A Guide To The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands sit just off the coast of north-western Africa, and the islands enjoy an amazing climate throughout the year.
For more information about Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria click on the tabs below.
It’s not just night life and beaches you can look forward to in Tenerife, there are also some beautiful national parks, towering volcanos, excellent hiking trails and opportunities for whale and dolphin watching.
Beaches
Playa de San Roque is a fantastic surfing beach in Tenerife that’s incredibly popular with all those that visit. Playa de Las Vistas is ideal for families. For something more secluded though, choose El Bollullo, which can only be accessed by a bus ride, a walk and a climb down some steep steps. The views over the Atlantic are well worth it though!
Attractions
Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain and is actually a dormant volcano. You can take the cable car up to the top to wonder at the views, or you could face the challenge of climbing to the top. The Taganana and Parque Rural de Anaga national parks are also a treat. Siam Park, a family friendly water park is well-worth a visit as well.
This island is famous for its incredible landscape. It was caused by a volcanic eruption on the island in 1730, which caused a huge mountain to erupt from the earth. Lava covered almost a quarter of the island, causing the beautiful black sand beaches that can now be found in Lanzarote.
Beaches
Lanzarote is home to some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, including a combination of black sand and pale sand beaches. It’s thought that Lanzarote’s finest beaches are located around Punta del Papagayo in the south of the island, and Caleta de Famara in the north.
Attractions
Possibly the biggest and best attraction on Lanzarote is Timanfaya National Park, where you can easily see the effects of the island’s volcanic history. There’s a visitor centre in the park, along with walking routes that follow the ancient lava trails.
Fuerteventura has a diverse landscape and much effort is being made to save the many endangered animals living on the island. There are also many beautiful beaches.
Beaches
With over 150 beaches to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Fuerteventura. Surfing is incredibly popular on the west coast of the island, but you can also try out the beaches in the south-east which are ideal for those after a spot of sunbathing.
Attractions
Betancuria Church is a stunning example of Spanish baroque architecture and is well worth a visit. The island’s sand dunes in the north, which are called Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, are very like those found in the Sahara.
Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is one of the island’s favourite beach and sun hot-spots. It’s only about 35 minutes south of Gran Canaria airport, passing Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas on the way.
Gran Canaria is one of the most-visited Canary Islands and is packed with a mixture of attractions and things to do, so you’ll never have a dull moment when staying there.
Beaches
The favourite beach for locals and tourists alike are definitely Las Canteras beach and Playa de Maspalomas. At Las Canteras beach you can swim in the still, clear waters of the ocean as if it were a swimming pool thanks to the island’s breakwater. Playa de Maspalomas is home to stunning sand dunes and an absolutely huge beach stretching as far as the eye can see.
Attractions
The Viera y Clavijo Botanic Garden in Gran Canaria is the largest in the whole of Spain and has international importance for its careful attention to endangered flora and fauna. In the centre of the island you’ll find Roque Nublo, the remnants of the ancient volcano that helped to form Gran Canaria over four million years ago.