7 islands and 7 different personalities, the Canary Islands are a haven of natural attractions. Created from volcanic descent, the landscapes on the islands are bold and beautiful to say the least and they make for an inspiring holiday destination. With the recent and abrupt change in temperature that the end of summer brings, many of us are starting to look toward sunnier escapes to give us a fix of winter sunshine. The Canary Islands are the ideal destination with warm temperatures all the way through the year. So, take a look at the natural wonders of the Canary Islands and consider spending your winter break here, surrounded by stunning natural wonders.
Mount Teide, Tenerife
Diverse attractions, brilliant beaches and buzzing bars make Tenerife a prime destination for many. Look beyond the souvenir shops and jugs of sangria however and you will find that all of this lies in the shadow of stunning Mount Teide, a natural wonder not just of Tenerife but the whole of Europe. This sleeping beauty stands at a whopping height of 12,198ft, delivering stunning views across Tenerife itself and the surrounding islands. It’s difficult to describe the respect this giant demands until you see it first-hand but it definitely deserves to be considered as one of the natural wonders of the Canary Islands. Ride up in the cable car for the very best experience!
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
Home to the Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego), Timanfaya National Park is a defining area of Lanzarote. With a red, lunar like landscape, it’s almost like what you would imagine Mars to look like but of course it’s right here on earth and is the result of epic volcanic eruptions which took place in 18th century. What appears from a distance to be a dead landscape is actually home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna and this combined with tours of the volcanoes, the famous El Diablo restaurant where food is cooked using geothermal heat and impressive steam shows make this an unmissable element of any holiday to Lanzarote.
Garajonay, La Gomera
La Gomera is well known as the greenest of all the Canary Islands and with the stunning Garajonay National Park at its core, it’s a very appropriate description. The national park is comprised of an ancient evergreen forest, packed with walking and hiking trails which criss-cross beneath the canopy and are punctuated by huge rock formations. The various springs and streams flowing through the park make it a lush and peaceful area that you shouldn’t miss during a trip to La Gomera.
Corralejo Natural Park, Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is the island which boasts the very best beaches so it comes as no surprise that the stunning Corralejo Natural Park is worthy of inclusion here! Fine, golden sands fringe the water line for 11km so for fun in the sun you won’t be disappointed. It’s the sand dunes which really make Corralejo Natural Park special though; spreading for miles with volcanoes as your backdrop, it is simply a fascinating sight.
Caldera de Bandama, Gran Canaria
The busiest of all the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is a blend of natural beauty and classic holiday resorts. With so much to see and do you will soon fill your time but be sure to hop in your car and embark on an interesting drive to the centre of the island to uncover the impressive Caldera de Bandama. Twists and turns pave the way to this 1,000m wide crater that drops to a depth of 200m. Having had your fill of this natural marvel, drive up the Pico de Bandama and stop at the viewing platform where incredible views of the entire north and east coast await you!
Playa del Verodal, El Hierro
Easily overlooked, El Hierro is one of the smallest islands and its lack of popularity ensures any trip here will focus on one thing; peace and quiet, not to mention the abundance of untouched natural beauty of course. Just about anywhere you go on this island will not disappoint, however one extra special natural wonder is Playa del Verodal; a beach located on the northern shores. Adorned in rich, red sand and backed by rocky cliffs, this remote beach is as unusual as it is beautiful.
Los Tilos Walk, La Palma
If La Palma is the island for you, be sure to tackle the Los Tilos Walk. Similar to the Levada Walks on the Portuguese island of Madeira, the Los Tilos Walk slices through the gorge of the same name, winding through lush rainforest filled with eclectic species of flora and fauna, many of which are unique to this area. Undoubtedly one of the prime hiking areas across the entire chain of Canary Islands, this is the perfect place to get back to basics and enjoy a walk in the wilderness.
This is merely an introduction to the natural wonders of the Canary Islands; travel here yourself and you will definitely come home with a very full camera, filled with gorgeous landscapes and breathtaking photos from this lovely part of the world!
Canary Islands is full of natural wonders that everyone will surely amazed. An island that captures every visitor’s heart. Plenty of natural wonders that you can enjoy as well as learning their culture and so much more. A highly recommended place for everyone.