Things To Do In The Canary Islands
Popular Beaches in the Canary Islands
Las Teresitas, Santa Cruz
Escape to the sun-kissed shores of Las Teresitas, a gem nestled in the north-east of Tenerife, near the heart of Santa Cruz. This 1.5-kilometer golden beach stands out with its calm, pool-like waters, thanks to a protective breakwater, providing an idyllic setting for families.
Children can revel in the shade of palm and other trees while building sandcastles, as parents enjoy the safety of the shallow areas for little ones learning to swim. The beach, adorned with facilities like showers, toilets, changing rooms, and snack bars, ensures a comfortable experience.
What sets Las Teresitas apart is its soft, golden sand, a rarity on an island dominated by volcanic landscapes. Breakwaters extend 100 meters offshore, making the beach exceptionally family-friendly. The panoramic views of volcanic slopes and the picturesque nearby village add to the allure. With lifeguards on duty, ample free parking, and a range of available equipment, including paddleboards, Las Teresitas invites families, couples, friends, and solo travelers alike to bask in its beauty, backed by the prestigious Blue Flag certification for cleanliness and safety.
Explore the beach, relish the Sahara-imported sand, and discover the nearby village of San Andrés for a delightful culinary experience.
El Cotillo Beach, Fuerteventura
Step onto the serene beaches of El Cotillo, Fuerteventura, and feel the soft golden sand underfoot as the inviting azure waters of the Atlantic stretch before you. Here, tranquility meets natural beauty, and you won’t find the typical tourist trappings—no rows of sunbeds or umbrellas cluttering the pristine shoreline. With over two kilometers of unspoiled white sand beaches, El Cotillo maintains its traditional charm and tranquility, standing as a testament to its fishing village roots. Nestled on the northwest coast of Fuerteventura, El Cotillo has gradually opened its doors to tourists while preserving its authenticity.
The town offers a delightful blend of local cuisine, maritime ambiance, and water sports like surf, windsurf, and kitesurf, thanks to the constant wind and optimal waves. El Cotillo boasts small, uncrowded beaches with calm waters, perfect for those seeking peaceful retreats. Explore Los Lagos, a succession of small white sand coves, or head to La Caleta del Marrajo, where crystalline waters invite snorkeling enthusiasts. Beyond the town’s boundaries, discover Piedra Playa to the south, attracting kite surfers and surfers with its darker sand and strong waves.
In El Cotillo, whether you’re savoring local delicacies, strolling through maritime surroundings, or enjoying water sports, you’ll find a treasure trove of experiences along its pristine coastline.
Papagayo beach, Los Ajaches. Lanzerote
Discover the natural splendor of Playas de Papagayo, a pristine collection of golden sand beaches and coves with crystal-clear turquoise waters nestled within the Los Ajaches Natural Park in Lanzarote.
Framed by the majestic Ajaches mountains, this picturesque area stands out as one of the most photographed spots on the island. The sheltered bays provide calm waters, making it an ideal destination for families with small children, while the clear waters invite snorkelers to explore the vibrant underwater world.
Two restaurant-bars overlooking the iconic Playa de Papagayo cove offer local fare and panoramic views, creating a perfect setting for a sunset experience. At the eastern end, a small camping area near Playa de Puerto Muelas provides basic facilities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
As you traverse the unsealed dirt tracks or walking trails to access the beaches, you’ll encounter the historical legacy of the first European settlement in the Canary Islands, marked by ancient wells at Playa de Los Pozos.
Maspalomas Beach, Gran Canaria
Maspalomas Beach in south Gran Canaria is a captivating stretch of golden sands that offers not only sun-soaked relaxation but also a fascinating blend of history and modernity. The iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse, witnessing the transformation of the area into a beloved holiday resort, stands proudly at the beginning of a vibrant promenade adorned with restaurants and shops.
Beyond the lively atmosphere, the Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve unfolds, a vast expanse of eco-systems—Palmeral, Charca, and Dunas—creating an exceptionally valuable natural space. The beach caters to diverse preferences, with family-friendly services on the eastern end, water sports zones in the central area, and nudist-friendly sections flanking the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
As the sun sets behind the lighthouse, the beach takes on a romantic allure. With calm seas, three kilometers of golden sand, and proximity to the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve, Maspalomas is an ideal family destination. It’s a multifaceted beauty, where wind-sculpted dunes meet the calm rush of the sea, creating a 12 km long magnificent beach that showcases the island’s rich history and vibrant tourism legacy.
San Fruttuoso Beach, Liguria
Explore the enchanting San Fruttuoso Beach, a hidden gem in a secluded cove near the renowned Portofino. Accessible only by boat or hiking trails, this charming beach in the fishing village of San Fruttuoso offers a picturesque pebble shoreline and crystalline waters for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. Whether relaxing on the natural shoreline or renting a lounger at the beach club, the backdrop is adorned with historical landmarks. The ancient Torre Doria fortress and a Benedictine abbey add a touch of history, providing insight into the rich heritage of the Ligurian coastline. To reach this exclusive beach, take a boat ride from Portofino or Santa Margherita Ligure or embark on scenic hiking trails offering magnificent views of the Ligurian coastline.
San Fruttuoso Beach caters to the public and club-goers, offering a waterfront restaurant and bar for snacks and lunch. While the beach exudes beauty, it’s essential to note that peak seasons bring crowds, and boat access is available until 6:00 pm. A visit in September or October is recommended for a more magical and tranquil experience. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled waters, natural splendour, and historical wonders of San Fruttuoso Beach, a favoured destination for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat near Portofino.
Lesser Frequented Attractions - Discovering Destinations
Siam Park, Tenerife
Embark on an aquatic adventure at Siam Park, Europe’s largest water park nestled in the sunny town of Adeje in southern Tenerife. Spanning an expansive 185 square kilometers, Siam Park is a water wonderland boasting an array of exhilarating water slides and attractions.
Thrill-seekers can experience the heart-pounding Tower of Power, a 28-meter vertical plunge into a shark-infested pool, or catch waves on Siam Beach with the world’s highest artificial waves. Families with teenage children can explore the Lost City, an enchanting fortress featuring waterfalls, bridges, and slides. For those seeking a VIP experience, indulge in one of the three private cabanas equipped with amenities like Fast Pass access, all-inclusive dining, and outdoor Jacuzzis.
Dive into the excitement of the Volcano’s laser show, race down the 6-lane mat slide, or embark on the Singha water coaster with flying saucer features. Siam Park’s unique Thai-themed architecture, authorized by the Thai royal family, adds a cultural touch to this thrilling waterpark, making it an unforgettable destination for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Museo Atlántico, Lanzarote
Dive into the mesmerizing depths of the Atlantic Ocean at Museo Atlántico, the pioneering underwater museum off the coast of Lanzarote, conceived and crafted by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
Spanning 2,500 square meters at a depth of approximately 14 meters, this submerged masterpiece comprises over 300 life-sized statues set against the backdrop of Las Coloradas bay. A haven for divers and snorkelers, Museo Atlántico holds the distinction of being the first underwater art museum in both Europe and the Atlantic Ocean, nestled within Lanzarote’s UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Jason deCaires Taylor’s vision, officially inaugurated in January 2017, is a harmonious fusion of art, marine conservation, and environmental education. The sculptures, initially crafted from pH neutral concrete, evolve into living installations, fostering the growth of coral and attracting diverse marine life, including angel sharks, barracudas, octopuses, and more. Beyond its aesthetic allure, Museo Atlántico serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect our oceans, embodying a call to preserve the marine ecosystem and promote environmental awareness. As you explore the submerged wonderland, witness the museum’s profound impact on marine life and its role as an artificial reef, contributing to the island’s rich biodiversity. This subaquatic cultural gem, with its evolving sculptures and marine interactions, offers a unique and immersive experience emphasizing the intrinsic connection between art and the underwater world.
Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
Embark on a journey into the heart of La Gomera, where the enchanting Garajonay National Park unfolds like a living tapestry of ancient laurel forest. Encompassing approximately 11% of the island, this verdant oasis stands as a testament to the Tertiary period, preserving a botanical wonderland that once graced southern Europe. Garajonay National Park, with its crown jewel, Mount Garajonay (1487m), has been a national park since 1981 and proudly holds the esteemed title of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986.
Delight in the immersive experience of wandering through an evergreen, mist-laden forest—a masterpiece shaped by centuries of climatic preservation. Here, nature’s ingenuity is on full display, with lush vegetation thriving amidst a sea of fog, creating an ethereal ambiance. As one of the last remaining laurel forests in the world, this unique eco-system mirrors the ancient subtropical woods that once blanketed the Mediterranean during prehistoric times. The forest, veiled in perpetual mist and blessed with mild temperatures, owes its survival to the essential moisture provided by the mysterious fogs.
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Garajonay National Park, where La Gomera proudly safeguards over half of the entire Laurisilva population in the Canary Islands—an ecological haven inviting exploration and wonder.
Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote
Discover the enchanting Jameos del Agua, a unique underground concert hall nestled within a volcanic tunnel on the captivating island of Lanzarote.
Crafted by the artistic genius César Manrique in 1968, this extraordinary creation transforms a collapsed volcanic tube into an iconic cultural haven.
The Jameos del Agua, a term derived from the Guanche language, features three distinct openings – Jameo Chico, Jameo Grande, and Jameo de la Cazuela – each revealing a facet of this subterranean wonder.
The natural auditorium, adorned with basalt stone, captivates audiences with its unparalleled acoustics, hosting cultural events in a setting that seamlessly integrates with the natural contours of the volcanic tube. Descend into the Jameo Chico through a spiral staircase, revealing a cafe-bar area bathed in vibrant hues contrasting with the volcanic rock.
Venture further to witness the crystalline lagoon in the Jameo Grande, a breathtaking aquatic wonder teeming with 77 endemic species, including the famed Blind Crab. Jameos del Agua, part of the Monumento Natural del Malpaís de la Corona, beckons you to explore its fascinating depths, where art, nature, and science converge in harmony.
La Orotava, NorthTenerife
Welcome to the rich tapestry of La Orotava, nestled in the verdant valley of Tenerife’s north. Steeped in history, this charming town showcases the opulence of its past residents through beautifully carved wooden balconies and inviting interior courtyards.
The Casa de los Balcones and Casa del Turista, with their picturesque courtyards, provide a glimpse into the town’s architectural splendor. For wine enthusiasts, the Casa Mendez-Fonseca offers not only a captivating courtyard but also a small museum and wine-tasting experience, celebrating the locally produced wine from the surrounding hills.
La Orotava’s old town, declared a Site of National Historic and Artistic Interest, boasts Renaissance mansions, splendid churches, and convents. Marvel at the baroque beauty of the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion, a testament to the town’s 18th-century heritage. Immerse yourself in the town’s religious and social heritage, exploring landmarks like the Calvario chapel, San Augustin church, and San Benito Abad monastery.
With its open-air terraces, botanical gardens, and annual Corpus Christi fiesta, La Orotava invites you to savor its authentic Canarian atmosphere, a harmonious blend of tradition and natural beauty.
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