The Canary Islands were once thought of as being on the edge of the world. Sail away in the wrong direction and you may just never return…. While we now know that the world is round, and not flat, the Canary Islands are so ornately unique you might just believe you are at the edge of the world while visiting the 7 islands. Located about 60 miles off the coast of Morocco the Canary Islands have been inhabited since around the 1st century AD. The islands which are really more African than anything else are super popular with European travelers and receive almost 12 million visitors per year.
A trip to the Canary islands can offer many things, whether you are looking to party for spring break, go surfing, scuba dive, whale watch, hike, get lost in nature, find solitude or just relax on the beach, the Canary Islands have it all. Most visitors go to the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria but It’s the islands that are least visited like La Gomera and El Hierro that have some of the most stunning scenery and charm.
If you are thinking of visiting the Canary Islands here are a few things to know about the beautiful island chain, as well as some tips, tricks and information on picking the right islands to visit during your stay.
What to Expect
Volcanoes, beaches of every color, amazing hiking, unique rock formations, great restaurants, solitude, partying, whale watching, surfing, winding roadways, beautiful sunsets, Carnaval, fresh seafood, nude beaches, friendly people, history, wine, National Parks.
Things to Know:
The Canary Islands are part of Spain
There are 7 main islands
Currency is the Euro
Home to 4 National Parks & 3 of Spain’s UNESCO sites
The Tallest Mountain in Spain Teide is located on Tenerife
Islands are connected with ferries and interisland flight system
Rental Cars are needed on many islands
Pack layers for the different microclimates on the islands
The 7 Islands :
Gran Canaria – Best for beaches & Hiking – Tamadaba Nature Park
Tenerife- City vibes, Teide National Park, whale watching, partying
La Palma – Old European feel, great hiking, observatory
Lanzarote- Timinfaya National Park, volcanoes, wine growing
Fuerteventura – Surfing and white sand beaches
La Gomera – forested, great hiking, solitude
EL Hierro – Solitude, Jinama Trail, wind trees
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Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the second largest island in the Canaries and one of the most popular with tourists. It is best known for its beaches, there are more than 80 of them! It’s also got a great laid back family friendly vibe. One can spend the day relaxing in the beach town of Las Canteras or exploring the islands two nature parks. Gran Canaria is also a great spot for wind surfing with warm waters and steady breezes.
Places to Visit:
Tamadaba Nature Park: High above the beaches lies this amazing nature park, full of pine trees amazing rock formations and excellent hiking.
Hike to the Roque Nublo- Roque Nublo is one of the world’s tallest monoliths standing more than 70 meters tall, it is the remains of a volcano that once occupied the center of the island, and it is also the highest point on the island of Gran Canaria. It offers sweeping vistas that overlook the entire island, often surrounded by a sea of clouds this monolith is great to capture in the morning light or during the daytime hours. Avoid the crowds by visiting early or late. For a different perspective hike up the hill from the parking lot across from the monolith to see its entirety. The usual starting point for a hike in Nublo is the area of Degollada de la Goleta, which is reached by vehicle, and is where hikers descend following a clearly signposted trail.
Hike to the The Magic Window- A natural sandstone arch that frames Roque Nublo, this can be reached via the area of Llanos de la Pez on the Pico de las Nieves. Trail PR GR-40 starts there and goes to the El Nublo window, also known as the Agujereada.
Explore Puerto Mogan – A charming fishing village with beautiful architecture.
Spend the day at Maspalomas the second longest beach in Gran Canaria. Famous for its vast dunes that often grace the covers of travel guides of Canary Islands.
Best places to Stay:
Maspalomas: Located on the Southern side of the island this is a quieter area with great access to Maspalomas beach.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Here you can stay on the beach of Las Canteras or in the historic city for an old town feel.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest and most populated island in the Canaries. Hosting more than five million tourists a year, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain. While the island is very popular for spring breakers, its large size makes it the perfect setting for all kinds of vacations. Home to the tallest mountain in Spain, it also has beaches of every color, vibrant cities, lively nightlife and untouched nature and peace & quiet.
Places to Visit:
Teide National Park- The largest National Park and World Heritage Site on the island. Take the cable car up to the sub summit of Teide Mountain (The tallest mountain in Spain), hike from the bottom or spend the night at the Altaviste Refugio to stargaze and visit the summit after hours.
Stroll through the city of San Cristobal de la Laguna. A UNESCO World Heritage Site the city was the ancient capital of the Canary Islands.
Go on a Whale Watch: From Costa Adeje board a catamaran or a sailboat and hit the water to look for whales. If you have more time cruise up to Masca by boat for incredible views.
Drive to Masca: Masca is most notably the most beautiful village on the island. Originally a ‘ Guanche settlement, before the Spanish conquest in 1496 the small village is nestled in between the Los gigantes. To get there you will drive through hairpins turns through some of the most idyllic scenery in the Canary islands. Treat yourself to a cactus lemonade when you arrive.
Visit El Drago- Claimed to be the oldest dragon tree on the planet. Dragon trees are found throughout Africa and the Canary islands but the one in the small village of Icod de los Vinos claims to be the oldest one on earth and is one of the main tourist attractions on the island. Tucked into a outdoor garden this park also has historical caves from the Guanches. The Guanches were the inhabitants of the islands before the europeans.
Beaches: Tenerife has beaches of every color. I recommend road-tripping around the island over 2-3 days to see the red, pink, black and white sand beaches.
To book experiences and tours here are some great ideas, or read my 1 Day Travel guide for more details.
Where to Stay:
There are four Main Tourist Areas to stay in: Costa Adeje and Playa Las Americas on the southern side of the island, Puerto De La Cruz on the Eastern side and the interior near Teide National Park. Check out my 1 Day Travel Guide for all the best places to visit on a short trip.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the closest to Africa, nicknamed the Island of the strong wind, it has a constant breeze that has given the island a sand swept landscape. Full of white sand beaches it is great for those looking for a traditional beach holiday. The breezes make it one of the best places to surf, windsurf and waterski. The island is wrapped with beaches of all kind that have interrupted cliffs and hidden coves perfect for swimming and exploring.
Places to Visit:
Penitas Dam- A beautiful oasis of water and rock surrounded by Canary island Date palm. HIke to the Arco de Penitas from here as well, a beautiful sandstone arch.
Puertito de los Molinas- A beautiful unspoiled beach with swimming holes and a hidden sea cave only visible at low tide.
Faro de la Entallada- A moorish inspired lighthouse built in 1955
The Turtle Nursery in Puerto del Morro: The Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Center, known as Turtle Nursery, is located on the esplanade of the Morro Jable Pier and is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Playa Cofete – An incredible, long white sand beach perfect for surfing or sunbathing
Where to Stay:
Caleta de Fuste –Eastern Beach Town with 5 star hotels
Morro del Jable – Southern beach town great for surfing
Puerto Del Rosario- The islands commerce center and largest town
La Gomera
One of my favorite islands, La Gomera is an enchanting place for those looking to get away from it all and dive deep into nature. With two nature parks, the mountainous island has small inns and B & B’s hidden throughout the rural landscape. Perfect for adventurers you won’t find any chain restaurants or super built up towns on the island of La Gomera. The interior of the island is home to Garajonay National Forest, a moss covered laurisilva forest that has some incredible beauty. Dense and moist the forest gets horizontal rain and heavy fog that make photography here some of the best in the Canary Islands. Read more about it in Best Photography Spots in the Canary Islands. Hikers will also love the Roque de Agando- which is a huge monolith, once the center of an ancient volcano. The biking and hiking here are unbeatable, with 18 trekking routes that crisscross the island.
Places to Visit:
The Enchanted subtropical forest of Garajonay National Forest a World Heritage Site. Protects some of the worlds oldest Laurisilva forest, once covering all of Europe this is one of the last places on Earth that it thrives.
Roque De Agando is the tallest point on the island of La Gomera, once the center of an ancient volcano the massive
Eat at a Guachinche – These cafes are tucked into the forests and hills and offer traditional Canarian dishes. Stop at the one in the Valle de Hermigua after a day of hiking.
Places to Stay:
There are some amazing rental homes and apartments on La Gomera. Book one on Tripadvisor or through Booking.com
For hotels I love the Parador de La Gomera in San Sebastian de La Gomera which is one of the islands main towns and where you would board the Ferry.
For more forested hotels closer to the National Park I recommend the Apartments Los Telares
El Hierro
The island of El Hierro is the most Southwestern of the islands. It is green, rocky and steep looking little like any of the other islands. With fewer tourists this island seems more foreign than the rest. So if you are looking for a real sabbatical away from the world this is a great choice to really meet the locals. This island also is completely powered by wind and solar, there is also free wifi for everyone on the island.
Things to Do:
Hike the Jinema Trail: This trail starts at the Candelaria Church and ends at the Caridad Shrine. This trekking route traverses the Northern section of the island and takes you to the high point on the island Mirador de Jinama.
Visit the Wind Trees – Juniper trees (Sabine Trees) that have been shaped by the strong and constant trade winds blowing.
Swim in the Natural Pools – My favorite is La Caleta located on the coast and Charco Azul which is a sea cavern and swimming hole.
Take pictures near ValVerde Church which sits on top of a hill, often above the clouds, it is a beautiful spot for photography.
Where to Stay:
La Restinga: A coastal community on the Southern End of the island.
La Caleta: Small town with some rental apartments and small hotels
La Frontera: Nestled on the Northwest side of the island this area is at one with nature and separated from the rest of the island by a gigantic natural wall.
Try the Punta Grande Hotel: Nicknamed the smallest hotel in the world, perched atop the seawall, with a fantastic Spa. Or the Hotel Ida Inés which Overlooking the mountains and Coast this property has a rooftop pool for evening swims.
Lanzarote
Located just Northeast of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote could not be more different than it’s sandy neighbor. Nicknamed the island of 1000 volcanoes, Lanzarote is covered in both volcanoes and desert with some of the world’s most unique wine vineyards and some of the most unique underwater tunnels you’ll ever find. This is a place unlike any other on earth. Some parts of it may resemble the Big island of Hawai’i while others look like the planet of Mars. It is both alien and beautiful with unmatched landscapes and things to do. Hike volcanoes, relax at the beach, sip local wines, scuba dive and so much more. On Lanzarote I stayed in a town called Arrecife, right on the water in the main port town with a vibrant marina filled with restaurants.
Things to do:
Wine Tasting at La Geria. A UNESCO Biosphere reserve, it is one of the worlds most unique wine growing regions, where wine is grown in the volcanic soil, in circular rings made of lava rocks very similar to the island of Pico in the Azores.
Timinfaya National Park : Home to more than 800 volcanoes, in the 1700s volcanoes erupted constantly for 6 years. The landscape is like a moonscape, eerie and black in many places. Hike around the park visiting Caldera Blanca, Charco de Los Circlos, and fire mountain, or hop on a camel to explore more of the volcanic landscape.
Visit the village of Órzola, Lanzarote’s northern most village. You can even take a day trip to La Graciosa from here on the Ferry.
Lanzaloe, is an aloe vera farm where you can visit the fields and sample the products. If you are out for the day with young children, they’ll enjoy a visit to Pardelas Park, where little ones can pet and feed a variety of animals.
Sail on a Catamaran to Papagayo Beach in the South is a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise waters.
Here is a list of some more great activity ideas on Lanzarote.
Where to Stay
The town of Arrecife which is located near the ferry harbor to Fuerteventura, has lots of great restaurants and a beautiful harbor. I loved the Hotel Mirador but there are many great hotels in this area.
La Palma
La Palma is located on the Western end of the islands as well, just northeast of the island of El Hierro. It has the most colonial Europe feel but also some of the most beautiful skylines you will ever see. Nicknamed the Isla Bonita it is a rugged and forested island, dotted with volcanoes like Teneguia and Cumbre Vieja. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park has a huge crater-shaped formation and is covered in pine forest and cut by waterfalls. And at its tallest point the island is graced by the beauty of the Roque de Muchachos viewpoint and observatory.
Things to Do:
Caldera de Taburiente National Park HIke through the Caldera de Taburiente, which dominates the northern part of the island, and was designated as a national park in 1954. The crater itself is 6 miles across and has some fantastic trails throughout.
Roque de las Muchachos – Highest mountain on the island at 7949 feet, its height usually creates a viewpoint above the clouds, which looks like a sea of clouds.
Hike to the Los Tilos Waterfall in Los Tilos Forest.
Visit the Salt flats at Fuencalient
Sail to the unspoiled beach of Cala Vella on a day sailing tour to snorkel, swim and relax on the beach.
Where to Stay:
The capital Santa Cruz de la Palma. Bordered by a black sand beach this city has cobblestone streets and tons of shops, restaurants and hotels.
What to Eat & Drink
Being part of Spain many restaurants will serve Tapas style, and are heavily influenced by Spanish culture.
Seafood is amazing. Order the daily special you can never go wrong. A few favorites are fried parrot fish and red tuna.
Arroz negro – squid ink rice with seafood
Pulpit Gallegos- Octopus
Potatoes with Mojo Sauce
Nicoise Salads
Tortilla: which is basically a frittata with potatoes served in slices and usually on a baguette
Also Pan con tomate for breakfast which is toasted bread with light tomato and olive oil. Simple but delicious, and often comes with ham.
Drinks: The barraquito is a coffee cocktail unique to the Canary Islands that adds layers of sweetness and alcohol to the traditional morning drink. Local lore suggests it’s named after a man who first started ordering the mixture with his meals at the Imperial Bar on the island of Tenerife. His name was Sebastian Rubio, but he was also apparently nicknamed Barraco, meaning “shed” in Portuguese.
Getting There:
For Airfare: Skyscanner has some of the best options. Norwegian Air has great flights from Europe. Additionally TAP Portugal also has a lot of flights from Mainland Europe. For US travelers you will most likely connect in Lisbon, Madrid or Barcelona
Where to Stay
On the larger islands there are dozens of great hotels. In smaller places like La Gomera and El Hierro you will want to rent a small apartment or house. Check out my sample itineraries for suggestions.
Getting Around
The islands are all connected with ferries and airservice making it so they can easily be explored on the same trip. With direct flights from Spain and Portugal getting to the main islands is relatively easy.
For most islands it’s best to rent a car or set up travels with tour guides from the major cities, if you are wanting to get out and explore the islands.
For More More Information on Traveling to the Canary Islands you may want to read:
Best Photography Spots in the Canary Islands
Save it for Later
A great introduction for those who are heading to the islands (and not just going for sun, sand and beer like most Northern Europeans like myself..he he). I been to Gran Canaria, F’tura and Lan’, but I am now trying to tick all the islands off, so I got four more to do. I love going inland away from the resorts and seeing how the locals live and the landscape. My favourite so far is Gran Canaria, the mountains are amazing and loved hiking and road tripping this region,.
So great that you are determined to explore them all. Let me know what your favorite is after you see them all.
We have lots of timeshares in the Canary Islands. This just made me decide to base ourselves in Tenerife and just ferry to Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Is that an ok plan?
That sounds like a pretty good plan. There are also short flights you can take between the islands if you want to get there more quickly.
Like you, I suspect La Gomera would be our favorite — fewer tourists, wild, scenic, and perfect for adventures and photography. The enchanted subtropical forest of Garajonay National Forest sounds absolutely magical. Given the less developed nature of this island, I would expect this is one place we would need to rent a car?
Hi Michael, Yes renting a car is a great idea especially on the smaller islands where exploring will be a key component of your trip. There are car rental facilities at all the airports and near the ferry terminals or you can rent one on the bigger islands and drive them with you to other islands on the ferry.
Canary Islands have been on my list for a while, as I have heard so much about Tenerife. But the other islands sound amazing too and I would love to see some of them. Gran Canaria with its 80 beaches would be a must. How much time would you suggest to see all the islands?
If you want to do all the islands I would give yourself a minimum of 14 days. This way you can do 2-3 days on some of the bigger islands and still have at least a full day on the rest.
Wow, the magic window is so beautiful. I really enjoyed watching your video and seeing your hike to it. It looks like you had the place all to yourself and it’s so grand! I would love to visit the Canary Islands someday.
That’s one of the things that is so magical about the Canary islands. Some places may be crowded but get off the beaten path early or late in the day and you will have the place all to yourself.
I did not know that there were 7 islands that make up the Canary Islands! I’ve always thought the Canary Islands as a very exotic location, its not on the average itinerary for Australians.
I will definitely be putting Canary Islands on my European itinerary when I finally make there over that way.
Yes you absolutely must. It is a great alternative to some of the busy European cities as well, and a place where you can get so many different landscapes in a small area.
We’ve been to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, and while it was nice we must admit that we wouldn’t want to return to these two islands for another visit. La Palma however seems to be quite interesting. We had no idea that there’s a salt flat! After exploring Uyuni in Bolivia, we would certainly want to experience another salt flat as it was really unique to stand in the middle of it!
If there is a heaven on earth, it must be the Canary Islands. Such a beautiful land, it seems to have been crafted by God’s own hands with meticulous care. This is the kind of experience we love during our travels, losing ourselves in the beauty of nature. Your post is going to be a ready-reckoner for us when we plan a trip to this beautiful destination. We would love to explore soon!
Thank you so much. I totally agree. The Canaries really have every landscape and activity you can imagine for summer travelers. I hope you get to visit them soon.
I would love to visit Canary islands as they have wonderful nature and lots of things to see. Good to know that they are 60 miles off the coast of Morocco and are inhabitated since 1st AD. Puerto Mogan really is a charming fishing village with beautiful architecture.
Ever since I visited Lisbon for a few days last year, I have always wanted to see more of Portugal and Spain. The Canary Islands (and the Açores) are high on my list, and your post is a great introduction for those of us who haven’t been yet. Fuerteventura and El Hierro both sound especially intriguing to me. It also seems like there’s something for every kind of traveler. Thanks for sharing!
Yes they are both wonderful places. I love both the Azores and the Canaries as well as the island of Madeira. I also fell in love with Lisbon. I hope you get to explore the Azores and the Canaries one day soon