Canary Islands, Tenerife cruise port guide

Visitors seeking shelter from the cold winter have long known about the sun-drenched Canary Islands. About 60 miles from the North African coast, Gran Canaria enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year round. Of the seven islands in the small chain, Gran Canaria is the most popular and boasts Las Palmas as its capital. This bustling Spanish city was founded in 1478 and some of the original buildings still stand. Golden beaches offer a serene contrast to the lush and rugged interior terrain. For a real treat, admire the fine beaches from the top of Bandama, one of Gran Canaria's extinct volcanoes.