The Canary Islands are known for their year-round mild weather, gorgeous beaches, dramatic scenery, and unusual national parks. Here are five spots to help you get acquainted with the unique islands.
Photo: Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden (D81_7337) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia CommonsCaldera de Taburiente National Park: Hike through Canary Island pine groves, near endangered Canary Island juniper, around the Río Taburiente, near Caldera de Taburiente, up hairpin turns, and detour to Cascada Coloradas on Los Brecitos forest trail.
Photo: Dirk Vorderstraße (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia CommonsFuerteventura: Discover a biosphere reserve, fine white sand that blew across the water from the Sahara, steep cliffs, and volcanic formations on the Island of Eternal Spring.
Photo: Barceló Hotel Group
La Caleta: Explore the highest point in Spain, an active volcano, rugged mountains, deep ravines, lava tubes, vineyards, steep cliffs, both white- and black-sand beaches, and a high-end resort on the largest of the Canary Islands.
Photo: Bohemia Suites & Spa
Playa del Inglés: Find a new hotel, views of the Maspalomas Dunes, customizable color palettes, a Thai-inspired spa, and a restaurant with a 360-degree panorama on volcanic Gran Canaria.
Photo: Gernot Keller, London (www.gernot-keller.com) (Canon 5D) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)%5D, via Wikimedia CommonsTimanfaya National Park: Enjoy geothermally cooked food, glasses of sangria, a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a view of the Fire Mountains during an unforgettable meal atop a volcano.
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