Praia to Tenerife

Lying on the southern end of Santiago Island, Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, invites you to explore its lush environment with mild weather year-round. The verdant valleys of the largest island in this West African archipelago converge with rugged mountains creating a landscape ready for exploration. The old capital of Cidade Velha now resides as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides insight into Cape Verde's story, connecting European and African history. Music lovers can rejoice in the many cultural influences of Cape Verde's sounds, with inspiring rhythms that include Brazilian samba, African drumbeats and Caribbean merengue.

Formed off the coast of Morocco, the volcanic Canary Islands offer rugged and captivating landscapes with black and white sand beaches. The port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a rich combination of historical architecture and modern design, leads the way to exploration of the islands, sometimes referred to as the Canaries.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, lies off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. A walk along the Santa Cruz promenade comes with views of lush green flora and rocky mountain peaks against blue sky. Playa Jardin offers spectacular views of black sand dotted with verdant palm trees and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic lapping against the shore, creating a vibrant picture of paradise.

Mount Teide, the highest point of elevation in Spain, offers breathtaking views with a short cable car ride up near its summit. The active volcano offers fertile grounds that are home to over 150 plant species, making it a colorful landscape you will not want to miss. Its walking paths give you the chance to challenge your muscles to the ultimate hike.

The cuisine of the Canary Islands is a rich and savory mix of Spanish, African, and Latin-American foods. Even one of its staple foods, bananas, originated in Asia. This cultural combination of foods makes eating in the Canaries an adventure of its own. With flavors of fish, rice, meat, and locally grown fruits and vegetables, your taste buds will never be bored.