When visiting the stunning Canary Islands, sunshine is almost guaranteed. These Spanish islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just 100 km west of Morocco, boast over 3,000 hours of favourable warm rays a year. While this pleasing climate attracts many visitors from the UK, the Canary Islands have much more to offer than sunshine alone. Its unique and spectacular landscapes, intriguing heritage and welcoming culture make these islands utterly enticing to explore. Below, we share 4 fantastic walks that allow you to discover more of the delights the Canary Islands have to offer.
Attracting fewer tourists than some of its sister islands, La Gomera offers a quiet charm and allure that is perfect for walkers. Our Walking in La Gomera trip takes you from east to west across the island’s north to discover its rugged ravines, verdant forest-capped hillsides and traditional Gomeran villages.
Explore La Gomera’s extensive Natural Park encompassing the most spectacular cloud forests and waterfalls. Rising above it all is La Gomera’s highest peak on the island, the imposing Alto de Garajonay mountain. Meanwhile, the laurel forests that cover over 70% of the park provide homes for a plethora of flora and fauna.
The picturesque Gomeran villages embody the traditions of centuries. Walking amidst the terraced landscapes and cultivated fields, you’ll be joined by passing herds of goats and flocks of sheep, providing company as you soak up the peacefulness of this enchanting island.
La Palma is known as Isla Bonita or the ‘beautiful island’ for good reason. As the greenest island of the Canary Islands archipelago, its lush forests of pine laurel and eucalyptus, colourful wildflower meadows, almond groves and vineyards are a feast for the eyes.
La Palma is full of drama too, with the intricately carved rugged sea cliffs and sweeping gorges marking signs of the tremendous strength of its surrounding ocean waters.
Our Walk the Bonita Island of La Palma trip provides the opportunity to encounter all of this splendour and more. Circle the very rim of the Caldera de Taburiente, the largest water erosion crater in the world, surrounded by deep ravines and ancient Canarian pine forests. In this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you’ll find an abundance of geological and biological diversity. You can also enjoy some of the island’s best views from here. With viewpoints at over 2,000m, you can take in breathtaking panoramas as far as the eye can see.
Be sure to also take the trail leading you through the 13 mysterious natural tunnels to the Marcos y Cordero springs. As you emerge, you’ll be greeted by rushing waterfalls and magnificent views of the laurel forest.
The island of El Hierro is a well-kept secret. Visited by those seeking to discover its paradisal natural wonders, it attracts walkers and diving enthusiasts wishing to escape the crowds and revel in its sublime tranquillity.
El Hierro is one of the smallest and westernmost Canary Islands, with a population of just over 6,500. It’s an island that retains a distinct feel; the people are proud of their heritage and traditions and welcome visitors who appreciate their preservation.
Our Highlights of El Hierro Walk showcases the island’s striking landscapes and viewpoints: its picturesque escarpments, volcanic ash cones, and lava flows. Following the crest of these escarpments, you’ll reach the vantage point of Mirador of Jinama. At 1,250 metres above sea level, it provides expansive views of the island, its rolling vineyards and pineapple and banana plantations.
You’ll also have the chance to explore the pastoral plateau of La Dehesa. In this contrasting landscape, you’ll find the remarkable, distorted tree of El Sabinar, one of the island’s emblems. Finally, a trip to El Hierro is only complete with a visit to its famous coastline. Follow shoreside trails to explore the harbour village of La Restinga and the picturesque cove of Tacoron. Then, finish with a swim in the crystal-clear Atlantic waters.
Our fifth wonderful walk is our Walking in El Hierro trip, which also showcases the fascinating island of El Hierro, offering a more cultural perspective. With these routes, you can uncover the stories behind El Hierro’s significant sites, such as the Sacred Tree, the abandoned village of La Albarrada and the religious site of Ermita de la Virgen.
Led by ancient paths, you’ll get a genuine appreciation of the island’s traditions, passing through terraced farmland and following in the footsteps of El Hierro’s traditional procession that traverses the island once every four years. Walk amongst beautiful Canarian Pine woodlands, aromatic bay laurel and prickly pear, discovering the ancient twisted junipers and quiet enclosed harbours, where you can pause for a well-earned drink.
The Canary Islands may be fabulous beach holiday destinations, but take a closer look, and you’ll discover that they offer a whole lot more intrigue that makes for wonderful walking breaks.
If this has inspired you to start planning a trip to the Canary Islands take a look at our holidays here.
