Teeming with exotic flora and fauna, the Canary Islands is one of the most incredible collections of islands in the world. From the stunning ocean vistas of Fuerteventura to the heart-stirring mountain-peaks of Gran Canaria, there are so many natural wonders to discover here that are unlike anywhere else in the world.
Whether you’re looking to island-hop or take to the waters on an unpack-once, Tenerife and Canary Island cruise, make sure you visit the below beauty spots for some of the most unforgettable sights in the Mediterranean.
1. Masca, Tenerife
If dramatic mountain vistas are your idea of paradise, a visit to the little village of Masca in Tenerife is sure to take your breath away.
“The village is in a fabulous setting with a view looking down the dramatic Masca Gorge, and is reputedly the most beautiful on Tenerife,” says travel blogger Kat at Travel With Kat. “It's home to around a hundred inhabitants and until relatively recently was only accessible by a dirt track. You can now reach it via a narrow rather hair-raising road, that twists its way up the lush green mountainsides. The scenery gets more and more picturesque the higher you go.”
2. Isla de Lobos, Fuerteventura
Of course, we couldn’t put this list together without including at least one beach-front paradise! Although the Canary Islands are teeming with gorgeous white sand beaches, if you’re looking to visit the crème de la crème, you’ll want to dip your toes in the waters of Isla de Lobos in Fuerteventura.
White sand, clear waters and stunning mountains as far as the eye can see, Isla de Lobos is a true oasis and not one to be missed if you’re looking for an afternoon of sun, sea and serenity.
3. Teide National Park, Tenerife
National Parks are aplenty in the Mediterranean; however, Teide National Park is not one to be missed. This desert-like wilderness will have you feeling like you’ve turned back the clock to the Jurassic age, complete with a prehistoric volcano in the background.
Everything Everywhere travel blogger Gary told us why the spot is so compelling.
“I always call the Canary Islands ‘Spain's Hawaii’. Each island is very different from the others. Some are totally barren and have nothing but volcanic rocks, others are incredibly green and lush. You really need to explore more than one island to get a real feel for the Canaries. And while it is a great warm getaway in the winter, it is a great place to visit year-round.
“But if I had to choose, Teide National Park would be my favourite spot. It is the highest point in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views there are incredible, and the biome is unlike anything else you can find in the Canary Islands or in Europe.”
4. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Garajonay National Park will have you feeling as though you’re exploring an enchanted forest straight from the pages of a fairy-tale. Moss-coated trees wind their way towards the sky while dainty and colourful plants poke their heads out of the leaf-covered forest floor. Exploring this magical trail will have you feeling like a real-life Alice in Wonderland.
But unlike Alice, you won’t have to navigate through this winding forest yourself if you don’t want to. There are plenty of local tours on offer to show you the highlights of the forest and help you make the most of the spellbinding trail.
5. Cueva de Los Verdes, Lanzarote
The Canary Islands are full of natural beauty, from the far-reaching sights at the top of a mountain to the ancient caves that lie under the earth’s surface. And on the island of Lanzarote, you’ll certainly want to check out the Cueva de Los Verdes, Lanzarote’s majestic underground caves.
Travel blogger Daniel from Passport Symphony told us why the Cueva de Los Verdes is his favourite beauty spot in the Canary Islands.
“The Cueva de Los Verdes is a 7km-long volcanic tube extending from La Coruña mountain to the coast, with a part of the tube stretching below the sea surface. This magnificent site is more than 3,000 years ago and it was created by lava pouring into the ocean, which left a staggering molten river of lava underground. As time passed by, this molten river of lava cooled down and developed a solid crust, creating a series of unrealistically-beautiful lava caves stretching across Lanzarote Island.”
6. Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria
The third highest peak of Gran Canaria, Roque Nublo offers a stunning hike that is perfect for lovers of the outdoors. When finally reaching Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock, hikers are rewarded with unmatched, panoramic vistas of the island as far as the eye can see.
“I know a lot of people visit the Canary Islands for the beautiful beaches and clear waters,” says Daniel, “but my favourite thing about the Canary Islands’ natural beauty are the mountains and the numerous trekking routes, including Roque Nublo, which is thick with beautiful rock formations. With so many beautiful mountains and trekking routes, the Canary Islands are a haven for people who like to get off the beaten track and get lost in the mountains.”
Have we inspired you to visit the Canary Islands? Explore these breathtaking islands on a one-of-a-kind, unpack-once cruise to the Canary Islands.