Get ready for an extraordinary journey to the islands, where the sun never goes out, the
beaches are snow white and adventure hangs in the air. Yes, that’s what the Canary Islands
archipelago is waiting for us, providing unforgettable experiences that will fire our
imagination and revitalize our souls. Imagine boarding a plane, feeling the excitement in the
air. After a few hours of travel, you land on one of the islands and are enchanted by the
extraordinary variety of landscapes. Volcanic beaches, impressive cliffs, mysterious caves,
picturesque valleys and vast deserts – this is just the tip of the glacier that awaits you.
Location
The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic, near the west coast of Africa. More precisely, they are located about 100 km west of Morocco. The archipelago consists of seven main islands, which are spread over an area of about 7,500 km². The largest of the islands is Tenerife, which is also home to Spain’s highest peak, the Teide volcano. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are the other islands, with each having its own unique character and attractions. Thanks to its location on the border of three continents – Africa, Europe and America – the Canary Islands have a unique climate that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. It is a true paradise for lovers of sun, beaches, water sports and fascinating nature.
What to see in the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands offer countless attractions and places worth seeing for any traveler. Here
are some of them that are worth including in your travel plans for the archipelago:
- Teide National Park (Tenerife): Don’t miss this spectacular national park, which includes the Teide volcano – Spain’s highest peak. Walking its scenic trails and admiring the incredible landscapes is an unforgettable experience.
- Maspalomas Dunes (Gran Canaria): These impressive dunes are one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landmarks. Their golden sands and panoramic views of the ocean provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and beautiful photographs.
- Jameos del Agua Caves (Lanzarote): This unique attraction is a system of caves formed by volcanic eruptions. There is a stunning underground lake, as well as a spectacular amphitheater and museum that reveals the fascinating history of the island.
- Sotavento Beaches (Fuerteventura): If you dream of paradisiacal beaches, then you can’t miss the beaches of Sotavento in Fuerteventura. Their white sands and turquoise waters attract beach, surf and kite surfing enthusiasts.
- La Palma Biosphere Reserve (La Palma): This island is a paradise for nature lovers and stunning landscapes. There is a biosphere reserve that offers a variety of trekking trails, impressive waterfalls and picturesque forests.
- Garajonay National Park (La Gomera): This national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magical place with unique flora and fauna. You’ll find dense forests of evergreen Canary Island trees.
- El Hierro Marine Reserve (El Hierro): For diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, this marine reserve is a true treasure. Stunning coral reefs, colorful fish and clear waters await discovery.
These are just a few of the many wonderful places waiting to be discovered in the Canary
Islands. Each island has its own unique attractions and charms, providing unforgettable
experiences for travelers from all corners of the world.
Teide National Park
Teide National Park, located on the island of Tenerife, is a true treasure of the Canary Islands. Its centerpiece is the majestic Teide volcano, which is one of the highest peaks in Europe. The volcanic landscapes, immersed in the golden light of the setting sun, create an amazing atmosphere. Visitors can climb to the top of the volcano, enjoying stunning panoramas and surrounding landscapes. Walking along designated trails, visitors can explore fascinating rock formations, crater valleys and lava fields that resemble a lunar landscape. The clear skies of the national park are an astronomer’s paradise, and Teide has been recognized as one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. Whether admiring the sunset on the peaks or immersing yourself in the exciting geological world, Teide National Park offers an unforgettable experience and is an integral part of a trip to the Canary Islands.
Maspalomas Dunes
The Maspalomas dunes on the island of Gran Canaria are one of the most distinctive and charming places in the Canary Islands archipelago. It is a breathtaking area of sand dunes that attracts travelers from all over the world. The golden dunes spread over an area of about 400 hectares and are surrounded by endless white sand beaches. Walking along these dazzling dunes, you can feel the wind in your hair and touch the sand, which resembles drops of gold. The view of the dunes stretching to the horizon, combined with the blue sky and the sound of the waves, makes a person feel like being in another dimension. The Maspalomas dunes are also a paradise for nature lovers, whose distinctive plants and fowl attract attention. It’s a place that offers peace and harmony, ideal for relaxation and meditation. Whether you want to enjoy relaxation on the beach, admire sunsets or immerse yourself in nature, Maspalomas Dunes provides an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
Jameos del Agua Caves
The Jameos del Agua caves on the island of Lanzarote are one of the most fascinating places in the Canary Islands. It is a unique combination of nature, architecture and history that will take your breath away. The caves were formed by a volcanic eruption and were transformed into a spectacular interior by the brilliant artist César Manrique. Once inside the caves, you are immersed in a magical underground world, where volcanic tunnels and an underground lake create an extraordinary setting. One of the most outstanding features is the picturesque amphitheater, where concerts and other artistic events are held. The caves are also home to white crabs, endemic to the area. In addition, the caves house an elegant bar and restaurant where you can enjoy local delicacies while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Jameos del Agua is a true feast for the senses, offering an unforgettable cultural and aesthetic experience. It is a place that delights visitors with its extraordinary atmosphere and takes their breath away with its beauty.
Sotavento beaches
The beaches of Sotavento on the island of Fuerteventura are a true paradise for lovers of sun, water and water activities. Located on the east coast of the island, these sandy oases attract travelers from all over the world with their natural beauty and excellent conditions for relaxation. Their white, soft sands stretch for several kilometers, and the turquoise waters are an invitation to relax and take a refreshing swim. Sotavento’s beaches are also famous for their excellent conditions for water sports. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are extremely popular here, thanks to strong winds and calm, shallow waters. There is something for everyone, regardless of experience level. There is also no shortage of opportunities to rent equipment or take lessons from experienced instructors. Sotavento’s beaches are also a paradise for walkers and joggers, who can enjoy the long, endless dunes and beautiful ocean views. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on the beach or an active adventure on the water, Sotavento Beaches provides the perfect setting for relaxation and fun amidst the unique nature of the island of Fuerteventura.
La Palma Biosphere Reserve
The La Palma Biosphere Reserve on the island of La Palma is a true natural treasure that delights visitors with its extraordinary diversity and beauty. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, a testament to its importance for nature conservation and sustainable development. The reserve encompasses both terrestrial and marine areas, creating a unique environment that is conducive to the development of diverse species of flora and fauna. Walking the trails in the reserve, visitors can explore the enchanting forests of the evergreen canary tree, mountain waterfalls, picturesque gorges and stunning ocean views. The reserve is also home to numerous endemic plant and animal species found
nowhere else in the world. It is a true paradise destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. The La Palma Biosphere Reserve also offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as climbing, trekking, biking and scuba diving. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in wild and unspoiled nature, feel in harmony with nature and experience incredible adventures.
Garajonay National Park
Garajonay National Park on the island of La Gomera is one of the most spectacular places in the Canary Islands. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is one of the last remnants of the forest of evergreen Canary Island trees that once covered areas of Mediterranean Europe. The park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its exceptional natural and cultural value. Walking along the designated trails, you can admire dense forests, mystical mists floating between the treetops and vibrant flora and fauna. Countless trekking paths lead to scenic viewpoints from where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, mountains and the ocean. Garajonay National Park is a paradise for nature lovers seeking peace, quiet and seclusion. It is also a place with deep cultural roots associated with the island’s indigenous people. Exploring the mysteries of this park is an unforgettable journey through time and space that inspires reflection and respect for nature.
El Hierro Marine Reserve
The El Hierro Marine Reserve on the island of El Hierro is a true sanctuary for lovers of the underwater world and the protection of marine ecosystems. It is considered one of the most important marine areas in the Canary Islands. The reserve encompasses a large area around the island, which protects biodiversity and provides optimal conditions for the development of many marine species. In the waters of the reserve you can find impressive rock formations, caves and coral reefs that are home to countless species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other organisms. Diving in these waters is an amazing experience, where you can encounter sea turtles, dolphins and even whales. The El Hierro Marine Reserve is also the site of scientific research and conservation efforts to preserve these priceless ecosystems. For those who prefer to observe from the surface of the water, boat trips are available to view the wealth of marine wildlife. The El Hierro Marine Reserve is a true treasure of the Canary Islands that inspires awe and respect for the marine world and the need to protect it.
Currency
When traveling in the Canary Islands, it is essential to understand and be prepared to use the appropriate currency. The currency used on the islands is the Euro (EUR), making travel and financial transactions easy and convenient for tourists. Whether you plan to shop, use services or pay for accommodations, the euro is accepted universally throughout the archipelago. However, it is worth remembering that on some of the smaller islands or in the more remote villages there may be limited credit card payment options, so it is always a good idea to carry cash as well. To exchange currency, there are banks, exchange offices
and ATMs available on the islands, which are located in larger towns and popular tourist areas. It is worth noting that the use of payment cards is common and convenient, but it is always worth making sure that your card is accepted locally. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult your bank for information on using your card abroad before you travel. This way, travelers can enjoy their stay in the Canary Islands with the assurance that payments and financial transactions will run smoothly and without problems.
