The salt spray clings to your skin as the rugged coastline of the Canary Islands emerges from the Atlantic haze, signaling your arrival in a volcanic archipelago where maritime history meets sun-drenched shores. You can step off the gangplank and immediately find yourself navigating the vibrant streets of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or the historic port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Wander through Vegueta, the historic old town, where you can explore grand buildings like the Palacio Episcopal and the Casa Consistorial surrounding the Plaza de Santa Ana, which features eight green rock statues of dogs. Step into the Cathedral of Santa Ana to see centuries of architecture ranging from Gothic to Baroque; you can climb a staircase to the right-hand tower for views over the city or visit the Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro. For a different perspective on history, visit the Castillo de la Luz, a 16th-century fortification that now houses a shipping museum and cultural center within its rose garden, or explore the Casa Museo de Colón, where you can see ship models and a replica of a cabin from the La Niña.
Experience the local coastline at Playa de Las Canteras, where you can swim in natural pools formed by the barrier at low tide or snorkel among shore-dwelling fish. If you prefer land-based exploration, hike the coastal path along the peninsula La Isleta to see large crabs on black volcanic cliffs, or visit the Pueblo Canario in Parque Doramas to see a reconstruction of a traditional village and folk performances. For a modern cultural fix, visit the Poema del Mar aquarium at Muelle Sanapú to view rays and sharks while dining, or head to the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno housed in a former bank building.
Explore Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Stand on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean to face the Auditorio de Tenerife, a landmark of late-modern architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava that serves as one of the most photographed structures in the city. Move inland to explore the contrast between historic and modern landscapes, from the 17th-century Baroque architecture of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi to the sprawling, palm-filled grounds of Palmetum. This botanical garden sits on an artificial hill overlooking the sea, showcasing over 600 species of palms within a system of ponds and waterfalls.
Wander through history at the Museum of Nature and Archeology, which houses the largest collection of Guanche objects on the islands, or visit the Canarian Military History Museum housed within Fort Almeyda. You can also explore the remnants of the 16th-century Castle of San Cristóbal via a tunnel beneath the Plaza de España, where an artificial lake fountain sits in the center of the city's largest square. For those seeking local culture, witness the massive Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife every February, or visit García Sanabria Park to see its Swiss-made floral clock.Explore Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Arrecife, Spain
Step onto the coastal paths of Arrecife where history is etched into the stone of its fortifications and the layout of its streets. You can walk the Castillo de San Gabriel, a 16th-century island fortress that now houses a local history museum; reach it via the traffic-free Puente de las Bolas, a drawbridge marked by two columns topped with stone balls. For a different perspective on the island's past, visit Castillo San José, which was remodeled in the 1970s to house the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo. If you prefer an industrial and aviation fix, explore the Lanzarote Aeronautical Museum, located in a former passenger terminal featuring eleven thematic rooms of aircraft models and multimedia displays.
Wander through the city center to find the Charco de San Ginés, a seawater lagoon where you can walk between two bridges while passing cafes on its shores. If you prefer the coast, head to Playa del Reducto for a beach lined with bars and restaurants, or travel further west to the smaller, more secluded Playa del Cable. For a moment of local color, find the "Pescador con Marlin" statue at the western end of Puerto Naos, a weathered figure reminiscent of Hemingway’s literature. You can also explore the northern outskirts to see the coastal village of Tahíche and César Manrique's former studio and home.
Funchal, Portugal
Stroll through the historic Mercado Dos Lavradores to experience a bustling hub of island life where you can sample local fruits like small Madeiran mangos and passion fruit from various vendors. Nearby, the towering Sé Cathedral stands as the city's central monument, featuring a ceiling crafted from local wood. For an exploration of history and artistry, visit the Santa Clara Convent to see its notable azulejo tiles or walk through the IBTAM Museum to view centuries of traditional embroidery and tapestry craftsmanship.
Escape to the expansive gardens of Quinta do Palheiro, where you can wander through a French Garden, a Sunken Garden, and a Rose Garden filled with tropical plants and blooming flora. If you prefer views from above, take the Funchal Cable Car to Monte; from there, you can ride a wooden toboggan down the mountain or explore the Monte Palace gardens, which feature a Chinese garden and a variety of fauna. For a different atmosphere, visit the São Tiago Fort to see contemporary art or head to the Mercado Dos Lavradores to find fresh-caught fish in its dedicated hall.
Puerto del Rosario, Spain
Walk through the city center to find a collection of several dozen sculptures scattered along Calle León y Castillo, the pedestrian zone of Calle Primero del Mayo, and along the promenade. You can visit the Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a small church located in the heart of the town, or stand before the City Hall to see a sculpture of a goat family that references the city's former name, Puerto de Cabras. Along the harbor promenade, you can view the Fuente de la Explanada, a fountain depicting scenes from local life, and the Horno de Cal, a historical lime kiln.
Explore the cultural history at the Casa Museo Miguel de Unamuno, where the Basque writer lived in exile. If you prefer the coast, head toward the nearby beaches to find Playa Chica just outside the city, or visit Playa Blanca situated between the city and the airport. Further afield, you can reach Playa de Matorral to the south of the airport, or travel north of the city to explore Playa de Layas and Playa de Barlovento near Puerto Lajas.