La Palma:
Volcanic beaches, hidden coves among cliffs, and exceptional natural scenery. This is the island of La Palma, an idyllic place home to numerous ecological treasures. A finalist in the European Commission’s EDEN project (European Destinations of Excellence), in recognition of its proposal for sustainable tourism, it was also the stage for Spain’s most recent volcanic eruption, hence possessing the country’s newest territory.
Also known as “The Beautiful Island,” it is the greenest of the Canary Islands. Rich in lush forests and rugged coasts hiding beaches of black sand, this island amazes tourists with its ecological treasures and extraordinary nature. Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, it boasts numerous protected natural spaces and houses the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The volcanic lava, reaching all the way to the sea, has given rise to a low, rocky coastline, with small coves hiding among the rocks towering over the water.
Fuerteventura:
Fuerteventura stretches 210 kilometers from end to end. It stands out first and foremost for its splendid white sandy beaches and year-round sunshine.
A must-visit for windsurfing and diving enthusiasts, it offers unforgettable natural scenery. Its 340 kilometers of coastline offer over 150 beaches, both in the south and the north. The cliffs and more intimate coves appear along the eastern coast.
Its crystal-clear, shallow waters are ideal for water sports: sailing, water skiing, surfing, fishing… And above all, windsurfing: the island is a reference point in the World Windsurfing Championships circuit. The list of beaches where you can practice this activity is long: Corralejo, Cotillo, Jandía, Caleta de Fuste, Cofete…
For diving, the situation is similar. Fuerteventura is the ideal destination for enthusiasts of this discipline, thanks to the fissures, caves, galleries, frames, and rock formations that populate its ocean floors. The mild climate, dunes rolling down to the beaches, stunning nature, and modern hotel infrastructure make Fuerteventura a privileged tourist destination.
A good way to discover the most unusual places is to explore the trails that cross the island and lead to areas where nature reigns supreme. Examples include Montaña Tindaya or the Betancuria Rural Park, the island’s largest natural space.
Lanzarote:
If you can only spend two days on this island, we recommend some must-do activities.
Among the essential proposals, we highlight a visit to the protected landscape of La Geria to discover Lanzarote’s original vine cultivation and its white wines, a camel ride (you can do it in the Timanfaya National Park); a trip to the El Golfo lagoon; or a swim at Playa Papagayo or Las Cucharas. Other very beautiful beaches, albeit a little less accessible, are Las Conchas and the nudist beach of Famara.
Volcanic magic: Yes, magic exists in Lanzarote, or at least that’s how it will seem when you discover its nature. Its value is such that the island has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. And it’s really easy to get to know its main beauties thanks to its centers of art, culture, and tourism.
Tenerife:
Are you thinking of spending only a few days in Tenerife? Perfect for getting away, but certainly not enough to see it all.
To organize your visit, you can divide the island into three main areas: the south, where Tenerife South Airport is located, the north, served by Tenerife North Airport, and the metropolitan area.
An island, a thousand possibilities: All those that come to mind. Thousands of options in nature and one absolutely essential: Teide National Park.
You will also find a thousand entertainment options. In the south, for example, there is one of Europe’s largest water parks, Siam Park; while in Puerto de la Cruz, you can see penguins, killer whales, parrots, and all kinds of animals at Loro Parque, an incredible zoo. And you can also discover beautiful rural towns, such as Vilaflor and Icod de los Vinos.
In the south, the characteristic contrast between mountain resorts and popular beaches is striking.
Finally, the metropolitan area includes the cities of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. They are the cultural core of the island and are separated from each other by just 15 kilometers. It’s worth walking through them to enjoy their parks, historic buildings, and avenues. In addition, San Cristóbal de la Laguna is the only city in the Canaries listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Gran Canaria:
The reasons to choose Gran Canaria as a tourist destination are numerous in any season. The privileged climate and beaches are just two reasons. This island also offers an extraordinary natural heritage and a magnificent setting for water sports.
The variety of landscapes in Gran Canaria is surprising. Its 236 kilometers of coastline offer countless options. From the tranquil coves in the south to more touristy areas like Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or San Bartolomé de Tirajana, with the famous beach of Inglés, passing through unique environments like the dune beach of Maspalomas or the wild beaches of Güi-Güi.
Gran Canaria is also a good choice for water sports enthusiasts. The possibilities are endless: diving, surfing, sailing, and, of course, windsurfing, on an island considered one of the best places in the world to practice this discipline. In fact, it is a regular venue for important competitions on the international circuit.
Gran Canaria’s nature is another of its beauties. Forty-six percent of the territory has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Following the extensive network of trails, you can visit the various natural parks on foot or by bike, and even observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. These animals are often present in the southern part of the island.
La Gomera:
It’s a mysterious island where time seems to stand still… Don’t believe it? Look out from one of its spectacular viewpoints during your visit and see how you forget everything, even time.
The island has a network of over 40 viewpoints. One of the most enchanting is Alto de Garajonay, La Gomera’s highest point, from where you can spot the islands of El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife, and even Gran Canaria in the distance. It is located in Vallehermoso, where there is a landscape very common in La Gomera, formed by terraced crops.
An island full of magical sensations: You will realize this when you visit Garajonay National Park. It is an immense unspoiled forest, inside which you will walk immersed in the mists discovering the phenomenon of horizontal rain. We recommend a guided tour, but if you go on your own, a good option is to start at the Juego de Bolas Visitor Center.
The island holds many secrets. For example, a huge cliff of volcanic origin that erosion has shaped giving it a characteristic shape, known as “Los Órganos.”
If you feel like going for a swim, keep in mind that the most popular beaches are in Valle Gran Rey, one of the most touristy municipalities near San Sebastián de La Gomera, from where Christopher Columbus left Spain to set off for America, and Agulo, which has probably the best-preserved historic center on the island.
El Hierro
This is a different and unique destination for several reasons. Did you know that it is a 100 percent sustainable and self-sufficient island thanks to its renewable energy? Also, it is the island of a thousand volcanoes.
You’ll be struck by the variety of landscapes (steep cliffs in the north, incredible lava formations in the south, and a great concentration of vegetation in the center), and whether you’re an enthusiast or it’s the first time in your life, you must try diving among its seabed, or at least snorkeling.
Volcanic sea and views: Imagine diving into the water in a landscape rich in color. Visit the southwestern coast of El Hierro and discover the beaches of Mar de las Calmas, with coves such as Tacorón where the blue of the sea meets the ochre and black tones of the slopes and volcanic earth. We also recommend the Gulf area, where you will find natural pools such as Charco Azul, among rocks eroded by volcanic lava.
Examples of the island’s originality are also Pozo de las Calcosas, Tiñor and Sabinar. The first two are striking for the presence of houses built with volcanic rocks and characterized by a marked rural architecture. While in Sabinar, within the Frontera Rural Park, you’ll see trees up to eight meters tall, twisted by the force of the wind that has created an amazing scenery.