What’s not to love about the Canary Islands? Not only are they a year-round sunshine destination with beach-friendly temperatures even in the middle of winter, they also boast incredible dramatic landscapes, awesome water parks and fascinating historical sites. There really is something for everyone, and to prove it here are 40 fantastic things to do in the Canary Islands. If you can drag yourself away from the beach of course…
Tenerife
- Take the cable car up Mount Teide, Spain’s highest point.
- Get up close to dolphins and whales at Loro Parque.
- Tee off at one of the fantastic golf courses in Costa Adeje.
- Visit the beautiful city of San Cristóbal de la Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Get your thrills on the Siam Park water rides.
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- Be amazed by the towering Los Gigantes cliffs, best viewed from a boat.
- Try your hand at kitesurfing on windy El Medano beach.
- Discover the world beneath the waves on a scuba diving trip.
- Take a dip at Lago Martiánez, a complex of artificial seawater pools, beaches and gardens.
- Sunbathe on Playa de Las Teresitas, one of Tenerife’s only yellow sand beaches.
Gran Canaria
- Cross the Maspalomas sand dunes on a jeep tour.
- See the stars from the vantage point at Temisas Astronomic Observatory.
- Learn all about Gran Canaria’s Arucas rum on a distillery tour.
- Party at Las Palmas Carnival, Gran Canaria’s month-long beach fiesta!
- Climb to the top of Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock that is known to disappear into the clouds.
- Entertain kids at the Angry Birds activity park.
- Enjoy star-studded performances and free-flowing drinks at Garbo’s cabaret dinner show.
- Take a trip back in time at the Sioux City wild west theme park.
- Go wine tasting at the vineyards on the Santa Brigida wine route.
- Visit Puerto de Mogán on a Monday or Friday to browse the local markets.
Lanzarote
- Make a splash on the slides at Aquapark Costa Teguise.
- Head to the Mirador del Rio viewpoint to find a bar and restaurant with amazing panoramic views.
- Escape the sunbathers on deserted Bajo el Risco beach.
- Visit the house of the island’s most famous historical figure at the Cesar Manrique Museum.
- Explore volcanoes and lunar landscapes by bus in Timanfaya National Park.
- Get in touch with nature at the Rancho Texas Splash and Animal Park.
- See Lanzarote’s marine life up close without getting wet on a Submarine Safari.
- Put on a wetsuit and scuba dive to the eerie sculptures of Europe’s first underwater museum.
- Hop on a boat and take a day trip to Fuerteventura!
- Go underground to explore the Cuevas de los Verdes, created 3000 years ago by a volcanic eruption.
Fuerteventura
- Be wowed by the huge sand dunes in Corralejo Nature Reserve.
- Visit Oasis Park to see over 250 species of wildlife, swim with sea lions or ride camels.
- Climb Montana de Tindaya, the Canaries’ oldest volcano.
- Go surfing in the perfect wind conditions at Corralejo.
- Hop on a ferry to Lobos Island, an uninhabited nature reserve perfect for walkers.
- Catch some rays on Playa de la Concha, a crescent-shaped beach that’s home to several rare fish.
- Dare to bare on Morro Jable nudist beach!
- Sample Fuerteventura’s famous Majorero goat cheese.
- Step back in time at the Ajuy caves, once a secret hideout for pirates.
- Drop by Corralejo in November to see the island’s famous Kite Festival.
Image credit: Tamara Kulikova / Shutterstock.com
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