Things To Do In the Canary Islands

Things To Do In the Canary Islands: Tenerife – From Peaks to Coast

Tenerife is the largest island and has everything from beaches to the highest mountain in Spain. We drove up to Mount Teide National Park, where lava fields and clouds stretch for miles. Taking the cable car to near the summit gives a clear view across the Atlantic. Because of its height, Teide is one of the most spectacular Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

Down by the sea, La Orotava shows colonial architecture, while Garachico offers natural lava pools for swimming. The southern resorts like Costa Adeje are lively, but we loved the northern coast for its authenticity. Exploring both sides in one trip gives a real feel for the island’s contrasts.

Lanzarote – Volcanic Art and Wild Landscapes

Lanzarote feels like another planet. Black rock, white villages, and bright blue sky define it. We explored Timanfaya National Park, where geysers hiss and the ground still radiates heat. The drive through the volcanoes looks surreal — one of the most unforgettable Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

Artist César Manrique shaped much of Lanzarote’s character. His designs blend art with nature: the Jameos del Agua caves, the Cactus Garden, and the Mirador del Río viewpoint all carry his touch. Stopping at these sites connects creativity with the island’s raw landscape.

Things To Do In the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria – Mountains and Markets

Gran Canaria is often called a “mini continent” for its variety of climates and terrain. The dunes of Maspalomas in the south feel like the Sahara, while the green north holds mountains and pine forests. We hiked to Roque Nublo, a tall rock formation that rises above the clouds — one of the best views anywhere in the Canaries.

In the capital, Las Palmas, we wandered through the Vegueta district, full of colonial buildings and local markets. Sundays bring live music and food stalls to the streets, and the beach at Las Canteras is perfect for a swim right in the city. Experiencing both the urban and mountain sides makes Gran Canaria one of the most complete Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

Fuerteventura – Endless Beaches and Wind

If you love open space, Fuerteventura feels like freedom. Its long beaches stretch for kilometers, often with no one around. The Corralejo Dunes Natural Park offers soft sand and turquoise water, ideal for walking or windsurfing. Further south, Cofete Beach sits under dramatic cliffs — wild, remote, and unforgettable.

Because of its steady wind, Fuerteventura is a paradise for kitesurfing and sailing. But even if you just come to watch the light change over the dunes, it’s one of the most peaceful Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

La Palma – Forests and Stars

Known as “La Isla Bonita,” La Palma is the greenest island. We hiked through the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, where waterfalls and pine forests surround deep valleys. The island’s clear skies make it one of the best stargazing spots in the world — the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory sits above the clouds at 2,400 meters. Watching the Milky Way here is one of the most magical Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

La Gomera and El Hierro – The Quiet Corners

Smaller and quieter, La Gomera and El Hierro are perfect for travelers seeking calm. On La Gomera, we explored Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage forest filled with mist and ancient laurel trees. The island’s circular roads lead to viewpoints over deep valleys and the sea.

El Hierro is the smallest and least visited island, known for diving, hiking, and sustainable living. We swam in the Charco Azul natural pools and met locals proud of their eco-island projects. Visiting these places reminded us that slowing down is still one of the best Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

Beaches and Sea Adventures Across the Islands

Every island has its own version of paradise. On Tenerife, the volcanic sands of Playa de Benijo glow black under sunset light. On Lanzarote, Papagayo Beach offers calm turquoise coves perfect for snorkeling. In Gran Canaria, we loved the variety — family beaches in the south, surf spots in the north. Boat trips between islands reveal dolphins and sometimes whales. Exploring the coast from the water is one of the most memorable Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

Food and Local Flavors

Canarian cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of character. We ate papas arrugadas (salted potatoes) with spicy mojo sauce, grilled fish, and tropical fruit grown on the islands. Each island has its own wine, especially from Lanzarote’s volcanic soil. Visiting local markets — like Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Tenerife or Arrecife Market in Lanzarote — gave us a taste of daily life. Trying these flavors is one of the most authentic Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

For food lovers, we’ve listed our favorite places in Discover Our Favorite Restaurants in the Canary Islands, a blog with local spots across several islands.

Nature, Hiking, and Outdoor Life

Hiking trails cover every island, from coastal paths to high mountain routes. We joined sections of the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria and short walks through lava tunnels on Lanzarote. Scuba diving, kayaking, and paragliding are all popular too. Because the weather stays mild year-round, outdoor adventures belong at the top of any list of Things To Do In the Canary Islands.

Getting Around the Islands

Flights connect the islands daily, and ferries run between them several times a week. We mixed both — flying longer routes and taking boats for shorter crossings. Renting a car on each island gave us freedom to explore small villages and hidden coves. Roads are good, distances are short, and every turn reveals a new landscape.

Where to Stay in the Canary Islands

Each island offers something different. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have the widest choice of hotels and resorts. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are great for beach lovers, while La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro suit travelers who prefer quiet guesthouses and nature stays. Wherever you go, you’re never far from the ocean.

Final Thoughts on the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands feel both far away and familiar. You can hike a volcano in the morning, swim in the Atlantic in the afternoon, and watch the sunset above the clouds at night. The best Things To Do In the Canary Islands combine adventure and rest — exploring, tasting, and slowing down among some of Europe’s most diverse landscapes.