Canary Islands, Madeira & the Solar Eclipse

The winter sun in the Canaries makes this the perfect time to explore Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Puerto de la Cruz.Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates Tenerife’s skyline, and its summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The renowned “guachinches”, small, family-run restaurants, offer hearty Canarian food and are well worth discovering.

Las Palmas is perhaps the most popular destination in the Canary Islands, loved by those who enjoy year-round sunshine. The island was originally occupied by the Canarii people, from the 5th century BC, whose cultures and lifestyles can be discovered at several sites around Gran Canaria, including the ancient burial ground of El Maipés Necropolis. The twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral stand tall in the centre of Las Palmas, a unique combination of Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical styles.

The island of La Gomera promises a gloriously sunny exploration in winter, where you’ll have opportunities to discover the green paradise of Garajonay National Park, with trails through misty laurel forests and magnificent views across the island from its peak. Meanwhile, the waters around the island are ideal for spotting various species of dolphins and whales, while a stroll around the capital of San Sebastian offers chances to discover intricate churches, the historical fort, and the Well of Aguada. You can immerse yourself in local culture by listening to the unique Silbo whistling language, still preserved today and used by the indigenous people of the island to communicate across the deep valleys.

La Estaca is the main gateway to El Hierro, the smallest and most westerly of Spain's Canary Islands. The small harbour provides a warm welcome to the island’s unspoilt volcanic landscapes, dramatic cliffs and traditional way of life. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, El Hierro has embraced sustainable living while preserving much of its rugged charm. From La Estaca, winding roads lead to ancient laurel forests, dramatic lava fields and peaceful villages, with the island's capital, Valverde, home to whitewashed buildings, quiet streets and sweeping views across the coastline. Calm, authentic and uncrowded, La Estaca is the perfect starting point for exploring one of the Canary Islands' most distinctive destinations, where nature, culture and a slower pace of life take centre stage.

The landscapes of La Palma were formed around 2 million years ago, resulting in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park being formed by erosion from the volcano’s original crater, and now classed as a Biosphere Reserve. At sea level, the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, is a small city with colonial style architecture and edged with volcanic black sandy beaches. The historic quarter of the city is steeped in history with buildings erected during the reign of Phillip II, and is widely regarded as one of Spain’s Historic-Artistic sites.

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During February, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girão, standing 580m above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

Visiting Lisbon in February allows for opportunities to explore at a slower pace, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints). You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a Portuguese espresso, known as Bica, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.