The Canary Islands is a must for anyone’s travel bucket list. Comprising seven islands, each with something unique to offer, it’s no wonder so many holidaymakers flock here. Top off your stay in the Canary Islands by renting out a villa to enjoy added privacy.
Just make sure you check the latest travel advice and plan your trip around the best weather to get the most out of your trip. From ravines to historic towns, there are so many underrated spots waiting to be explored. Here’s what you need to know.
Barranco de Guayadeque (Guayadeque Ravine), Gran Canaria
Have you ever heard of the Guayadeque Ravine? Hidden between the slopes of Gran Canaria, it’s a 15-kilometre-long wonderland of weird and wonderful flora and fauna. It also has a strong connection with the island’s natural history, making it the perfect place to get back to nature.
It sits at over 1,200 metres above sea level, promising spectacular views into the distance that are framed by the sloping landscape. Fancy eating and shopping inside a series of caves? You can do that here too. Once used by ancient settlers, they’re a must-see attraction with a contemporary twist.
Teguise, Lanzarote
The town of Teguise is located on the northeast of Lanzarote and was one of the Canary Island’s first-ever settlements. It served as the capital of Lanzarote until the mid-19th century and today is viewed as an insightful slice of history. Here, you can see the historic buildings, including Santa Bárbara Castle which is a castle-turned-pirate museum. Meanwhile, Spinola Palace is situated within a grand XVIII-century house.
Walking around Teguise is enough for you to get a feel for the early colonial days. More modern sites include the House of the Timple, where you can learn all about the fascinating Canarian musical instrument in more detail.
Masca Valley, Tenerife
Situated in Tenerife, Masca is without doubt one of the most stunning spots in the Canary Islands. It’s a beautifully preserved village with a dramatic valley surrounding it. Sitting 600 metres above sea level, only around 100 inhabitants live here, making it a hugely special place to visit.
The local landscape is made up of hairpin bends and luscious hillsides that tower above the ravines beneath them. For this reason, the drive here may not be for everyone, but if you do decide to take on the challenge, it will be an absolute highlight during your trip.
Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
La Gomera may be the second smallest Canary Island, but visitors shouldn’t underestimate it. Here, you can visit the mystical Garajonay National Park, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, it remains largely untouched by tourists, so it’s a truly unique experience.
Its geographical location means that La Gomera is amongst the first of the islands to receive the western rains. This means that its greenery is thriving and lush forests are the norm, with Garajonay National Park being a shining example of what this looks like in practice. Its local ecosystem is rich, with rare animal and plant species living here, including the Gomeran lizard and the Gomeran skink.
Cueva del Viento, Tenerife
The world’s most extended volcanic tube – this is undoubtedly one of the coolest geological spots in the Canary Islands, never mind Tenerife. Set deep underground, you can explore a maze of passageways that were dug out and excavated through natural geological processes involving lava. This happened thousands of years ago and today, you can see the natural masterpiece for yourself.
It’s thought that although there were no clear records of the cave’s existence before the 18th century, the local indigenous people were fully aware. If you’re keen to learn more about Volcanism and the amazing things it can do to the world’s natural landscapes, this is a must-visit.