The Canary Islands’ scenery is full of natural wonders. Having visited all of the most popular islands myself, I’m often asked which one is the most beautiful. In this post, I’ll share my favorite natural wonders of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria, along with my personal opinion. Of course, you’ll be free to choose your own favorite based on the photos and locations that catch your eye the most.

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The Canary Islands Scenery: Which Island Is the Most Beautiful?

Why You Should Visit the Canary Islands

It’s been quite a while since my first visit to the Canary Islands, and the fact that I’ve returned multiple times speaks for itself. The Canary Islands are absolutely worth visiting at least once. In fact, most of my friends who gave them a try ended up going back as well.

While Spain has many amazing islands, the Canary Islands truly stand out thanks to their exotic location – set in the middle of the Atlantic, closer to Africa than Europe – yet combined with the safety and infrastructure of Europe, which adds to the overall experience.

It’s true that some people prefer the Balearic Islands over the Canaries. As I explained in my Mallorca vs. Tenerife post, whether you’re captivated by the Canary Islands or not often depends on where you’re coming from. For example, I know many Americans who love Mallorca more because they’re drawn to the Mediterranean vibe and architecture, whereas the Canary Islands remind them of a mix between Hawaii and Arizona.

So, whether or not the Canary Islands become your absolute favorite destination is subjective. But one thing is beyond debate: they are an epic destination in terms of natural wonders and overall comfort. Between European-level safety, delicious Spanish food, and great weather all year round, the Canary Islands are a perfect match for both winter and summer trips.

My First Trip to the Canary Islands: How It All Began

The first time I considered visiting the Canary Islands was during my trip to the United States and the Big Island of Hawaii. I know it sounds strange – you wouldn’t see any obvious connection between the two places, except that they are both islands. But there’s more to the story! My extremely patriotic Spanish husband constantly compares every place we visit around the world to Spain, which is often hilarious. I’m sure you know plenty of people like him too! I do give him credit: Spain is a wonderful country. Who am I to judge people obsessed with Spain? – I’ve moved here and traveled so much that I started a blog.

Yet, you can imagine my frustration when, as I stepped onto one of Hawaii’s black sand beaches and began expressing my admiration for this magical land, my husband casually said, “Every beach on the Canary Islands is volcanic.” At that time, I had never been to the Canary Islands myself, so I couldn’t argue. But I promised myself that the day we finally got there, I would do my best not to like it.

Of course, my “revenge plan” never came true – I ended up adoring the Canary Islands (probably more than my husband does; to this day, the Canary Islands are in my top three Spanish destinations, along with the Pyrenees and Tarifa).

That said, I admit I don’t love every Canary Island equally. I have my favorites, and depending on the type of vacation I’m craving, I can easily choose one over the others.

The Canary Islands’ Scenery: Beautiful Landscapes Not to Miss

Let me first share the scenery of the Canary Islands, along with some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen during my multiple trips, before wrapping up with my opinion on which island is the most beautiful.

Feel free to disagree with me in the comments – every Canary Island is unique, and any opinion on this topic is highly subjective. I know die-hard fans of each island, so the only way to truly decide which one is right for you is to visit each personally, or at least evaluate the landscapes and scenery of each island to see which one calls to you the most.

Teide National Park in Tenerife

Teide National Park in Tenerife is the most popular tourist attraction on the island and one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks. It is home to Teide, Spain’s highest mountain, standing over 3,700 meters, and should be at the top of any Spain bucket list. The most common activities in this highly visited national park are taking the cable car to near the summit or hiking to the summit, which requires a special permit. Guided tours to Teide are also available.

Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife

You simply cannot visit the Canary Islands without exploring Parque Rural de Anaga, often called one of Spain’s most magical forests. It is home to a variety of unique hiking trails, ranging in difficulty and length. Some trails, like the famous Sendero El Bosque Encantado, have limited access, and you’ll need to request permission online in advance. However, the most-visited trail, Sendero de los Sentidos (located near a parking lot and visitor center), does not require prior permission. It is suitable for children, with some sections adapted for strollers and disabled access.

Playa del Aguila & Other Beaches in Fuerteventura

If you’re looking for some of the best beaches in Spain, Fuerteventura is known for having the most iconic coastal scenery in the Canary Islands. While this island isn’t about smooth, warm Mediterranean waters, its beaches are pure magic. Technically, the Canary Islands are much closer to Africa than Europe, which gives Fuerteventura its unique vibe.

I visited Fuerteventura during peak summer season, and it still felt wonderfully relaxed. Playa de Águila (also called Playa de la Escalera) struck me as a true natural wonder – though with its strong waves, it seemed better suited for surfers. Still, Fuerteventura is the second-largest of the Canary Islands, boasting over 150 beaches. With that many, there’s truly something for every taste.

Playa de Águila was one of the first wild beaches I experienced in Fuerteventura, and it made a lasting impression on me. However, this November, I found myself falling in love with Playa del Sotavento. If you visit early in the morning at low tide, you’ll witness a stunning sand path that separates the ocean from the salt lagoon – walking along it felt almost surreal. As I made my way back, the tide was coming in, and the path slowly disappeared behind me.

In my Fuerteventura hiking post, I also dive into more details about Fuerteventura’s “popcorn beaches”, which, while not ideal for swimming, are absolutely mesmerizing due to the unique algae that cover them.

Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote

Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote is one of the most spectacular caves I’ve ever visited in Spain. I won’t share too many details, as it holds a stunning surprise at the end of the tour – and visitors are encouraged to keep it secret to preserve the experience for others.

The cave was formed by a lava flow from the nearby Corona Volcano and historically served as a refuge for locals hiding from pirate attacks. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, celebrated not only for its fascinating history but also for its incredible geological beauty.

Masca in Tenerife

One of the most famous otherworldly landscapes in Tenerife is Masca. You can simply visit the village or enjoy the famous hike that begins there and leads all the way down to a rocky beach. The road to Masca is quite an adventure – mountainous, narrow, and often crowded with tourist buses, which makes it stressful for even one vehicle to pass through. Now imagine two buses trying to cross paths!

Despite the challenges, Masca is one of the most impressive landscapes in Tenerife and the entire Canary archipelago. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially since the area has even been used as a filming location for Hollywood movies like Clash of the Titans, the sixth installment of Fast & Furious, and Wonder Woman 1984.

Los Gigantes in Tenerife

Located on the western coast of the island, the small resort town of Los Gigantes is famous for its towering 800-meter cliffs – some of the most iconic in all of Spain. These dramatic rock formations rise steeply from the Atlantic Ocean and are popular for boat rentals, kayaking, and sightseeing trips. Los Gigantes, meaning “The Giants,” is also one of the most popular areas to stay in Tenerife – and it’s easy to see why.

Lago de los Clicos in Lanzarote

Lago de los Clicos (also known as Charco de los Clicos) in Lanzarote is a striking green lake formed within the crater of an extinct volcano. While it’s not as large or famous as many other landscapes in the Canary Islands, it felt uniquely captivating to me. The lake owes its vibrant color to algae thriving in the water, giving it a surreal appearance. It remains connected to the ocean through underground channels, which help maintain its water level. The stark contrast between the green water and the surrounding volcanic terrain is visually stunning.

Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo in Fuerteventura

Another natural gem of the Canary Islands is the Parque Natural de las Dunas in Fuerteventura. Covering 24 square kilometers, this protected area is renowned for its stunning beaches, vast sand dunes, and distinctive volcanic landscapes.

The dunes here are among the most stunning in the Canary Islands, their brilliant white sands creating a striking contrast with the deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s still one of my favorite views in the archipelago, and this November, I had the chance to visit at sunset – falling in love with this place all over again.

Playa de las Teresitas in Tenerife

With its golden sands, imported from the nearby Sahara, and blue waters protected by an artificial reef, Las Teresitas Beach is a picturesque haven nestled below the Anaga Mountains. It’s one of the most picture-perfect beaches in Spain, known for its stunning mountain views, calm and safe waters, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and convenient parking. The beach is also surrounded by several small food kiosks, and there are many great seafood restaurants in the nearby village of San Andrés.

The only drawback during my last visit was the strong winds, which caused sand to blow across the entire body – a common occurrence in Tenerife. In comparison, some beaches in Gran Canaria, while less visually striking, were more comfortable. Yet, when I look at my own photos of Las Teresitas, I feel tempted to buy a plane ticket and never return – it truly looks as picture-perfect in real life as it does in photos.

Los Hervideros in Lanzarote

The stunning lava cliffs of Los Hervideros in Lanzarote are smaller than the cliffs in Tenerife, but they are more enjoyable to walk around and admire for their varied colors. These dramatic formations were created nearly 300 years ago when a lava flow from a volcanic eruption met the Atlantic Ocean.

The Cactus Garden in Lanzarote

If you’re a plant lover like me, the Cactus Garden in Lanzarote is one of the most remarkable and beautiful places in the Canary Islands, blending nature and art in a truly unique way. Designed by the renowned architect César Manrique, the garden is home to over 1,000 species of cacti from around the world, set against the island’s stunning volcanic landscape. Thanks to its striking and artistic design, Lanzarote’s Cactus Garden is often considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Spain. You can find more photos from my visit in this post.

The Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria

One of the most unique landscapes in Gran Canaria is the Maspalomas Dunes (or Las Dunas de Maspalomas in Spanish). Spanning over 400 hectares, the Maspalomas area is known as one of the most popular places to stay on the island, thanks to its fantastic beach and picture-perfect sand dunes.

Lava Pools in Gran Canaria

Both Gran Canaria and Tenerife have unique swimming areas called lava pools. In Tenerife, the most famous spot is Piscinas Naturales El Caletón in Garachico, while in Gran Canaria, it’s Piscinas de Agaete and Los Charcones near Arucas. These pools are the result of past volcanic activity in the Canary Islands, where natural pools were formed and later adapted by local authorities for swimming.

It’s such a unique experience, as these areas are often full of crabs, and you can swim in calm water while occasional waves from the Atlantic crash into the lava pools. While there are a few lava pool areas in both Tenerife and Gran Canaria, I have to admit that I enjoyed the ones in Gran Canaria more, as they were significantly less crowded than those in Tenerife.

Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria

If I had to choose the most picture-perfect town in the Canary Islands, I would pick Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria. While there are many charming villages across the islands – like the Mediterranean-like Playa Blanca in Lanzarote or the colorful La Orotava in Tenerife – Puerto de Mogán is my personal favorite.

Drago Milenario in Tenerife

One of the most ancient and spectacular trees in all of Spain is Tenerife’s Drago Milenario, located in the small town of Icod de los Vinos. Estimated to be over 1,000 years old, this iconic dragon tree (Dracaena draco) is a symbol of the Canary Islands and is famous for its unique, umbrella-like shape and striking red sap, often called “dragon’s blood.”

Botanical Gardens in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria surprised me with its flowering trees and botanical gardens. While the most popular plant-lover’s spot on the island is Jardín de Viera y Clavijo, we also really enjoyed Jardines de la Marquesa in Arucas, where, in addition to the plants, there were lots of peacocks strolling across the gardens.

Visiting Gran Canaria in July, we unexpectedly spotted many spectacular red-blossoming trees across the island, which I hadn’t seen in Tenerife or Lanzarote during summer. After some research, I learned they are Royal Poinciana (Flamboyant) trees, Delonix regia. We even bought a tiny souvenir plant at Gran Canaria airport – though I’m not too hopeful it will survive here on mainland Spain.

Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote

The iconic, moon-like landscapes of the Canary Islands are perfectly showcased in Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote. That said, I have to admit I enjoyed it slightly less than Teide National Park in Tenerife. While both parks feature similarly striking terrain and hold immense importance within Spain’s national park system, the visitor experience differs. In Timanfaya, you must explore via the official bus tours, whereas in Teide, you can drive through the park at your own pace – a freedom I personally found far more enjoyable. You can probably tell from my photos that those taken in Timanfaya are less impressive, as they were captured through the bus windows.

Yet, Timanfaya is worth mentioning, as those hesitating between Gran Canaria, Tenerife, or Lanzarote will be happy to learn that Teide is not the only moonlike landscape in the Canary Islands.

Arco de las Peñitas in Fuerteventura

While Fuerteventura undoubtedly stands out among the Canary Islands for its stunning sand dunes and rugged beaches, I was pleasantly surprised during my recent trip in November to discover it’s also a great hiking destination. The landscapes, like the Arco de las Peñitas, give off serious oasis-in-the-desert vibes. If you’re into hiking, you can read more about my favorite trails in Fuerteventura in this post.

Which Canary Island Is the Most Beautiful?

As you might have already noticed, each of the Canary Islands is unique and has landmarks and landscapes that the others don’t. Here’s my subjective opinion on which island to choose depending on the type of scenery or vacation you are looking for.

The Most Beautiful Canary Island for Natural Wonders and Scenery: Tenerife

In my opinion, Tenerife is the most beautiful Canary Island for people who enjoy greener landscapes and are into hiking and adventurous activities. Anaga Rural Park in northern Tenerife is a real-life magical forest with some epic hiking trails, while the mountain landscapes of Teide National Park, Masca, and Los Gigantes are among the most spectacular in all of Spain and Europe. So, Tenerife is particularly impressive for its raw natural beauty (excluding beaches, where Fuerteventura might take the lead). For me personally, it’s a must-see at least once, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the entire Canary Islands.

However, despite its undeniable uniqueness, Tenerife is not my absolute favorite island overall. The landmarks themselves are incredible, but convenience and accessibility are a different story. Tenerife is the most visited Canary Island, and locals are lately overwhelmed by overtourism. Additionally, some of the best hikes, such as the Teide peak hike or Sendero del Bosque Encantado in Anaga, require advance permission from local authorities – so you can’t simply show up to explore many of Tenerife’s natural wonders these days. Parking at popular landmarks is often limited, and driving to Masca along narrow mountain roads, especially with frequent excursion buses, can be quite stressful.

Best Canary Island for Sightseeing and Overall Travel Experience: Gran Canaria or Lanzarote

While Tenerife has landscapes that are absolutely unmatched and probably houses the most iconic landmarks of the Canary Islands, in terms of overall sightseeing experience, I preferred Lanzarote or Gran Canaria. These islands were less crowded, better organized, and more stress-free.

Gran Canaria offered several interesting museums and cultural experiences, such as Casa Colón, rum distillery and banana plantation tours, and botanical gardens. Lanzarote stood out for César Manrique’s architecture, the Cactus Garden, and its lunar-like vineyards. Although I was initially more impressed with Tenerife’s raw nature, I actually enjoyed sightseeing in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote more.

In Lanzarote, you need to rent a car, but driving and parking were very relaxed. Gran Canaria, on the other hand, is ideal for using its extensive bus system, making it the only Canary Island where renting a car felt optional. Additionally, in my experience, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote had the friendliest locals in all of the Canary Islands.

Best Canary Island for Beaches: Fuerteventura

When it comes to beaches, Fuerteventura is the obvious choice. Even locals from other Canary Islands often head there for a beach holiday. My second favorite for beaches in the Canary Islands is, surprisingly, Gran Canaria, thanks to Maspalomas, Playa de Amadores, Playa de Mogán, as well as the lava pools of Agaete and Los Charcones. Tenerife has some visually stunning beaches, but they tend to be much busier and windier – so much so that I ended up covered in sand! I’ll be updating this section soon with a detailed guide to the best beaches in Fuerteventura, as I’ll be returning there this November.

Best Canary Island to Combine with Others: Lanzarote

I’d recommend Lanzarote as a great option for a Canary Islands holiday if you want to efficiently visit more than one island without taking an entire month off. This is mainly because there’s a ferry between Lanzarote (Playa Blanca) and Fuerteventura (Corralejo) that takes only 30 minutes. You can also catch a ferry to the smaller island of La Graciosa in just 25 minutes.

Tenerife is another good option to combine with the smaller Canary Islands of La Palma and La Gomera. The ferry from Tenerife (Los Cristianos) to La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the ferry to La Gomera takes only 50 minutes.

All of the main Canary Islands are also connected by budget-friendly airlines. I recommend checking tickets on Booking.com – on my last two visits, I found them cheaper there than anywhere else, including directly from the airlines. This might be a temporary strategy by Booking.com to promote flight bookings, but it’s been my secret budget-saving tip for visiting the Canary Islands.

So, in theory, you can combine multiple islands – especially if flying from the main island of Gran Canaria. However, air travel is a different experience, as it involves airport check-ins, security, and boarding procedures. Even if you move quickly, a flight usually takes anywhere from half a day to a full day.

Therefore, in my opinion, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the easiest main islands to combine, with Tenerife as a second option if you’re interested in visiting La Palma or La Gomera.

My Current Favorite in the Canary Islands

While I’ve already mentioned that, in terms of pure nature and scenery, Tenerife made the biggest impression on me (and honestly, even after visiting all the Canary Islands, if I could experience it as a first-timer, I’d choose Tenerife), the most comfortable overall travel experience for me was in Lanzarote. The island is smaller and cozier than Tenerife or Gran Canaria, yet it has far better infrastructure than Fuerteventura. Many of the roads leading to Fuerteventura’s beautiful beaches are unpaved and bumpy, and car insurance companies won’t cover damages on those roads, making driving there a bit tricky.

That said, right now, Fuerteventura is probably my favorite Canary Island. The wild beauty of its coast and beaches is absolutely breathtaking and perfect for disconnecting. Lanzarote is great for unwinding too, but it offers a bit of everything, whereas Fuerteventura has a raw, untamed beauty that feels truly unique.

Gran Canaria was also a great experience, and as an island, it exceeded my initial expectations the most. While it didn’t stand out remarkably in one single aspect compared to the other Canary Islands (except for its excellent public transport), it probably offered the most complete experience in the archipelago. It truly had a bit of everything for a versatile vacation: museums in Las Palmas, great hotels near Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, beaches like Maspalomas and Playa de Amadores, cultural experiences such as banana plantation tours and rum distillery visits, and even archaeological sites&finds like Cueva Pintada in Gáldar and the Museo Canario.

So, objectively, Gran Canaria was really good, but subjectively, I always enjoy smaller and quieter destinations more. Gran Canaria does have some peaceful areas, but it is still a main island, with Las Palmas serving as the capital of the entire archipelago. As a result, it doesn’t feel as “unplugged” as Lanzarote or Fuerteventura.

Read more about the Canary Islands:

• Tenerife Family Holidays: What to see and do? (Read it)
• 10 Best Spanish Islands to Visit (Read it)
• 5 Days in Lanzarote: Cool things to do in Lanzarote (Read it)
• A Visual Guide To The Cactus Garden in Lanzarote (Read it)
• Tenerife or Gran Canaria: Where Would I Return? (Read it)
• Gran Canaria with Kids: Best Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do (Read it)
• Where to Stay in Gran Canaria: Best Areas for First-Timers (Read it)
• What to Eat in Gran Canaria: Best Foods + Restaurants (Read it)
• Gran Canaria or Lanzarote: The Canary Island I Liked More and Why (Read it)
• How to Explore Gran Canaria Without a Car: Top Tips for Easy Travel (Read it)
• An Ultimate One Week in Tenerife Itinerary (Read it)
• Mallorca or Tenerife: Which One Is Better for Your Next Holiday? (Read it)
• Ultimate 4-Day Tenerife Itinerary from Costa Adeje (Read it)
• Ultimate 5-Day Gran Canaria Itinerary: Top Places to Visit on the Island (Read it)
• Best Hikes in Fuerteventura: Top Trails and Coastal Walks to Explore (Read it)

Map of the Beautiful Landscapes in The Canary Islands

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