Volcanic beaches and subtropical forests

The Canary Islands are Spain's most far-flung territory, a diverse little archipelago sitting just off the coast of northwest Africa. Warmed by the currents of the Gulf Stream, these rugged islands support an incredibly diverse terrain, from Sahara-style deserts complete with giant sand dunes to swathes of scented pine forests and looming volcanic peaks. Beaches kiss their coastlines - some black sand, some white - along with secret coves, tranquil bays and traditional fishing towns.

With their year-round sunshine, the Canaries are as popular for winter sun as they are for summer beach holidays. Each island has a character all its own, from Tenerife, the largest of the islands, with its landscape of lush forests, mountains and dark volcanic beaches, to Lanzarote whose distinctive lunar-like landscape leaves no doubt as to the Canaries' volcanic origins. Fuerteventura is the quietest and most easterly of the Canary Islands, while Gran Canaria, is the most diverse – the north is lush and green while the south stretches into almost desert-like scenes such as the rolling Maspalomas Dunes on the island’s south coast.