Top 7 Attractions in the Canary Islands 2025
Often overlooked and seen purely as a over-touristy beach destination. While canary islands offer many great beaches, there’s also plenty of other attractions to choose from.
The Canary Islands, located about 100km west from the African coast, are a go-to destination for many European travelers, especially in the winter as it is one of the only places with pretty much guaranteed good weather and it’s only a mid-length flight away. Besides its beautiful beaches and sun, the Canary Islands have a lot more to offer. From Tenerife’s Teide National Park to the Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria, these islands are full of diverse attractions and unique experiences. Let’s dive into the top 7 destinations to help you choose your island this winter!
Whether you’re interested in exploring volcanic landscapes, enjoying the vibrant Las Palmas nightlife, or finding hidden gems like El Hierro, the Canary Islands have something for everyone.
Tenerife
teide National park
Tenerife is the home to the magnificent Mount Teide, which is Spain’s highest peak at 3 718 meters above the sea level. Teide is also the world’s third largest volcano. It’s located in Teide National park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Teide and other high mountains in this national park offer stunning hikes for all levels of adventurers. It is worth noting that climbing and reaching the peak of Teide requires a permit, which might require planning and reserving even months ahead. The easiest way to reach the peak is by cable car. The tour company will obtain the permit for you and you do not need to plan ahead. This way you will only need to hope for the best weather as the cable car gets closed easily due to high winds, to ensure safety. A great alternative hike for Teide is the Mount Guajara, which offers amazing views to Teide.
Tours are available for Teide, and you can also opt to rent a car and drive yourself. The drive itself is an adventure as you get to enjoy the spectacular views on the narrow roads, ascending and descending through the clouds.
Siam Park
Thai-inspired number one ranked water park in the world, Siam Park offers a full day of experience for all ages. For the adrenaline-junkies the Tower of Power reaches speed up to 80km/h passing through an aquarium full of rays and a shark. I can personally confirm that this ride gives the chills.
Children tickets cost 30€ and adults 42€ per person. You can also choose to buy the twin ticket which gives access to Loro Parque, a modern zoo in Tenerife.
Dolphin and whale spotting in Tenerife
Whales and dolphins are a frequent sight in The Atlantic Sea off Tenerife. One of the favorite things to do on the island is a whale and/or dolphin watching cruise. While whales are more rare to see, dolphins are seen commonly on boat trips. The excursions are no different and you are very likely to spot different species of dolphins and dolphin pods swimming near the boat. Boat cruises are available at various harbors, typically costing some tens of euros for a few hours at the sea. Many cruises make a stop at a nice bay for a refreshing swim in the ocean. In addition to perhaps spotting some beautiful sealife, you’ll also enjoy the view to the island and see the coastline and the mountains from the sea.
Gran Canaria
Maspalomas Dunes
After the pandemic, it was noted that the absence of people improved the general condition of the Dunes leading to a decision that accessing the Dunes of the Special Nature Reserve is only allowed on the marked 8km of trails.
A must-visit in Gran Canaria. The beach and sand dunes of Maspalomas in the south of Gran Canaria are a protected nature reserve space. The dunes are quite easily reachable from most areas around the island, with around 1 hour drive at the longest.
Walking through the dunes is a great way to fully experience its beauty. Hike the whole circle-route or start around the middle and take a shorter route to the still active Maspalomas Lighthouse.
Las Palmas
The biggest city of the Canary Islands is worth a visit. Enjoy a beach day on urban beaches or visit the old town. Don’t miss on climbing the tower of the Cathedral of Santa Ana. Las Palmas is also the home to many museums, such as the Columbus House-museum, which tells the history of Christopher Columbus and the links between Gran Canaria and America.
Lanzarote
Timanfaya
With a truly unique landscape, Timanfaya attracts travellers from all over to visit. This vast area contains a lot of volcanic formations from volcanic activities in the 18th-century. Designated as a National Park and with over 90% of the land declared as a Reservation Area, Timanfaya has remained untouched and offering visitors with almost otherwordly views.
The park’s visitor center provides an overview of the park’s volcanic history, and is a great starting point for exploring the area.
The park is also a great choice for hiking enthusiasts, with plenty of routes to choose from. Guided tours are available.
NOTE
While many places such as Maspalomas and Timanfaya offer camel rides, I do not encourage participating in these activities due to ethical reasons.
It’s important to consider the welfare of the animals involved. There are plenty of other ways to explore and enjoy these beautiful locations without having to worry about the animal’s wellbeing. Opt for hiking or guided tours to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and rich history of the Canary Islands in a more responsible manner.
Wrapping up
The Canary Islands are so much more than just sunsets and beaches. There are an endless amount of diverse destinations and attractions to choose from, each offering unique experiences for almost any interests. These 7 attractions are only the tip of the iceberg. Start planning your next trip now and create lifelong memories!
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