The Canary Islands, comprising of thirteen islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean 100 km northwest of Africa, became recognised as part of Spain in 1495, following a fierce struggle between Portugal and Spain. There is a wide variation of climates across the archipelago, with the islands on the west enjoying lush vegetation while those closer to Africa are increasingly more arid. The islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria with their temperate climate are very popular destinations for last minute cruises at any time of the year.

Throughout their long history, the Canary Islands have been home to many different people, with evidence of inhabitation dating back to 1 AD. From the 14th century, Santa Cruz in Tenerife and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria were frequently used by Arab and European merchants on the trade routes to the New World.

Much of the fine old architecture in the Canaries reflects the resulting prosperity of the islands. However, the wealth of the Canary Islands also attracted several unsuccessful attempts to capture the territory, including 1599 during the Dutch War of Independence and by a British offensive led by Nelson in 1797.

The predominant economy of growing sugar declined in the wake of the sugar plantations of the American colonies, encouraging widespread emigration to Spanish South America. Economic revival of the Canary Islands arrived at the beginning of the 20th century with the introduction of bananas.

The Spanish Civil War which erupted in 1936 threatened the peace of the Canaries and with the onset of WWII, Churchill drew up a contingency plan that in the event of Gibraltar falling, the Canary Islands would be appropriated as a British naval base.

Tourism is now the main economy of the Canary Islands, with many late cruise deals stopping at several ports on the islands.