The Canary Islands – Tips for your trip

If you want to discover the Canary Islands off the West African coast far from the usual tourist resorts or sights, here are some insider tips for Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Co.

Insider tips for the Canary Islands

The seven main islands of the Canary Islands are popular destinations among European and international vacationers. And each of the islands is not only a beauty of its own between beach and volcanic landscape, but also offers various insider tips, which by far not every vacationer knows and visits. So they are ideal to get to know the Canary Islands from a whole new perspective.

Tenerife

1. Playa de Benijo and laurel forest in the Anaga Mountains

Playa de Benijo is the northernmost natural beach on the island. Via a serpentine road from Santa Cruz you reach the idyllic coastal section. Behind a small fish restaurant a staircase leads down to the beach. On the way to Playa de Benijo, be sure to stop in the laurel forest of the Anaga Mountains – what a wonderful fragrance! If you like, you can also go for wonderful hikes in the Anaga Mountains and dive in the volcanic pool in Punta del Hidalgo.

2. La Laguna – former capital of Tenerife

San Cristobal de La Laguna was the capital of the island in 1723. Today it is no longer, but in any case the cultural capital of Tenerife. Historic buildings and romantic alleys line the streets here, leading to the university, the bishop’s residence and city hall at Plaza del Adelantado or the weekly market at Plaza del Cristo. Just to experience the hustle and bustle of the city is worth a trip.

3. Punta de Teno – the westernmost point of Tenerife

If you drive from Buenavista del Norte to the peninsula Punta de Teno, you will reach the westernmost point of the island. During the day you can watch colorful fish while snorkeling, in the evening you can enjoy the sunset at the lighthouse with a view to the neighboring island La Gomera.

Fuerteventura

1. Corralejo Dune Park and Los Lobos Volcanic Island

In the north of the island you will find two impressive landscapes of Fuerteventura: The dune park near Corralejo and the volcanic island of Los Lobos. You can explore the dune park by marked paths or discover it by boat from the water side. Then you can also make a detour to the volcanic island, which is home to a paradisiacal plant world.

2. Morro Jable and Playa de Cofete

Morro Jable is one of the most beautiful villages on the southern peninsula JandIa. Especially in the alleys of the old town, away from the crowds of tourists, you can enjoy local tapas in peace and quiet. Afterwards it is worth to drive across the peninsula to Playa de Cofete – an eleven kilometers long sandy beach. Few tourists stray to this beach in high season because the current is very strong. Nevertheless a visit is worthwhile. If you walk a bit along the beach, you will quickly discover Villa Winter, the former German military engineer Gustav Winter. If you pay a small fee, you can even have a look inside the house.

Gran Canaria

1. Puerto de Mogan

The village in the southwest of the island is not a guarantee for lonely beach days, but definitely worth a visit. Lovingly restored little houses, narrow streets, stone arches overgrown with flowers and many bridges – no wonder that Puerto de Mogan is called the “little Venice” of the Canary Islands. Here you can stroll and dream.

2. View from Pico de Bandama

The Pico de Bandama is located in the north of Gran Canaria, directly above the island capital Las Palmas. If you climb the 569 m high mountain top, you have a wonderful view of the city and the Caldear de Bandama – a huge volcanic crater that reminds of hotter times on the island.

3. The water town of Firgas

Firgas is only a small community with just 7 inhabitants.500 inhabitants. But the numerous fountains and colorful stone tiles attract many visitors to the village. When strolling through the streets you can hear it splashing almost everywhere – of course especially along the waterway “Paseo de Gran Canaria”.

Lanzarote

1. Yaiza in the Timanfaya National Park

The village Yaiza is located in the famous national park Timanfaya on the island Lanzarote. Impressive are not only the more than 180 different plant varieties, but also the 100 fire mountains – the Montanas del Fuego. The lava flows of the past caused a quarter of the island to be covered with lava, and some areas now resemble a rugged lunar landscape. With their bright red color, the fire mountains are a fascinating sight between black volcanic soil and blue sky.

2. Jameos del Agua

Swimming in a cave is not very unusual. But to be able to dine in the restaurant or listen to concerts at the same time is truly a highlight. The water caves created by the artist Cesar Manrique at Punta Usaje in the north of the island hold a wonderful interplay of music, plants, light and water. The swimming pool “Jameo Grande” provides with its crystal clear water for Caribbean flair.

La Palma

1. Jungle and waterfall

Los Tilos is suitable for a short hike through a magical looking jungle gorge with an artificial and a natural waterfall. The hike starts at the visitor center and leads through the riverbed. So beware of slippery stones and climbing. But the way through the mystical nature is worth it.

2. Los Llanos and Mirador El Time

Los Llanos is located on the west side of the island and is considered the unofficial capital of La Palma. In the historic city center, old and modern architecture meet, you stroll along small boutiques and experience the colorful hustle and bustle at the Plaza de Espana. If you use Los Llanos as a starting point for hiking, we recommend the ascent to the Mirador El Time, which offers a wonderful view over the city.

La Gomera

1. An evening at the beach of Valle Gran Rey

The village of Valle Gran Rey has become a popular vacation destination on La Gomera since more and more tourists have come to know and appreciate the island’s seclusion. Nevertheless it is much quieter here than on the other Canary Islands. In the evening you should definitely go to the beach promenade, because not infrequently the hippies and dropouts who have found a new home on La Gomera play on their bongos and guitars on the beach. It creates a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, which you like to be taken in by. Just sit down and enjoy the magical sunset.

2. Hiking on La Gomera

Due to its beautiful nature and varied landscapes, La Gomera is especially popular with active and hiking vacationers. But where to go? Definitely to the mystical springs “Chorros de Epina”, which according to the story promise “eternal love” and “child blessing”. Alternatively, there are about 80 hiking trails in the Garajanoy National Park – past moss-covered laurel trees, through gorges and to beautiful viewpoints. The route from Hermigua to San Juan to El Credo is very popular and recommended. However, it takes eight hours. Other places to explore include the village of Parque Rural, La Fortaleza mesa and the Mirador del Sando. A great view is always guaranteed!

El Hierro

1. Bathing at Playa de Verodal

There are not many sandy beaches on the volcanic island of El Hierro. The more beautiful is that the Playa de Verodal, despite the sand, counts few visitors. Tightly packed against steep cliffs, the beach with its reddish-black sand against the bright blue sea makes for a great backdrop. Be careful when swimming, because the current is very strong.

2. Dive and enjoy in La Restinga

La Restinga is one of the southernmost municipalities on El Hierro and like many other towns is clearly marked by the lava flows of the past – even under water. This is how the numerous caves and gorges make La Restinga a popular diving spot. Afterwards you can enjoy not only delicious food in the restaurants, but also the hustle and bustle around the harbor and the promenade.

Little extra tip: Tacoron, two kilometers away, is home to the Cueva del Diabolo, the Devil’s Cave, which delights with fascinating shades of color.