Top Things to Do in the Canary Islands (2025 Guide)

From volcano hikes to whale watching — your essential bucket list for Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.

Why Explore the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands offer an unmatched mix of volcanic peaks, golden dunes, laurel forests, starry skies, colorful villages, and vibrant cuisine. It’s no wonder they welcome millions of visitors each year. In 2025, the archipelago continues to grow in popularity thanks to better flight connections, diverse outdoor activities, and reliable year-round weather.

Tip: Base yourself on one island and add a 1–2 day hop to a second island by plane or ferry for a richer itinerary.

Ultimate Bucket List: 15 Things to Do

1) Hike Mount Teide (Tenerife)

Take the cable car or hike to Spain’s highest peak for otherworldly lava fields and sunrise views.

2) Whale & Dolphin Watching

Tours from Costa Adeje (Tenerife) and La Gomera offer frequent sightings in protected waters.

3) Maspalomas Dunes (Gran Canaria)

Walk the shifting sands at sunset; combine with the lighthouse and beach promenade.

4) Timanfaya Volcano Route (Lanzarote)

Explore the lunar landscapes and geothermal demos shaped by historic eruptions.

5) Surf & Wind in Fuerteventura

Corralejo and El Cotillo are classics for waves, white sand and turquoise water.

6) Stargazing in La Palma

Crystal-clear skies and viewpoints near Roque de los Muchachos make for unforgettable nights.

7) Garajonay Forest (La Gomera)

Follow misty trails through ancient laurel trees in this UNESCO National Park.

8) Charco Azul & El Hierro Coast

Natural pools and dramatic cliffs on the smallest, most serene island.

9) La Laguna Old Town

UNESCO-listed colonial streets, patios and cafés near Tenerife North.

10) Vineyards & Volcanic Wines

Taste unique wines grown on lava soils in Lanzarote and Tenerife.

11) Cueva de los Verdes (Lanzarote)

Walk inside a lava tube and discover surreal underground chambers.

12) Anaga Mountains (Tenerife)

Scenic drives and ridge hikes with ocean vistas and tiny hamlets.

13) Las Canteras Beach (Gran Canaria)

Urban beach with a natural reef, ideal for snorkeling and sunsets.

14) Local Food Tour

Try papas arrugadas with red/green mojo, goat cheeses, fresh fish and gofio desserts.

15) Island-Hopping Day Trip

Combine two islands (e.g., Tenerife + La Gomera or Lanzarote + Fuerteventura) in one journey.

Best Things to Do by Island

Tenerife

• Mount Teide National Park — cable car + viewpoints.
• Whale watching from Costa Adeje; beaches in the south.
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna — museums, cafés, and heritage houses.

Gran Canaria

• Maspalomas dunes, lighthouse, and promenade.
• Roque Nublo hike for cloud-sea views.
• Vegueta old quarter in Las Palmas for history and tapas.

Lanzarote

• Timanfaya National Park volcano route.
• Jameos del Agua & Cueva de los Verdes (lava tube).
• La Geria vineyards and César Manrique’s art legacy.

Fuerteventura

• Corralejo dunes and El Cotillo coves.
• Watersports: surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing.
• Isla de Lobos boat day trip.

La Palma

• Stargazing routes and viewpoints.
• Caldera de Taburiente hiking.
• Volcanic landscapes of Cumbre Vieja.

La Gomera

• Garajonay National Park trails.
• Mirador de Abrante over Agulo village.
• Coastal drives and quiet beaches.

El Hierro

• Natural pools (Charco Azul) and red-sand Verodal beach.
• Dive sites with exceptional visibility.
• Slow travel: scenic roads, lighthouses and cliffs.

Best Time to Go

Season	Weather	Why Go
Winter (Dec–Feb)	~20°C / 68°F	Warm European escape; hiking and stargazing.
Spring (Mar–May)	~22–24°C / 72–75°F	Flowers, fewer crowds, good prices.
Summer (Jun–Aug)	~26–28°C / 79–82°F	Beaches, festivals, family trips.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	~23–26°C / 73–79°F	Warm sea, shoulder-season deals, calm weather.

Money-saving tip: fly mid-week and book 6–8 weeks ahead for the best fares.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Days 1–3: Tenerife

• Teide cable car + short hike.
• Whale watching afternoon tour.
• Evening in La Laguna old town.

Days 4–5: Lanzarote

• Timanfaya volcano route.
• La Geria wineries and lava fields.

Days 6–7: Fuerteventura

• Corralejo dunes + El Cotillo beaches.
• Optional surf lesson or Isla de Lobos boat trip.

Practical Tips for 2025

• Transport: Inter-island flights (Binter/Canaryfly) are fast; ferries work for short hops.
• Car rental: Recommended on most islands; book early in peak months.
• Parks: Some hikes and Timanfaya viewpoints require timed entries—reserve ahead.
• Respect nature: Many areas are protected; stick to marked trails and leave no trace.

things to do canary islands

canary islands activities

what to do in the canary islands

FAQ

Is English widely spoken?

Yes in tourist areas, though Spanish is the official language. Do I need a car?

Not strictly, but a car makes beaches and viewpoints much easier to reach. Are the islands safe?

They are considered very safe; use common travel sense as usual.

Plan Your Trip

Choose your base island, add a day-trip to a neighbor, and mix beaches with volcano hikes for the perfect balance.

© 2025 · Top Things to Do in the Canary Islands · SEO-optimized guide.