Tenerife, Canary Islands , Spain

512 Guestrooms; 97 Suites
Features: Golf, Fitness Center, Wedding Chapel, Spa Facilities, Beaches, Countryside, Mountains, Children's Programs, Banquets, Outdoor Pool, Shopping Available, High-Speed Internet Access
In the place where some of the most beautiful natural elements of the Canary Islands come together, with the omnipresence of the Atlantic Ocean at its feet, the graceful silhouette of La Gomera isl...

The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are a group seven islands, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, that conform an intraplate volcanic archipelago. Despite being Spanish territories they are much closer to the coast of Africa than to mainland Spain and it is this mid-easterly Atlantic location that accounts for their remarkably mild climate. The archipelago offers strikingly diverse landscapes including remarkable sub-tropical flora, luxuriant pine woods, giant sand dunes and mountain peaks.
By far the most popular holiday playgrounds are Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Away from the resorts, these islands, ironically, also offer the most varied landscapes. Next in popularity come Lanzarote, then Fuerteventura. Lanzarote has managed to combine modern resorts with much-praised eco-friendly development and low-rise aesthetically pleasing design, while Fuerteventura is famous for its wind-driven watersports and some of Europe's finest beaches.
La Gomera is a charming small undeveloped island, often visited as a Tenerife day trip (just 30 minutes by ferry), while La Palma, very green, uncommercialized and arguably the most beautiful island, is primarily a destination for walkers. Most westerly of all is El Hierro, windblown and well off the beaten track, attracting a mere handful of walkers each year.

Summer sunshine is guaranteed on all the islands. At other times of year however El Hierro and La Palma can be cool, with a west European spring-like climate. Both Tenerife and Gran Canaria have a north-south divide with parched southern shores and cooler, slightly wetter northern climes. However, by European standards rainfall is low throughout the islands

• Explore the cosmopolitan city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (website: www.infosantacruz.com), the island capital. Enjoy its rich architecture, churches, museums and colorful bustling market. Afterwards relax on the golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas.

• Take a hike in the Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma, one of the largest and most fertile volcanic craters on earth. Or just take in the view from the Mirador de La Cumbrecita. Then explore the charming little capital, Santa Cruz.

• Visit Timanfaya National Park, an awe-inspiring moon

scape created by an 18th-century volcanic eruption that covered around one-third of Lanzarote in lava. Take the coach tour, feel the heat of the dormant volcano and book a walking tour.

• See as many of the seven César Manrique visitor attractions as you can. This great Lanzaroteño artist, landscape designer and ecological champion defined the essence of the island with his fantastic creations. Don't miss Jameos del Agua or Jardín de Cactus.

• Visit lively Las Palmas, capital of Gran Canaria, with its magnificent location between two bays. Sights include the Casa de Colón (Columbus House), cathedral, market, Pueblo Canario and several museums. It has a fine beach too.

• Go windsurfing or kitesurfing off Fuerteventura's fabulous soft golden beaches. Giant dunes back unspoiled beaches in both the north of the island, at Corralejo, and in the south at Jandía, where world championship events are staged.

• Visit Teguise (website: www.costateguiseturismo.org), the picturesque Colonial-style former capital of Lanzarote, with aristocratic palaces, historic convents, churches and a castle built on a volcanic cone with great views over the town. Come on a Sunday to enjoy the colourful market.

• On Tenerife take the cable car up Mount Teide, the highest point in all Spanish territory at 3,718m (12,198ft). It climbs to within 300m (1,000ft) of the summit - from where you can walk the rest (free permit required). Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2007.
• Spend a day in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife's north coast. Splash out in the César Manrique-designed Costa Martiánez lido, explore the Colonial-style old town and enjoy Loro Parque, one of the world's finest marine and wildlife parks. • If you can, visit during Carnaval (February/March). The celebrations on Tenerife, in Santa Cruz and Puerto Cruz are some of the biggest and most colourful outside Rio de Janeiro