Atlantic Isles and Canaries

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

The Canary Islands have some of the most striking and diverse scenery of any islands on earth: dry volcanic deserts, a snow-capped mountain, lush fields with banana and pineapple plantations, plus spectacular beaches! Only 70 miles from the coast of Africa, the Canaries were a way station for Spanish galleons and Las Palmas was the provisioning stop for Columbus on all four of his voyages. See the palace where he stayed and wander through a fascinating collection of 15th-century marine memorabilia.

Highlights

ARUCAS
Arucas is dominated by its massive neo-Gothic Church of San Juan Bautista, built of black volcanic rock.

BANDAMA CALDERA
The massive caldera is over 3280 feet (1000m) in diameter and 656 feet (200m) deep.

COLUMBUS MUSEUM
Legend has it that Columbus stayed in this house in the Vegueta in 1492 while one of his ships underwent repair.

JARDIN DE LA MARQUESA
This botanical garden in Arucas is home to tropical and subtropical flowers, shrubs and trees collected from around the world.

MOGAN
The old port has been refashioned into a luxury resort with Mediterranean-style buildings and a network of canals.

PUERTO RICO
The resort is a favourite with the winter yachting set thanks to its two fine marinas.

TEROR
The town is noted for the Basilica de la Virgen del Pino. Our Lady of the Pines is the patron saint of the Canaries.