Are you looking for the best Canary Islands to plan your perfect vacation? You are in the right place.
Thought to be a fantastic holiday destination throughout the year (and one of The Best Places For Winter Sun In Europe), each year the Canary Islands attract more than 12 million tourists looking to make the most of their beautiful beaches, the mild weather, the quaint villages and bigger cities, the good food and relaxed atmosphere. But there’s more: they also are an incredible hiking destination!
The archipelago is an autonomous region of Spain, located at around 100 km off the coast of Morocco. It is composed of seven main islands – namely Tenerife (home of the Teide, the tallest volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Spain), Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, El Hierro, Fuerte Ventura, La Palma and La Gomera; and multitude of much smaller ones. Of these, Lanzarote is often considered the best canary island for surfing.
The islands are originally volcanic, and the nature is at its best. A whopping four of the thirteen national parks of Spain are located here, and two have become UNESCO World Heritage sites and other two have been added to the list of World Biosphere Reserve.
In this post I will provide a quick overview of the best Canary islands, with ideas on things to do and see in each of them.
Which Are The Best Canary Islands?
Tenerife
Often considered the best Canary island, Tenerife is the biggest and most populated of the archipelago. A top tourism destination in Spain, Tenerife is thought to be one a prime destination for surfers thanks to the good, persistent waves.
What makes it one of the best Canary islands is the combination of beautiful beaches, quaint villages and lots of natural sites.
BEACHES
One of the best beaches in Tenerife is La Caleta, a real hidden gem thanks to its setting and quiet environment. There’s even a delicious fish restaurant. Another fantastic beach is Playa del Bollullo, which has dark, volcanic sand (typical of Tenerife) and is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs. It’s a fairly remote place, though there’s a trail that reaches it. It’s a popular beach among surfers thanks to the winds that bring in good waves.
CITIES AND VILLAGES
The most important cities on the island are Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the capital) and San Cristobal de la Laguna, home of the University of La Laguna which was founded in 1792 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tenerife has quaint villages galore. The unmissable ones are Masca, perched on a rock and with its narrow, cobbled alleys and overflowing gardens; Garachico, a small port that survived the forces of nature; Tegueste, located in the countryside, which has a nice square and buzzing farmers’ market. The highest village is Vilaflor, famous for being completely surrounded by the forest. Last but not least there’s Granadilla, where there is a beautiful 18th century baroque church.
HIKES
The most famous landmark on the island, however, remains Mount Teide and Teide National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. if you love hiking, you will be in for a treat. Montaña Blanca trail goes to Teide summit. It is a challenging hike, but the views are breathtaking. Other fantastic trails are the Roques de García and the Dogollada de Guajara. The latter starts in Teide National Park and ends in Vilaflor.
There also are forest trails, perfect if you want to get closer to nature. A bunch of trails are located in Anaga Rural Park. Malpaís de Güímar is a great coastal trail.
Here’s my post on the best hikes in Tenerife.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the second most populous and the third largest of the Canary Islands. Known as “Miniature Continent” because of its different climates and varied landscapes, the 4 million tourists that visit it each year consider it the best Canary island thanks to its long, white sandy beaches, the green ravines and the beautiful villages.
CITIES AND VILLAGES
The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was founded in 1478. Its original name was Real de Las Palmas. Nowadays it is the most populous city of the archipelago, famous for its carnival. Located in the city there’s Las Canteras beach, a protected area and incredible diving spot.
Agüimes is a beautifully restored small city located on the eastern part of the island. Not far from it, there’s the protected area of Guayadeque ravine. Here, a church has been built on the side of the mountain and tourists love the many cave restaurants. Also on the eastern side of the island there is the most famous diving spot, the marine reserve of Playa de El Cabron.
NATURAL SITES
Like the rest of the archipelago, Gran Canaria is of volcanic origins. The highest peak on the island are Pico de las Nieves, which reaches 1949 meters, and Roque Nublo, with its 1813 meters.
Famous attractions in Gran Canaria include the Maspalomas Dunes, located in the south of the island where the climate is warmer and sunnier. That’s the part of the island where most resorts are located, thus receiving most of the visitors.
Half of Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Islands Network for Protected Natural Areas, and a third of the island is protected by UNESCO and a recognized Biosphere Reserve.
HIKES
The walk to reach Playas de GüiGüi, two gorgeous, off the beaten path beaches on the west coast of the island, is one of the best trails in Gran Canaria. The challenging walk to La Aldea de San Nicolás is perfect for experienced hikers. The one through Tasartico is a lighter walk. Another trail is that of Ruta de Las Presas: it goes from La Aldrea de San Nicolás to Artenara, Gran Canaria’s highest municipality.
Check out my post on the best hiking trails in Gran Canaria.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is thought to be the best Canary island for surfing and diving, thanks to the beautiful beaches and the great waves. This is the easternmost of the archipelago, and the third most populated. It even makes its own, great wine.
PLEASANT WEATHER
Lanzarote is called “the island of eternal spring,” thanks to its mild climate throughout the year. It receives just 16 days of rain, but it is regularly swept by strong winds.
NATURE AND HIKES
Timanfaya National Park, in the centre west of the island, is one of the main attractions in Lanzarote, together with Volcan El Cuervo.
Since it is of volcanic origins, the landscape in Lanzarote is quite desert-like. There are two mountain ranges crossing the island: Famara in the north and Ajaches in the south. El Jable desert separates Famara and Montañas del Fuego. The highest peak is Peñas del Chache, which reaches 670 meters above sea level.
Located in Lanzarote there is also the Tunnel of Atlantis, the largest underwater volcanic tunnel in the world.
The best hikes in Lanzarote are the one from Femés to Papagayo, which gives the best of both (hikes and beaches); Caldera Blanca trail which goes to the crater of a volcano.
BEACHES
Papagayo is a series of small coves of white sand nestled between lava rocks.
CITIES AND VILLAGES
The capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife, is a pleasant place to visit, much like the quaint city of Teguise.
Find out what are the best hikes in Lanzarote in this post.
El Hierro
The westernmost island of the archipelago is El Hierro. This is also the smallest of the largest ones, and the least populated. El Hierro lack the major tourist infrastructure that other Canary islands have, so it is not nearly as busy as the rest, and that nature is still unspoiled there.
NATURE AND VOLCANOES
The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2000. With no more than 21 days of rain per year, the island has a wonderful climate that makes it great to visit at any time of year. El Hierro is home to an active volcano. The last intense activity was recorded in 2011.
There also are several endemic animal species, some of which endangered such as El Hierro Giant Lizard.
HIKING
Hiking junkies will love the pleasant weather year round which makes the island a fantastic hiking destination. There are trails that go all around the island. Las Dehesas is one of the top ones thanks breathtaking views and a peak into the island’s nature and wildlife.
BEACHES
El Hierro has some of the best beaches of the Canary islands. The most popular one is Playa de Tacoron, on the south coast. It is not a sandy beach, but the water is incredibly transparent and the surroundings beautiful. There’s a viewpoint for magnificent sunset views. You will also find incredible diving spots.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The capital is of El Hierro is Valverde, and there are many beautiful small villages as well as good museums (such as the vulcanology center, and the Parque Cultural de El Julan). Another attraction on El Hierro is the shrine of Our Lady of the Kings, an hermitage erected in 1577 to home a statue of the patron was taken to the island in 1546.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the second biggest island of the archipelago, but is not nearly as populated as Gran Canaria or Tenerife. The oldest of the Canary Islands, throughout history it has been eroded by wind and precipitations, and the landscape is often barren. Many tourists who visit the island fall in love with its beautiful beaches, the strong surf and the pleasant climate. Contrary to the other Canary islands, Fuerteventura is not overdeveloped – though there still are fantastic hotels and restaurants.
MOUNTAINS, VOLCANOES AND HIKES
The highest peak of Fuerteventura is Pico de la Zarza, which reaches 807 meters. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since May 2009.
The interior of Fuerteventura is all lavascapes and volcanic mountains. It is a protected area, but it can be visited. There are various hiking trails, which include the one to Montana de Tindaya, the oldest mountain in the Canary Islands, located on the North-East of Fuerteventura. It is a sacred mountain to the Majorero people, who are indigenous to Fuerteventura.
The hike to the lava craters of Corralejo is a 4 hours walk, and can be rather strenuous due to the lack of shade.
CITIES AND VILLAGES
The capital is Puerto Rosario, and you’ll also find some beautiful historic villages such as Betancuria: here the pace of life is slow, the surroundings gorgeous. It used to be the capital of the island until 1834.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Villa Winter is another attraction: this series of cellar, caves and watchtowers surrounded by the barren landscapes was built by a German engineer and by German prisoners of war from the Tefia concentration camp.
La Palma
La Palma currently is the most volcanically active of the Canary Islands, blessed with lovely beaches which never get too crowded. The capital of La Palma is Santa Cruz de la Palma, a quiet, peaceful and pleasant place to visit.
VOLCANOES
Teneguia is the main volcano on La Palma; it last erupted in 1971. This is the second highest peak of the Canaries, with Roque de los Muchachos reaching 2423 meters. The views from there are breathtaking. That’s where you’ll find one of the best astronomical observatories in the world. Star gazing is a must when visiting La Palma.
HIKES
The beautiful, untouched nature and the volcanoes make La Palma is a fantastic hiking destination. La Cumbrecita is one of the best hikes. Here, it is possible to walk along the volcano’s caldera. The Ruta de la Cresteria goes around the crater of Taburiente and provides fantastic views of a collapsed volcano. The Route of the Volcanoes is an incredible trail that winds among the line of craters of La Palma southern-central spine.
WHALE WATCHING
The entire island is Biosphere Reserve, and it’s a prime location for whale watching.
La Gomera
La Gomera is, geologically, the oldest of the Canary islands. It also is the second least populous. Since it is one of the most untouched and least commercial islands, it is thought to be one of the best Canary islands. It’s significantly less touristy compared to the rest of the archipelago. The capital is San Sebastian de la Gomera.
BEACHES
What makes the island a favorite of tourists is the presence of beautiful, black sand beaches – though keep in mind that the currents can be quite strong. Playa Santiago offers the best sunset views; whereas Valle Gran Rey is a completely unspoiled beach. Hermigua Beach is splendid: the currents are quite strong but there’s a lovely natural pool on the beach.
WHALE WATCHING
Much like La Palma, La Gomera is a great place to admire marine life such as dolphins and whales.
WINE
Those who go enjoy its wine, produced with grapes cultivated on the rich, volcanic soil. The most famous wines are white – either Foraster, or Forastera Gomera.
CULTURE
Another unique thing about La Gomera is the way of communicating that was created by the local shepherds. They would whistle down the valley to be heard up to 5 km away. It’s so special that in 2009 it has been declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
MOUNTAINS AND HIKING
La Gomera is very mountainous. The highest peak, Alto de Garajonay, goes all the way to 1487 meters above sea level. Garajonay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Here, there are numerous species of plants, some of which under risk of extinction.
There are many good trails in La Gomera. The path Circolare Costas de la Gomera is a multi-day hike of over 120 km that starts in San Sebastian and which can be divided in 5 different trails, of varying difficulty. It
The best view of the island is that of Hasta la Vista – on clear days the views opens up to show Tenerife!
Have you ever been to the Canary Islands? Which do you think are the best Canary islands?
Further readings
Interested in volcanoes? Check out my other posts:
- Everything You Need To Know To Visit Mount Bromo, Indonesia
- Everything You Need To Know To Visit Mount Etna
- Everything You Need To Know To Hike Stromboli Volcano
- Everything You Need To Know To Hike Pacaya Volcano, In Guatemala
- What To Expect When Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro, Nicaragua
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