Gran Canaria

Strolling around the cobbled streets of Vegueta, where the twin towers of Catedral de Santa Ana dominate the skyline, feels like stepping back in time, for you're walking in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus. Visit the Ermita de San Antonio hermitage, where a kneeling Columbus prayed prior to setting sail.

Three, it's the magic number. One: there's Mógan, the south-west municipality which enjoys the best weather on GC as the south is sunniest and the west clearest. Two: there's Puerto de Mógan, a stylish resort dubbed 'Little Venice' for its intricate canals. Three: the town of Mógan itself, once a humble fishing village, now a captivating town of picturesque whitewashed houses.

Australia's got Ayer's Rock, Ireland — the Blarney Stone, and Gran Canaria has Roque Nublo. The Cloud Rock seems a little bit of an odd name. Usually, you can see for miles and miles from this famous vantage point. Walk there from La Goleta parking lot, located on the Ayacata-Pozo de las Nieves road.

The famous dunes have been a nature reserve since 1897, although scientists theorise they only date back to 1755 when a Lisbon-born tsunami hit Gran Cannaria. The Faro de Maspalomas, an active 19th century lighthouse, is a 68-metre tall man-made landmark. It stands proudly at the end of the spectacular 2,710-metre-long beach.

For a gateway into Gran Canaria's past, why not visit one of the island's museums? Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's Casa de Colón (Columbus House) museum chronicles the adventures of Christopher Columbus, while Gáldar's Cueva Pintada (Painted Cave) museum reveals the island's pre-Spanish history.