Canary Island Immersion

One of Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is best known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its capital, Las Palmas, offers some of the best beaches on the island with shorelines bordered by coral barriers that shelter swimmers. Make the trek up to the neighborhoods of San Nicolas and San Juan for remarkable views of the homes below. Within the capital’s heart you can find the Pueblo Canario, a replica of a traditional Canarian village where you can learn about the island’s culture and how it has evolved.

Sitting along the golden coasts of the Basque Country, San Sebastián offers a seaside allure that pairs beautifully with its culinary culture. Whether enjoying pintxo bar hopping for delicious tapas or savoring the flavors of oysters with txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine, the local delicacies are sure to inspire and delight your palate. Explore Mercado de La Bretxa, where the vendors claim Spain’s top chefs source their ingredients. Head over to Playa de la Concha to watch the local surfers in the city’s favorite pastime. Ride the vintage funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo for breathtaking, panoramic views. Wander through the Old Town and Plaza de la Constitución to connect with the locals and San Sebastián’s rich history.

With a historic quarter declared a Historic-Artistic Site, Santa Cruz de la Palma offers colonial homes and paths that invite you to wander through the Canary Islands’ past. Take an invigorating uphill hike to the 17th-century Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, La Palma’s prime landmark. Over at Maroparque, animal lovers can revel in the rescue center. Displaying an array of wildlife, this small zoo invites you to let out your inner child. Along Playa de Santa Cruz de la Palma, you find a contrasting scene of black-sand beach against a backdrop of verdant hills, a vibrant image you’ll want to get lost in.

Formed off the coast of Morocco, the volcanic Canary Islands offer captivating landscapes with black and white sand beaches. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a rich combination of historical architecture and modern design, leads the way to exploring the islands, also known as the Canaries. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers views of lush flora and rocky peaks against blue sky. Mount Teide, the highest point of elevation in Spain, offers breathtaking views with a short cable car ride up near its summit. The active volcano offers fertile grounds that are home to over 150 plant species, making it a colorful landscape you will want to see.

Formed off the coast of Morocco, the volcanic Canary Islands offer captivating landscapes with black and white sand beaches. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a rich combination of historical architecture and modern design, leads the way to exploring the islands, also known as the Canaries. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers views of lush flora and rocky peaks against blue sky. Mount Teide, the highest point of elevation in Spain, offers breathtaking views with a short cable car ride up near its summit. The active volcano offers fertile grounds that are home to over 150 plant species, making it a colorful landscape you will want to see.

Coming into Puerto de la Estaca, you arrive in the smallest, westernmost and youngest — emerging only 1.1 million years ago — of the Canary Islands, El Hierro. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island’s lush, volcanic landscapes, pine tree forests, natural pools and diving spots beckon you to explore every depth. Traversing the road from Valverde to El Golfo you come to La Frontera, where your tastebuds go on an adventure of mouthwatering pineapple and wines made from grape varieties only found here. Search for Charco Manso, a small beach inlet, and discover its hidden bar. Try the fried moray eel for a true taste of the Canaries.

One of Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is best known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its capital, Las Palmas, offers some of the best beaches on the island with shorelines bordered by coral barriers that shelter swimmers. Make the trek up to the neighborhoods of San Nicolas and San Juan for remarkable views of the homes below. Within the capital’s heart you can find the Pueblo Canario, a replica of a traditional Canarian village where you can learn about the island’s culture and how it has evolved.

One of Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is best known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its capital, Las Palmas, offers some of the best beaches on the island with shorelines bordered by coral barriers that shelter swimmers. Make the trek up to the neighborhoods of San Nicolas and San Juan for remarkable views of the homes below. Within the capital’s heart you can find the Pueblo Canario, a replica of a traditional Canarian village where you can learn about the island’s culture and how it has evolved.