The Canary Islands are often associated with golden beaches, year-round sunshine, and all-inclusive resorts—but there’s so much more to this volcanic archipelago. Each of the eight main islandshas its own distinct character, landscapes, and experiences, from black-sand beaches and ancient forests to otherworldly lava fields and star-studded night skies. Whether you’re into hiking, local crafts, stargazing, or sampling fresh seafood, the Canary Islands offer something beyond the usual sun-and-sand getaway.

Here’s what makes each island unique—and which one might be perfect for you.

1. Tenerife

Best for: Hikers, families

Tenerife is the largest and most diverse of the Canary Islands, where Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, towers over lunar-like landscapes. The island is a playground for hikers, with Teide National Park offering dramatic volcanic scenery, while the lush north is home to ancient laurel forests in Anaga Rural Park. Those looking for breathtaking landscapes will find them in Masca Valley, a dramatic gorge home to one of Tenerife’s most rewarding hikes.

Beyond its natural beauty, Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching, with the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera hosting resident populations year-round.

For a change of pace, the historic city of La Laguna—a UNESCO-listed colonial town—is the perfect place to wander through cobbled streets, discover vibrant local markets, and soak up the island’s rich heritage.

Hidden Gem: Book a stargazing tour; Tenerife has some of the best dark skies in the world.

2. Gran Canaria

Best for: Culture seekers, food lovers

Gran Canaria packs diverse landscapes into a single island, from golden dunes in the south to misty pine forests and mountain villages inland. Maspalomas Dunes, one of the island’s most famous sights, feels almost like a piece of the Sahara relocated to the Atlantic, with towering golden dunes that stretch into the sea.

In contrast, the island’s rugged interior is home to Roque Nublo, a striking volcanic rock formation that offers panoramic views over the island for those willing to make the climb. The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a lively city where history meets modern culture, with its colonial-era architecture, buzzing food scene, and energetic nightlife. Along the coast, Puerto de Mogán, often called “Little Venice,” charms visitors with its picturesque canals, flower-filled streets, and waterfront cafés.

Hidden Gem: The Guayadeque ravine, a deep ravine dotted with cave dwellings and traditional Canarian restaurants.

3. Lanzarote

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers

Lanzarote is unlike anywhere else, with volcanic landscapes dramatically shaped by eruptions between 1730 and 1736. Timanfaya National Park is the island’s star attraction, with its Mars-like terrain, vast lava fields, and geothermal activity that still heats the ground beneath the surface. While geyser-like eruptions are created artificially for demonstrations, the intense underground heat is real, reaching up to 600°C just a few meters below.

Artist and architect César Manrique played a huge role in preserving Lanzarote’s natural beauty, seamlessly blending architecture with nature in places like Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave system featuring an underground concert hall, restaurant, and salt lake.

Hidden Gem: Jardín de Cactus, an extraordinary botanical garden featuring over 4,500 cacti from five continents, beautifully arranged in a volcanic amphitheater.

4. Fuerteventura

Best for: Beach lovers, surfers, solitude seekers

Fuerteventura is home to the best beaches in the Canary Islands, with miles of golden sand and clear waters. Corralejo Natural Park is a dream for beach lovers, featuring rolling dunes that meet the ocean, while the wild and remote Cofete Beach offers dramatic coastal scenery against a backdrop of towering cliffs.

Inland, the historic town of Betancuria showcases a quieter, more traditional side of the island, with whitewashed buildings and a peaceful atmosphere. A short boat ride away, Isla de Lobos provides an escape into untouched nature, perfect for snorkeling, hiking, and spotting marine life.

Hidden Gem: Ajuy Caves, ancient sea caves that date back millions of years.

5. La Palma

Best for: Hikers, stargazers, and geology enthusiasts

La Palma is one of the greenest Canary Islands, with cloud forests, deep ravines, and some of the world’s clearest night skies. Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a hiker’s dream, featuring lush valleys, waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints over a vast volcanic crater.

High above, Roque de los Muchachos Observatory offers an unrivaled stargazing experience, with some of the clearest skies in the world. The island also has a new landscape to explore, thanks to the 2021 volcanic eruption, which reshaped parts of the coastline and even created new dive sites.

Hidden Gem: Fuencaliente salt flats, a striking landscape where sea salt is harvested against a volcanic backdrop.

6. La Gomera, El Hierro & La Graciosa

Best for: Hikers, eco-travelers, slow travelers

These lesser-known Canary Islands offer peace, nature, and authenticity, making them ideal for travelers who prefer to escape the crowds. La Gomera is a hiker’s paradise, with Garajonay National Park’s misty laurel forests and dramatic mountain trails leading to cliffside villages.

El Hierro is a paradise for eco-travelers, and it’s also home to some of the best scuba diving in the Canary Islands. The waters around La Restinga are home to the first marine national park in Spain and are known for their exceptional visibility and thriving marine biodiversity.

La Graciosa, officially the eighth Canary Island, remains almost untouched by modern development. With no paved roads, it’s perfect for slow travelers who want to cycle along sandy paths, kayak through pristine waters, and relax on quiet beaches.

Hidden Gems: El Hierro’s Charco Azul is a beautiful natural swimming pool with crystal-clear water and stunning surroundings.

Best Time to Visit the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a year-round destination, thanks to their mild climate. However:

• Spring (March – May) & Autumn (September – November) – Best for hiking and avoiding peak crowds.

• Summer (June – August) – Ideal for beach lovers, but some islands can be hot.

• Winter (December – February) – A warm escape from colder countries, but some areas can be windy.

This article was written by Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI.