The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands off the north-western coast of Africa. This autonomous region within the Kingdom of Spain is formed of seven major islands, one minor island and several small islets. Amongst the islands are the famous tropical holiday destinations of Tenerife, the largest island in the archipelago; Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. The islands offer travellers a range of experiences, from the vibrant nightlife of Lanzarote, to the La Gomera, home to the only remaining Laurisilva rain forest in northern Africa. 

The capital of the island group is a distinction shared between the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (on the island of Tenerife) and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (on the island of Gran Canaria). The islands’ economy has been revolutionised in the last fifty years with the advent of cheap flights, enticing millions of tourists to the islands every year. While part of the EU for political purposes they remain outside its customs and VAT area making high tax goods such as tobacco and alcohol cheaper than elsewhere in Europe.

Tenerife is divided by Spain's tallest peak, the barely dormant volcano El Teide (3718m above sea level). The south of the island is popular with groups of young holidaymakers, with older and family tourists choosing Puerto de La Cruz and its environs. On the south side you have consistent summer, little to no wind, and pretty much perfect beach-weather for much of the year. There are plenty of hotels and activities catering to this younger tourist demographic. On the north side of the island you will find a greener environment, and more vibrant local culture. The weather fluctuates a bit more here, but is also mostly pleasant though not as hot as the south. As Tenerife has been such a popular tourist destination for several decades now it has a well developed infrastructure, including two airports Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) near Los Cristianos and Tenerife North (Los Rodeos) by La Laguna.  Cheap flights to Tenerife can be found from companies such as Monarch.

The other main island on the Canaries is Gran Canaria, often called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found. The island is under protection as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. As with Tenerife, the north tends to be cooler while the south is warmer and sunny. The east coast of the island is flat dotted with beaches while the western coast is rockier and mountainous. In the south there is a large bird park, Palmitos Park, indicative of Gran Canaria’s position as a bird-watchers paradise. The resort communities start in the central eastern part of the southern coast in the Maspalomas area, which includes the towns of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Sonnenland, Maspalomas and Meloneras. Gran Canaria’s only airport is the International Airport of Gran Canaria-Gando, cheap flights to Gran Canaria can also be found with Monarch airlines.