The Canary Islands are often seen as just a sunny beach destination, but did you know they’re also a hiker’s dream? I spent nearly two months hopping between the islands, exploring their many hiking trails. I missed out on El Hierro this time, but I got to experience a lot of what the Canaries have to offer hikers. If you’re planning a hiking trip, I highly recommend checking out La Palma and La Gomera. These islands have a wide variety of trails and are less developed for tourism. However, there are fantastic hikes all over the Canaries waiting to be discovered.
Here are some of the top hikes I’ve done:
-
Taganana to Tamadite, Tenerife: This trail in the Anaga Mountains takes you from the historic town of Taganana along the rugged coast to Playa de Tamadite. The views of the cliffs and ocean are breathtaking, making it a must-do four-hour hike in Tenerife.
-
Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria: This iconic landmark in Gran Canaria holds historical significance and offers a fantastic circular hike starting from the mountain town of Tejeda. The hike provides stunning views and a glimpse into the island’s past.
-
Chinamada, Tenerife: Explore the unique town of Chinamada with its cave houses and panoramic views of the Anaga Mountains. This area is perfect for various hikes, including a scenic walk down to Punta del Hidalgo on the coast.
-
Pico de la Nieve, La Palma: Discover the beauty of La Palma with a hike to Pico de la Nieve, offering panoramic views above the clouds and a chance to spot endangered Canarian ravens.
-
Garajonay National Park, La Gomera: Dive into the lush cloud forests of La Gomera’s Biosphere Reserve at the heart of the island. El Cedro provides access to several enchanting hikes, including a lovely walk to the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes.
-
Los Tilos, La Palma: Immerse yourself in the jungle-like forests of Los Tilos, known for its mystical setting that even attracted the production of The Witcher. Explore the waterfall and dry river canyon for a unique hiking experience.
-
National Park of the Caldera, La Palma: Trek through the impressive volcanic crater of Caldera de Taburiente for a challenging yet rewarding hike. The area offers various routes, including a nine-hour hike or a shorter trail from Mirador de la Cumbrecita.
-
Teno Park, Tenerife: Experience the beauty of Teno Rural Park with a scenic circular hike starting from El Palmar. The trail offers stunning mountain views and a glimpse of La Gomera in the distance.
-
The barrancos of La Gomera: Explore the charming gorges of La Gomera, particularly near Playa Santiago, for a delightful hike through varied landscapes and interesting landmarks.
-
Trekking all across La Palma: Embark on the GR-131 trail that crosses La Palma from north to south, offering a multi-day trek with incredible views of the island’s diverse landscapes and natural wonders.
These hikes showcase the diverse beauty of the Canary Islands and provide unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and hikers alike.
