The Canary Islands, located off the western coast of Spain, are one of the most stunning destinations in Europe. These islands are home to lava-sculpted mountains, rippling beaches, tumbling pine forests, and exhilarating hikes. There are also plenty of sun-kissed resorts to satisfy your every whim. The Canary islands is made up of eight landmass, each with their own unique charm.
Tenerife
Spending time on the island of Tenerife is a fantastic way to explore its natural beauty. The island is home to one of the largest national parks in the world, the Teide National Park. You can explore this park’s lava flows, petrified lava, and massive craters. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine.
While on the island, you can also enjoy whale and dolphin watching tours. Located only 15 minutes from shore, these tours offer the perfect opportunity to see bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, and many more marine species. The Canary Islands are home to as many as 21 different species of marine life, so you’re bound to spot one that catches your eye.
Gran Canaria
There are many great things to do in Gran Canaria. One of the best is taking in the island’s majestic pine forests. Visitors can enjoy picnics and hikes among the stunning scenery. You can also find a large number of nature parks, protected landscapes, and scientific interest sites throughout the island.
The island is a small island, so getting around is easy. A quick bus ride or car ride can get you to all the main spots. Maspalomas is one of the most popular areas in Gran Canaria. Here, you can enjoy the Maspalomas dunes and lagoon, as well as a variety of great restaurants and resorts.
You can also go hiking to the top of Spain’s tallest peak, the Teide. It is located on the neighboring island of Tenerife, just a few miles away, and is 1,949 meters above sea level. While it’s not particularly cold, the soaring peak is sure to cool you off if you visit after sunset.
La Palma
The Canary Islands are renowned for their unique natural beauty, and La Palma is no exception. The island is home to emerald-green pine forests and vertiginous rocky peaks. Its lush pine forests and black-sand beaches offer visitors a refreshing change of pace.
La Palma is also home to a number of excellent hiking trails. The most famous one is the Ruta de los Volcanes, which stretches for about 12.5 miles. It is possible to take a guided tour of this trail, or you can just follow the path on your own.
The highest peak on La Palma is Roque de los Muchachos, at over 2,200 meters. Hiking up this mountain gives you spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes. At the summit, you can even spot neighboring islands.
Lanzarote
When visiting Lanzarote, you can enjoy its beautiful beaches. Some of them are volcanic in origin, while others are made of golden sand. These beaches are considered some of the best in the Canary Islands. This volcanic island is also home to some charming towns. The island doesn’t have any big hotel chains or great shopping areas, but it does have an interesting cultural scene. Some of the best-known artists are from Lanzarote, including Cesar Manrique.
If you are interested in history, you can visit a village like Yaiza, which is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Another lovely village is Teguise, which is one of the oldest villages in the Canary Islands. It is also considered the cultural heart of Lanzarote.
Fuerteventura
If you want to experience the natural beauty of the Canary Islands, then you should plan a vacation to Fuerteventura. It is home to volcanoes, caves, natural pools, sand dunes, mountains, and hiking trails. Fuerteventura is the second largest island of the Canary Islands. It is the driest and flattest of all the islands, and it offers 93 miles of virgin beaches with turquoise water.
One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline is Sotavento Beach, which stretches nine kilometers and is separated by five smaller beaches. It is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.