The Canary Islands are Spain's year-round sunshine escape. Set in the Atlantic Ocean off the southwest coast of Morocco, the seven main islands are ringed with beaches and clear blue water, drawing surfers, windsurfers, divers and sun-seekers alike. On the larger islands, especially Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, you'll find plenty of luxury resorts with great restaurants, golf courses and beachfront pools.

But the Canaries are about more than beaches and resorts. The islands' national parks are spectacular. On Tenerife, Teide National Park is home to Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak and one of the largest volcanoes on Earth when measured from the ocean floor. You can hike it or ride the cable car toward the summit. On Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park offers an almost moonlike landscape of craters and lava fields, which you can even cross by camel.

The Canaries are a popular stop on transatlantic and Atlantic island cruises. I'll help you choose the right island for your style, connect your flights through Spain and plan the volcano and beach days.