What to do in Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are seven volcanic islands in the Atlantic, each with a distinct character that shapes outdoor activities in different ways. Tenerife holds the greatest number of mountain trails, with Teide at 3,715 metres as the central landmark: the path through the caldera offers views of the main crater and the sea of clouds formed by the trade winds in summer. La Palma, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, attracts cyclists and hikers through the ravines of the north and the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The sea defines activities just as strongly. Fuerteventura concentrates surfing and kitesurfing thanks to near-constant winds and waves that work from September through May, with spots like Cotillo and Punta Blanca for advanced levels. Lanzarote has the best diving in the islands: the Jameos del Agua Natural Park gives access to volcanic underwater caves home to the blind jameito crab. Tenerife and La Gomera offer whale watching from June to October, with whales and dolphins approaching the channel between both islands. The smallest inhabited island, El Hierro, reserves the quietest atmosphere. Its hiking routes connect laurel forests, like El Sabinar, with cliffs over 1,000 metres above the Atlantic. In Gran Canaria, landscapes change dramatically within a few kilometres: Maspalomas dunes in the south, Tejeda peaks at 1,949 metres in the centre. The islands have activity year-round, with temperatures between 18 and 28°C depending on season and island, making it possible to plan hiking routes or diving trips in any month. The difficulty range is wide: from accessible coastal walks to technical climbs on the walls of Roque Nublo or the basalt cliffs of northern La Palma.