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Discovering the Canary Islands – Top Destinations to Explore

by Tasha Mayberry

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The Canary Islands are a top destination for UK travelers of all ages, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure for any type of holiday. With year-round sunshine, diverse landscapes, and a wealth of activities to enjoy both day and night, it’s especially popular for those seeking winter sun. Beyond the resorts, the islands are rich in cultural attractions waiting to be explored.

Each island has its own unique charm, making it worth revisiting or discovering a new one with every trip. You can easily hop between islands if you’re staying longer, but once you find the one that matches your interests, you may find it hard to leave.

Travel Tips for the Canary Islands

Before you head off to experience the self-proclaimed ‘best climate in the world,’ there are a few things you’ll want to take care of. Here’s a handy checklist to help you get started:

Travel Insurance – Securing the right travel insurance should be one of your top priorities. While travel can be exciting, things don’t always go as planned, so having a policy that covers potential delays and disruptions is essential. Insurance that covers medical emergencies and lost or damaged luggage can save you from unnecessary stress and unexpected costs.

GHIC – While you may already have one, carrying a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) alongside your travel insurance is a smart choice. The GHIC covers state-run hospital treatments and GP visits at a reduced cost or for free, but it does not cover rescue or repatriation expenses, as explained by travel insurance provider Staysure. It also won’t cover you for medical treatment while on a cruise, so having both forms of protection ensures you’re fully covered.

Passport – Avoid being the person who’s turned away at the airport due to an expired passport. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned return date and that it was issued within the last 10 years. If you need to renew it, do so well in advance of your travel date to prevent any last-minute issues.

Tenerife – The Island of Diversity

Tenerife, the largest and most popular of the Canary Islands, offers an irresistible blend of diverse landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic volcanic terrain, lush forests, or vibrant coastal towns, Tenerife has something for everyone. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

At the heart of the island lies Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak. The park’s otherworldly atmosphere sets it apart from the rest of the island, where visitors can hike, stargaze on night excursions, and explore the unique flora and fauna that thrive in its volcanic environment. A visit to this stunning location is essential for anyone traveling to Tenerife.

Beyond Teide, Tenerife offers a range of attractions. The island’s capital, Santa Cruz, is known for its subtropical gardens and relaxed city vibe. Puerto de la Cruz, located on the northern coast, is one of the oldest and most picturesque resorts. For nature lovers, Anaga Rural Park offers beautiful forests and mountains perfect for hiking and exploration. With so much to discover, Tenerife is a destination that truly needs to be experienced firsthand.

Gran Canaria – A Continent in Miniature

Gran Canaria, one of the most vibrant Canary Islands, is not just a hotspot for beach lovers and party-goers. It’s also a fantastic destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Often referred to as a “continent in miniature,” Gran Canaria boasts a remarkable range of landscapes and climates, earning it the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2005. This recognition reflects the island’s stunning natural beauty, which is best experienced outside the urban areas. The southern region, with its expansive white sandy beaches at Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, is famous for its impressive sand dunes that stretch to the sea. In the heart of the island, you’ll discover lush green hills and picturesque mountains, home to nature reserves and geological wonders like Roque Nublo. Standing 80 meters tall, this massive crag offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island.

Las Palmas, the island’s capital, is a bustling city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Its museums, colonial architecture, and the historic Vegueta district, located in the southern part of the city, provide ample opportunities to explore the island’s past. Notable landmarks such as the Casa de Colón mansion and Santa Ana Cathedral are centuries-old highlights. For those interested in archaeology, the Cueva Pintada Archaeological Park in Galdar, in the north, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the island’s pre-Hispanic inhabitants, with beautifully preserved cave paintings and ancient ruins. Gran Canaria has so much more to offer than meets the eye—it’s a destination waiting to be explored.

Lanzarote – Black Sand and Famous Art

When Lanzarote comes to mind, many envision its iconic black sandy beaches. While the island is known for these striking shores, it is equally celebrated for its art and design scene.

The work of César Manrique, a local artist whose influence is deeply embedded in Lanzarote’s landscape, merges art with nature in unique ways. His home, built atop a lava flow, is now the Casa-Museo del Campesino, a museum offering insight into his vision. Other works, like Jameos del Agua, are also major attractions. This stunning site, located inside a volcanic cave, features a palm tree garden outside and a remarkable auditorium within.

Lanzarote’s distinct appearance is a result of centuries of volcanic activity, and Timanfaya National Park stands as a prime example of its dramatic landscape. The Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) provide a breathtaking view of the volcanic terrain, where visitors can witness geothermal demonstrations, including geysers. Tours are available by foot, coach, and even camel for a truly immersive experience.

In addition to its rugged volcanic scenery, Lanzarote offers an array of beautiful beaches. Famara Beach, located within the Natural Park of the Chinijo Archipelago, stretches for miles with golden sands. It’s the perfect spot for water sports and other beach activities, all while enjoying spectacular coastal views. With tranquil villages like Yaiza and Haria, Lanzarote offers a peaceful, alternative side that provides a perfect balance of nature and culture.

Fuerteventura – Beaches Galore

As the second largest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With over 150 kilometers of sandy coastline and crystal-clear waters, it is renowned for some of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Corralejo Natural Park stands out as one of the island’s most breathtaking locations, while Sotavento Beach, one of the island’s most famous, offers a peaceful retreat far removed from the UK.

Beyond its stunning beaches, Fuerteventura’s former capital, Betancuria, nestled in a scenic valley, offers a glimpse into the island’s history. The restored Santa María de la Concepción Church and the archaeological museum provide fascinating insights into the island’s past. Additionally, the Salt Museum near Caleta de Fuste showcases the traditional methods of salt production that were once central to the island’s economy.

As a designated Biosphere Reserve, Fuerteventura is home to numerous protected natural areas that highlight the island’s ecological importance. It’s a destination that offers more than just relaxation—it’s also a place for adventure and historical exploration. The island’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect destination for those seeking both tranquility and discovery in a stunning setting.

Which Island Will You Visit Next?

If you’ve already experienced the beauty of Tenerife or explored Lanzarote from end to end, your Canary Islands adventure doesn’t have to stop there. In addition to the four main islands, there are plenty of other destinations to explore, including La Gomera, El Hierro, La Graciosa, and La Palma.

With countless unique experiences waiting to be discovered, you could spend years vacationing in the Canary Islands without repeating the same journey twice. So why not plan a return visit? And if you’ve never been, now is the perfect time to start. Discover everything the Canary Islands has to offer for an unforgettable holiday experience.