The Canary Islands
A holiday to the Canary Islands reveals a melange of lunar landscapes, forests and turquoise coastlines; and thanks to a balmy climate and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder this attractive archipelago has long been charming luxury travellers.
Lanzarote
The volcanic island of Lanzarote is a historical and cultural gem among the Canary Islands, with a strong focus on conservation and community. The island’s small size also makes it ideal for exploring from one end to the other. The port city and capital, Arrecife, is on the east coast of the island, with quaint backstreets full of independent shops, as well as a stunning view of the harbour and coral reefs from which the city acquired its name.
Visit the National Park of Timanfaya on the west coast and take in the spectacular landscapes surrounding the majestic 'Mountains of Fire'. You can even sample dishes cooked with the heat of the volcano at El Diablo restaurant. At the northermost part of the island, head up to the 'Río Viewpoint' for panoramic views over Chinijo Archipelago National Park. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Museum is a hotspot for visitors of all ages, being the first ever underwater museum in Europe.
Tenerife
A luxury holiday in Tenerife offers dramatic landscapes, pretty fishing villages and plenty of opportunities for a little adventure. Being the largest of the Canary Islands, scenically diverse Tenerife is dotted with lush forests, deserts and, of course, the spectacular beaches for which it’s best known.
The volcanic island is home to the highest mountain in Spain, El Teide, and the ascent to its peak is rewarded with a spectacular panorama. Back on the coast, there’s more than enough to satisfy the wind surfers, scuba divers and surfers, while those looking to be at one with nature can feed the stingrays at Las Galletas or go on a dolphin watching boat trip.
Gran Canaria
Blessed with dazzling beaches, a rugged coastline and a mountainous interior, Gran Canaria has got luxury holidays down to a tee. From its crown of luxury beach resorts in the south to the lively capital of Las Palmas in the north, the sheer diversity of this picturesque island leads many to nickname it ‘a continent in miniature’.
Along the coast you'll discover fantastic surfing beaches as well as calm, turquoise bays, where the warm waters make for some of the best diving in Europe. Further inland, the stunning landscape transforms into undulating mountains and pine forest, where snaking paths twist around jagged peaks and inhabited cave villages. The climate here makes it ideal for hiking, biking and outdoor pursuit holidays - particularly in springtime when the flowers are in full bloom.