The lush volcanic island of La Palma is one of the Canary Islands’ best kept secrets, a place where tourism is still low key and the beautiful scenery is unspoilt by high rise developments. Don’t miss the colourful colonial architecture of the capital, Santa Cruz, reminiscent of the Spanish Caribbean.

Little La Gomera is the quietest of all the Canary Islands, still barely touched by tourism. The dramatic landscape of craggy volcanic peaks and misty laurel forest is staggeringly beautiful, and the diminutive capital, San Sebastián, is low key and laid back.

Remote, rugged and barely touched by tourism, El Hierro is the smallest of the Canary Islands. The island has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the small population is entirely sustained by renewable energy. Highlights include dramatic volcanic landscapes, sleepy mountain villages and some fantastic dive sites.

Said to have the world's most perfect climate, cosmopolitan Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canary Islands. The charming old quarter, La Vegueta, is where you'll find the city's most interesting colonial architecture, while beach fans should head for lovely Playa de las Canteras.

In recent years Lanzarote has begun to shake off its mass market reputation and reinvent itself as a more upmarket destination. The extraordinary volcanic landscapes and the works of local artist César Manrique give the island a unique appearance, and the understated capital, Arrecife, is well worth exploring.

Fuerteventura is the closest of the Canary Islands to Africa, and this is reflected in the sun-baked landscape. Ships dock at Puerto del Rosario, which has little of interest; instead, take a trip into the mountainous interior, hit the beach or try your hand at windsurfing.

Situated on Tenerife’s north eastern shore, the island’s capital is a busy port that serves mostly as a gateway to the popular south west coast and the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the island’s interior.