Lanzarote & Tenerife

About the destination: Located just 79 miles from the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands. Like the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote has a volcanic origin. Due to recent eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries, many parts of Lanzarote seem otherworldly, often described as 'lunar' or 'Martian'. Among the many impressive volcanic features of Lanzarote is the world's longest Volcanic Tunnel, the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Despite the island's volcanic nature, Lanzarote boasts several beautiful white beaches such as those at Playa Blanca, Papagayo, and Caleton Blanco. Balance your time between relaxing on the beach and visiting the extraordinary sights created in the volcanic landscape by local artist and environmentalist César Manrique. Don't miss a tour of the Timanfaya national park either. Take a boat to the island of La Graciosa off the northern tip for a blissful day swimming in crystal clear water. Visit some of the vineyards in La Geria and rent bikes to challenge yourself on some of the excellent cycling routes around the island. The capital city, Arrecife, where cruise ships dock, may lack charisma but is welcoming. Southwest of here is the main resort of Puerto del Carmen. It's a lively place with a long, tiled promenade linking four miles of beaches and bays. It's perfect for families with teenagers seeking some excitement, or for vacationers who want a mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife. Costa Teguise, on the other side of Arrecife, is a more modest and peaceful alternative that has become increasingly upscale in recent years. It tends to attract an older crowd.

About the destination: Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a sun-drenched destination where volcanic landscapes meet lush forests and golden (and even black) sand beaches. Dominated by the impressive Mount Teide—Spain’s highest peak and the centerpiece of Teide National Park—this island offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the sea, high-altitude hiking, or star-filled night skies, Tenerife delivers a surprisingly diverse experience packed into a relatively small island. Beach lovers can choose between the lively resort areas of the south—such as Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje—with their wide range of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, or the quieter, more local stretches of coastline around El Médano and the north. The waters are ideal for swimming most of the year, and the island is a prime spot for whale and dolphin watching, with boat trips departing daily from ports like Los Cristianos and Puerto Colón. Surfing, windsurfing, and snorkeling are also popular, thanks to consistent Atlantic swells and clear waters. Away from the coast, Tenerife reveals a rich cultural side. The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, blends modern architecture, museums, and parks with a vibrant port atmosphere, while nearby San Cristóbal de La Laguna—UNESCO World Heritage Site—charms visitors with its colonial streets, colorful facades, and lively cafés. Traditional towns like La Orotava and Garachico showcase historic mansions, cobbled streets, and intimate squares, offering a glimpse into the island’s past. Local cuisine, from fresh fish and “papas arrugadas” with spicy “mojo” sauces to Canarian wines, completes the experience. Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for adventure. Teide National Park offers well-marked trails across lava fields and viewpoints accessible by road or cable car, with guided tours available for sunrise or sunset visits. The Anaga Rural Park, in the island’s northeast, is a green paradise of laurel forests and ridge-top paths with spectacular ocean views. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or solo, Tenerife’s mix of nature, culture, and year-round mild climate makes it an ideal island getaway.