If it's sunshine you want, head south to Los Islas Canarias, or the Canary Islands. Set in the southern Atlantic just off the coast of North West Africa, the Canaries have long been a haven for sun-hungry Europeans. Not only can you get a tan here, but also you'll find plenty of Sangria, beer and fine Spanish wine to enjoy.
Now you might think that the sun is all there is to it; but no. This is where the Spanish galleons replenished stores and took on water and fresh fruit for the long voyages to the Americas. And not just the Castilian Spanish either; the Phoenicians, the Berbers, the Romans, the Portuguese and Arab traders were all familiar with the islands and all have left their mark. The historic little towns and villages reward the modern-day explorer well. And getting away from the main tourist areas around Tenerife will satisfy your history bug!
History buffs and architecture fans are catered for in the grand Cathedrals and churches left behind by explorers past. The Church of San Juan Bautista in Gran Canaria is particularly beautiful. You'll see contemporary architecture on display and hear beautiful sounds at the Auditorio de Tenerife.
If you're after the sunshine, it's a reasonable bet you'll find some in the Canaries... some say the weather is best between 1 Jan and 31 December. The botanical gardens in Tenerife are well worth a wander- the benign climate makes the Canaries ideal for growing almost anything and the Canaries positioning as a way point for seafarers on the way to the Americas has meant a stunning array of exotic plants and trees.
Don't miss the Boiling Pits on South West Coast of Lanzarote. The last big eruption caused lava to reach the sea and the resulting bubbles from the rapidly cooling magma is quite something to see.
All in all, sun, sea and history are the star attraction in the Canaries - and who can argue with that?