Planning to visit the Canary Islands? – Here are the top beautiful places in The Canary Islands you can not miss!

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Top Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands

How I tried not to like the Canary Islands

First and foremost, I have a funny personal story about the Canary Islands. The first time I set my eyes on this epic travel destination was back in 2014 when my husband Carlos and I visited the Big Island of Hawaii. I know it sounds strange – you don’t see any obvious connection between the two places, except for both being islands. But there’s more to the story! My extremely patriotic Spanish husband constantly compares every place we visit across the globe with his home country. I do give him credit: Spain is a wonderful country, full of stunning places to visit and mouth-watering food to eat. Nevertheless, when we visited the Waipio Valley in Hawaii, I felt like it was the most beautiful place I’d seen in my entire life. I still 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 my frustration when, as I stepped onto one of the black sand beaches of Hawaii and began expressing my admiration for this magical land, my husband made a brief comment: “Every beach on the Canary Islands is volcanic.” It made me quite mad! He literally ruined my moment with his unnecessary skepticism. Plus, I had 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 got there, I’d do my best not to like it. I was convinced it would be one of those boring package destinations with plenty to criticize. But my revenge dreams never came true. My first trip to the Canary Islands ended in absolute love for this magical destination. Even the thousands of photos I’ve taken can’t fully showcase the palette of colors, landscapes, and landforms.

The Most Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands

Let me share my list of top beautiful places in The Canary Islands. For now, I’ve already visited a few of the best Spanish islandsTenerife, 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.

1) Teide National Park in 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). It should be at the top of any Spain bucket list. The most common activity in this most-visited Spanish national park is to take a cable car to the nearly summit – but be sure to check the weather conditions before visiting, as it might be closed due to wind. We were lucky with the weather. However, we visited Tenerife with a baby and children under two were not allowed due to the altitude changes, so we didn’t get the chance to take the cable car. For hiking to the top of Teide, special permission is required – but it’s definitely one of the most unique hikes in Spain. You can read more details in my post about adventurous things to do in Spain.

Spain´s highest mountain Teide Tenerife
Spain’s highest mountain is Teide

2) Anaga Forest in Tenerife

You simply cannot visit the Canary Islands without seeing Parque Rural de Anaga. It is a beautiful forest, full of top Spanish hiking trails of varying difficulty and length. Keep in mind that some of them (for example, Sendero El Bosque Encantado) may have limited access, and you’ll need to request permission online in advance. However, the most-visited trail, Sendero de los Sentidos (near a parking lot and visitor center), does not require any prior permission and is suitable for children, with some sections adapted for disabled access and strollers. Be sure to check the weather, bring a jacket (as the temperature can unexpectedly drop in this area), and wear comfortable shoes (preferably hiking boots).

Top Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands Anaga
Top beautiful places in The Canary Islands: Anaga Rural Park

3) Playa del Aguila in Fuerteventura

If you’re looking for some of the best beaches in Spain, Fuerteventura should be on your travel bucket list. Let’s be honest – it’s not about the smooth, warm Mediterranean waters. But how about volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches instead? Technically, the Canary Islands are much closer to Africa than Europe. I visited Fuerteventura during the peak summer season, and it still felt very relaxed. Playa de Aguila felt like such a natural wonder, though with the waves, it seemed better suited for surfers. Yet, Fuerteventura is the second-largest of the Canary Islands, with over 150 beaches. With that many, you can find something for every taste.

Playa de la Aguila in Fuerteventura
Playa de la Aguila – one of the most beautiful beaches in The Canary Islands

4) Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote

I won’t be sharing too many details about Cueva de los Verdes. This unique volcanic cave system holds a stunning surprise at the end of the tour, and visitors are encouraged to keep the secret to preserve the experience for others. The cave, located in Lanzarote, was formed by a lava flow from the nearby Corona volcano. Historically, it served as a refuge for locals hiding from pirate attacks. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, known not only for its geological beauty.

Cueva de los Verdes in Lanzarote
Cueva de los Verdes – one of the most stunning caves in Spain

5) Masca in Tenerife

One of the most famous hikes in Tenerife is the Masca hike. It begins in the village of Masca and leads all the way down to the rocky beach. The road to Masca is quite a drive – mountainous and narrow. Additionally, it is very touristy, making it quite stressful for even one vehicle to pass through. Imagine two minibus drivers trying to cross paths! Despite this, Masca is one of the most impressive places in Tenerife. However, it’s best to visit earlier in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially since the area has been used as a filming location for Hollywood movies like Clash of the Titans, the sixth part of the Fast & Furious saga, and Wonder Woman 1984.

 Masca Tenerife Places in The Canary Islands
Masca one of the most beautiful places in The Canary Islands:

6) Los Gigantes in Tenerife

Located in the west of the island, the small resort of Los Gigantes is famous for its towering 800-meter-high cliffs. These dramatic rock formations, which rise steeply from the Atlantic Ocean, are one of the most impressive natural sights in Spain. Los Gigantes, meaning “The Giants,” offers a perfect setting for various activities, including boat rentals and kayaking, allowing visitors to get a closer view of the cliffs from the sea. Many travelers consider the cliffs of Los Gigantes to be the most epic in Spain due to their immense size and stunning beauty.

Los Gigantes Tenerife Top Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands
Los Gigantes – the most unique cliffs in Spain

7) 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. The lake owes its vibrant color to the presence of algae that thrive in the water, giving it a surreal appearance. The lake remains connected to the ocean through underground channels, which help maintain its water level. This unique location is often referred to as one of the most otherworldly-looking spots in Spain, thanks to its dramatic landscape and the stark contrast between the green water and the surrounding volcanic terrain.

Lago de los Clicos green lake Lanzarote
Lago de los Clicos one of the most unique places in The Canary Islands

8) Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo in Fuerteventura

Another natural gem of the Canary Islands is the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo. Covering 24 square kilometers, this protected area is renowned for its stunning beaches, vast sand dunes, and distinctive volcanic landscapes. It offers visitors a unique blend of diverse ecosystems and the dunes are absolutely breathtaking.

Dunas de Coralejo Fuerteventura
Dunas de Coralejo

9) 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 beautiful 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 Andres. The only drawback, during my last visit, was the strong winds, which caused sand to spray across the entire body.

Playa de las Teresitas in Tenerife
Playa de las Teresitasone of the most stunning beaches of The Canary Islands

10) Los Hervideros in Lanzarote

The stunning lava cliffs of Los Hervideros in Lanzarote are so unique. These dramatic formations were created nearly 300 years ago when a lava flow from a volcanic eruption met the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs showcase a breathtaking mix of colors, with emerald blue waters crashing against the dark brown and black volcanic rock, while the sunlight casts a warm, golden-orange glow across the scene. The natural beauty of this area, with its striking contrasts and powerful waves, makes it a must-see destination in the Canary Islands.

Los Hervideros Lanzarote Top Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands
Los Hervideros

11) Cactus Garden in Lanzarote

The Cactus Garden in Lanzarote is one of the most remarkable and beautiful places in the Canary Islands, blending nature with 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.

How to visit cactus garden lanzarote
Cactus Garden in Lanzarote

Read more about the Spanish 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 Weekend in Mallorca with Kids: 3-Day Itinerary (Read it)
  • Renting a Car in Mallorca: All You Need to Know (Read it)
  • A Weekend in Formentera: Recharging Mind, Body, and Soul (Read it)
  • Your perfect Ibiza vacation: Must-Do List (Read it)
  • A Visual Guide To The Cactus Garden in Lanzarote (read it)

Map of the Beautiful Places in The Canary Islands

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