Enjoy the holiday paradise without the hustle and bustle.
The wait is over: many countries, including Austria and Germany, have recently stopped classifying the Canary Islands as a risk area. Conversely, this means that traveling to the fascinating archipelago in the Atlantic is finally possible again without any complications. Due to their proximity to the European mainland, the year-round mild climate and the variety of the different islands, the Canary Islands are considered a true vacation paradise. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of secret places on the seven islands. Hotspots to discover.
Gran Canaria shines with countless hours of sunshine, a vibrant nightlife and great variety. Because of the different landscapes on the island, Gran Canaria is often referred to as a mini-continent, combining massive rock faces, dry valleys, desert-like areas, wide sandy beaches, high dunes and plants from Europe, America and Africa. A real eye-catcher is the old Maspalomas lighthouse, which has been guiding ships off the coast of the island since 1890. In the Los Tilos de Moya laurel forest, guests can enjoy a series of panoramic circular hiking trails where the full power of nature can be felt.
When you land on Lanzarote, you feel transported to another world. The originality, especially with regard to volcanism, is reflected in breathtaking lunar and crater landscapes; black lava rock and ash form a wonderful contrast to the white houses and the deep blue sea off the coast. As the most beautiful beach on the island and perhaps even in the entire archipelago, Playa Mujeres is a real insider tip. The mostly natural beach consists of pebbles and sand - the sea is turquoise and crystal clear. The mystical rock formations of Guatiza are also worth a visit at any time. This bizarre place was once created by human hands and still enchants visitors with its spooky flair today.
As the smallest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro has remained largely untouched by mass tourism to this day. There are no large hotels, instead visitors stay in small casas or villas, usually with a fantastic view of the sea. Bathing opportunities are few and far between - the few natural pebble and sandy beaches are all the more beautiful, framed by impressive volcanic rock formations, with colorful sand or natural swimming pools. The Iglesia de la Concepción is the fortress church of the island's capital Valverde and, as one of the most magnificent buildings on El Hierro, is a must-see for all visitors to the island. The Faro de Orchilla lighthouse on the west coast of the island is no less impressive - In the past, this imposing building not only marked the westernmost point of the Canary Islands, but also of the then known world.
Beach, sun, sea, waves - Fuerteventura is not only the oldest Canary Island, but is also considered the bathing paradise of the archipelago. The comparatively flat landscape consists mainly of miles of wide sandy beaches, many of which exude Caribbean charm. The island is also one of the most popular surfing spots in the Canary Islands and divers appreciate the island for its numerous underground cave systems off the coast. The sun almost always shines on Fuerteventura, making the island a dream destination at any time of year. Holidaymakers will find the most beautiful village on the island in Betancuria. The sleepy municipality is both the smallest and the most historically significant place on Fuerteventura. If you are looking for even more relaxation, visit the caves of Los Molinos on the west coast of the island. There is no cell phone reception here - but a magnificent natural spectacle and plenty of fine sandy beaches.
The largest island in the Canary Islands promises vacation fun for young and old. Swimming, hiking, water sports, sightseeing - everything can be perfectly combined on Tenerife. The island's landscape is also diverse: impressive cliffs and mountain ranges including Spain's highest mountain, Pico el Teide, beautiful beaches, lush and flowering vegetation zones as well as fruit and vegetable plantations in the highlands make Tenerife an experience for all the senses. A special highlight is a dip in the lava pool in Garachico - The natural pool is located on the north coast of the island and was created by volcanic activity. No less worth seeing is the picturesque Playa de la Teita beach, which stretches for around one kilometer right next to the majestic volcanic cone Montaña Roja and is enchanting with its black sand.
The island of La Palma lives up to its name and is one thing above all: wonderfully green! Of course, the island also offers beautiful beaches with black volcanic sand, but due to the extremely steep coastline, the most north-western of the Canary Islands is only suitable for swimming to a limited extent. Instead, the island attracts holidaymakers who want to spend a few quiet days in a beautiful natural idyll and marvel at the forests, gorges and sea views on a dense network of well-developed hiking trails. An unknown hotspot on La Palma is the village of Santo Domingo de Garafia in the north of the island. Time seems to have stood still here - the village is full of ancient buildings and yet still has traditional charm. The smugglers' bay of Prois Candelaria also knows how to inspire: Simple little houses built close to the rock are clustered here in the shade of a rocky overhang around a picturesque stretch of coast.
La Gomera is an exotic paradise away from mass tourism and used to be considered a dropout and hippie stronghold. The island is correspondingly unspoiled for its visitors. Instead of huge hotel castles, La Gomera is dotted with small vacation homes and fincas all over the island, nestled in lush forests and colorful gardens and vast palm groves. In addition to a handful of beaches in the seaside resorts, there are hidden, deserted bays around the island that can only be reached on foot. From the Mirador de El Rejo viewpoint, holidaymakers can enjoy a unique panoramic view over the picturesque valley of Hermigua. Those who prefer to be enchanted by ancient myths can visit the Chorros de Epina spring instead. The place is a popular excursion destination for locals in summer and promises eternal love to anyone who drinks the water from the spring.
