Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Las Palmas, the capital city of Gran Canaria island, is a bustling city that weaves the vibe of the Spanish mainland into a unique tapestry of life informed by world cultures including African, Chinese and Indian. A city of superlatives, it's one of Europe's biggest ports with one of the world's best climates and the cleanest air of any Spanish city according to a WHO study. Many also believe that the long, wide stretch of Las Canteras is one of the world's great urban beaches. The elegant façades, pedestrian lanes, fashionable boutiques, cafés and restaurants of the Triana neighborhood make it one of Spain's top outdoor shopping districts. The streets and squares of the nearby Old Town, known as Vegueta, are lined with historical buildings and museums such as the Casa de Colón mansion, Catedral de Santa Ana, Museo Canario and the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno.