Best Things To Do In The Canary Islands, Spain

Draped in stunning colours of green and blue, there are some unbeatably grand Spanish islands just waiting to be explored by the adventurer within you. It is about time you explore these hidden gems of the world that boast of spectacular views and also charming experiences dipped in Spain’s unique culture. While you are at it, do not forget to indulge in thrilling activities like hiking, mountain biking, surfing, diving, and more at these Instagram-worthy islands. In fact, Imagine being knee-deep in the sand and staying still for your friend to take your picture. Sounds surreal, doesn’t it? Want to know the top things to do in the Canary Islands, Spain? Scroll down!

Among the best Spanish vacation island and the most populous of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a very popular destination for beach vacations. Other than the lively nightlife and exceptional diving sites, the island also provides excellent opportunities for water sports activities like surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, and jet-skiing. Mountain enthusiasts can enthral themselves with hiking tours, scenic drives along rocky cliffs and cable car ride to the top of Spain’s highest peak.

Top 15 Things to Do in the Canary Islands

Scented pine forests, terrifying volcanoes, lunar-like views, secret sandy coves, miles of Sahara-style dunes, beach-hugging resorts – the gorgeous, unique Canary Islands wear many tantalising hats. It is this very variety that makes outdoor pursuits such an easily approachable and key pleasure of the Canary Islands.

1. Roque Agando
2. Hermigua
3. El Monumento Natural de Los Roques
4. Sail around La Gomera
5. Bathe in Charco Azul
6. Candeleria Chapel Frontera
7. Watch the sunset at Mirador de la Peña
8. Hike around El Hierro
9. Visit the gorgeous town of Teror
10. Explore the Cathedral of Arucas
11. Climb Roque Nublo
12. See the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs
13. Visit Teide National Park
14. Explore La Orotava
15. Watch an island sunset

1. Roque Agando

One of the most stunning natural views in the Canary Islands, Roque Agando is one place you should not miss on La Gomera Island. Make sure to hike early in the morning and stay along designated routes. You will not be able to get to the top (as it’s forbidden) but the view is truly much better up close. It is an unbelievable natural sight to see and one that held great significance to the original Berber inhabitants of the Canary Islands, who had constructed a whole range of churches and sacrificial points in the mountains. Without second doubts, Roque Agando is one of the best things to do in Canary Islands.

2. Hermigua

Hermigua is an impressive area of La Gomera and is one of the best things to do in Canary Islands! Think impressive green ravines, little villages and the imposing twin rocks Roques de San Pedro – an impressive natural sight that’s well worth seeing. After a day in the farmland, head over to Hermigua beach for a paddle in the cool seas. Just be careful as tides can be strong here. Always listen to local advice and only swim when it is safe to do so.

3. El Monumento Natural de Los Roques

Rested almost in the centre of La Gomera, this exciting scene is easily viewed if you are driving. So there is no need for lots of hiking gear or an olympian spirit to get here. Travel through the road TF-713 from the Capital San Sebastian. The whole drive is unimaginable and the best way to see the canyons, mountain ranges and almost untouched scenery. If you listen carefully, you might also hear the world’s most unique language, Silbo Gomero! A language created from whistling, it was traditionally used for residents to communicate long distances. Apparently, due to the terrain, the whistling noises could be heard up to 5 kilometres away, so listen carefully. Now such an interesting place has to be one of the best things to do in Canary Islands.

4. Sail around La Gomera

From the capital city of San Sebastian, you can actually join some great sailing tours of this gorgeous island and the beautiful waters. Travel to places like Canary Sail or Oceano Whale Watching that depart on the other side of the island at Valle Gran Rey.

5. Bathe in Charco Azul

Rested on one of the lesser-known Canary Islands (El Hierro), the remarkable bathing pools of Charco Azul are a pretty unique place to experience here. Located in the valley of El Golfo, this impressive volcanic creation and turquoise waters are the best place to spend a few hours unwinding the day away.

6. Candeleria Chapel Frontera

Towered over by the volcanic mountains of El Hierro, this special little church is a beautiful spectacle against the dark, coarse volcanic rock that surrounds it! An intimate little chapel that’s rested in some awesome natural surroundings.

7. Watch the sunset at Mirador de la Peña

Presumably one of the best viewpoints on the island. Head over to Mirador De La Peña around sunset and see this beautiful island swap day for night. The food menu is pretty fairly priced and tasty.

8. Hike around El Hierro

El Hierro has some unbelievable hiking trails to enjoy, especially early in the morning! Follow the signed paths around the island for some impressive places. Don’t be fooled by that wind, though – the sun is strong so dip yourself in lots of sunscreen and carry plenty of water to avoid getting exhausted!

9. Visit the gorgeous town of Teror

The pretty town of Teror is one place you must visit whilst in Gran Canaria. Make sure to visit the historic Basilica, roam around the tiny cobbled streets and gaze at the colourful houses.

10. Explore the Cathedral of Arucas

Located in the well-known town of Arucas, The Church of San Juan Bautista is one of the island’s most iconic Catholic Temples. Arucas houses a whole array of superb little restaurants too, like Gourie 3, who serve the town’s best desserts.

11. Climb Roque Nublo

Also knows as the Cloud Rock, this dramatic natural formation sits in the centre of the island. Approximately 80 metres tall, this impressive figure of the island is well worth a visit. Just make sure you take a guide (or are an experienced hiker) if you plan to make it to the extreme top.

12. See the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs

On the west coast of Tenerife, the dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs are easy to spot; in fact, they are hard to miss! The cliffs are probably one of the island’s most attractive sites to see so expect other travellers. Head across around sunset for some grand views.

13. Visit Teide National Park

One of the biggest National Parks in the Canary Islands, Teide National Park (located in Tenerife) is one of the best things to do in Canary Islands. Make sure to visit Teide Volcano which is covered in snow during particular times of the year. Around the park, you will get to see lava flows, vents, huge craters and shed loads of petrified lava.

14. Explore La Orotava

Rested in the north of the Tenerife Island, La Orotava is a beautiful large town by Canary Island standards and is one of the best things to do in Canary Islands. Make sure to visit Plaza de San Francisco, head inside Iglesia de La Concepción and see the impressive El Ayuntamiento building that lies pretty in the town centre.

15. Watch an island sunset

It is hard to avoid the gorgeous rocky seafront of La Palma, which is especially attractive around sunset. You must find a vantage point to enjoy the lapping waves and watch the sunset across the rippling ocean.

Don’t forget to plan a trip to Spain with Pickyourtrail to experience what all these amazing islands in the Canary Islands offer! You will be amazed by everything the Canary Islands has to offer you and by the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Pack your bags and jet off to these dreamy destinations now.

checkout other related articles

Spain Uncovered: The Perfect Barcelona and Madrid Vacation | Top Things to Do in Spain | Top Things to Do in Barcelona | Hala Madrid: Top Things to Do in Madrid | Things to Do in Seville | Things to Do in Girona | Attractions in Valencia | Attractions in Ibiza