Complete Island Guide to The Canary Islands: How to Explore

Complete Island Guide to the Canary Islands

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, the Canary Islands are so ornately unique you might just believe you are at the edge of the world while visiting the 7 islands. If you’re not sure which islands demand a visit, use this guide to the Canary Islands to find out what each one is best for!

Part of Spain and 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 so many things, whether you’re 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 truly 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 archipelago, as well as some tips, tricks, and information on picking the right islands to visit during your stay.

What to Expect in the Canary Islands

You’ll find volcanoes, beaches of every color,  amazing hiking, unique rock formations, great restaurants, solitude, partying, whale watching, surfing, winding roadways, beautiful sunsets, Carnaval season, fresh seafood, nude beaches, friendly people, history, wine, and national parks. 

Things to Know About the Canary Islands

• 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

Overview of the 7 Canary Islands

• Gran Canaria: Best for beaches & hiking with 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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Island Guide to the Canary Islands: Which Islands Should You Visit?

Gran Canaria 

In this guide to the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is the second-largest island and one of the most popular with tourists. It is best known for its beaches, and 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 on Gran Canaria

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: This is 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 on Gran Canaria

• 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. Always a favorite on every guide to the Canary Islands, Tenerife hosts more than five million tourists a year. It’s 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, untouched nature, and peace and quiet.

Places to Visit on Tenerife

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 San Cristobal de la Laguna: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was the ancient capital of the Canary Islands.

Go Whale Watching: 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 hairpin turns through some of the most idyllic scenery in the Canary Islands. Treat yourself to a cactus lemonade when you arrive.

Visit El Drago: This one is 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.

Hang Out on 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 Tenerife Travel Guide for more details.

Where to Stay on Tenerife

There are four main tourist areas to stay in on Tenerife.

• Costa Adeje and Playa Las Americas on the southern side of the island
• Puerto De La Cruz on the Eastern side
• 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 island to Africa, nicknamed the Island of the Strong Wind. It has a constant breeze that has given the island a sand swept landscape and it’s one of the coolest featured in this guide to the Canary Islands. Full of white sand beaches, Fuerteventura 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 on Fuerteventura

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 on Fuerteventura

• 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&Bs 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. You can read more about it in my guide to the Best Photography Spots in the Canary Islands.

Hikers will also love the Roque de Agando, which is a huge monolith that was 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 on La Gomera

Garajonay National Forest: The Enchanted subtropical forest of Garajonay National Forest is a World Heritage Site. It 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 and a must-visit in this guide to the Canary Islands. 

Roque De Agando: This 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 on La Gomera

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 island’s 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 and is a truly unique choice among this island guide to the Canary Islands. 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 with free wifi for everyone on the island.

Things to Do on El Hierro

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: This church sits on top of a hill, often above the clouds, and is a beautiful spot for photography. 

Where to Stay on El Hierro

• 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
• Punta Grande Hotel: Nicknamed the smallest hotel in the world, perched atop the seawall, with a fantastic spa
• Hotel Ida Inés: 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 1,000 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 say it looks 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 while you make the most of this guide to the Canary Islands. 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 on Lanzarote

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: This is Lanzarote’s northernmost village. You can even take a day trip to La Graciosa from here on the ferry.

Lanzaloe Aloe Farm: This 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: Located in the South, this is a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise waters.

Click to see a list of more great activity ideas on Lanzarote.

Where to Stay on Lanzarote

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 personally, 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 European feel of any islands in this guide to the Canary Islands, 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 on La Palma

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: Located in the Los Tilos Forest, this is an awesome hike to add to your trip.

Visit the Salt Flats at Fuencalient: This is almost otherworldly and such a cool experience.

Sail to the Unspoiled Beach of Cala Vella: Take a day sailing tour to snorkel, swim, and relax on the beach. 

Where to Stay on La Palma

The capital Santa Cruz de la Palma is the best place to stay on La Palma. Bordered by a black sand beach, this city has cobblestone streets and tons of shops, restaurants, and hotels.  

What to Eat & Drink in the Canary Islands

Being part of Spain, many restaurants will serve food Tapas style, and are heavily influenced by Spanish culture. Seafood is amazing, so it’s a big suggestion here in this island guide to the Canary Islands, no matter where you visit. Order the daily special and you can never go wrong. A few of my favorites are fried parrot fish and red tuna.

Here are some other popular food and drink options in the Canary Islands:

• Arroz negro: Squid ink rice with seafood 
• Pulpit gallegos: Octopus 
• Potatoes with mojo sauce
• Nicoise salads 
• Tortillas: Basically a frittata with potatoes served in slices and usually on a baguette 
• Pan con tomate: Served for breakfast, toasted bread with light tomato and olive oil. Simple but delicious, and often comes with ham. 

Canary Island 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.

Guide to Getting to the Canary Islands

For Airfare: Skyscanner has some of the best options for affordable airfare. 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 to reach the Canary Islands. 

Where to Stay in the Canary Islands

On the larger islands, there are dozens of great hotels to choose from. 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 a guide to the Canary Islands accommodations for more suggestions. 

Getting Around the Canary Islands

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. 

Let Me Be Your Guide to the Canary Islands

With beautiful windswept beaches, rugged volcanoes and mountains, and lush parks alongside vibrant cities and towns, I hope this guide to the Canary Islands has helped you settle on the places that are the best fit for your upcoming trip. 

For more information on traveling to the Canary Islands, you may want to read:

• Best Photography Spots in the Canary Islands
• One-Day Travel Guide to Tenerife
• Check out my sample Canary Islands itineraries

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