Top 13 incredible attractions you must visit in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are one of the most famous destinations in Spain. It attracts visitors from all over the world. Moreover, it includes four largest islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria. Each one is different but they have in common their volcanic origins, national parks, water sports, hiking, and beautiful white sand Atlantic beaches.

Here is our 13 attractions you must visit in the incredible Canary Islands:

Gran Canaria:

 

1- Las Palmas:

_{via – pinterest}

Las Palmas is an idyllic holiday destination and the largest Canaries city. Besides, it has many attractions for historic spots. You should peek inside the city’s centuries-old Cathedral de Santa Ana. Visiting the chapel of San Antonio Abad, the Plaza de Santa Ana bordered by the Casas Consistoriales, the Obispado, and the Casa Regental.

Moreover, do not forget the impressive museums. First, Christopher Columbus Museum (Casa de Colón). Where you can discover about Columbus´ trips to America and his stopovers in Las Palmas. Second, The Museo Canario contains the historic relics left by the former inhabitants of the island. Last, the Museum of Sacred Art (Museo de Arte Sacro) provides an exhibition of many religious works.

When most people think of beaches in Las Palmas. Playa de Las Canteras is the first that comes to mind, with three kilometers of golden sand and long walkway. Where you can find all facilities such as hotels, restaurants, bars and terrace bars. Guarded by a barrier reef, the waters are gentle and suitable for all ages. Also at nightfall, the beach becomes an excellent place for practicing all types of sport, or for a relaxing stroll. For shopping, you can go to the Calle Triana where you can find popular fashion brands and local boutiques.

 

2- Playa de Maspalomas:

_{via – hotelesdunas}

The Playa de Maspalomas is the most popular beaches. Situated on Gran Canaria’s southern edge. Besides, this beach divided into four areas. The first for families and kids. The third well knew with the gay community, and the second and the fourth are nudist zones.

At Maspalomas beach, there are three major things to discover. First, the Lighthouse of Maspalomas, located at the end of Meloneras promenade. In addition, The Canarian engineer Juan León y Castillo constructed it. The lighthouse is working since 1890 until today, considered an emblematic symbol from Gran Canaria Island.

Second, Maspalomas sand dunes named Special Nature Reserve. It has approximately 400 hectares of the surface. Last, Charca de Maspalomas is a type of oasis is also a Special Nature Reserve. Besides, a host of hotels and restaurants also backs it. And many find the area a good place to base a Canary Island vacation.

 

3- Roque Nublo :

_{via – hellocanaryislands}

Roque Nublo is a rock formation rising more than 250 feet into the sky on Gran Canaria in the Tejeda municipality. Besides, it is a product of a volcanic explosion and erosion after several million years. Also, it considered the third highest rock in the world which is located at the highest altitude.

Moreover, it translates as “Clouded Rock,” because on many occasions the clouds are below their level, standing out above them. Furthermore, next to this magnificent rock there are two other geological formations called “the frog” and “the friar” and there is much more to discover like going through the forests of Canarian pine, cross with small animals such as lizards and rabbits, and gaze at the exalted flight of hawks, kestrels or crows.

 

4- Caldera de Taburiente National Park :

_{via – canariasworld}

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park holds between 250 and 2426 m and situated on the island of La Palma in the archipelago of the Canary Islands. Besides, this magnificent park surrounded by volcanic peaks lined with streams and waterfalls and peppered with pine groves.

One of the most famous ways to discover the park is to hike one of its many roads, though you can also just drive up one of its peaks like El Roque de Los Muchachos.

 

Tenerife:

 

5- Santa Cruz:

_{via – lavozdeasturias}

Santa Cruz is the capital of Tenerife is a vibrant and impressive city.  It is well known by some magnificent architectural attractions. The greatest one is the outstanding Tenerife Auditorium. Planed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Besides, it is an opera house and concert hall overlooking the sea. It holds  world-class performers, conductors, orchestras, and other cultural highlights.

Moreover, the Museum of Fine Arts is another attraction in Santa Cruz. t includes the best collections by different painters as Spanish, Flemish, and Canarian. As well as, at the captivating Museum of Nature and Man, you can discover more about Tenerife’s native people before the arrival of European settlers as well about the volcanic history of the island. Close to the museum, there is the crowded Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa is a good place to find local crafts.

Santa Cruz is where the Canaries’ most popular event. The annual carnival marked by lavish parades, shows, and extravagant costumes. Also the best shopping with all the famous brands at Spanish prices.

 

6- Loro Park:

_{via – getyourguide}

If you are looking for things to do in Tenerife, then here is one of the most popular attractions called Loro Park. It located outside of Puerto de la Cruz and has a 33-acre park that holds all sorts of animals. With more than 200 penguins, over 350 kinds of parrots, sloths, and even meerkats and unforgettable shows that even adult are sure to enjoy.

This wildlife park has one of the world’s biggest collections of parrots, a large dolphinarium, and an immense aquarium with an underwater tunnel with 1,200,000 liters of water. That come from the Atlantic Ocean and 12 thematic exhibitions, where you can walk as sharks and other sea creatures swim overhead.

As well as a Large Planet Penguin in the world creates real snow and a huge iceberg, a bat cave, a gorilla jungle, and various exotic animals including tigers and crocodiles, fill the large park.

 

7- Parque Nacional del Teide :

_{via – lavanguardia}

The national park is the oldest and largest in the Canary Islands. It is home to Spain’s highest peak named Mount Teide and the world’s third-largest volcano. That is currently dormant and rising 12,198 feet into the sky. Besides, it is one of the most famous leisures for visitors, with views spanning the surrounding islands.

Even from ground level, the park’s rugged landscape is impressive. A geological wonder featuring an expanse of tough lava fields, old calderas, and volcanic peaks extend over 18,900 hectares.

Moreover, the park includes the 3,135m Pico Viejo volcano, the distinctive Roques de García rock formations, and a distinctive assortment of native flora and fauna, containing rare insects such as the Tenerife lizard and a magnificent collection of birds, like Egyptian vultures, sparrow hawks, and red kite.

 

Lanzarote:

 

8- Cueva de Los Verdes :

_{via – traveler}

Cueva de Los Verdes is one of the most famous coves to discover its hidden wonders in the depths of Lanzarote. Besides, the locals who needed shelter to protect themselves from invasions and pirates used it as a hiding place.

Moreover, this seven-kilometer-long volcanic tube expands from La Coruna Mountain to the sea. In addition, these tubes formed when the surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened while the molten river of lava still flowed beneath it. When the subterranean lava vacated into the ocean, it left the hollow tube deep underground.

You can enter the caves throughout a “Jameo” means a hole created by the collapse of a thin place in the roof of the lava tube. The stone of the walls is red, orange, and black formed by compounds such as iron oxide and calcium carbonate in the stone.

 

9- Papagayo Beach :

_{via – pinterest}

Papagayo Beach is one of the most popular golden sand beaches. With turquoise water lining Lanzarote’s southern coast. Besides, Papagayo beach is the first choice for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. In addition, it lies within the Los Ajaches Natural Park and largely regarded as one of the island’s most magnificent beaches.

Papagayo Beach combined with experiencing the five neighboring beaches: Playa de Afe, Playa de Mujeres, Playa Pozo, Playa de Afe, and Playa de la Cera linked by a coastal walk, which runs all the way from Punta Papagayo to Playa Blanca, and are popular for their fine sands, warm, clear waters and abundance of exotic fish.

 

10- Atlantic Museum :

_{via – bouger-voyager}

Atlantic Museum is the first underwater museum in Europe. Created by Jason de Caires Taylor with the purpose of raising public awareness about the importance of the conservation of marine environments. And promote the reproduction of native animals and plant life.

The museum can be found under the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Located 12 meters below the surface of the Atlantic ocean in Bahía de Las Coloradas. Furthermore, the underwater museum contains 12 displays all created with cement that safe enough to endure the ocean’s changing environment.

 

Fuerteventura:

 

11- The Corralejo Sand Dunes:

_{via – pescart}

Corralejo is one of the most famous holiday resorts in Fuerteventura. Located at the northern tip of the island. Just outside this fishing village lies the well-known Corralejo Natural Park, has been protected since 1994 and covers 2,600 hectares with 5 miles of beaches.

Moreover, its white sand and crystal clear waters stand out for its awesome dunes formed by the strong winds. That hit the island and makes up the largest dune system in the Canary Islands. In the southern part of the park is the Red Mountain, where you can get unparalleled panoramic views from the summit.

The municipality of Corralejo sometimes organizes different festivities on the beach, such as the Fuerteventura Kite Festival and music concerts. You can also rent surfboards and other water sports equipment on the beach.

 

12- COFETE BEACH:

_{via – thevoice}

Cofete Beach is one of the wildest beaches in Europe. Located in the south of Fuerteventura. This marvelous beach stretches more than 12 long and guarded by the enormous cliff face of the 800-meter-high mountain range of the Jandía Natural Park.

The first thing you will see at Cofete beach is the dazzling landscape. The second thing the extremely Atlantic Ocean caressing the coastline of a seemingly endless beach. The sheer size of this beach and its complicated access make it a relatively uncrowded beach.

 

13- BETANCURIA TOWN:

_{via – kyero}

Betancuria is a small town located in the western part of Fuerteventura. It was the island’s capital founded in the 15th by Jean de Bethencourt. However, it had the smallest population in Fuerteventura as well as all of the Canary Islands.

This incredible town has many places to discover like the Betancuria Archaeological Museum demonstrates the story of the ancient inhabitants of Fuerteventura. The Santa María church dates from the 15th century. If you want to see a starry sky the Majos and the Morro Velosa outlook are a must-see.