Best of the Canary Islands

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Canary Islands

Each island in the Canary Islands archipelago offers a unique experience, from lush forests and desert landscapes to volcanic craters and pristine beaches. This Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa includes seven main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Tenerife, the largest island, is dominated by the imposing Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the lunar landscapes of Teide National Park, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and beaches of Playa de las Américas, or visit the historic town of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gran Canaria features diverse landscapes, from the sandy dunes of Maspalomas to the green ravines of the interior. The island's capital, Las Palmas, offers a rich cultural heritage, excellent shopping, and urban beaches. Don't miss the picturesque mountain villages like Teror and the beautiful Roque Nublo. Lanzarote is a biosphere reserve where you can explore otherworldly landscapes like the Timanfaya National Park. The island's connection with artist César Manrique is evident in its harmonious blend of nature and art, as seen in attractions like Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río.

Fuerteventura, famous for its extensive white sandy beaches and strong winds, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers, windsurfers, and kite surfers. The island's natural parks, such as the Corralejo and Jandía dunes, offer settings for hiking and wildlife watching. La Palma, known as "La Isla Bonita" (The Beautiful Island), has lush forests, volcanic craters, and an extensive network of hiking trails, including through the famous Caldera de Taburiente National Park. La Gomera and El Hierro, the smaller and less visited islands, offer a more tranquil experience. La Gomera's Garajonay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient laurel forests, while El Hierro, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is known for its sustainable practices and excellent diving spots.

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Caleta de Famara in northeastern Lanzarote
Map of Ultimate Canary Islands Tour - 8 Days
Ultimate Canary Islands Tour - 8 Days

This exciting 8-day itinerary covers the archipelago's three easternmost islands with the help of a private guide. Traveling by road and ferry, you'll discover historic villages, orchards, forests, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and vineyards to understand just what makes this destination so unique. There will be plenty of free time to explore each isle's capital—especially in the evenings—to round out this fun adventure.

Beaches of Gran Canaria
Exploring the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria to Madrid - 12 Days

Go beyond Spain's mainland by discovering the beauty of the Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Explore charming island villages, white-sand beaches, locally-sourced cuisine, and scenic outlooks on all three islands, plus enjoy a guided tour of the four famous coasts of Gran Canaria. Be active with  an array of water sports, hiking the islands' tallest peak, traversing the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, and riding a camel along sand dunes, all before polishing off your trip with a night in buzzy Madrid.

Fuerteventura's Wild Volcanic Beauty
Map of Exploring the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - 6 Days
Exploring the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - 6 Days

Discover the unique beauty of Spain's Canary Islands on this 6-day tour covering both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. With your own rental car, you'll explore the islands' charming villages, pristine white-sand beaches, and quirky terrain and rock formations that'll make you wonder if you're on another planet. Ride camels on sand dunes, hike to the tallest peak on the islands, and nosh on freshly-caught seafood like a local.

Tenerife's mountainous coast near Anaga.
Map of Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 10 Days
Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 10 Days

The dramatic beauty of Spain's Canary Islands is the backdrop to this active 10-day itinerary. Starting in Madrid, you’ll have a day to explore the vibrant capital before flying southwest down the coast of Africa to reach the Canary’s largest island of Tenerife. Here you’ll explore black sand beaches, hike through ancient ecosystems, and climb volcanic mountains before catching a ferry to the small, remote island of La Gomera. Discover its pristine subtropical countryside on foot, then set sail for a whale-watching excursion around the dramatic coastline. Your final day takes you back to Madrid for a night on the town as you bid adios to island life.

Morro Jable Beach, Fuerteventura
Exploring the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - 7 Days

Get ready for an adventures across two of the incredible Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Start your trip by driving through charming island villages, discovering white-sand beaches, eating locally-sourced fish straight from the ports, riding camels through sand dunes, and hiking to the highest peak on the islands. End with a sports day enjoying surfing and mountain biking, plus a guided tour of the unique and otherworldly landscape of Timanfaya Park.

Have fun exploring the Canary Islands
Map of Active Family Vacation in the Canary Islands - 14 Days
Active Family Vacation in the Canary Islands - 14 Days

Enjoy this epic family vacation to Spain's Canary Islands, where 14 days of kid-friendly outdoor adventures await. Explore mountain peaks and volcanoes, spend time playing at the beach, hike through tropical forests, kayak in the ocean, visit a banana plantation, and more. These action-packed two weeks will keep the little ones entertained, with plenty of memories to bring home.

The lush landscapes and turquoise waters of Tenerife.
Map of Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid- 7 Days
Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid- 7 Days

Get lost in the wild beauty of Spain’s Canary Islands on this adventurous 7-day itinerary. Explore ancient forests, rural villages, black sand beaches, and the towering Mount Teide on Tenerife, before journeying to the smaller island of La Gomera to discover lush volcanic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Your final day takes you back to the mainland where you'll depart from the capital of Madrid.

Papagayo Beach
Map of Adventure in Lanzarote - 8 Days
Adventure in Lanzarote - 8 Days

Visit the sunny islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa on this active eight-day adventure. From sweeping ocean views to ancient volcanoes and dreamy beaches, the islands' landscapes will leave you wanting more. Kayak along the coast, go hiking and mountain biking in the north, and explore Cesar Manrique's art in the Jameos del Agua lava caves.

Stunning Beaches of Fuerteventura, Spain
Madrid to the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura & Lanzarote - 10 Days

From the buzzy, tapas-filled streets of energetic Madrid, to the quiet nature of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, this tour hits some of Spain's best highlights. After exploring the capital city, fly to the Canary Islands to enjoy charming villages, scenic vistas, idyllic white-sand beaches, and local cuisine sourced straight from the Atlantic Ocean. Get your adrenaline pumping with a camel ride across sand dunes, a hike to the islands' tallest peak, a guided tour of the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, and a surfing excursion in the famously warm waters.

Colorful houses of Tenerife
Map of Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 15 Days
Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 15 Days

This 2-week tour starts in the buzzy capital city of Madrid, where you can explore its monuments, parks, and local tapas culture before flying to the incredible Canary Islands, to Tenerife and La Gomera. Discover the natural beauty of the islands, plus the cultural significance with their historical vineyards, culinary extravagance, and idyllic villages. Before returning to Madrid, get a little adventurous with hikes in Anaga Park, star gazing atop Spain's highest peak, traversing dense forests, and whale-watching aboard a yacht.

Timanfaya National Park
Map of Long Weekend Hiking in Lanzarote - 4 Days
Long Weekend Hiking in Lanzarote - 4 Days

Enjoy a short and sweet getaway to Lanzarote, one of the incredible Canary Islands. Hike through Timanfaya National Park and the rocky northern coast with a private guide and explore art installations in ancient lava caves. Don't worry about the details—from the airport pickup to delicious picnic lunches and a relaxing stay in beautiful Arrecife, everything is taken care of.

The Ultimate Beauty of the Canary Islands
Map of Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 14 Days
Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 14 Days

A perfect combination of nature and city culture, this 2-week tour starts in the bustling capital of Madrid where you can explore its dazzling palaces, parks, and restaurants while sampling tapas and local cuisine. Fly to the Canary Islands, stopping in Tenerife to explore its stunning natural beauty, historical vineyards, and culinary significance before taking a ferry to nearby La Gomera. Enjoy a little adventure by hiking in Anaga Park, summiting Spain's highest peak, star gazing, finding whales and dolphins while cruising on a yacht, and exploring the rich forests of the islands.

The Volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park
Exploring the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - 8 Days

This week-long trip takes you to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, two of the incredible Canary Islands, where you'll enjoy charming island villages and idyllic white-sand beaches, as well as delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. Discover your adventurous side with camel rides through beach dunes and hikes to the highest peak on the islands, plus surfing and mountain biking. The highlight of the trip is a guided tour of the unique and otherworldly landscape of Timanfaya Park.

The Ultimate Beauty of the Canary Islands
Map of Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 16 Days
Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 16 Days

A perfect combination of nature and city culture, this adventurous tour starts in the bustling capital of Madrid where you can explore its dazzling palaces, parks, and restaurants while sampling tapas and watching flamenco. Fly to the Canary Islands, stopping in Tenerife to explore its stunning natural beauty, historical vineyards, and culinary significance before taking a ferry to nearby La Gomera. Enjoy a little adventure by hiking in Anaga Park, summiting Spain's highest peak, star gazing, finding whales and dolphins while cruising on a yacht, sleeping at an aloe vera plantation, and exploring the rich forests of the islands.

The road toward Masca village and Los Gigantes mountain, Tenerife.
Map of Wild Canary Islands: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 11 Days
Wild Canary Islands: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 11 Days

Explore the rugged beauty of the Canary Islands on this adventurous 11-day itinerary. Starting in Madrid, you’ll fly southwest over Spain and the Atlantic to reach the largest island of Tenerife. Hike through ancient ecosystems, climb volcanic mountains, and roam pine forests on horseback before catching a ferry to the small, remote La Gomera. Discover its pristine subtropical landscape on foot, then set sail for a whale-watching excursion around the dramatic coastline. Your final day takes you back to Madrid for a night on the town as you bid "adios" to island life.

See the highlights of the Canary Islands before jetting off to the Azores
Map of Beyond Spain & Portugal: Explore the Canary & Azores Islands - 14 Days
Beyond Spain & Portugal: Explore the Canary & Azores Islands - 14 Days

Go beyond the Iberian Peninsula to discover the exotic beauty of not one but two Atlantic archipelagoes. You'll arrive in Gran Canaria, in Spain's Canary Islands, where you'll enjoy catamaran trips, mountain biking, and lazing on tropical beaches. Then jet off to Portugal's Azores, known as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic," where you'll go off-roading in a Jeep, hike to volcano craters, and enjoy another beach day or two.

Morro Jable Beach on the island of Fuerteventura
Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 13 Days

Start your 2-week trip in the Canary Islands by exploring the four dynamic coasts of Gran Canaria and spending a day within the historic significance of its seaside capital city. Discover other islands with trips to idyllic beaches and villages, guided tours through Timanfaya Park, hikes to scenic vistas, and camel rides along sand dunes, plus visits to the impressive works of the artist Manrique. End your trip in Spain's bustling capital city where you can peruse its historic streets in search of tapas and cañas, as well as its beloved parks, monuments, and museums.

Sunrise over Tenerife's volcanic Mount Teide.
Map of Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 12 Days
Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 12 Days

Blessed with fertile volcanic soils and delicate microclimates, the Canary Islands are a paradise for nature lovers. This exciting 12-day itinerary starts on Spain's mainland, where you’ll sample the culture and cuisine of Madrid before flying to the Canary’s largest island of Tenerife. Hike through ancient forests, horseback ride through almond groves, and scale the towering Mount Teide before catching a ferry to the magical island of La Gomera. Here you’ll explore lush mountainous landscapes, get lost in subtropical rainforests, and spot whales and dolphins along its rugged northern coast.

Timanfaya National Park
Hiking & Biking the Canary Islands - 18 Days

This tour of Spain's Canary Islands allows you to discover the entirety of this famous archipelago, exploring Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, and La Graciosa with hikes, mountain biking, and snorkeling, as well as road trips through the core of the islands and along rocky coastline. You'll discover traditional alpine villages, sand dunes, national parks, and idyllic beaches, as well as forests, waterfalls, and arid deserts. Highlights include exploring the volcanic activity on Lanzarote, hiking the Caldera de Taburiente, and visiting the highest villages of Gran Canaria.

The harbor in Arrecife, Spain, remodeled by architect Caesar Manrique
Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 14 Days

After enjoying the splendor of Spain's buzzy capital city, with its endless tapas bars, historic sights, parks, and monuments, head to the dynamic Canary Islands, starting in Gran Canaria. Discover the island with a guided tour of all four coasts, followed by free days to further indulge in its historic cultural and renowned nature, including windsurfing, sunbathing, and hiking. Head to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote for idyllic villages and beaches, camel rides through sand dunes, a guided tour of the unique Timanfaya Park, and a hike to the islands' tallest peak, plus delicious, locally-sourced cuisine and an unforgettable experience with the works of the famous architect, Manrique.

View of Madrid's Royal Palace at Sunset
Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 15 Days

Combining the historical culture of Spain's capital city with its rugged and unique landscape of the Canary Islands, this trip takes you from tapas tours in literary quarters to windsurfing at some of the world's best beaches. Traverse the islands by hiking to the tallest peak, walking the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, and riding camels along sand dunes, plus relaxing at renowned beaches, eating local cuisine, and exploring idyllic villages. Try your luck with surfing or simply spend hours lounging on white-sand beaches, then explore the creative works of famous architect and activist, Manrique, all before returning to Madrid for one last night perusing its monuments.

El Cotillo Bay, Fuerteventura
Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 16 Days

Combine Spain's historical culture with its unique island landscapes in this trip that takes you from tapas tours through Madrid's winding streets to windsurfing at some of the world's best beaches. Explore the Canary Islands by riding camels along sand dunes, hiking to the tallest peak, and traversing the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, plus perusing idyllic villages and noshing on exceptional local cuisine. Before heading back to Madrid, experience the artistic works of architect Manrique, take a tour of La Graciosa Island, and try your luck surfing or scuba diving in the warm waters of Lanzarote

Lush valleys and volcanic mountains on the largest Canary Island of Tenerife.
Wild Canary Island Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid - 9 Days

Explore the natural wonders of the Canary Islands on this 9-day itinerary that celebrates the beauty of Spain's remote Atlantic paradise. Your adventure begins in Tenerife, where volcanic mountains, black sand beaches, and ancient woodlands beckon. Continue to the neighboring island of La Gomera to explore its Indigenous culture, see diverse marine life, and discover rare, subtropical rainforests. Return to the mainland to spend a final night in the lively capital of Madrid.

Sunset over Los Roques in Garajonay National Park.
Map of Wild Canary Islands: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 13 Days
Wild Canary Islands: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 13 Days

Lose yourself in the rugged beauty of Spain's Canary Islands with this adventurous 13-day itinerary.  Start in Madrid, where you'll savor the local cuisine of the capital before catching a flight to Tenerife. Here you'll hike through ancient forests, stargaze under pristine skies, and scale the towering Mount Teide. Continue to the remote island of La Gomera to explore lush volcanic landscapes and go whale and dolphin watching along its stunning northern coast.

Las Teresitas beach in Tenerife
Ultimate Canary Islands Tour & Madrid - 8 Days

This 8-day trip covers the archipelago's three easternmost islands. Traveling by road and ferry, you'll discover historic villages, orchards, forests, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and vineyards to understand just what makes this region of Spain so unique. There will be plenty of free time to explore each isle's capital—especially in the evenings—to round out this fun adventure.

El Golfo Beach Lanzarote
Exploring the Canary Islands: Madrid, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote - 9 Days

Starting in Spain's buzzy capital, this trip takes you from the energetic streets of Madrid to the incredibly unique nature of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. You'll discover your adventurous side with hikes in lunar-like terrain, camel rides through beachfront sand dunes, and surfing in the area's warm waters. Visit charming island villages and idyllic white-sand beaches, plus taste local cuisine straight from the Atlantic Ocean.

Lunar-like Terrain of Timanfaya Park
Madrid to the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura & Lanzarote - 11 Days

Explore some of Spain's most treasured destinations, starting in the buzzy capital of Madrid where you'll discover its multicultural neighborhoods and nosh on tapas in the city's literary quarter. Then fly to the Canary Islands, enjoying idyllic coastal towns, white-sand beaches, lively port cities, and locally-caught cuisine, plus trips to smaller islands and leisurely days spent at renowned beaches. Get active with surf lessons, scuba-diving excursions, a guided tour of the unique terrain in Timanfaya Park, camel rides along sand dunes, and a hike to the highest peak on the islands.

Discover Tenerife's volcanic Roque Cinchado in Teide National Park and marvel at Pico del Teide
Map of Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid - 8 Days
Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid - 8 Days

Escape to an unspoiled island paradise on this 8-day exploration of Spain's remote Canary Islands. Start on Tenerife, where lush rainforests and towering mountains welcome you to a unique ecosystem. Hike through ancient woodland, climb Spain's tallest volcano, and discover idyllic Canarian villages. End your stay on the neighboring island of La Gomera, where you'll venture deep into its volcanic landscapes and spot whales along its northern coast.

Sunset Views over Barcelona
Explore the Cities, Islands, and Culture of Spain - 14 Days

This 2-week trip leads you through Spain's major cities while also experiencing unique nature and beaches in the Canary Islands. Explore the historic city centers of Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville with tapas tours, flamenco dancing, bike rides, and sailing excursions. Enjoy a Jeep safari on the slopes of a volcano, go whale watching, and hike the Caminito del Rey trail, plus tour the famous Alhambra and enjoy a sherry tasting in Jerez.