Canary Islands, Spain: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Dreaming of exploring a Spanish archipelago known for its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and mild weather? The Canary Islands welcome you with lush forests and world-class wines. We'll show you the best things to do across the seven main islands - Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.

Key Takeaways

• The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, known for their beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and year-round mild climate.
• This article will explore the top things to do and see across the seven main Canary Islands, from hiking volcanic trails and wine tasting to relaxing on pristine beaches and discovering vibrant cities.
• The Canary Islands offer a diverse array of experiences for visitors, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.
• The article will highlight the unique attractions and activities on each of the seven main Canary Islands, providing readers with a comprehensive guide to make the most of their visit.
• Readers will be inspired to explore the natural wonders, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes of the Canary Islands, one of Spain's most captivating and versatile destinations.

What makes the Canary Islands an exciting place, and what can you do here? Stick around to find out about the hidden gems and the highlights of the Canary Islands.

Explore Tenerife's Volcanic Landscapes

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, known for its stunning Tenerife volcanic landscapes. A must-do is visiting Bodegas Monje, a winery owned by a family since 1750. You can join a tour that shows how wine is made on the island. After the tour, you get to try their most famous wines, including the salty Hollera red. This red is made with listán negro grapes. The winery's outdoor area has beautiful views. It's perfect for watching the sunset over the vines, clouds, and sea.

Ride the Cable Car to the Summit of El Teide

Another highlight is the cable car trip to the summit of El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain at 3,718 meters. The views from the cable car are breathtaking, looking over the Teide volcano above the clouds. The journey to the cable car is also amazing, passing by red rocks and craters. With the top of the volcano being much cooler than the coast, visitors should bring warm clothes.

Hike the Lush Trails of Anaga Rural Park

Anaga Rural Park is a top spot for hiking through lush forests on Tenerife. The park has many Tenerife hiking trails of various difficulties. You'll hike through high peaks, green ravines, and find rocky paths and panoramic views. Walking in Anaga Rural Park feels like you're in the tropics, thanks to its misty forest trails and occasional sea sights.

Relax on Tenerife's Stunning Beaches

Tenerife has a wide variety of Tenerife beaches, from black sand to golden shores. Locals love Teresitas Beach for its unique white sand. El Duque and Las Vistas beaches in the south are loved for their facilities and sunny weather. Surfers enjoy the breezy El Médano Beach. Los Guíos Beach, near the Gigantes Cliffs, has black sand for a special visit. El Bollullo in the north is famous for waves perfect for bodyboarding.

Discover Gran Canaria's Coastal Delights

Gran Canaria is the second-largest Canary Island. It's full of beautiful coastal spots. You can walk on a paved path that's next to a cliff. It's full of pretty tropical flowers and has amazing views of the sea. This path takes you to coves like Puerto Rico Beach and Amadores Beach. They are famous for their clear waters and calm waves, making them perfect for families.

Explore the Sahara-Style Maspalomas Dunes

A key site on Gran Canaria is the Maspalomas Dunes. It’s a 1,000-acre area of sandy hills. It looks like a desert from North Africa. Tourists love playing in these dunes, choosing these unique landscapes. And in the distance, there's the beautiful deep blue sea.

Trek to the Iconic Roque Nublo Crag

Trek to the Iconic Roque Nublo Crag

One of the best hikes in Gran Canaria leads to

. It's a huge volcanic rock in the mountains. The walk from the parking lot to this famous spot takes about 30 minutes. You'll see amazing views of the mountains around you. Remember to wear something warm and use sun protection. The mountain air is cooler than near the coast.

Experience Lanzarote's Artistic Legacy

Lanzarote is famous for its culture, mainly thanks to the work of the artist César Manrique. Visitors can see his former house, now the César Manrique Foundation. Here, you will see how he used the island's natural volcanic features in his art. The place includes a cave, a pool, and a garden with cacti. All these elements show Manrique's skill in uniting art and environment.

Venture into Timanfaya National Park's Volcanic Craters

The Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote is a stunning place with a volcanic landscape. It has over 25 active craters in 12,000 acres. Visitors can take a tour and see the island's volcanic history up close. The ever-changing terrain makes this a unique experience.

Tour the Volcanic Vineyards of La Geria

Lanzarote is also famous for its volcanic vineyards. A popular spot is the La Geria winery. Here, visitors can see the vineyards and learn how grapes are grown in the volcanic soil.

Canary Islands, Spain: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

The Canary Islands have a lot to offer. You can explore volcanic landscapes and hike through lush forests. Or just relax on pristine beaches. There are also vibrant cities to discover. Each of the seven main islands has its special charm and things to see. These are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.

Seeking an exciting adventure or a quiet retreat in the Spanish archipelago? The best things to do in these islands will surely please you.

Uncover Fuerteventura's Pristine Beaches

Fuerteventura has amazing beaches, like the golden Cofete Beach. This beach is remote, near the island's south. It attracts many visitors.

In Cofete, you can find the Villa Winter. It looks like a castle, built in the 1930s by Gustav Winter. There are stories about it possibly being linked to the Nazis.

Relax on the Golden Sands of Cofete Beach

Cofete Beach is a hidden gem in Fuerteventura. It's known for its wide, gold sands and calm surroundings. This remote spot in the south offers peace and views of volcanic sceneries.

Visit the Intriguing Villa Winter

The Villa Winter sits near Cofete Beach in Fuerteventura. This unique, castle-like building was by Gustav Winter in the 1930s. It's famous for its mysterious history and possible ties to the Nazis.

Visiting the Villa Winter is a trip back in time. It unveils the island's unique past and the secrets of its builder.

Immerse in La Palma's Natural Wonders

La Palma is a gem in the Canary Islands known for its beautiful scenery. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park was named a national park in 1954. It spans almost 47 square kilometers and features lovely forests, valleys, and ridges. You can hike around this amazing area and see the island's natural wonders.

Marvel at the Caldera de Taburiente National Park

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is proof of La Palma's volcanic birth. It's a huge area full of thick forests, deep valleys, and sharp ridges. People love to hike here because of the stunning views and unique landscape. You can see the island's tallest peaks and its volcanic features up close.

Hike to the Summit of Pico Bejenado

Hiking to the top of Pico Bejenado, at 1,854 meters, is a must in La Palma. This path offers unbeatable views over the forested valleys and Caldera de Taburiente. It's a tough hike, but the views at the summit are worth it. They highlight the island’s true natural beauty.

Take a Dip in the Charco Azul Natural Pool

La Palma has a unique natural pool called Charco Azul. It's made with volcanic rock and concrete, fed by clear water. This pool is a hit for a refreshing swim and lets you enjoy the island's special volcanic landscapes.

Escape to La Gomera's Tranquil Forests

In the Canary Islands' heart lies La Gomera, a paradise for nature lovers. The island's gem is the Garajonay National Park. It lets you dive into the mystical laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This forest spans more than 40 square kilometers, offering a lush and misty scenery lost in time.

Walking the Garajonay National Park trails is a journey through a magical realm. Tall laurisilva trees cover the sun, making a dream-like land. Here, plants and animals, some found only here, thrive in their natural habitat.

Hiking through the misty woods leads to stunning views of volcanic lands. The park has walks for anyone, from easy to hard. It's a chance to step away from daily rush and find peace in nature.

Want to get away from it all and get closer to nature? Try the Garajonay National Park on La Gomera. This laurisilva forest is more than memorable. It deepens your love for the Canary Islands' natural beauty.

Discover El Hierro's Marine Marvels

The Canary Islands are famous for their beautiful natural scenes. El Hierro, the smallest and westernmost island, shines because of its amazing sea world. The La Maceta natural pools are a big draw here.

Swim in the Natural Pools of La Maceta

El Hierro's coast is full of volcanic beauty. The La Maceta pools get their water from the clear sea. They are a must-visit place, letting you enjoy the view while swimming in a unique spot.

It’s a perfect place to cool off or admire nature. These pools are special in showing off the island's charm. So, swimming here is a great way to experience El Hierro’s uniqueness.