Things to Do in Canary Islands

As the seat of the Diocese of the Canaries in the Roman Catholic Church, the Catedral de Santa Ana is one of the most prominent monuments of Canarian architecture. Construction was initiated in 1500 on orders of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, after Gran Canaria was conquered in 1478. It was completed on the eve of Corpus Christi in 1570, although substantial renovations were made over the following centuries—which explains the disparity in some of the architectural details. Designed in the purest Gothic tradition with touches of Neoclassical and even Baroque, the structure consists of two campaniles, an ornate nave with double aisles as well as a sanctuary. The cathedral’s interior is famous for its palm tree-like piers and for its twin towers, one of which is accessible to tourists on a quest for unobstructed views of Gran Canaria. The south wing of the cathedral also features the Sacred Art Museum and its valuable collection of sacred artifacts, sculptures and works of art.

Art and architecture meet nature at the César Manrique Foundation. Situated in Manrique’s former home, the foundation melds into a landscape of lava rock and provides a visually stunning glimpse into the Lanzarote native’s craft.

Manrique, an artist and architect, left an indelible mark on the island, and not just through his creations—he even impacted the Lanzarote skyline. Indeed, thanks to his efforts, he helped to ensure that growing tourism didn’t result in growing skyscrapers. It’s a mission that continues to this day via the foundation, which aims to not only preserve Manrique’s work, but to also advance the environmental and artistic causes he valued.

The house itself sits on the aftermath of an 18th-century volcanic eruption that vastly changed the Lanzarote terrain. But it isn’t just built on the frozen-in-time lava, but among it, with the bottom living space occupying five volcanic bubbles. The whitewashed exterior, by contrast, is inspired by traditional island architecture. From a funky room with volcanic rock pouring through a window to a garden bordered by a rainbow-colored mural, every detail of the former home is a visual delight. While there, visitors can peruse all of the house’s unique corners, and also check out the various exhibitions and make stops at the café and shop.

It may be the second smallest of the Canaries’ seven main islands, but that doesn’t mean that La Gomera is any less spectacular. At 14 miles wide, the round landmass reaches 5,000 feet into the sky at its highest peak and spans all types of landscapes, from banana orchards to mossy rainforests socked in by a layer of ethereal cloud cover. In fact, its mountainous La Garajonay National Park is such an impressive sight that it boasts status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The landscape isn’t the only thing that makes La Gomera especially noteworthy, though: Its culture is pretty special too. The island offers gastronomic specialties ranging from wine to cheese and pastries. And then of course there’s its famous whistling language, called silbo gomero, which has survived since Roman times. Traditionally used to communicate up to two miles across the island’s deep ravines, the language perseveres to this day thanks in part to its inclusion in school curriculum.

La Gomera gains fame for another reason, as it is on this island where Christopher Columbus made his last port of call before sailing on to the Americas with his three ships. Columbus had intended to stay only four days but ended up staying for a month and followed up his first visit with several others. Nowadays, visitors to the island can check out several landmarks dedicated to the explorer.

Calle Triana (and the district surrounding it) has become the main commercial center of Las Palmas. The pedestrian street running through its heart is lined with trendy boutiques, old-fashioned shops, international brand retailers and lovely cafes for a bit of post-shopping refreshment.

While some of the shops might be modern, the street itself is among the oldest on the island, dating back to the sixteenth century. Shops and banks began moving into the area in the mid- nineteenth century, and much of the architecture dates back to the same period.

Swing by Calle Triana, 35, where you’ll notice an electric clock dating back to 1868. The clock, built by famous clockmaker Juan Pflüger, reminds passers-by to take their time and enjoy the day.

With its dreamlike landscape of sandy beaches, sweeping dunes and volcanic hills, most visitors come to La Graciosa to soak up the scenery and getting around the 30 square-kilometer island is easily done on foot, by jeep or water taxi. Along with swimming and sunbathing, the most popular pastimes for day-trippers include cruising around the surrounding isles, cycling along the coast or scuba diving in the surrounding marine reserve, whereas holidaymakers can rent out one of the traditional whitewashed cottages by the Caleta del Sebo harbor.

A staple of Gran Canarian and Spanish culture, the botanical garden was named after pioneering Spanish cleric and scholar José Viera y Clavijo. It opened in 1959 after seven years of landscaping. And although it is intrinsically linked to the island’s history, the garden was technically the life work of Swedish-Spanish botanist Eric Ragnor Sventenius, who devoted a number of years of his life to optimizing and expanding the site. The garden, which spreads over 27 hectares and is officially Spain’s largest, comprises of 500 plant species endemic to the Canary Islands scattered in several divisions, like the "Garden of the Islands", the "Garden of Cacti and Succulents" and its 10,000 succulents, the "Laurel-leaved Forests", the "Fountain of the Wisemen," the "Macaronesian Ornamental Garden” as well as the “Hidden Garden” and its sublime greenhouse. It now houses plants from all over the world and a research laboratory.

Looking down over the beach from the surrounding cliff tops is the best way to view the site, an otherworldly landscape famous for its startling contrasts of colors and shapes. The lime-green  waters of  the  crater lake (the  result  of  the Ruppia Maritima algae that  lives in the waters) appear almost luminous against the black sand beach, itself a peculiar blend of black volcanic sand and green Olivine stones, and the small bay is framed by a rugged chain of eroded volcanic rocks.

Part waterpark, part amusement park, Aqualand Costa Adeje is popular among families for its variety of rides and attractions. Thrill-seekers can choose from half a dozen waterslides, including a six-lane mat racer, a high-speed body slide, and a funnel slide, while the Kidzworld area features pint-sized attractions that include a wading pool and water castle. The park's giant Jacuzzi tub, heated wave pool, and lazy river offer options for relaxation that are favorites among guests of all ages.

This scenic mountain range on Tenerife is the oldest natural spot on the island. Formed more than 7 million years ago by volcanic activity, today the mountains welcome hikers from around the world. The recognized biosphere reserve and protected park is one of the most biodiverse forests in all of Europe.

The mountains are remote and known for their wilderness. There are many native plant species unique to the area. Several paths wind throughout, all reaching different viewpoints and parts of the forest. The coastline is particularly beautiful from many of the hiking trails as you go higher up. Small streams and pools add to the scenery along the way.

Many small, isolated villages with limited access also exist along the mountain, as do archaeological sites that have discovered the remains of ancient settlers here. Guided walks and tours to the small villages are what most visitors will do on the mountain. The range’s highest point is Cruz de Taborno, at just over 1,000 meters tall.

Built in 1968, Manrique’s creative vision centers around a series of collapsed lava tubes, or ‘Jameos’, where pressure build-up had caused the roofs to fall in, making an atmospheric location for an open-top swimming pool. Additional highlights include a series of underground galleries devoted to the island’s volcanic history, a concert hall that makes use of the natural cave acoustics, and an underground lake, famous for its endemic population of blind Albino Crab (a species found only on Lanzarote).

The Canary Islands sit just 70 miles (113 kilometers) off the coast of western Africa. But the 6,425 acres (2,600 hectares) of rolling sand dunes within Fuerteventura’s Corralejo Dunes National Park might have you thinking you’re visiting the African continent as opposed to a beach-filled archipelago.

In addition to housing the biggest and best dunes in the Canary Islands, Corralejo Dunes National Park also boasts a rugged and dramatic volcanic landscape, dominated by red jagged rock formations and Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) volcano. Day trips to Fuerteventura from Lanzarote often include time at the national park for exploring the beaches and dunes, as well as visits to the hamlet of Betancuria, Church of Our Lady of Regla, and the town of Corralejo.

The national park lies just off the FV-1 road between Puerto del Rosario and the town of Corralejo. If you’re staying on neighboring Lanzarote, the easiest way to reach the park is via ferry from Playa Blanca to Corralejo or by joining a guided tour.

Fuerteventura is hot and sunny throughout the year, making the national park’s beautiful beaches appealing no matter the season. If you plan to do some hiking in the park, plan to visit between April and June or October, when temperatures are slightly cooler.

Though the undulating fine white sands of the Fuerteventura dunes are surely reminiscent of the desert, the granules in Corralejo Dunes Natural Park are in fact actually made up of tiny little pieces of shell and mollusk, as opposed to anything rocky.

Aside from the wine tasting, it’s the vineyards’ moonlike landscape that is La Geria’s biggest attraction. Unlike the tiered vineyards more typically associated with grape growing, here each vine is planted in a "zoco" - an individual three-foot-deep pit, protected from the elements by a semi-circular stone wall. The atypical design makes the most of the fertile volcanic soil, while drawing and maintaining moisture in the pit, but it also makes for a striking landscape – the pock-holed surface dotted with vines and stone arches appears almost extraterrestrial and learning the secrets of the protected agricultural area offers a fascinating insight into Lanzarote’s unique topography. 

Though tourism has made its mark on many of Fuerteventura’s beaches and fishing towns, there are a few that have yet to fully feel its effects – and El Cotillo is no doubt one of them. While it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a destination for the masses, for now it remains a sweet former fishing village with idyllic shores ideal for all water lovers. 

Located on the northwestern side of the island, El Cotillo has a laidback village vibe that’s hardly fancy, but still exudes a certain charm nonetheless. The town sidles up against the ocean, where you’ll find a rippled coastline complete with a selection of different kinds of beaches. Family’s can park themselves in the sand to the north along La Concha, which is protected on both sides, ensuring calm waters. On the other hand, those in search of both wind and waves will want to travel south to the long stretch of beach situated just beyond town. 

Apart from the pueblo and beach lounging, what else is there to do and see in these parts? While you’re venturing from shore to shore, be sure to head south of El Cotillo’s harbor to check out the Fortaleza del Tostón, a tower-like fortress built in the 1790s to defend against pirates. Then, if you’re looking for unsurpassable panoramic views, head north to the Faro de Tostón, a lighthouse situated on a flat finger of land, and surrounded almost entirely by the sea. 

Cactus gets its due respect at this wildly prickly Lanzarote garden, which was inaugurated in 1990. The Jardín de Cactus is the final brainchild of beloved island native César Manrique, the painter, sculptor and architect whose work famously balanced both art and nature. The cactarium, which occupies a former quarry, is home to 7,200 cactus plants and 1,100 different species, all originating from far-off places such as the Americas and Africa.

While there, you can wander the various levels of the amphitheater-shaped garden by traversing its many paths, all lined by peculiar rock formations, various water features and of course, the thorny plants themselves. Spy the giant Don Quijote-style windmill that tops the garden, then take a garden-break by visiting the artisanal goods-filled shop, or by grabbing a bite to eat at the restaurant and terrace.

Originally belonging to the Governor of the Canaries, Casa de Colon was one of a small number of houses that became Las Palmas' first settlement, marking the beginning of the city in 1478.

As you might expect, displays at Casa de Colon have a strong nautical theme and include a replica of a ship's cabin that belonged to Columbus’ fleet, navigation instruments, nautical maps, charts and paintings related to voyages made by the famous navigator. The site's ornate doorways, latticed balconies and chocolate-box-like exterior make it one of Las Palmas’ most eye-catching buildings. If its pretty facade doesn't make you want to discover more about the building's history and Columbus's visit here, the interesting and well-run museum inside will.

Here you’ll find multilingual exhibits that explain the connection between the Canary Islands, Columbus and his great voyages that led him to discover and establish trading links with the new world.

The Janubio Salt Pans are the island’s most famous, created in the early 20th century by Victor Fernandez and consisting of over 440,000 square meters of pans, making it the biggest salt refinery in the Canary Islands. Today, the area is a protected National Heritage site and produces up to 10,000 tons of salt each year, harvested by hand during the summer months. The historic site has also become a tourist attraction, and the gigantic patchwork of salt pans makes for a unique view, set against a backdrop of the black sand Janubio beach and attracting an array of native birds.

Benefiting from consistent winds and world-class reef breaks, the beach is also a hot spot for water sports, with popular activities including surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, as well as hang-gliding from the coastal cliffs.