Canary Islands

The seven islands that comprise Spain’s Canary Islands, which were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, offer diverse landscapes covered in mountains, beaches, volcanoes and indigenous forests and surrounded by pristine ocean waters renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling. Nature may be the biggest draw here, but it’s not the only one. The world-famous Carnival in Tenerife draws millions of revelers from around the globe every February, and you might be surprised by the quality (and quantity) of well-curated art collections and exhibits at the island’s more than 40 museums. The singsong whistling language of the aboriginal Guanches people can still be heard on the islands of La Gomera and La Palma, while Gran Canaria and Tenerife are home to the archipelago’s best dining and nightlife scenes. Indeed, repeat visits are required to fully explore and appreciate these islands’ rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural wonders.