4 Unique Things to Do When Visiting the Canary Islands
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Are you still trying to think of somewhere to head away to this year? Then how about visiting the Canary Islands?
If this idea makes you wonder just what you could get up to in this beautiful area of the world then here are a few ideas, which might have you looking into travelling in Spain.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a Spanish autonomous community and archipelago in Macaronesia in the Atlantic Ocean. The eight main islands are; Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa, while there are also a number of smaller islands and even rocks within the area.
The Canary Islands are a popular tourist destination and it is easy to see why this beautiful location draws people back to explore it year after year.
So what are some of the most unique areas to explore within this destination?
Mount Teide and Teide National Park
Found in Tenerife, Mount Teide is the highest point in Spain and is described by UNESCO and NASA as Earth’s third-tallest volcanic structure with a height from the ocean floor of 7,500m.
However, it was formed just 170,000 years ago, after volcanic activity caused a devastating landslide.
Around the mount, you will find the Teide National Park, the largest park in The Canary Islands. Through this park,c you will find a unique landscape made via craters, volcanos and lava rivers that have run through the area.
There are a number of ways to explore the area, with two visitor centres on offer, which help you dive into the history of the area, and take advantage of some of the best viewpoints of the area. While a road network runs through the park, offering a network of trails for visitors who want to walk deeper into the area.
El Faro de Maspalomas
The Maspalomas area of Gran Canaria has developed as a tourist resort in the south of the Island. However, unlike other tourist locations, it has created a personality of its own and grown to offer home life and resort side by side.
One of the focal points of Maspalomas is found at the seafront of Punta de Maspalomas, found on the most southernly point of the resort. Here stands the 184 ft high lighthouse El Faro de Maspalomas. Fully completed in 1890 the lighthouse was built to help guide ships travelling between Europe and the Americas.
The lighthouse itself includes an informative museum, that includes a history of the islands over the years. While nearby you will find shops and restaurants.
However, if you don’t want to take to the area with a guide, a number of tours are available on scooters and bikes.
Cueva de Los Verdes
A visit to Lanzarote would not be complete without visiting Cueva de Los Verdes. This impressive lava tube was made by La Corona Volcano and contains at least 16 caves along its way. What’s more over 6km of passages go from the volcano’s crater all the way to the sea, with an additional 1.5km being underwater.
There are two caves within the lava tubes which are open to visitors. There is a simple lighting set up within the sections visitable which will offer your only light as you venture inside.
If you love the power of nature and want to see something unique Cueva de Los Verdes is a must-visit.
Due to the popularity of this natural phenomenon, the lava tubes are often offered as guided excursions from major resorts if you are staying within one. While if you have chosen to book your own villa in Lanzarote you look for excursions and group tours from outside sources.
Charco Azul Volcanic Pool
While El Hierro might be the smallest of the seven main islands, it is not to be passed by. Nestled along the rugged coastline of El Golfo you will find the Charco Azul Volcanic Pool.
Offering a unique bathing experience, these pools have been created naturally due to lava flowing through the area. What’s more, it is mainly free to visit, with a small fee payable for shower usage. (Though be aware, that depending on the weather pools may be closed to swimmers).
Nearby you will find a restaurant, while coastal paths allow you to walk around more of the area should you wish.
So there you have 4 unique things to do while visiting The Canary Islands, I hope if you do go, you have a wonderful time.
Have you been to any of The Canary Islands and if so what did you think of them?
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Shows that research is really important prior to visiting a place, so you don’t miss out!
Most definitely! There is so much to see in different places!
We went on a cruise around the Canaries in January and thoroughly enjoyed it. The cable car up in Funchal Madeira and traditional wooden toboggan down the steep hillside was a highlight.
Oh wow that sounds like such a lovely thing to do! I’m glad you have a lovely time.
Now that I think about it, these would make for some great scenic vistas for the film industry. I wonder if any films have been shot there.
Ohh I bet there has been – I might have to have a google!
Love the canary Islands, although I have only been to Tenerife
I hope you get to go back and explore again soon!
The Maspalomas area sounds really interesting and well worth a visit.
If you’re staying in Tenerife, a fun thing to do – especially for young children – is to visit their Parrot Park. During tourist season, six times a day the parrots display their skill and intelligence, performing tricks, solving puzzles and sometimes swooping inches above the audience’s faces. Even if a show’s not on, it’s still a colourful, uplifting experience just to stroll round the park.
That sounds amazing – hands up I am a big kid and will never tire of doing things like visiting a parrot park!
It’s lovely to visit the Canaries in winter – colour and warmth that are missing at home at that time of year.
I have to admit I do like things cooler – winter months sound perfect for me a bit of warmth perfect.
Lanzarote has the fabulous Timanfaya National Park with its lunar landscape, where you can eat food that’s cooked on a grill over the volcano. Tours include interactive experiments, visit to a winery at La Geria and a visit to the ragged lava area of Los Hervideros.
Oh wow eating food and looking over the volcano sounds incredible!
Nice. Looks wonderful
Looks wonderful, would definitely like to try and climb Mount Teide, and visit the volcanic pools sound good as well
The pools sound just wonderful don’t they – I’m not sure I would be able to make it there these days but WOW I would love to.
climbing Mount Teide is something I would love to do next time I’m in the Canaries!
No mention of La Palma, La Isla Bonita, the pretty island. Such a shame, it is well worth a visit.
Sorry I didn’t have the ability to mention everywhere – there is so much to do and see I just tried to pick a few that stood out to me, it’s definitely not a definitive guide.
Have been to three of them. El Hierro next. Top of Mount Teide was just awesome. Best for me.
That sounds amazing – and how incredible to have been to three of them already.
I would love to visit the islands. I have been to Tenerife but it was a holiday when I was in my 20’s and only about sightseeing bars!
I hope you get to go and visit some someday! It is amazing how what we want from holidays changes as we get older isn’t it?
Update your information. There are 8 Canary Islands La Graciosa is the Island you have not included in your introduction. Regonised as such and not just a rock or small island.
I am very sorry I got that wrong and thank you for letting me know I have updated my information.
This is absolutely fabulous!
I’m so glad you like it, any parts you would most like to visit?
I have been to a few of the islands and they were OK. The cave in Lanzarote and the smaller island El Hierro tempt me to go again.
There is something about caves that always intrigues me I have to admit.
Wow. What an interesting read, I learnt so much about the Canary Islands from that article. Thanks for sharing Sarah. I definitely want to visit the lava tubes and caves. They look stunning.
They sound amazing, don’t they? I would love to go and explore them, there’s something about caves that make me want to know what’s inside and hiding.
@Sarah-Louise Bailey,
Great article Sarah. Fuerteventura is our favourite Go there most years. Spent last December there in the sunshine. Great to be swimming in December! Love the dunes just outside Corralejo
I bet that is amazing, I really need to think about going somewhere warm during our winter, I really think it would give my mental health a boost.
Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island thanks to the architect César Manrique who has influenced many places on the island. The most amazing by far is his house built in the lava fields of the volcano, rooms made by naturally formed bubbles is jaw dropping, as is his swimming pool! I recommend a visit to César Manrique Foundation which is his house and gallery but you need to be quite nimble on your feet! Also he designed the interior of a beautiful cenote called Jameos del Agua , you must go visit as it is quite magical!
Oh, I shall have to look into César Manrique thank you! I need to have a look at the house it sounds incredible!
@MARIA ROGERS, totally agree. Both were a highlight of my visit to the island. I did not know about Cezar Manriques beforehand.