Island Hopping: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura & Gran Canaria

About the destination: Located just 79 miles from the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands. Like the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote has a volcanic origin. Due to recent eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries, many parts of Lanzarote seem otherworldly, often described as 'lunar' or 'Martian'. Among the many impressive volcanic features of Lanzarote is the world's longest Volcanic Tunnel, the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. Despite the island's volcanic nature, Lanzarote boasts several beautiful white beaches such as those at Playa Blanca, Papagayo, and Caleton Blanco. Balance your time between relaxing on the beach and visiting the extraordinary sights created in the volcanic landscape by local artist and environmentalist César Manrique. Don't miss a tour of the Timanfaya national park either. Take a boat to the island of La Graciosa off the northern tip for a blissful day swimming in crystal clear water. Visit some of the vineyards in La Geria and rent bikes to challenge yourself on some of the excellent cycling routes around the island. The capital city, Arrecife, where cruise ships dock, may lack charisma but is welcoming. Southwest of here is the main resort of Puerto del Carmen. It's a lively place with a long, tiled promenade linking four miles of beaches and bays. It's perfect for families with teenagers seeking some excitement, or for vacationers who want a mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife. Costa Teguise, on the other side of Arrecife, is a more modest and peaceful alternative that has become increasingly upscale in recent years. It tends to attract an older crowd.

About the destination: Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canary Islands, an African archipelago that is part of Spain. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 150 kilometers from the northwestern coast of Africa and about 1,350 kilometers from Europe. The island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was established on June 24, 1478, and is known as "Real de Las Palmas". Along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it serves as the capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria is often referred to as a "Miniature Continent" due to its diverse climates and landscapes, which include long white sand beaches and dunes, green ravines, and quaint villages. A third of the island is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The majority of tourists visit the southern part of the island, which is warmer and sunnier than the cooler north. The island boasts 32 Natural Protected Spaces, including the Rural Park of Nublo, The Doramas Jungle, the Azuaje Ravine, Tamadaba, Pino Santo, and more. Resorts are primarily located in the Maspalomas area on the central eastern part of the southern coast, which includes the towns of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and Meloneras. In Tarajalillo, there is an Aeroclub where tourists can take flights over the island. Further west along the southern shore, in the Municipality of Mogán, are the communities of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, a village known as "Little Venice" due to its many canals. Other attractions include Cocodrilos Park, Roque Nublo, Cenobio de Valerón with over 350 storage cavities, the Painted Cave of Galdar which is the most significant archaeological park in the Canary Islands, and the botanical gardens Jardín Canario (in Tafira Alta) and Cactualdea (in La Aldea de San Nicolás). El Dedo de Dios, or "God's Finger", was a rocky spire protruding from the sea in Puerto de las Nieves. It was the signature attraction of the Canary Islands until it was destroyed by Tropical Storm Delta in November 2005. Las Canteras beach, a protected area and diving zone, is located in the heart of the city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also known for its annual carnival. Other attractions in the capital city include the Museo Canario, the cathedral, and the Plaza del Espíritu Santo. The town of Agüimes, located on the eastern part of the island, has been meticulously restored. The district also includes the most renowned scuba diving area on the island: the marine reserve at the Playa de El Cabrón just outside the town of Arinaga. Other significant towns include Telde, known for its surf schools in Salinetas, Vecindario (within the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana), and Gáldar, which contains an important diving zone.