Tenerife and beyond: everything you need to know about the Canary Islands

There is no arguing that the Canary Islands are a paradise on Earth. This bold title is well deserved: the climate here is pleasant (in summer the average air temperature is +23°C, in winter +19°C), and well-equipped sandy beaches stretch for many kilometers along the ocean, some of which have been awarded Blue Flags. The surroundings are so picturesque that it is hard to stop taking photos of everything around you. We are certain that after reading our article, you won’t stop until you’ve visited all seven islands!

TENERIFE

The largest and most popular island of the archipelago among tourists, home to one of the two capitals of the autonomous community — the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Most resorts are located on the southern and western coasts, with Costa Adeje and Las Américas considered the best.

TOP 3 beaches in Tenerife:

1. La Arena in Puerto Santiago, popular with families and divers.
2. Las Vistas in the municipality of Arona, a favorite among water sports enthusiasts.
3. San Telmo in Puerto de la Cruz, where you can swim in natural pools formed by the rocks during high tide.

All of these beaches have been awarded the "Blue Flag" for cleanliness, with many receiving this recognition year after year.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Things to do on the island of Tenerife:

• Climb Mount Teide — the highest peak in Spain and the third tallest volcano in the world (3,718 meters). It is located in the Teide National Park, the most visited nature reserve in Europe. A cable car takes you to the summit, with round-trip tickets costing €30.

• Go whale watching. Tour boats depart from the ports of Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón, and Los Gigantes.
• Visit the Anaga Rural Park, a biosphere reserve just minutes from the capital. Here, you can admire mountain landscapes, swim in secluded coves, stroll under the shade of laurel trees, birdwatch, go horseback riding or cycling, try diving, or even learn to sail.

• Explore San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the first non-fortified city in Tenerife, designed using maps of the starry sky and sea routes.
• See one of the symbols of the Canary Islands — the dragon tree. The oldest specimen, estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, grows in Icod de los Vinos.

FUERTEVENTURA

This island boasts over 150 kilometers of beaches! It seems like the perfect place for those dreaming of an even tan and water activities. Fuerteventura is also considered a mecca for surfers, thanks to the ever-present wind. If you're interested in active holidays in the Canary Islands, we recommend checking out Fuerteventura's resorts.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

The most popular beach resorts are: Costa Calma, Morro del Jable, Playa Matorral, Caleta de Fuste, and Playa de Corralejo.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

TOP 3 beaches in Fuerteventura:

1. Sotavento. An international windsurfing championship is held here annually in July and August.
2. Gran Tarajal, a favorite among locals. It has been awarded the "Blue Flag" for cleanliness.
3. La Concha — 200 meters of white sand, turquoise water, and (a pleasant bonus!) few people.

Things to do on the island of Fuerteventura:

• Try the unique Mahorero goat cheese, which can only be produced by 16 dairies and 49 farms worldwide.
• Stroll through the village of Betancuria, built in the crater of an extinct volcano. Until 1834, this settlement was the capital of Fuerteventura.
• Enjoy the desert landscapes of the Corralejo Natural Park, home to the largest sand dunes in the Canary Islands and the Montaña Roja volcano.

• Photograph one of the traditional "molino" windmills — symbols of the island. They have different shapes: "female" windmills have cylindrical bases, while "male" windmills have square ones. Many can be found around the town of Antigua.
• Visit the picturesque village of La Oliva. Be sure to check out the Church of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria and the Governor's Mansion.

GRAN CANARIA

A favorite destination for party lovers, LGBTQ+ travelers, and nudists. Here you'll find the second capital of the autonomous community — Las Palmas. The most popular leisure area is Maspalomas, which encompasses six resorts along a 17-kilometer coastline. Its heart is the party paradise Playa del Inglés. Families with children prefer the Puerto Rico resort, which also attracts water sports enthusiasts and avid fishermen.

TOP 3 Beaches in Gran Canaria:

1. Maspalomas, which has a section for nudists in its central area.
2. Amadores — a safe beach for families with children.
3. Las Canteras, a favorite among divers and locals.

Things to do on the island of Gran Canaria:

• Explore the "Sahara corner" — the famous Maspalomas sand dunes. You can traverse the area on foot or ride a camel.
• Visit the picturesque village of Puerto de Mogán. It's worth coming here to wander quietly through the streets lined with traditional Andalusian-style houses, admire the yachts in the harbor, and take a ride through the canals.
• Stop by Agaete — one of the most beautiful towns on the island. We recommend including the Church of Concepción, the Huerto de las Flores garden, and the Maipés necropolis in your itinerary. After your stroll, enjoy fresh fish dishes in any of the seaside town's restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves.

• Take a trip back in time by visiting Vegueta — the historic quarter of the capital. It was from here that the island began to be colonized in the 15th century. Attractions are around every corner: don't miss the Casa de Colón mansion, the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the town hall, and other interesting buildings, as well as the market square.
• Escape the city noise in the island's largest nature reserve — Nublo Rural Park. The park features viewpoints, picnic spots, secluded beaches, campsites, and many charming small villages where you can stay overnight and have a meal.

LANZAROTE

With its 300 volcanoes, Lanzarote is often called the "island of fire-breathing mountains". The island's otherworldly landscapes have naturally attracted filmmakers, with scenes from "Mysterious Island", "One Million Years B.C.", "Clash of the Titans", and "Exodus: Gods and Kings" being shot here.

The best resort for family vacations is Playa Blanca, while windsurfers prefer Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

TOP 3 beaches in Lanzarote:

1. Papagayo — the island's most popular beach, which locals rightfully call "a little Paradise".
2. Chica in Puerto del Carmen, a favorite among divers and fishermen.
3. Caletón Blanco in Órzola, where you can swim in natural pools during high tide.

Things to do on the island of Lanzarote:

• Feel like you're on the Moon without leaving Earth by visiting Timanfaya National Park. Walking on the lava fields is prohibited, so tourists are transported around the park by buses that follow designated roads.
• Taste unique wines like Rosado, Amalia, Malvasia Semidulce, and Seco Malvasia, produced from grapes grown on the island.
• Experience life as a Robinson Crusoe by sunbathing and swimming on the secluded island of La Graciosa, north of Lanzarote. There are no hotels or paved roads, but plenty of deserted sandy beaches.

• Admire the prickly giants at the Cactus Garden in Guatiza, which houses over 1,400 species from around the world.

LA PALMA

Volcanoes, dense forests, waterfalls, and ideal conditions for stargazing — these are the reasons for the allure of La Palma. It is not particularly popular among beachgoers, although it is still possible to find places to swim and sunbathe if desired.

TOP 3 beaches in La Palma:

1. Puerto Naos — the largest beach on the island, awarded the "Blue Flag" for cleanliness.
2. Bajamar on the coast of Breña Alta — a favorite beach among locals, considered one of the best places to watch the sunrise.
3. Los Cancajos — a volcanic beach, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Things to do on the island of La Palma:

• Stargaze from the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, located at an altitude of 2,396 meters above sea level.
• Visit the UNESCO-protected Caldera de Taburiente Biosphere Reserve. Take a walk through the pine forest, swim under a waterfall, snap some photos from the viewpoint on the edge of the volcanic crater, and be sure to stay until nightfall to admire the stars.
• Tackle the trekking route called the "Volcano Route", which connects the central and southern parts of the island. It spans 17.5 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1,207 meters.

• Stroll through Santa Cruz, the island's capital. The old churches house Flemish religious art, colonial-style houses are adorned with carved balconies overlooking the sea, and the La Palma Island Museum holds a valuable collection of paintings.
• Step back millions of years by exploring the primeval forests of Los Tilos. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty and length wind through the area.

LA GOMERA

The island is designated as a biosphere reserve and is under UNESCO protection, preserving plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet. Like La Palma, it's not ideal for a beach holiday, but it perfectly suits those seeking a connection with nature. If you do decide to swim between excursions, you can visit the volcanic sand beaches of Calera and Playa del Inglés.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Things to do on the island of La Gomera:

• Visit Garajonay National Park — one of the few places in the world where pristine laurel forests still exist.
• Stroll through the colonial village of Agulo and hike up to the Red Wall cliff, from which you can see the island of Tenerife on a clear day.
• See Los Órganos, one of the island's most fascinating natural landmarks. These formations of solidified lava resemble organ pipes and can only be fully appreciated from a passing boat.
• Escape the hustle and bustle in the town of Valle Gran Rey, where you can swim in the ocean at any time of day, climb all the surrounding viewpoints, and visit the nearby nature park.
• Explore the island's capital, San Sebastián de la Gomera, which is closely tied to the fate of Christopher Columbus.

EL HIERRO

The smallest island in the archipelago, El Hierro is a diver's paradise, boasting 46 official dive sites! You can swim with a view of the volcano in Tacorón Bay on the southern part of the island.

Things to do on the island of El Hierro:

• Walk through the juniper forest, swim in one of the secluded bays, and sample local delicacies (like parrotfish) in Frontera Park.
• Climb to the La Peña viewpoint in Guarazoca and marvel at the El Golfo Valley, formed millions of years ago by a massive landslide.
• Photograph wind-swept trees in El Sabinar, one of the island's symbols.
• Swim in the "Blue Pool" of volcanic origin.
• Stand at the edge of the world by climbing to Orchilla Cape. Until 1885, the "Zero Meridian" passed through this point on the map.