Island Hopping: Travel guide to the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a beautiful Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa, with absolutely enormous and diverse natural wonders, as well as quite a rich culture, all in a paradisiacal setting. Can you think of a better vacation destination? Sit back and relax as we tell you how to make the most of your time there with our island hopping guide to the Canary Islands!
1.Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, and this is probably where your trip to the Canaries will begin, unless your plane lands in Las Palmas. Thanks to its size, it probably has the highest biodiversity of the 8 main islands. The entire island is bursting with exciting possibilities!
Where to visit and what to see in Tenerife:
Enjoy and relax for a day on the stunning white or black sand beaches
Take a walk and see the prehistoric-looking fauna and flora.
Don’t miss Teide, the imposing volcano that is also the highest peak in Spain!
Do not miss the festivities and fireworks of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the largest in the world with a million tourists
Try local cuisine such as Atlantic mackerel served with Mojo sauce.
Listen to typical tajaraste songs
2. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is an island that also has a lot of biodiversity and even different climates, with a total of 32 protected natural areas, which gave it the nickname of ‘miniature continent’. As with the other main Canary Islands, there are many resorts from where you can enjoy an all-inclusive experience and have the ideal beachside holiday. While much of what these islands have to offer is similar of course (yes, you’ll find carnivals on Gran Canaria too), but they also complement each other perfectly.
Where to visit and what to see in Gran Canaria:
Visit the Dunes of Maspalomas
Spot dolphins from a boat tour
Get some height and see the island thank you from the sky with a plane tour
3. Fuerteventura
There are many peculiarities to see in Fuerteventura, the second largest island in the Canary Islands. The culture is also quite diverse and fascinating! The island may be small, but it definitely has plenty to do for your next vacation!
Where to visit and what to see in Fuerteventura:
Visit and see the wreck of the American Star, an ancient ship that can be seen from land,
Explore the Puerto del Rosario sculpture park, an open-air park with some 100 pieces of art scattered throughout the city
Plan a visit to Villa Winter, located in Cofete and built thanks to General Franco
Learn Juego del Palo, a local traditional martial art.
Play Canarian petanque, derived from the famous French petanque
Enjoy various water sports on the beaches.
Taste the typical Majorero cheese and many other local cuisines.
4. Lanzarote
The fourth island, Lanzarote, has such a diverse biodiversity that UNESCO declared it a biosphere reserve. Our advice, it’s best to go in the fall or spring, for a less crowded experience and more welcoming weather. And be careful in bars, liquors are poured by guesswork and don’t follow the same standards we’re used to.
Where to visit and what to see in Lanzarote:
Choose between palm-fringed white-sand beaches or the stunning volcano-strewn landscapes of the island’s interior
5. La Palma
Compared to the other main islands, you will find far fewer tourists on La Palma, but an equally impressive landscape. With two active volcanic complexes, the mountainous landscapes provide an incredible and challenging outdoor experience, so beautiful that La Palma is nicknamed “La Isla Bonita”, which literally means “Pretty Island”. And since it is the northernmost of the archipelago, the climate there is most pleasant throughout the year. So it is the perfect island if you are looking for a more relaxed holiday in the Canaries!
Where to visit and what to see on La Palma:
Enjoy the beaches: Puerto Naos or Los Cancajos
Visit the National Park of La Caldera de Taburiente: walk and enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes
Take a hike and explore the trails: the Ruta de los Volcanes (route of the volcanoes) and Los Tilos
Enjoy the night stars at the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory
Try some of the popular local desserts, such as “Almendrados”, traditional Spanish almond and lemon cookies, and “Príncipe Albertos”, a chocolate cream dessert layered with coffee-soaked cookies.
6. La Gomera
Travel 50 minutes by ferry from Tenerife and you will arrive at La Gomera, a small island that is more rural than the others. This beautiful island has one of the most rugged landscapes in the archipelago, making for some excellent hiking trails, ranging from easy trails near the coast to more demanding trails in the mountains.
Where to visit and what to see in La Gomera:
Go hiking in the Garajonay National Park, a famous misty, dense laurel forest filled with many streams.
Be sure to visit the Mirador de Morro Agando, which offers a unique viewpoint over the island
Check out the Valle Gran Rey canyon along the coast.
Visit the charming town of La Calera
Enjoy the beautiful black sand beaches: Playa del Inglés
Go whale and dolphin watching
Enjoy the taste of “palm honey” and buy “palm syrup” to return home
7. The Iron
The second smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro will provide you with less land to explore than its nearby counterparts, but no fewer natural wonders and cultural activities!
Where to visit and what to see in El Hierro:
Discover the giant lizards of El Hierro, a species of reptile about 60 cm long, and which is only found on that island, of which it thus became a symbol.
Find strange crooked trees, called La Sabina, which add to the island’s unique charm.
Attend the famous festivals of El Hierro, such as the annual festival of the Virgin, or the Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes that takes place every 4 years.