Island Hopping: Travel Guide to the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a beautiful Spanish archipelago off the coast of western Africa, with absolutely massive and diverse natural wonders, as well as quite a rich culture, all that in a paradise setting. Could you think of a better holiday destination? Relax and get comfortable while we tell you how to fully enjoy your time there with our guide to island hopping in the Canary Islands!

Places to visit when traveling to the Canary Islands:

• Tenerife
• Gran Canaria
• Fuerteventura
• Lanzarote
• La Palma
• La Gomera
• El Hierro

1. Tenerife

Tenerife is the biggest and most populous island of the archipelago, and that’s probably where your Canary journey will start, unless your plane lands at Las Palmas. Thanks to its size, it probably has the most biodiversity of the 8 main islands. The entire island is teeming with exciting possibilities!

Where to visit and what to see in Tenerife:

• Enjoy and relax a day on the stunning beaches of white or black sand
• Take a stroll and check prehistoric looking fauna and flora
• Don't miss Mt Teide, the towering volcano that is also the highest peak of Spain!
• Check out the festivities and fireworks at the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the biggest in the world with a million of tourists in attendance
• Taste local gastronomy like Atlantic mackerel served with Mojo sauce
• Listen to typical tajaraste songs

2. Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is an island also has a lot of biodiversity and even different climates, with a total of 32 protected natural spaces, which gave it the nickname of ‘miniature continent’. As with the other main islands of the Canary, there are many resorts there from where you can enjoy an all inclusive experience and have an ideal beach side vacation. While a lot of what these islands have to offer is similar of course (yes, you will find carnivals on Gran Canaria as well), but they also all complete each other perfectly.

Where to visit and what to see in Gran Canaria:

• Visit the Maspalomas Dunes
• Watch dolphins from a boat tour
• Take some height and see the island thanks from the sky with a plane tour

3. Fuerteventura

There are many peculiarities to see in Fuerteventura, the second largest island in the Canary Islands. The culture is also quite diverse and fascinating! The island may be small, but it definitely holds many activities for your next holiday!

Where to visit and what to see in Fuerteventura:

• Visit and see the shipwreck of the American Star, an old boat that can be seen from land,
• Explore the sculpture park of Puerto del Rosario, an open-air park of about 100 art pieces scattered around the city
• Plan a visit to the Villa Winter, located at Cofete and built thanks to General Franco
• Learn Juego del Palo, a local traditional martial art
• Play Canarian boules, derived from the famous French petanque
• Enjoy various water sports at the beaches
• Taste the typical Majorera cheese and many other local cuisines.

4. Lanzarote

The fourth island, Lanzarote, has such a diverse biodiversity that UNESCO declared it a biosphere reserve. And you’re in luck, the island is one of the safest travel destinations in the world right now! Our advice, it’s best to go around autumn or spring, for a less crowded experience and a more welcoming weather. And be careful in bars, liquors are poured by guess work and don't follow the same standards as we are used to.

Where to visit and what to see in Lanzarote:

• Choose between the white sand beaches filled with palm trees or the impressive volcano-clad landscapes of the inner island

5. La Palma

Compared to the other main islands, you will find a lot less tourists at La Palma, but an equally breathtaking scenery. With two active volcanic complexes, the mountainous landscapes provide an amazing and challenging outdoor experience, so beautiful that La Palma is nicknamed ‘La Isla Bonita’, which literally means ‘Pretty Island’. And since it is the most northern one of the archipelago, the climate is most pleasant there all year round. So it’s the perfect island if you are looking for a more relaxed vacation in the Canary!

Where to visit and what to see in La Palma:

• Enjoy the beaches: Puerto Naos or Los Cancajos
• Visit La Caldera de Taburiente National Park: walk around and enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes
• Take a hike and explore the trails: the Ruta de los Volcanoes (volcano route) and Los Tilos
• Enjoy the night stars at the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory
• Try some of the popular local desserts, such as the "Almendrados", traditional Spanish almond-lemon cookies, and "Príncipe Albertos", a layered chocolate-cream dessert with biscuits soaked in coffee

6. La Gomera

Travel 50 minutes by ferry from Tenerife, and you'll arrive at La Gomera is a small island that is more rural than the others. This beautiful island has one of the rougher landscapes of the archipelago, making for some great hiking paths, ranging from easy trails near the coast to more demanding paths in the mountains.

Where to visit and what to see in La Gomera:

• Go hiking in Garajonay National Park,a famous dense and misty Laurel forest, filled with many flowing streams.
• Don't miss visiting the Mirador de Morro Agando, which offers a unique viewpoint over the island
• Check out Valle Gran Rey canyon alongside the coast
• Visit the charming village of La Calera
• Enjoy the beautiful black sand beaches: Playa del Inglés
• Go whale and dolphin watching
• Enjoy the taste of "palm honey" and buy some "palm syrup" for back home

7. El Hierro

Second smallest island of the Canary Islands, El Hierro will provide you with less land to explore than its nearby counterparts, but with no less natural wonders and cultural activities!

Where to visit and what to see in El Hierro:

• Discover the giant lizards of El Hierro, a species of reptiles about 60 cm long, and found only on that island, of which it thus became a symbol.
• Find strange crooked trees, called La Sabina, which contribute to the unique charm of the island.
• Attend the famous festivals of El Hierro, like the annual festival of the Virgin, or the Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes which takes place every 4 years.

We didn't mention La Graciosa, the 8th member of the Canry Islands because it is so small that you won't really need a guide to enjoy it, but it is as stunning as the others! And of course you can always read our other blog if you are curious about other destinations in the world, as well as, learn useful travel tips, or simply just want to find our best flight deals, check it further on BudgetAir Australia.

Go back to top

Want to read more?