The Canary Islands made me question reality. No joke—standing on top of Mount Teide in Tenerife, surrounded by red rocks and clouds below my feet, I felt like I’d landed on Mars. Then I found myself walking through ancient laurel forests in La Gomera that looked straight out of Jurassic Park, complete with mist rolling through the trees.
These are the most beautiful places in the Canary Islands, and they’re absolutely mind-blowing. From watching the sunset turn Timanfaya’s volcanic landscape in Lanzarote into a sea of gold to swimming in the natural pools of El Hierro with the Atlantic crashing around me, here are 12 spots that showed me why these islands are way more than just beach vacations. Trust me, you’ve never seen anything like this.
Best Things to Do in the Canary Islands
Visiting the Canary Islands? Spend the day exploring the charming town of Teror, marvel at the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, or relax on the remote shores of El Cofete Beach. Witness the dramatic coastal cliffs of Los Hervideros, stroll through vibrant markets, or savor fresh seafood by the ocean. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or breathtaking scenery, the Canary Islands have plenty to offer.
1. Teror
Teror still pulls at your heartstrings like it did centuries ago, and honestly, it’s way more charming than I expected. The wooden balconies hanging over cobblestone streets haven’t changed much, but the Sunday market now draws crowds from all over Gran Canaria looking for authentic island experiences. I spent way too much money on local honey here – the vendors are that convincing.
The Basilica del Pino remains the spiritual center, and September’s Fiesta del Pino actually brings around 250,000 people to this tiny mountain town. It’s pretty wild to see. The bienmesabe (that almond dessert) is still ridiculously good, though café prices have crept up to around €3-4 for coffee and cake combos in 2025. Don’t skip the pine-scented hiking trails behind town – they’re free and give you killer views without the tourist crowds. I’ve been back three times now, and each visit reveals new hidden corners of this perfectly preserved colonial gem.
2. Timanfaya National Park
The volcanic wasteland of Timanfaya honestly feels like stepping onto Mars, and the entry fee jump to €20 per person in 2025 actually makes it feel more exclusive. Kids under 7 get in free, so families aren’t completely screwed over. The ground still hits 100-120°C just below your feet – I watched a park ranger toss water into a hole and it shot back as steam in seconds.
El Diablo restaurant continues cooking meals using only geothermal heat, which never gets old. The mandatory bus tour through the Ruta de los Volcanes runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes – you can’t get off the bus, but honestly, the volcanic landscape changes so dramatically with every turn that you don’t mind. I recommend hitting it early morning around 9am when the park opens to avoid the tour bus crowds. The sunset light transforms these rust-colored lava fields into something completely otherworldly – it’s worth timing your visit for that golden hour magic.
3. El Cofete Beach
El Cofete Beach remains gloriously wild and untouched, though getting there still requires either a seriously bumpy dirt road drive or a boat trip from Morro Jable. This 12-kilometer stretch of golden sand backed by towering mountains doesn’t have a single café, shop, or shade structure – and that’s exactly what makes it special.
The mysterious Villa Winter still sparks conversations with locals about its rumored WWII connections. Swimming is possible but demands respect for those Atlantic waves that can knock you sideways. I made the mistake of not bringing enough water once – there’s literally nowhere to buy anything, so pack everything you need. The isolation is complete, with more seabirds than people most days. When the mountains turn purple at sunset and you’re standing in foaming surf, you’ll understand why this feels like Europe’s best-kept secret. Just don’t expect cell service – this is proper digital detox territory.
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4. Los Hervideros
Los Hervideros puts on the same explosive water show it has for centuries, and the well-designed viewing platforms still get you close enough to feel the spray without risking your life. Each wave surge creates different geysers shooting skyward – I’ve never seen the same performance twice. The nearby El Golfo green lagoon still glows like an alien eye against the black volcanic sand.
Timing your visit with high tide around 2-3pm brings maximum drama, though any time works if the Atlantic’s feeling moody. The coastal drive connecting these sites reveals Lanzarote’s unique volcanic character at every turn. Entry is completely free, making this one of the island’s best value attractions. I always recommend late afternoon when the slanting light brings out amazing textures in the wet rock formations. The contrast between glossy black stone and white foam never gets old – it’s seriously photogenic and way more impressive than photos suggest.
5. El Hierro
El Hierro continues running almost entirely on renewable energy – wind and hydro power nearly everything on Spain’s most sustainable island. The La Restinga Marine Reserve offers visibility so clear that diving feels like flying through an aquarium filled with curious groupers and graceful rays. Dive shops now charge around €45-55 for single tank dives in 2025.
El Charco Azul natural pool provides perfect relief from hiking, with volcanic rock formations protecting swimmers from crashing Atlantic waves. The night skies here remain unmatched in Europe – light pollution simply doesn’t exist. I’ve stayed at rural houses for around €60-80 per night, and falling asleep to ocean sounds while watching shooting stars never gets old. This island changes visitors in ways you don’t expect. The sense of calm that urban life strips away just floods back naturally. Rent a car to maximize exploration – this compact natural wonderland rewards independent discovery.
6. La Laguna
La Laguna‘s UNESCO-listed old town keeps delivering authentic Canarian culture without the tourist trap nonsense that plagues other historic centers. University students still bring youthful energy to ancient streets, and impromptu folk music performances happen regularly in tiny plazas. I’ve stumbled across some amazing traditional music sessions just wandering around after dinner.
The cathedral surprises with unexpected light and colorful iconography that photos don’t capture well. Coffee shop prices hover around €2-3 for cortados, and the guava pastries are legitimately addictive. The town’s location just 15 minutes from Santa Cruz makes it perfect for exploring both coastal attractions and the nearby Anaga Rural Park ancient forests. It’s refreshingly real – locals live their lives around visitors rather than performing for them. February-March brings the famous Carnival celebrations that rival anything in Rio, drawing hundreds of thousands of revelers.
7. Anaga Mountains
The ancient laurel forests of Anaga transport you back millions of years – this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve contains some of Europe’s oldest geological formations. Misty trails wind through prehistoric-looking landscapes where moss-covered trees create an otherworldly atmosphere. The Sendero de los Sentidos (Trail of the Senses) offers three different route options from 1,115 feet to longer forest immersion experiences.
Mirador Cruz del Carmen provides spectacular viewpoints stretching to Gran Canaria on clear days, and it’s easily accessible by car. The microclimate here means I always pack layers – you can start in shorts at sea level and need a jacket 30 minutes later in the misty forest. Guided hiking tours run around €35-45 per person and include transportation from southern resorts. The dramatic terrain meets the Atlantic at secluded black sand beaches accessible only by foot. This stands in complete contrast to Tenerife’s beach resorts while remaining within easy day-trip distance from anywhere on the island.
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8. La Orotava
Colonial splendor fills every corner of La Orotava, which houses the highest concentration of protected historic buildings in the Canary Islands. The magnificent Casa de los Balcones showcases centuries-old woodworking alongside the island’s finest embroidery – entrance costs around €5 and includes demonstrations of traditional crafts. The Church of La Concepción impresses with ornate ceiling work that rivals anything in mainland Spain.
June’s Corpus Christi festival transforms streets with intricate flower carpets that take weeks to plan and hours to create – it’s absolutely worth timing a visit around. Jardín Victoria offers peaceful valley views after exploring the bustling historic center, and traditional restaurants serve authentic Canarian cuisine that you won’t find in tourist areas. A complete cultural experience unfolds within walking distance, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring architectural treasures. The perfectly preserved colonial atmosphere provides authentic island history without commercialization.
9. Teide National Park
Mount Teide cable car tickets now cost €41 for adults and €20.50 for kids (3-13) for round trips in 2025, and you absolutely must book online in advance – they sell out regularly. The ride to 3,555 meters takes about 8 minutes, revealing panoramic views that sometimes stretch to Africa on clear days. You get exactly one hour at the top, which honestly feels rushed if you want to do both viewpoint trails.
The Parador de Cañadas del Teide remains the only hotel within the park boundaries, offering unparalleled access to dawn and dusk views. After sunset, the astronomical show begins with some of Earth’s clearest night skies – organized stargazing tours cost around €49 and include professional telescopes. Pack warm clothing regardless of season, as temperatures plummet after dark at this elevation. The contrast between this volcanic wonderland and Tenerife‘s lush coasts makes this national park absolutely essential. Book your cable car tickets at least a week in advance during peak season.
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10. Icod de los Vinos
The legendary Dragon Tree continues to dominate Icod de los Vinos, estimated between 800-3,000 years old and standing as a living symbol of the island’s natural heritage. The surrounding vineyards now offer organized tastings around €15-25 per person, showcasing wines from volcanic soil that create flavors found nowhere else. The unique “cordón trenzado” vine training technique creates resilient plants perfectly adapted to local conditions.
Cueva del Viento lava tube tours run around €19 for adults and €9.50 for kids, revealing one of Europe’s largest volcanic tube systems. The guided underground adventures last about 2 hours and require advance booking. The historic center features beautiful Church of San Marcos alongside traditional Canarian architecture that most tourists completely miss. September wine harvest festivities bring the whole town together for celebrations that feel genuinely local rather than staged for visitors. This compact town packs remarkable diversity into a small area, letting you experience natural wonders, winemaking traditions, and cultural heritage without changing locations.
11. Gui Gui Beach
Gui Gui Beach demands serious effort but rewards persistent travelers with one of the Canary Islands’ last truly wild coastal retreats. The challenging hike from Tasartico takes about 3 hours through dramatic ravines, or you can arrange boat trips from Puerto de Mogán for around €35-45 per person. This secluded crescent of black volcanic sand remains pristine thanks to its difficult access.
Crystal-clear waters and towering cliffs create a natural amphitheater that feels like discovering a secret edge of Europe. Swimmers should watch for occasional strong currents – the Atlantic doesn’t mess around here. Camping permits allow overnight stays beneath extraordinary starry skies untainted by artificial light, though you need to apply through Cabildo de Gran Canaria in advance. Come completely prepared with food, water, and camping gear, as absolutely no facilities exist. I’ve never experienced such complete disconnection from modern life – your phone becomes a paperweight and your mind finally quiets down.
12. The West Coast Road
Hairpin turns hug sheer cliffs along Tenerife’s spectacular West Coast Road, offering non-stop drama where mountains meet ocean in spectacular fashion. The mountain village of Masca appears like a mirage perched impossibly between deep ravines, accessed via thrilling switchbacks that showcase both driver skill and engineering prowess. Los Gigantes cliffs tower 2,000 feet above deep blue Atlantic waters.
The journey culminates in Garachico, where a 1706 volcanic eruption created natural swimming pools now enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Afternoon light transforms the coastline into gold, turning rocky outcrops into photo opportunities at every turn. Plan for frequent stops at viewpoints – this route demands appreciation rather than speed. The combination of natural beauty, charming villages, and geological wonders makes this drive unmissable for any Tenerife visitor. I recommend starting early morning to have the best light and fewer tour buses crowding the narrow roads.
