Isabella is among the writers on the brand new Canary Islands guidebook. After spending weeks of analysis on the street, she shares the highest experiences to your subsequent journey.
Anybody who loves the Canaries can attest that probably the most difficult (and thrilling) a part of visiting these bewitching volcanic islands is the place to start out.
Certainly, it’s this astounding selection – of landscapes, cultures, actions – that makes the beloved Atlantic archipelago such a thrill to find. Seaside lovers will after all be significantly drawn to the Canaries – but most of the islands are additionally nice bases for adventurous varieties, maybe a shock for first-time guests. Of Spain’s 16 nationwide parks, 4 are within the Canary Islands, whereas a community of different nature reserves protects every part from coastal cliffs to age-old laurisilva (laurel forests).
Understand that every island lends itself to distinct experiences. The three smaller western Canaries, for instance, are prime spots for mountain climbing, whereas the three easternmost islands have the loveliest sandy seashores. Tenerife, the biggest of the Canaries, genuinely brings a little bit of every part.
Right here’s our roundup of the numerous prime experiences you’ll be able to look ahead to on the Canary Islands.
1. Glimpse – and even summit – El Teide
Seen from throughout Tenerife and infrequently even from different islands, El Teide – Spain’s tallest peak – has an plain magnetic pull. Often called Echeyde by the indigenous Guanches, the mountain towers 3718m (12,198ft) excessive, surrounded by the extraordinary stark expanses of the 190-sq-km (73-sq-mile) Parque Nacional del Teide. Whether or not glimpsed when dusted with snow in winter or surrounded by spring blooms, El Teide is an unmissable Canarian expertise, and mountain climbing to its sky-high summit is a temptation few walkers can resist.
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The UNESCO-listed nationwide park is understandably widespread (virtually 4.6 million individuals visited in 2023) – and it’s additionally strictly protected. A cable automotive zips up El Teide’s southern flank to viewing platforms at 3555m (11,663ft), however since there are tight rules for mountain climbing onwards to the height, you’ll want to guide a (free) go properly forward. Go to very first thing or within the late afternoon to sidestep among the nationwide park’s crowds. Time allowing, we advocate profiting from the numerous different trails weaving throughout the lunar panorama.
Detour: Tenerife has loads of different spectacular mountain climbing paths, particularly across the Parque Rural de Anaga and the Parque Rural de Teno.
2. Marvel at ultraclear constellations in La Palma
A fast glimpse up on the inky evening sky in La Palma immediately reveals why this lushly inexperienced island has been designated the world’s first Starlight Reserve. And also you don’t want any prior expertise to dive into considering the constellations (although it would be best to layer up, as nights might be cool at greater altitudes). A crop of native operators, akin to AstroLaPalma (which chooses areas every day relying on circumstances), will set you up on an expert-guided stargazing expertise with skilled telescopes. In addition they manage excursions of the famend Observatorio Roque de Los Muchachos, perched 2396m (7861ft) on the prime of the island.
Planning tip: The Parque Nacional del Teide in Tenerife is one other great place for enriching stargazing experiences.
3. Take in the creativity of César Manrique
The world of Canarian artwork is intimately linked to the Twentieth-century Lanzarote-born artist César Manrique, who campaigned in opposition to overdevelopment a long time in the past when the native tourism trade was simply starting to blossom. Manrique is greatest recognized for his summary work – usually impressed by the landscapes of Lanzarote – in addition to his ingenious “interventions,” which reimagined pure areas into dazzling works of structure and artwork.
When you solely go to one Manrique creation, make it Lanzarote’s fantastic Fundación César Manrique – the artist’s former house turned museum, constructed into lava flows within the middle of the island. However you’ll in all probability even be tempted so as to add on the Casa-Museo César Manrique, within the palm-filled Haría valley, the place Manrique lived in his ultimate years.
Planning tip: If the grasp’s residences pique your curiosity in his work, Manrique left works all around the Canaries, together with the hovering Mirador de la Peña in El Hierro and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique pool complicated in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
4. Spot whales, dolphins and different marine creatures
The deep-blue Atlantic waters between western Tenerife and neighboring La Gomera make up top-of-the-line locations in Europe to identify whales within the wild. Now a protected Whale Heritage Space, this 2000-sq-km (772-sq-mile) expanse is very recognized for its populations of resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. On a whale-watching tour with a neighborhood professional, you may additionally see orcas, sperm whales and lots of different species of dolphins. Do your homework earlier than you set off to discover a accountable, low-impact operator, akin to Tenerife-based Biosean, which was based by a marine biologist.
5. Lie out for hours on golden sands
Enjoyable on the powdery seashores is among the Canaries’ largest attracts. Fuerteventura has grown into the seaside star of the archipelago, with a swirl of attractive gold-sand strands, together with the protected Corralejo dunes within the north and secluded, miles-long Cofete within the south. Neighboring Lanzarote is an in depth second: its fabulous seashores vary from the sheltered coves dotted across the Punta del Papagayo promontory to wild, surf-loving Famara.
Southern Gran Canaria is one other seaside hotspot, particularly Maspalomas, whose rolling dunes make up a protected 400-hectare (162-acre) nature reserve opening onto a 3km-long (2-mile-long) swath of honey-colored, family-friendly sand. Comply with marked paths via the dunes to find palm-studded oases, and spot herons, ospreys and different birds at La Charca lagoon.
6. Soak up Tenerife’s artwork scene
The Canaries’ prime contemporary-art gallery looms simply south of the historic middle in Tenerife’s Carnaval-loving capital of Santa Cruz. Designed by prize-winning Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron alongside Canarian architect Virgilio Gutiérrez, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) is marked by its daring fusion of angular structure and cutting-edge exhibitions. Test on-line for present reveals; the house itself – with its light-flooded library – is value visiting at any time.
Santa Cruz additionally has the archipelago’s liveliest street-art scene, with significantly vibrant works adorning the Puente Serrador close to the TEA and old-town streets like Calle Castillo and Calle Pi y Margall.
7. Style a world of volcanic wines
The Canary Islands escaped the Nineteenth-century phylloxera that swept via different European vineyards, which implies the highly effective, Atlantic-influenced wines listed below are largely produced from grape varieties which are each native and historic. Vines have been first planted in Tenerife again within the fifteenth century – and as we speak the island rivals Lanzarote because the archipelago’s prime wine-making island. Lately, El Hierro has began making a reputation for itself on Spain’s wine map, too.
Many native vineyards now supply excursions, tastings and a raft of different experiences, throughout which you’ll study all in regards to the distinctive rising methods tailored to the acute landscapes. These embody the cordón trenzado (plaited twine) in mountainous northern Tenerife, and Lanzarote’s well-known round vines planted in volcanic-ash pits.
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Planning tip: Whereas many large-scale wineries have drop-in excursions and tasting periods, it’s at all times greatest to guide forward for smaller vineyards. Wine Excursions Lanzarote and Tenerife Wine Expertise run excellent bodega-hopping excursions.
8. Really feel Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s city buzz
Spain’s vigorous ninth-largest metropolis is a vacation spot in its personal proper, particularly throughout February when it hosts one of many nation’s most raucous carnivals. Any go to to Gran Canaria’s capital of Las Palmas ought to begin with a stroll round Vegueta, the oldest a part of the town, centered on the monumental volcanic-stone Catedral de Santa Ana, begun again within the 1490s. (Climb the towers for knockout views.)
Then there’s the blossoming meals scene, full of progressive flavors and native produce, wherever from plaza-view tapas bars to Michelin Inexperienced Star kitchen Muxgo. Playa de las Canteras, in the meantime, is up there with Spain’s loveliest city seashores, with 3km (2 miles) of golden sand, lagoon-like waters and a buzzy promenade.
9. Be dazzled by La Gomera’s Parque Nacional de Garajonay
When you solely have time for one factor in low-key La Gomera, head straight to the ethereal nationwide park that crowns the island. The 40-sq-km (15.5-sq-mile), UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional de Garajonay protects round half of the Canaries’s historic laurisilva, and is usually cloaked in mist. Mountaineering is the factor to do right here, whether or not you select to sort out a brief however splendidly scenic stroll to the Alto de Garajonay (the island’s highest level at 1484m / 4869ft) or descend via verdant canyons to colourful villages like Hermigua.
Simply exterior the nationwide park’s southern boundary, Casa Efigenia is among the greatest locations within the Canary Islands to pattern conventional delicacies.
Planning tip: Whereas it’s completely attainable to go to La Gomera on a day journey from Los Cristianos in Tenerife (the ferry throughout takes 50 minutes), this charmingly slow-going island rewards longer stays.
10. Admire the spectacular Canarian structure of La Laguna
Tenerife’s former capital La Laguna wows with its assortment of greater than 600 protected historic buildings. Wander via the pedestrian-friendly outdated city (a UNESCO World Heritage Website), which retains a lot of its authentic Sixteenth-century structure, admiring the ornate mansions and palaces relationship principally from the Sixteenth to 18th centuries as you go. Grand Calle San Agustín is the place to start out, however to see inside most of those splendid buildings – lots of them are privately owned – it’s greatest to affix a guided tour with La Laguna’s vacationer workplace.
Detour: Additional west, Santa Cruz de la Palma (La Palma’s laid-back capital) additionally counts among the many Canaries’ most stunning and architecture-rich cities, bursting with flower-filled wood balconies and cobbled squares.
11. Hike throughout El Hierro
The smallest, westernmost and least-visited of the seven principal Canary Islands combines rural appeal, an offbeat bohemian power and an entrancing lava-shaped panorama. All of which makes El Hierro probably the most rewarding locations for quiet hikes wherever within the Canaries. Even higher: most of its trails might be walked inside a day.
One of the best ways to soak all of it up is by tackling the 27km-long (17-mile-long) Camino de la Virgen (or not less than a part of it): the path tracks throughout your entire island, from the windswept La Dehesa area to the capital Valverde through eerie cloud forests, juniper woodlands and agricultural fields. The path (enable eight hours) follows the route of El Hierro’s most-loved fiesta, the Bajada de la Virgen pilgrimage, which has been held each 5 years for the reason that mid 18th century.
Planning tip: One of the best months for mountain climbing in El Hierro are October to December and March to Could.
12. Catch some main Atlantic waves
Typically referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Canary Islands rank among the many continent’s prime spots for browsing. Simply the most-loved surf locations are El Cotillo and Corralejo in northern Fuerteventura, Famara in northern Lanzarote and Playa de las Américas in southern Tenerife, all of which have a enjoyable year-round scene. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are massive on all three islands, too, and even La Palma is turning into widespread for water sports activities.
Lots of the well-known surf hubs within the Canaries are greatest suited to these with some expertise, however there are additionally loads of beginner-friendly programs and camps (usually with lodging included). Native surfers advocate winter (November to March) as the most effective season to trip the waves.
Planning tip: When you don’t fancy browsing, strive kayaking and paddle boarding alongside the craggy coast on any island.
13. Study in regards to the archipelago’s Indigenous communities
A collection of essential archaeological websites scattered throughout the islands sheds mild on the cultures of their Indigenous pre-conquest communities. For a lot of consultants, Gran Canaria’s Cueva Pintada, in Gáldar, is the primary occasion. Be part of a guided tour to see the unique, colourful geometric work that embellish the cave’s partitions. It’s believed that these complicated shapes crafted from pure dyes might presumably be related to lunar and photo voltaic calendars of some type.
Rather more off the crushed observe are the fantastically preserved petroglyphs etched into lava flows by the Bimbaches at distant El Julan, on El Hierro’s south-facing coast, which may solely be reached by pre-booked guided hike or 4WD tour.
14. Get artistic with Canarian crafts
For the reason that islands’ distant location made self-sufficiency important, all of the Canaries have an extended, wealthy heritage of native crafts. At the moment, a wave of modern-day artisans are sharing their abilities with anybody eager to study the secrets and techniques behind the archipelago’s most curious traditions, from pottery-making to embroidery to basketry.
In Lanzarote, you’ll be able to choose up authentic Canaries-inspired ceramics and meet their makers within the tiny northern village of Teseguite, or be a part of a ceramics-making class at Tinajo-based Timijota Studio, which additionally has a second outpost in Tenerife. Over in La Gomera, uncover how Canarian palm-leaf baskets are crafted with Gomera Corazón Verde.
15. Get misplaced in La Palma’s lush Caldera de Taburiente
The magical nationwide park on the coronary heart of “La Isla Bonita” is a gorgeously inexperienced and uncooked haven of Canarian-pine forests, jagged peaks, dashing waterfalls and plunging ravines. Better of all, weaving via its 50-sq-km (19-sq-mile) expanse, the Parque Nacional de la Caldera de Taburiente has among the most spectacular mountain climbing paths in the entire Canaries. The entire place revolves round a miles-wide caldera you’ll be able to ogle at each from lofty lookout factors and out on the paths.
Routes across the park vary from brief scenic loops to strenuous full-day hikes taking within the Roque de los Muchachos. Our favourite time to hit the mountain climbing trails is spring, when wildflowers burst into bloom.
16. Sail over to Isla Graciosa
Flung off the northern tip of Lanzarote, the tiniest of the Canaries solely grew to become the official eighth island in 2018. So it’s no shock that secluded Isla Graciosa continues to be one of many archipelago’s most magical locations for refreshingly go-slow seaside escapes. Your entire island is a part of the Chinijo Archipelago and sits inside a wider nature reserve. Merely catching the half-hour ferry throughout from Órzola in Lanzarote (the one strategy to get right here) is a thrill, with views of Lanzarote’s cascading 600m-high (1969ft-high) Famara cliffs dazzling because the journey trundles on.
A day journey to Isla Graciosa is greatest loved by mountain climbing or biking out from the sandy-floored “capital” of Caleta de Sebo to untouched golden seashores backed by stark volcanic cones. We love peaceable Playa de La Francesa (with nice snorkeling) and wild Playas de Las Conchas (the place swimming isn’t suggested).
17. Swim in glowing Atlantic swimming pools
Certain, the Canary Islands burst with fabulous seashores. But among the area’s most memorable points of interest are its glittery pure swimming pools. Scattered alongside the coastlines, these rocky visions of turquoise and cobalt have been created largely by previous eruptions, and now refill with water from the swirling Atlantic Ocean based on the tides. Some really feel virtually like calm little lagoons; others have been frivolously developed as sprawling swimming swimming pools, the place you’ll usually be becoming a member of a neighborhood crowd doing laps.
Punta Mujeres in Lanzarote, La Maceta in El Hierro, Bajamar in Tenerife, and wherever alongside Gran Canaria’s north coast are all blissful locations to leap in.
Planning tip: All the time test the tides earlier than heading to a pure pool, as it may be harmful to swim at excessive tide.
18. Refill on recent produce at farmers markets
Most Canarian cities have a weekly fresh-produce market, which is as a lot a vigorous native occasion as a spot to replenish on components. Stalls are usually filled with goodies sourced from the quick area, usually from small-scale producers on the island itself. Drop in to take in the environment and choose up beloved Canarian components like palm honey, goat’s cheese, almogrote and domestically grown bananas.
Within the larger cities, you’ll discover enjoyable everlasting markets open most days. Don’t miss Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s fantastic, Nineteen Forties Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, a sensation of sounds, colours and smells, with whimsical Moorish-inspired structure.
Planning tip: They are saying the Canary Islands devour extra cheese per particular person annually than wherever else in Spain. You’ll be able to meet cheese-makers on visits to queserías like Montesdeoca in Tenerife and La Casa del Queso Cabrera Pérez in Fuerteventura.
19. Street-trip to Gran Canaria’s lofty Roques
As you twist and switch into the elevated, peak-studded middle of the island across the Caldera de Tejeda, you’ll uncover the immense fantastic thing about Gran Canaria’s inexperienced inside. Count on to go among the Canaries’ most scenic villages, together with whitewashed Tejada, perched 1000m (3281ft) above sea degree, and fairly Artenara, recognized for its cave buildings. However the actual stars up right here among the many astonishing inland volcano-scapes are two much-photographed sky-reaching monoliths, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.
20. Make the leap into the Atlantic
The Canaries’ volcanic coasts burst with dimly lit caves, otherworldly rock formations and a wealth of curious marine life, which makes exploring beneath the waves right here an unforgettable expertise. Rays, turtles and over 300 species of fish roam off the shores in Atlantic waters, the place you may additionally spot wrecks offshore. A lot of the islands have a variety of diving programs and excursions, in addition to snorkeling journeys. Extensively thought of the chief of the Canary Islands’ dive scene, El Hierro dazzles with its sun-washed Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, quickly slated to turn into Spain’s seventeenth nationwide park.
Planning tip: Most consultants rank October as the most effective month for diving within the Canary Islands.
