Tenerife

An entire continent fits into Tenerife. Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, crowns a volcanic national park of lunar landscapes explored by cable car above the clouds, and at its feet unfold the laurel forests of Anaga, the cliffs of Los Gigantes and colonial towns such as La Laguna, a World Heritage Site. The perpetual-spring climate lets you swim all year on black- and golden-sand beaches, from surfy El Médano to the natural pools of the north.

Year-round whale and dolphin watching, trails between volcanoes, the world-famous Santa Cruz carnival and a cuisine of wrinkly potatoes, mojo and good wine round off an island that never runs out. With constant flights from Madrid and a resident discount, Tenerife is guaranteed sunshine in any season.