The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located off the coast of Africa, are known for its year-round subtropical climate and its diverse and unspoiled landscapes. Along with sandy beaches and turquoise waters, visitors enjoy the otherworldly terrain made up of spectacular volcanic formations, soaring cliffs, and expansive deserts. Due to its biodiversity and luxurious vegetation, the islands were declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002. Sitting atop the dramatic mountaintops on La Palma and Tenerife are some of the most advanced astronomical observatories in the world, providing a front row seat to the ultimate cosmic experience, with both islands fittingly designated as “Starlight Destinations.” La Palma houses the world’s largest single-aperture optical telescopes at Los Muchachos Observatory, which boasts the 10.4 meter Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (GTC).