Walking on the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands: a paradise for hikers

The Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago located off the coast of North Africa, offer a diverse landscape that caters to hikers of all levels. From rugged mountains and lush forests to volcanic craters and sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore the walking highlights of each island, the best time to visit, how to travel between islands, and where to go if you want to avoid the crowds. Our guidebook to walking in the Canary Islands, featuring seven walks on each island, is your ideal companion in this fantastic region.

The best time to visit the Canary Islands for hiking

The Canary Islands enjoy a pleasant climate year-round, making them a great destination for hiking any time of the year. However, the best time to visit for hiking depends on your preferences:
• Spring (March-May): This is a great time to visit for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Summer (June-August): While the weather is hot and dry during summer, it’s still possible to hike in the cooler morning and evening hours.
• Autumn (September-November): Similar to spring, autumn offers comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.
• Winter (December-February): The weather is mild, and many escape the poor weather in the northern climes to walk there in winter.

Walking highlights of each island

Tenerife
• Teide National Park: Hike to the summit of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, or explore the park’s lunar-like landscapes.
• Anaga Rural Park: Discover lush laurel forests, hidden waterfalls, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
• Teno Peninsula: Embark on challenging but rewarding hikes in one of the richest botanical areas in the Canaries.

Gran Canaria
• Camino Real from San Bartolomé to Cruz Grande: There are many kings’ highways (caminos reales) in Gran Canaria, ancient stone-built thoroughfares which have been rebuilt and signposted as walkers’ trails.
• Roque Nublo: Hike to this iconic rock formation for panoramic views of the island.
• Lake Chira: Make a circuit around one of the island’s many impressive dams — Every barranco holds one!

Lanzarote
• Timanfaya National Park: Discover a volcanic landscape with surreal formations, including craters, lava flows, and geysers.
• Los Ajaches National Park: Hike between villages above a semi-desert landscape with cacti, volcanic cones, and stunning coastal scenery.
• La Graciosa: A day trip to this island, off the coast of Lanzarote, can finish with a swim in a lovely lagoon.

Fuerteventura
• Jandia Natural Park: Explore a vast desert landscape with dunes, volcanic formations, and pristine beaches.
• Betancuria: Hike to this historic town, nestled in the mountains, and enjoy panoramic views of the island.
• Los Lobos Island: Take a ferry to this uninhabited island and hike through its volcanic landscape, full of hornitos (spatter cones).

La Gomera
• Garajonay National Park: Discover a lush cloud forest with unique plant life, including the laurel tree.
• Hermigua Valley: Hike through a fertile valley with palm trees, banana plantations, and traditional villages.
• El Cedro: Walk to this tiny village in one of the greenest areas on the island and take a break at the rustic restaurant before visiting a 150m-high waterfall.

El Hierro
• Arbol Garoé: A hike to El Hierro’s ‘Holy Tree’, an indigenous laurel, is a must!
• Camino de la Virgen, a pilgrimage route: Our guide takes in the highlights of the trail.
• El Sabinar: Visit this area, where remnants of Canary junipers, buffeted by the northeast trade winds, are so bent over that their crowns touch the soil — an extraordinary sight!

La Palma
• Caldera de Taburiente National Park: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a massive volcanic crater with lush laurel forests, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs.
• Ruta de los Volcanes: Hike through a volcanic landscape created by the eruption of the Teneguía volcano in 1971, passing through lava flows and craters.
• Los Tilos de la Palma: Discover a lush cloud forest with unique plant life, including the laurel tree, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Traveling Between the Islands

The Canary Islands are well-connected by ferries and flights. Ferries are a convenient and affordable way to travel between islands, especially for those with luggage or vehicles. Flights are faster but can be more expensive, especially during peak season. All the connections are mapped out in our guide.

How to avoid the crowds

The most popular islands for tourists are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. These islands tend to be more crowded, especially during peak season. Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma and tiny El Hierro are generally less visited, making them ideal for those seeking a more peaceful and secluded experience.

The Canary Islands offer a diverse and stunning landscape that is perfect for hiking. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there’s something for everyone. By using our guidebook to walking in the Canary Islands you can dip your boots into each of the islands and find your favourite, before you commit yourself to a dedicated guide to one island.