaries offers a fantastic winter destination as well as a busy summer destination. But if you want warm, balmy weather without all the tourist crowds, you have to visit between March and May or from September to November. From its famous black and white sandy beaches to its luxury golf and spa hotels, outstanding dive spots to awesome surf, and from the subtropical walking trails and volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya to the tumbling waterfalls of La Palma, there seems to be something for just about everyone. A gorgeous romantic destination and a perfect family island all the same; and with just as much forest as there is coastline, as many geysers as there are white sand beaches, and as much Spanish surrealist art as there are tapas bars, everyone is set to have an unforgettable time.