The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are the subtropics of Spain - average 22°C all year round, an hour's flight from the mainland, its own autonomy. TENERIFE — THE MOST DIVERSE • Teide Volcano 3718 m (the highest peak in Spain) — cable car or trekking • Beaches: black volcanic (Playa Jardín), artificial golden (Las Teresitas) • Anaga (UNESCO) — primeval laurissilva • La Laguna — UNESCO colonial town GOOD FOR: families, ecotourism, a mix of everything GRAN CANARIA — A CONTINENT IN MINIATURE • Maspalomas Dunes (Sahara in a nutshell, UNESCO) • Las Palmas — historic city, Las Canteras beach (3 km city) • Roque Nublo — iconic rock 1813 m • Microclimates from Arctic to desert GOOD FOR: parties in Playa del Inglés, Mediterranean climate year-round LANZAROTE — LUNAR, ARTISTIC • Timanfaya (volcanic park — geothermal water boiling!) • César Manrique — architect of the entire island (Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río) • La Geria Wines — vineyards in volcanic funnels • White houses, cacti, black lava GOOD FOR: design lovers, ecotourists, photography FUERTEVENTURA — SURFING, BEACHES • 150 km of sandy beaches (Corralejo dunes UNESCO) • The best surfing in Spain (Wave Pool, El Cotillo) • The least rainy island GOOD FOR: surfers, beachgoers, peace LA PALMA — GREEN, STARRY • Roque de los Muchachos — astronomical observatory (one of the best spots in the world) • Caldera de Taburiente — volcanic basin • 2021 eruption — still new Lava GOOD FOR: trekking, astronomy, escaping the crowds LA GOMERA + EL HIERRO The smallest, least known. Whistling language Silbo Gomero (UNESCO), the first 100% renewable island (El Hierro).