Canary Islands Itinerary: Best Beaches, Towns & Hidden Gems

The Canary Islands are an archipelago of seven main islands and several islets located off the northwest coast of Africa but belonging to Spain. Famous for their mild climate year-round, the islands are a haven for beach lovers, hikers, surfers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
 

Each island has its own identity—from the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, to the lush forests of La Palma, to the bustling resorts of Tenerife. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, the Canary Islands deliver.

📍 Where Are the Canary Islands?

Location: Atlantic Ocean, ~100 km off the coast of Morocco

Country: Spain

Main Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro

Though geographically closer to Africa, the Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain with European infrastructure and services.

🏞️ What Makes the Canary Islands Special?

Volcanic Landscapes – Think lunar deserts, lava tubes, and black-sand beaches

Perfect Weather Year-Round – Known as the “Islands of Eternal Spring”

Biodiversity – From tropical forests to sand dunes and marine life

Adventure Activities – Surfing, diving, paragliding, hiking, and more

Rich Cultural Blend – Spanish heritage mixed with indigenous Guanche traditions

UNESCO Sites – Several islands boast Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites

🏖️ Best Islands to Visit in the Canary Islands

1. Tenerife – The Island of Contrasts

Home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and an active volcano

Visit Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Enjoy beach resorts in Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos

Explore the colonial charm of La Laguna and modern life in Santa Cruz

2. Gran Canaria – Mini Continent

Diverse landscapes: beaches, forests, cliffs, and sand dunes

Explore Las Palmas, the island’s capital with great museums and food

Visit Maspalomas Dunes, a surreal desert-like natural wonder

Hike in the Roque Nublo highlands for mountain views

3. Lanzarote – The Volcanic Marvel

Visit Timanfaya National Park for geysers and lava fields

Admire the art and architecture of César Manrique

Discover stunning beaches like Playa de Papagayo

Explore volcanic caves like Cueva de los Verdes

4. Fuerteventura – Windsurfers’ Paradise

Famous for white sandy beaches and turquoise waters

Great for water sports: surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding

Relax in beach towns like Corralejo and Morro Jable

Visit the protected Isla de Lobos nature reserve

5. La Palma – The Beautiful Island (La Isla Bonita)

Lush greenery and dramatic cliffs

Stargazing at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

Hiking through Caldera de Taburiente National Park

Charming capital: Santa Cruz de La Palma

6. La Gomera – The Hiker’s Paradise

Ancient forests in Garajonay National Park

Traditional whistling language (Silbo Gomero) still practiced

Quiet villages, great hiking, and relaxed atmosphere

7. El Hierro – Off the Beaten Path

Known for sustainability and zero-emission goals

Volcanic coastlines, deep-sea diving, and tranquility

Ideal for eco-tourism and digital detox

🛶 Top Things to Do Across the Canary Islands

Hike Mount Teide (Tenerife) – Reach Spain’s highest point via cable car or foot

Sandboard in Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) – Surf the desert dunes by the beach

Explore Lava Tubes (Lanzarote) – Cueva de los Verdes is a must-see underground marvel

Snorkel or Dive (Fuerteventura & El Hierro) – Crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life

Stargazing (La Palma) – One of the best spots in the world for astronomy

Wine Tasting (Lanzarote & Tenerife) – Unique volcanic vineyards and local wines

Go Whale Watching (Tenerife & La Gomera) – See dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat

Relax on Hidden Beaches – From golden sands to black volcanic shores

🍽️ What to Eat in the Canary Islands

Local Dishes to Try:

Papas arrugadas – Wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón or mojo verde sauce

Gofio – A toasted flour mix used in everything from soups to desserts

Ropa vieja – Chickpea-based stew with shredded meat

Fresh seafood – Try grilled octopus, vieja (parrotfish), or sardines

Bienmesabe – Almond cream dessert served with ice cream

Recommended Drinks:

Malvasia wine – Especially from Lanzarote

Ron Miel – Honey rum native to the Canary Islands

Barraquito – A layered Canarian coffee with liqueur, condensed milk, and espresso

🏨 Where to Stay in the Canary Islands

Luxury:

Bahía del Duque (Tenerife) – Seaside resort with excellent service

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia (Gran Canaria) – Peaceful luxury in Maspalomas

Lani’s Suites Deluxe (Lanzarote) – Adults-only beachfront elegance

Mid-Range:

H10 Playa Meloneras (Gran Canaria) – Resort vibes without the luxury price

Hotel Rural San Miguel (Tenerife) – Cozy historic boutique hotel

Apartamentos El Sombrero (La Gomera) – Charming self-catering in Valle Gran Rey

Budget:

La Laguna Gran Hotel (Tenerife) – Comfort and location in a historic building

Surf Riders Fuerteventura – Social, affordable, and great for water lovers

Pensión Cejas (Tenerife) – Budget-friendly and centrally located in Santa Cruz

📅 Best Time to Visit the Canary Islands

The Canaries are a year-round destination, but here’s a breakdown:

Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild temperatures, popular escape from European cold

Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers and fewer tourists

Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest time, best for beach lovers

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Great weather and quieter beaches

The average temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) in winter to 27°C (80°F) in summer.

✈️ Getting There and Around

International Flights:

Main airports: Tenerife South (TFS), Gran Canaria (LPA), Lanzarote (ACE), Fuerteventura (FUE)

Direct flights from major European cities

Island Hopping:

Ferries: Regular connections between main islands (e.g., Fred. Olsen Express, Naviera Armas)

Inter-island flights: Quick flights via Binter Canarias or Canaryfly

Getting Around:

Car rental is highly recommended for flexibility

Buses operate in larger islands but can be slow in rural areas

🎉 Festivals and Events

Carnival (Feb–Mar): Especially big in Tenerife and Las Palmas

Fiesta de San Juan (June): Bonfires on the beach to celebrate the solstice

Corpus Christi (May/June): Colorful sand carpets in La Orotava

Bajada de la Virgen (La Palma, every 5 years): Religious and cultural celebration

📸 Top Photography Spots

Roque Nublo (Gran Canaria) – Iconic rock with stunning views

Teide at Sunrise (Tenerife) – Magical golden hour lighting

Lanzarote Vineyards – Volcanic terrain and circular stone walls

Playa de Cofete (Fuerteventura) – Remote and wild beach

La Palma’s Starscape – Astrophotography heaven

🌋 Quick Travel Tips

Pack layers—weather can change between coastal and mountain areas

Wear sunscreen year-round

Tap water is safe but has a mineral taste; bottled water is common

Learn a few Spanish phrases—locals appreciate it

Respect local nature and wildlife, especially in protected parks

🧭 Why Visit the Canary Islands?

Seven islands, seven personalities—from volcanic drama to beach paradise

Mild climate makes it perfect in any season

Ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and digital nomads

Offers both European amenities and tropical allure

Unique landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in Spain

🔚 Final Thoughts

The Canary Islands are more than just a beach destination—they're a collection of living volcanoes, ancient forests, vibrant cities, and soul-stirring coastlines. Whether you’re chasing adventure or peace, tapas or starlight, this Atlantic archipelago offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Make sure to include the Canary Islands in your Spain travel itinerary—you might just find your new favorite place on Earth.