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There’s one thing that I´m obsessed over lately – the photos of The Canary Islands. You know that I’ve just got back home from Tenerife and this island is now officially my biggest “travel discovery” of the year. So I thought why not to pull up my old photo-folders from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura to merge them all into one photo-inspirational post!

Let’s take a photographic journey to this unique travel destination in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Only 10 photos of The Canary Islands that will inspire you to visit these exotic islands in the heart of Atlantic!

The Canary Islands: Hawaii pales in comparison, seriously?!

First and foremost, I actually have a funny personal story with The Canary Islands. The first time I set my eyes on this epic travel destination was back in 2014 when I and my husband Carlos visited the Big Island of Hawaii.

I know it sounds strange! – You don´t see any obvious connections between the two places, except for both being islands. But there is more to the story here! My extremely-patriotic Spanish husband constantly compares every place we visit across the globe with his home country.

Also read: Must-See Magical Forests in Spain

I do give him a credit: Spain is a wonderful country, full of stunning places to visit and mouth-watering foods to eat.

Nevertheless, back when we visited the Waipio Valley in Hawaii I felt like this was the most beautiful place I´ve seen in my entire life. I still do think so (despite visiting Iceland, which in terms of natural wonders could hardly be compared to any other place on this planet). So, you can imagine, the moment I stepped onto one of the black sand beaches of Hawaii´s Island and started to express fondness and admiration for this magical land, a brief comment from my husband “Every beach on the Canary Islands is volcanic” made me quite mad!

Ok. It made me really mad! He literally ruined my moment with his unnecessary skepticism. Plus I’ve never been to The Canary Islands myself, so I couldn’t fight back with a strong argument. But I promised myself that the day we finally get to this out-of-this-world land – I´ll do my best not to like it. For sure, it´s going to be one of those boring package destinations – there will be plenty of things to criticize.

But my revenge dreams never came true. My first trip to The Canary Islands ended up with an absolute love for this magical destination. Even thousands of photos of The Canary Islands I’ve taken can´t showcase fully all the palette of colors, landscapes, and landforms.

10 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit The Canary Islands

Let me share with you some of the most impressive landscapes from my trips. As a huge fan of the Canary Islands, I’ve already visited a few of the best Spanish islands – Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. I hope to add Gran Canaria to this list anytime soon. Not to mention that according to one of the fascinating Spanish legends the archipelago has one secret island as well.

For now, I’ve tried to narrow it down to 10 photos of the Canary Islands that will give you some serious wanderlust.

1) Teide National Park / Tenerife

The most popular tourist attraction in Tenerife, as well as one of the most iconic national landmarks, is Spain´s highest mountain Teide (over 3,700 m). The most common thing here is to take a cable car to (the nearly) summit, but check the weather conditions before visiting, it might be closed because of wind. We were lucky with the weather. However, children under two and pregnant women are not allowed due to the altitude changes, so we didn´t get a chance to take a cable car this time.

Spain´s highest mountain Teide, Tenerife
Spain´s highest mountain Teide

2) Anaga Forest / Tenerife

One of my personal favorites from numerous photos of The Canary Islands – Parque Rural de Anaga. It is a beautiful forest, full of top Spanish hiking trails of distinct difficultyand length. Keep in mind that some of them (for ex. Sendero El Bosque Encantado) might have limited access and you´d need to ask for permission online(in advance).

Also read: 10 Fairy-Tale Places in Spain that are straight out of a Storybook

However, the most-visited trail Sendero de los Sentidos (nearby a parking lot and visitor´s center) does not require any previous permissions and it is suitable for kids (even partially adapted for disabled and baby strollers). Just check the weather and bring a jacket (the temperature surprisingly dips in this area) and comfortable shoes (better hiking boots).

Anaga Rural Park

3) Playa de la Aguila / Fuerteventura

If you’re looking for some of the best beaches in Spain – Fuerteventura should be on your travel bucket list.

Ok. Let’s be honest – it´s not about those smooth&warm Mediterranean waters. But how about some volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches instead?! Technically The Canary Islands are much closer to Africa than they are to Europe.

Also read: The Secrets of Ibiza – Must-Do List

I did visit Fuerteventura in the summer peak season and it still felt very relaxed.

Playa de Aguila looked especially stunning, although with the waves it seemed a better match for surfers. However, Fuerteventura is the second largest in The Canary Islands with over 150 beaches. You can find something for every taste with this number.

Playa de la Aguila in Fuerteventura
Playa de la Aguila / Fuerteventura

4) Cueva de los Verdes / Lanzarote

I won’t be sharing much here. An excursion to this cave has a surprising revelation at the end and they ask you to keep the secret! Are you intrigued?! – You´ll have to visit it yourself to find out!

Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote
Cueva de los Verdes / Lanzarote

5) Masca / Tenerife

One of the most famous hikes on Tenerife – the Masca hike. It begins in a village of Masca and goes all the way downwards to the rocky beach.

The road to Masca is quite a drive … mountainous and narrow. Plus it´s very touristic: quite stressful for even one vehicle to pass through – imagine two minibus drivers crossing each other. Masca is one of the most impressive places on Tenerife, but you really should visit earlier in the morning and better check the weather conditions the same day.

Masca, Tenerife
Masca

6) Los Gigantes / Tenerife

Located in the west of the island, a small resort of Los Gigantes is famous for the giant 800m-high cliff formations. It´s a perfect place to rent a boat or do kayaking, as many travelers claim that Los Gigantes is the most epic cliffs in Spain.

Los Gigantes, Tenerife
Los Gigantes

7) Lago de los Clicos / Lanzarote

Lago de los Clicos ( also Charco de los Clicos) is a green lake formed in a crater of an old volcano. It owes the spectacular color to the type of algae that grows there. The lake is still connected through the underground with the ocean, which maintains the level of water.

Landscape lovers, can you imagine the contrast of deep green with emerald-blue and volcanic black?!

Lago de los Clicos, Lanzarote
Lago de los Clicos

8) Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo / Fuerteventura

Another natural gem of the Canary Islands – The Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, with 24 square km of beaches, sand dunes, and unique volcanic landscapes, it´s an absolute must-stop.

Dunas de Coralejo, Fuerteventura
Dunas de Coralejo

9) Playa de las Teresitas / Tenerife

With its golden sands, imported from the nearby Sahara and blue waters, protected by an artificial reef, Las Teresitas beach is such a picturesque harbor below the Anaga mountains.

Also read: 10 secret villages in Spain you´ve never heard of

It´s my favorite beach on Tenerife: lovely mountain views, safe waters, great snorkeling, easy parking, many small food kiosks, and great seafood restaurants in the nearby San Andres. The only drawback: it is often quite windy, so the sand sprays at your whole body (same story with many other beaches on the island…)

Playa de las Teresitas in Tenerife
Playa de las Teresitas

10) Los Hervideros / Lanzarote

Last but not least, the beautiful lava cliffs of Los Hervideros. They were formed by a lava flow meeting the Atlantic almost 300 years ago. Such a beautiful color mix of emerald blue, sunglow orange, and browny black, isn’t it?

Los Hervideros, Lanzarote
Los Hervideros

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10 photos of The Canary Islands that will inspire you to visit the Canary Islands - At Lifestyle Crossroads