{"id":1063,"count":10,"description":"","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/spain\/canary-islands","name":"Things to do in Canary Islands","slug":"canary-islands","taxonomy":"category","parent":826,"meta":{"winalist_lat":"28.1235","winalist_lng":"-15.4363"},"acf":{"short_region_name":"Canary Islands","region_id":51,"h1":"Things to Do in the Canary Islands: 15 Best Places to Visit","subtitle":"","term_author":17,"term_co_authors":"","term_published":"2025-07-18 00:00:00","term_last_updated":"2026-07-21 18:15:29","tldr_title":"The essentials for visiting the Canary Islands","tldr_content":"<ul>\r\n \t<li>Seven islands, three landscapes: volcanic east, mountainous center, green west \u2014 pick your combination before booking flights.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Teide's cable car climbs to 3,555m on Tenerife \u2014 Spain's highest point, and one of its strangest skylines.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Timanfaya's lava fields on Lanzarote look lunar enough that camel rides across them feel entirely reasonable.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>La Palma's Roque de los Muchachos observatory sits under some of the clearest night skies in Europe.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Gran Canaria hides a wine route around Las Palmas \u2014 a quieter, cooler-climate layer most visitors never expect.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","link_to_wl_landing_page":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/regions\/canary-islands","override_cta_in_quick_access":"Best Canary Island Wine Tours","intro":"<p>Fly into Tenerife and you're at the foot of a volcano; fly into Fuerteventura, an hour away by ferry, and you're on a wind-scoured dune. That's the real story of the Canary Islands: seven islands that barely resemble each other.<\/p>\r\n<p>The best things to do here span all of them \u2014 hike Teide's crater on Tenerife, cross Timanfaya's lava fields on Lanzarote, walk the dunes of Maspalomas on Gran Canaria, watch dolphins off La Gomera, or stargaze from La Palma's Roque de los Muchachos. Each island rewards a different kind of trip \u2014 here's how to tell them apart.<\/p>","best_hosts_title":"Gran Canaria's wine route: volcanic soils, cool ridges","best_hosts_content":"Gran Canaria's vineyards climb the island's central highlands, mostly above 400m, where volcanic soil and Atlantic breezes keep grapes cooler than the beach resorts below would suggest. The island counts its own Denominaci\u00f3n de Origen \u2014 Gran Canaria DO \u2014 covering both reds and whites, with List\u00e1n Negro, List\u00e1n Blanco and Malvas\u00eda among the traditional grapes still grown on terraces cut into the hillsides. Tastings at small family estates typically run affordable and informal, often paired with local cheese, and a growing number now welcome visitors by appointment. For travelers building this into their trip, a canary island wine tour is the most direct way to taste the archipelago's least-known landscape without guesswork.","things_to_do_content":"<h2><!-- wp:heading --><\/h2>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the best 10 things to do in the Canary Islands?<\/h2>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3><\/h3>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1- Admire nature at Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41703,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41703\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29084254\/adobestock-281964338-1500x656.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nStep into another planet, no space suit required. Timanfaya National Park in <strong>Lanzarote<\/strong> is one of the most surreal spots in the Canary Islands, showcasing jagged lava fields, fire-red craters, and steaming earth that hints at the molten activity just below the surface. Formed by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century, the park covers more than 50 square kilometers of pure Martian-like terrain. Hop on a guided bus tour, witness geyser-like geothermal demos at Islote de Hilario, and grab a bite at El Diablo restaurant, where your food is cooked over volcanic heat. It\u2019s not just a national park, it\u2019s a front-row seat to the raw power that shaped the entire archipelago.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2- Climb the heights of Teide National Park<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41704,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41704\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29084607\/adobestock-123916396-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nTowering at 3,715 meters, Mount Teide isn\u2019t just Spain\u2019s highest peak, it\u2019s the crown jewel of<strong> Tenerife <\/strong>and the star of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park\u2019s dramatic volcanic landscapes look like something out of a sci-fi film, with rugged lava flows, bizarre rock formations, and rare plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Take the cable car up for jaw-dropping views over the island (and even across to La Gomera or Gran Canaria on a clear day), or lace up your boots and conquer the summit the old-school way.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3- Step back in time in La Laguna<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41705,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41705\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29085026\/adobestock-166783916-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n<strong>San Crist\u00f3bal de La Laguna<\/strong>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the proud home of the University of La Laguna, is one of Tenerife\u2019s most atmospheric cities. Stroll its cobbled streets lined with pastel-colored mansions, lively tapas bars, and boutique shops, all steeped in centuries of history. This northern gem blends colonial elegance with student energy, making it a perfect stop if you want culture, cuisine, and charm all in one walkable city center.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4- Bask under the sun in Maspalomas<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41706,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41706\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29085244\/adobestock-232393188-1500x999.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Gran Canaria\u2019s Maspalomas Dunes<\/strong> offer a striking mix of desert drama and coastal beauty. These golden sand hills, shaped by wind and time, roll down toward the sparkling Atlantic and are part of a protected natural reserve. Just steps from the buzz of the nearby resort town, the dunes also provide a quiet refuge for migratory birds. Come at sunset for unforgettable views as the sky turns gold behind the 19th-century Maspalomas lighthouse, pure magic in one of the island\u2019s most iconic spots.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5- Island-hop to La Palma\u2019s Roque de los Muchachos<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41707,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41707\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29085447\/adobestock-375828865-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nOn La Palma, known as \u201cLa Isla Bonita\u201d for its lush beauty, the Roque de los Muchachos rises above the clouds as one of Spain\u2019s highest peaks. At over 2,400 meters, it\u2019s home to world-class astronomical observatories and offers some of the clearest night skies in Europe, making it a dream for stargazers. During the day, explore the surrounding Caldera de Taburiente National Park, where hiking trails weave through ancient forests, volcanic cliffs, and ravines that open onto dramatic coastal views. It\u2019s nature, stars, and adventure, all in one breathtaking spot.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6- Relax on Playa de Las Teresitas near Santa Cruz de Tenerife<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41708,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41708\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29091219\/adobestock-1175963237-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nJust a short drive from <strong>Santa Cruz <\/strong>de Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas is one of the island\u2019s most beloved beaches. Unlike Tenerife\u2019s typical black-sand shores, this wide stretch of golden sand was imported from the Sahara, giving it a postcard-perfect look. Lined with palm trees and lapped by calm, turquoise waters, it\u2019s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply unwinding with a view. Plus, its location near the capital means you can pair your beach day with visits to nearby restaurants, shops, and cultural spots in Santa Cruz.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7- Discover the capital charm of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41709,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41709\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29091353\/adobestock-239983418-1500x935.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nIn <strong>Las Palmas<\/strong>, Gran Canaria\u2019s lively capital, history, shopping, and sunshine come together seamlessly. Stroll through the charming old quarter of Vegueta with its colonial architecture and centuries-old churches, then head to the trendy Triana district for boutique shopping and vibrant caf\u00e9s. Enjoy fresh seafood at bustling markets or catch a live show in one of the city's theaters. If you're lucky enough to visit during Carnival, get ready for one of Spain\u2019s most dazzling celebrations. Las Palmas also balances its cultural richness with beachside bliss, Las Canteras beach is just minutes from the center. The city offers exceptional wine tasting in Las Palmas, discover the flavors of volcanic soil at nearby wineries, where native grape varieties shine in every glass, paired with delicious Canarian cuisine for a truly immersive local experience.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nDon't miss our guide on the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/canary-islands\/las-palmas-de-gran-canaria-things-to-do\">things to do in La Palmas de Gran Canaria<\/a>!\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8- Uncover volcanic secrets in the Lava Tunnels of Jameos del Agua<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41710,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41710\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29091609\/adobestock-158542068-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nWhen you visit Lanzarote, don\u2019t skip the Jameos del Agua, arguably one of the island\u2019s most jaw-dropping attractions. Designed by the visionary local artist C\u00e9sar Manrique, this masterpiece blends volcanic geology with sleek architecture. What was once a lava tunnel has been transformed into a dreamy cultural space with lush greenery, a turquoise pool (no swimming, sadly!), and a natural concert hall with perfect acoustics. You can even spot a rare species of blind albino crabs in the underground lake. It\u2019s a magical fusion of nature, design, and pure Lanzarote flair.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9- Go whale and dolphin watching off southern Tenerife<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41711,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41711\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29091655\/adobestock-1332882954-1500x998.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nSouthern Tenerife, especially around Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, is one of the top spots in Europe for unforgettable marine life encounters. Hop on a catamaran or eco-friendly boat tour and sail through the warm Atlantic waters to spot resident bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales up close, sometimes even sperm whales if you're lucky. These year-round excursions are a must-do for nature lovers and provide a front-row seat to Tenerife\u2019s rich ocean biodiversity, all while surrounded by stunning coastal views.\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/h2>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10- Capture panoramic views at Mirador del R\u00edo in Lanzarote<\/h3>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {\"id\":41712,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} --><\/h2>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41712\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29093255\/adobestock-105239796-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\nMirador del R\u00edo, perched on the Risco de Famara cliffs in northern Lanzarote, offers jaw-dropping views over the island of La Graciosa and the surrounding Chinijo Archipelago. Designed by the visionary C\u00e9sar Manrique, this scenic viewpoint blends seamlessly into the volcanic rock, creating an architectural masterpiece that enhances rather than competes with nature. Inside, panoramic windows frame the Atlantic like a living painting, while the outdoor terrace delivers one of the most dramatic vistas in all the Canary Islands. It\u2019s a must for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone chasing that \u201cwow\u201d moment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Descend into Caldera de Taburiente National Park, La Palma<\/h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-60182\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21180918\/shutterstock-2732780477-1500x1001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"513\" \/>\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n\r\nThis national park protects a vast eroded volcanic crater ringed by pine forest, with trails dropping from the rim down to streams at the base. It's one of the more demanding hikes in the archipelago, best done as a full day out from the coast.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Walk the laurel forest of Garajonay National Park, La Gomera<\/h3>\r\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":41713,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41713\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29093412\/adobestock-475556578-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n\r\nGarajonay National Park preserves a laurisilva forest \u2014 a relic ecosystem that once covered much of southern Europe and now survives mainly here, kept damp by near-constant cloud cover. Trails wind through moss-covered trees that feel closer to a rainforest than a Spanish island.\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\r\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. Wander Las Palmas' old town and Las Canteras beach<\/h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-60184\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21181225\/shutterstock-2263715589.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1442\" height=\"1080\" \/>\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n\r\nLas Palmas de Gran Canaria pairs a historic core \u2014 Vegueta, with its cathedral and colonial-era streets \u2014 with Las Canteras, a nearly 3km urban beach protected by a natural reef. It's also where the island's wine tourism connects most easily to a city stay, and a wine tasting las palmas visit fits comfortably into a half-day between the old town and the seafront.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. Explore El Hierro's volcanic coastline<\/h3>\r\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":41714,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img class=\"wp-image-41714\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/29095203\/adobestock-1327870343-1500x1000.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n\r\nThe smallest and least-visited of the main islands, El Hierro offers dramatic cliff roads, natural rock pools for swimming, and a marine reserve at La Restinga popular with divers.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15. Ride the cable car or hike Anaga's laurel forest, Tenerife<\/h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-60183\" src=\"https:\/\/images.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21181112\/shutterstock-2229600775-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" \/>\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n\r\nNorth of Santa Cruz, the Anaga rural park holds another pocket of ancient laurisilva forest, with ridge trails offering views down to hidden black-sand coves.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\r\n<h2><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/h2>\r\n<blockquote>Distances between islands mean inter-island ferries or short flights are usually necessary \u2014 factor transfer time into any multi-island plan.<\/blockquote>","title_for_cities_in_the_wine_region":"The must-see cities of the Canary Islands","text_for_cities_in_the_wine_region":"Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are the archipelago's two largest cities, both functioning as regional capitals with working ports, museums, and their own carnival traditions. Arrecife on Lanzarote and Puerto del Rosario on Fuerteventura serve as smaller, more functional gateways to their islands' coastlines. For travelers based in Gran Canaria's capital, wine tasting las palmas experiences offer an easy way to combine city time with a taste of the island's highland vineyards without leaving the metro area for long.","villages_content":"","title_itineraries":"Our itineraries for visiting the Canary Islands","text_itineraries":"A long weekend suits a single island \u2014 Tenerife for Teide and the north coast, or Gran Canaria for Las Palmas and the southern dunes. A week allows two islands paired by ferry or short flight, such as Tenerife and La Gomera, or Lanzarote and Fuerteventura for the volcanic east. Travelers with ten days or more can realistically combine three islands, building in a stop for a canary island wine tour on Gran Canaria's highlands as a change of pace from beaches and lava fields.","when_visit":"<p>The islands' subtropical climate keeps temperatures mild year-round, which is part of why the destination works outside the usual European summer window.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Spring<\/strong> brings comfortable hiking temperatures across Teide and Garajonay national parks, with wildflowers on the volcanic slopes.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Summer<\/strong> suits beach time and watersports at Famara and Corralejo, though inland hikes are hotter and best started early.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Autumn<\/strong> keeps sea temperatures warm for whale and dolphin watching off La Gomera, with fewer crowds than midsummer.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Winter<\/strong> remains mild enough for hiking and stargazing at Roque de los Muchachos, and is generally considered among the best months to visit for travelers avoiding heat.<\/p>","how_visit":"<p><strong>By train<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>No rail link serves the islands directly; mainland Spain connections stop at coastal ports for ferry transfers.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>By car<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Not applicable for reaching the islands themselves; car ferries run from C\u00e1diz to Tenerife and Las Palmas for those bringing a vehicle from mainland Spain.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>By plane<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Direct flights serve Tenerife (north and south airports), Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura from major European cities; smaller islands connect via regional flights from Tenerife or Gran Canaria.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>Getting around<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Inter-island ferries (including Lineas Bluebird and other operators) and short regional flights connect the islands; car rental is the most practical way to explore each island's interior, with buses and guided excursions as alternatives.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","hotels_visit":"<p><strong>Charming hotels<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Historic hotel in La Laguna, Tenerife<\/li>\r\n<li>Boutique stay in Las Palmas' Vegueta district, Gran Canaria<\/li>\r\n<li>Coastal hotel near Playa Blanca, Lanzarote<\/li>\r\n<li>Small hotel in San Sebasti\u00e1n, La Gomera<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>Guesthouses in the vineyards<\/strong> Gran Canaria's highland villages around Tejeda and Valleseco hold a handful of rural guesthouses set among terraced vines and almond groves, a quieter alternative to coastal resorts and a natural base for exploring the island's wine route.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Living the Canary Islands differently<\/strong> Rural stays on El Hierro or La Palma put travelers closer to national parks and dark skies than any coastal resort can, while a night or two on car-free La Graciosa strips the trip down to sand tracks and beaches reached on foot.<\/p>","display_map":true,"map_title":"","map_widget_link":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/affiliate\/widget?partner=14&type=map&lat=28.2915637&lng=-16.6291304&location=Canary%20Islands,%20Spain&locale=en_US\">https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/affiliate\/widget?partner=14&type=map&lat=28.2915637&lng=-16.6291304&location=Canary%20Islands,%20Spain&locale=en_US<\/a>","other_images_for_term":"","title_faq":"Good to know before visiting the Canary Islands","text_before_faq":"","acf-repeater-faq":[{"faq_question":"How many days do you need to see the Canary Islands?","faq_answer":"A single island can fill a long weekend, but seeing more than one properly \u2014 factoring in ferry or flight transfers \u2014 takes a week or longer. Ten days allows a realistic combination of three islands."},{"faq_question":"What is the best island to see volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands?","faq_answer":"Lanzarote's Timanfaya National Park and Tenerife's Teide National Park are the two most striking volcanic landscapes in the archipelago, each reachable by guided tour or, on Teide, partly on foot."},{"faq_question":"Where can you see whales and dolphins in the Canary Islands?","faq_answer":"The channel between La Gomera and Tenerife holds resident pilot whale and dolphin pods year-round, making it the archipelago's most consistent whale-watching area."},{"faq_question":"Is wine tourism a real activity in the Canary Islands?","faq_answer":"Yes \u2014 Gran Canaria's highland villages produce wine under their own Denominaci\u00f3n de Origen, and a canary island wine tour is an easy way to add this layer to a Gran Canaria stay."},{"faq_question":"What is the best national park to visit in the Canary Islands?","faq_answer":"Teide (Tenerife), Timanfaya (Lanzarote), Garajonay (La Gomera) and Caldera de Taburiente (La Palma) each protect a different landscape \u2014 volcanic summit, lava field, laurel forest, and eroded crater respectively."},{"faq_question":"Which Canary Island is best for stargazing?","faq_answer":"La Palma, home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, is recognized for some of the clearest night skies in Europe, thanks to low light pollution and altitude."},{"faq_question":"What are the best months to visit the Canary Islands?","faq_answer":"Thanks to a mild subtropical climate, the islands work year-round, though winter and spring suit hiking and outdoor sightseeing best, while summer favors beaches and watersports."}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/1063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/taxonomies\/category"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/826"}],"acf:user":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"wp:post_type":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts?categories=1063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}