The harsh Atlantic Ocean, rocky cliffs, and fine volcanic sand.
The harsh Atlantic Ocean, rocky cliffs, and fine volcanic sand.
Relict laurel forests, the island's best panoramic views and the rugged North Atlantic coast
Unique volcanic landscapes, a crater, lava fields and a bit of smoke
The Canary Islands are an Atlantic archipelago where volcanic landscapes meet the ocean, mountains, lava fields, lush forests and beaches. Located close to the coast of Africa, the islands are part of Spain and enjoy a mild climate throughout the year.
Each island has its own character. Tenerife offers volcanoes and high-mountain landscapes, Gran Canaria is known for its incredible variety of scenery, while Lanzarote looks almost otherworldly with its volcanoes and lava fields. La Palma is famous for its green mountains and exceptionally clear night skies. Fuerteventura attracts visitors with its long beaches and strong winds, La Gomera with its lush forests and mountain trails, while El Hierro remains the quietest and most secluded island in the archipelago.
The largest and one of the most diverse of the Canary Islands. Its main attraction is Mount Teide and the vast national park surrounding it. But Tenerife is about much more than volcanoes: the north is home to the green mountains of Anaga, laurel forests, cliffs and wild beaches, while the coast is dotted with small towns and natural swimming pools.
Best for: volcanoes, mountains, the ocean, hiking trails, viewpoints and a huge variety of landscapes.
Gran Canaria is often described as a «continent in miniature» because of its remarkable variety of landscapes. The island has high mountains, deep ravines, pine forests, arid landscapes and the famous Maspalomas dunes. Along the coast, busy resorts coexist with small natural coves and quieter corners.
Best for: diverse landscapes, mountains, scenic drives, dunes, the ocean and road trips.
Lanzarote is unlike most of the other islands. Centuries of volcanic activity have created vast fields of black lava, volcanic cones and striking landscapes. Much of the island's distinctive character is also connected with the work of artist César Manrique, whose influence helped preserve its unique architecture and visual identity.
Best for: volcanoes, lava landscapes, unusual architecture, the vineyards of La Geria and the feeling of travelling on another planet.
If you want to experience as many different landscapes as possible in a single trip, Tenerife or Gran Canaria are great choices. For spectacular volcanic scenery, choose Lanzarote, while Fuerteventura is ideal for long beaches and wide-open natural landscapes.
Hikers and nature lovers should consider La Palma and La Gomera, while those looking for peace and fewer tourists will appreciate El Hierro.
The Canary Islands are ideal for independent travel. Renting a car makes it easy to experience completely different landscapes in a single day, while ferries and flights make travelling between the islands relatively easy. So you don't necessarily have to choose just one island — combining several islands in one trip is also a great option.