Canary Island Holidays: Travel Guide, tips & inspiration
Are you considering going on holiday in the Canary Islands? If so, then you've made an excellent choice! These stunning and sunny Spanish islands, which lie closer to Africa than Spain, have something for everyone. From endlessly varied landscapes, slow-going villages, lively towns, gastronomic delights, And while each island shares a similar climate and culture overall, each brings it's own unique touch to the table. and an abundance of water sport opportunities. There are two UNESCO geoparks and four national parks, along with growing sustainable tourism movement. And while the archipelago shares similarities in its climate and culture overall, each island brings it's own unique touch to the table.
Should I visit El Hierro?
El Hierro is the westernmost and smallest of the Canary Islands. This sleepy island will delight travellers looking for tranquil and relaxing escape in nature. You don't come here in search of resorts and water sports, you come to be in the middle of wild volcanic landscapes, with flourishing flora and amazing fauna. Explore the underwater landscape during a diving session, and learn about the formations that are the result of lava from the volcanoes. These include majestic caves, wildlife arches, the underwater El Bajon mountain, and much more. Finally, to help you out, here is our selection of must-see/do experiences in El Hierro:
- Taste a typical dish of the archipelago by going, for example, to the Tasca La Laja restaurant, specializing in seafood.
- Dive into the salt water of the natural Charco Azul pool. Located in the valley of El Golfo, it allows you to enjoy a relaxing soak before heading to the wooden solarium.
- Go to the Parque Rural de Frontera. This protected natural area has an enchanting woodland feel, with trees reaching up to eight metres in height.
- Admire the sea views from the Belvédère de la Peña. A good way to see the beautiful El Golfo valley from a different perspective.
- Practise outdoor sports such as cycling, paragliding or hiking.
What to do in La Palma in the Canary Islands?
La Palma in the Canary Island is an island where love reigns so much that even its shape follows the curves of a heart. Thanks to its more humid climate than in the other islands of the archipelago, it has an abundance of vegetation. The latter seems to nestle mainly between volcanoes, natural pools and woods. Thus, the so-called Isla bonita will mainly attract travellers who want to combine swimming and hiking. Here are the experiences not to be missed:
- Follow the Route of the Volcanoes (Ruta de los Volcanes), the southernmost tip of the island. The Natural Park of Cumbre Vieja. From the volcano of Los Canarios (aka Fuencaliente) to the volcanoes of San Antonio and Teneguía, you'll see them succeed one another before your eyes and offer a unique spectacle.
- Lay on the black sand beaches. Although not the main attraction of the island, it is always a pleasure to stroll along these beautiful volcanic beaches offering a lunar-like ambience.
- Hike or admire the sights from the huge Caldeira de Taburiente. Culminating at 2,426 metres above sea level, its sky, considered one of the purest in the world, will leave you speechless.
- Discover the picturesque village of San Andrés. From its small square, the lively heart of the village, to its restaurants with terraces, it has everything to charm you. Without forgetting the atmosphere, where time seems to stand still.
What to do in La Gomera island?
Arriving on La Gomera, the first thing that marks you is the intensity of the forest. Indeed, certainly because of its small size, this impact is direct.
- The Garajonay National Park. It will allow you to enjoy the best of nature in the island in one place. Covered mostly with laurel trees, it also has a look of enchanting landscapes. Why? Because it seems to have a permanent fog and its landscape varies between waterways and various plant species.
- Follow one of the many paths criss-crossing the island. All you have to do is find the one that suits your level. The Garden of Las Creces trail, for example, takes you to an altitude of 1055 metres. All this under the scent of the forest.
- Watch whales and sharks on a boat trip. You will recognise the small whales that are present all year round thanks to their round faces and infectious smiles.
- Go to the Restaurante Casa Efigenia La Montaña in Las Hayas. It is home to an old restaurant that seems to have remained frozen in the past.
What to do in Tenerife?
Tenerife is the largest and most visited of the Canary Islands. It is therefore unsurprising that it offers a wide range of activities to suit all ages. Moreover, it has retained its charm, as evidenced by the historic centres of San Cristobal de la Laguna. Here's our selection of places to visit on the island:
- The historic centres of San Cristóbal de la Laguna. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to many impressive monuments.
- A hotel in the Canaries and ideally located just a few metres from the beach. A word of advice: check out the VeryChic private sales. You will certainly find an address that matches your criteria.
- The Siam Park, a water park considered one of the most incredible in Europe. Its large slide is the longest and fastest in Europe. Its wave pool offers the possibility to surf. And all its attractions can be equally suitable for young and old alike.
- The Loro Parque is a world-renowned wildlife park. This popularity has several reasons. Firstly, the park has a family of extraordinary exotic birds, including over 300 species of parrots. Also, note that the Loro Parque Foundation ensures the protection and conservation of endangered animals.
- The Playa de Las Americas is located in the south of the island. It offers plenty of entertainment perfect for the whole family. On site you can play sports, go shopping, sunbathe on a terrace…
What to do in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is the second most populous of the archipelago after Tenerife. Its coastline is divided into two parts: drier landscapes in the east and more rugged in the north. Moreover, the contrasts on this island do not stop there. You can also admire the coastline alternating between beaches and cliffs throughout your stay. All this will give you an idea of the activities to be done in this land. Here is our selection of those not to be missed:
- Hike the rocky areas of the island. Why not to the Caldera de Bandama? The volcanic rock trail of crater 1000 metres in diameter and 200 mètres deep is just waiting for you!
- Enjoy the beaches to rest or to swim. You can also party, for example by going to Playa del Inglés. Here, people like to have fun on the beach until the end of the night. Otherwise, during the day, they relax on the fine sand or practice water activities.
- Get pampered at the Radisson Canaries. This address offers you a five-star experience under the Canary Islands sun. Whether from one of the three outdoor pools, the spa or your comfortable room, everything will be put together to make you feel relaxed.
- Explore the dunes of Maspalomas. They are about ten metres high and stretch over more than 400 hectares.
- Visit the town of Agüimes. An emblem of the island, it is considered a must-see. This is due to the fact that it bears witness to a rich historical past. To see for yourself, head for the historic district.
What to do in Fuerteventura?
The island of Fuerteventura is known for its desertic stretches. Thanks to the latter, they offer a large number of activities that can delight a wide range of travellers. Whether you are looking for sport or relaxation, the island will satisfy you. Here's our selection of must-see experiences:
- Go to one of the most beautiful beaches in the island, if not the entire archipelago. Cofete Beach, at the southernmost tip of the island, meets all these criteria. It stretches for 20 kilometres and is bordered by the Jandia mountains. It promises an intimate getaway on the edge of the ocean.
- Practise surfing or any of the activities linked to the winds of the island (hence its name meaning "strong winds"). To do this, head to one of the many spots, such as Las Playitas. This volcanic sand beach is the perfect place for the practice of many sports such as windsurfing.
- Enjoy the nature of the island by going to the Corralejo natural park. It is here, along the eastern coast, that the most beautiful dunes of the archipelago are located. Faced with this dramatic landscape, you can only confirm the proximity of the island to the African coast and the Sahara desert.
- Visit Puerto del Rosario, the capital of Fuerteventura. You can admire the carvings that are spread throughout the city. Alternatively, pass by the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario before heading to Miguel de Unamuno's house museum.
What to do on Lanzarote island?
Finally, head for Lanzarote, the easternmost of the archipelago. Here the dark volcanic landscape will leave you speechless. Here's what you shouldn't miss on the island:
- Climb the peaks of the island to enjoy the superb view. A hike that will remain etched forever in your memory. To visit the César Manrique Foundation. It is located in a typical property in the area inhabited by the artist for 20 years. Its particularity is that it is built on a sea of lava.
- The Bodega La Geria to discover vines grown on ashes. La Geria is a winegrowing hamlet in the southwest of Lanzarote island. You can then continue by continuing along the Wine Route.
- The Playa Blanca in Lanzarote. Located on the southern tip of the island, the name of this swimming resort comes from the beach there. You can enjoy its beautiful coastline, restaurants and bars.
When to go to the Canaries?
Wondering when to go to the Canaries? It’s because you’ve never heard of its nickname "eternal spring"! This term is used to characterize the ideal weather of the archipelago. In fact, the weather in the Canaries is not very changeable and the temperatures remain on average of around 22 degrees. So all that remains is for you to book the accommodation of your choice, such as a hotel with a private hot tub in the Canaries, then pack your bags and fly to this enchanting destination.