The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, known for year-round mild weather, volcanic landscapes, and beaches across islands including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Canary Islands.
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1
Mount Teide & Teide National Park
Spain's highest peak (3718m) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A lunar landscape of volcanic craters, endemic flora, and extraordinary views. The cable car reaches 3555m.
Tip: Reserve the free summit permit online weeks or months in advance — the 200-daily-slot limit fills rapidly during Easter and summer · Purchase cable car tickets online before arriving; the car frequently sells out on peak days and queues at the station can be long · Bring warm layers even in summer — wind chill at 3555m can make temperatures feel near freezing · Arrive early to reach the cable car before cloud formations obscure summit views, typically before 10:00 · Allow 90 minutes for the Roques de García circuit after the cable car descent · Acclimatise at the caldera floor before attempting the summit permit trail to avoid altitude discomfort
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2
Maspalomas Dunes
A spectacular desert landscape of sand dunes at the southern tip of Gran Canaria, meeting the Atlantic Ocean. A protected nature reserve with iconic sunset views.
Tip: Enter from the Playa del Inglés end to avoid the heaviest tourist crowds near the Maspalomas hotel complex · Visit in the final hour before sunset for the best dune photography light and cooler temperatures · Wear closed shoes or sandals with straps — bare feet are uncomfortable on mid-day summer sand · Carry water for any walk exceeding 30 minutes; the interior dunes have no shade or facilities · The Charca lagoon is best observed from the perimeter path in the early morning before beach visitors arrive · A crosswind can make dune walking physically demanding; allow extra time and energy
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3
Timanfaya National Park
A vast field of solidified lava from the 1730–36 eruption covering a quarter of Lanzarote. Volcanic still-active geothermal activity, geysers, and the unique El Diablo restaurant.
Tip: Book park entry tickets online in advance — daily visitor numbers are capped and the park sells out during winter high season · The Ruta de los Volcanes coach tour is the only way to see the volcanic interior; the 35-minute duration cannot be shortened · Combine with Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes for a full-day Lanzarote geological itinerary · Arrive early to secure parking; the car park near the visitor centre fills by mid-morning on peak days · Sun protection is essential — the volcanic terrain has no shade whatsoever · Book the El Diablo restaurant in advance if planning lunch; it is popular and has limited covers
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4
Loro Parque
World-class wildlife park in Puerto de la Cruz with Europe's largest collection of parrots plus orcas, gorillas, tigers, sea lions, and crocodiles. One of Europe's best zoological parks.
Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to receive a discount and skip the entry queue at the gate · Arrive at opening time (08:30) to see the most active animals before midday heat slows them · Check the show timetable at the gate on arrival and plan the route around the main demonstrations · The park covers a large area; comfortable footwear is essential as a full visit involves several kilometres of walking · Families with young children should allow five or more hours to cover the main exhibits at a relaxed pace · The PlanetPenguin exhibit is significantly cooler than the rest of the park — bring a layer if visiting in winter
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5
Jameos del Agua
César Manrique's masterpiece — a volcanic lava tube transformed into a concert hall, art installation, and natural aquarium containing a blind albino crab endemic to this cave.
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to experience the underground lagoon with the fewest other visitors · Evening events (typically Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings) offer a dramatically different experience — check the schedule at the CACT ticket desk · Avoid flash photography near the jameíto crab lagoon, as flashes may disturb the light-sensitive endemic species · The descent into the lava tube involves steps and uneven rock surfaces; wear shoes with grip · Combine with Cueva de los Verdes, a few kilometres to the north, to cover both major Lanzarote lava tube attractions in one trip · Book tickets in advance during peak winter months when visitor numbers are highest
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6
Roque Nublo
A 65-metre volcanic monolith rising from the central mountains of Gran Canaria at 1813m. Sacred to the Guanche people and now Gran Canaria's most iconic symbol.
Tip: Park at the designated car park on the Tejeda–San Bartolomé road and follow the marked trail — roadside parking is prohibited · The path is exposed and unshaded; carry water and sun protection even in winter months · Clear conditions are most reliable in the morning before cloud builds around the central peaks in the afternoon · Wear sturdy footwear — the path surface is rocky and can be slippery after rain · Combine with a visit to Tejeda village and its traditional almond products and almond blossom festival in February
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7
Las Canteras Beach
Consistently ranked among Europe's best urban beaches, Las Canteras is a 3km arc of golden sand in Las Palmas with a natural reef (La Barra) creating safe, calm swimming.
Tip: Visit during weekday mornings in autumn or winter for the quietest beach conditions · The northern El Confital section is less crowded and has a more local atmosphere than the central tourist strip · Arriving before 10:00 in summer is advisable to secure preferred sun-lounger positions · The promenade restaurants offer some of Las Palmas' best fresh fish and seafood at city rather than resort prices · Water shoes are helpful near La Barra, where submerged volcanic rock can be sharp underfoot at low tide · City buses from the Las Palmas bus station serve the beach directly, avoiding the need to hire a car
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8
Garajonay National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting the ancient Laurisilva laurel forest — a relic ecosystem surviving from the Tertiary era. Atmospheric, misty, and extraordinary.
Tip: Bring a waterproof jacket regardless of weather at the coast — the park interior is frequently misty and wet · Start at the Juego de Bolas Visitor Centre to collect trail maps and check current path conditions · The trail to Alto de Garajonay summit is suitable for most walkers with moderate fitness · Arrive in the morning for the clearest summit views before afternoon trade-wind cloud closes in · La Gomera is reached by ferry from Los Cristianos in Tenerife; a full park visit works best as a day trip
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9
Corvo and Betancuria (Village)
Betancuria was Fuerteventura's original capital (1404–1835). A beautifully preserved village in a fertile valley with a 15th-century cathedral, archaeological museum, and total peace.
Tip: The village museums keep limited hours (typically Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00–18:00); verify locally before visiting · Combine Betancuria with the Mirador Morro Velosa viewpoint just outside the village on the road from Antigua · Weekday visits are quietest; weekend bus excursions from the coastal resorts can briefly crowd the church and museum · The village has a small selection of restaurants serving traditional Canarian food, including goat dishes and local cheese · The scenic mountain drive from Antigua through the pass is one of Fuerteventura's most rewarding road journeys
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10
Vegueta Historic Quarter
Las Palmas' UNESCO-recognised historic district with the 15th-century Santa Ana Cathedral, Casa de Colón (Columbus House), Museo Canario, and colourful colonial streets.
Tip: The Museo Canario is the most substantial museum in Vegueta; allow at least 90 minutes for the full collection · Plaza de Santa Ana is most atmospheric in the early morning before coach tour groups arrive mid-morning · The cathedral tower ascent offers some of the best elevated photography available over the old city · Most museums in the district are closed on Mondays — check current hours locally before planning the visit · Combine Vegueta with an afternoon in the adjacent Triana neighbourhood for a full day exploring Las Palmas
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
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Viewpoints
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Best Island For First Visit
- Gran Canaria — has the widest variety of landscapes, attractions, beaches, and accommodation at all price levels
- Teide Permits
- Summit permits (above 3260m) are free but must be reserved at reservasparquesnacionales.es. Cable car does not require permit. Book months ahead in summer.
- Timanfaya Access
- Visitors must join an official bus tour through the volcanic fields — private entry to the core zone is prohibited
- Loro Parque Tip
- Book online to save €3–5 per ticket and avoid queues at the gate
- Opening Hours Note
- Many state-run attractions close on Mondays. Religious sites may have restricted access during Mass.
- Accessibility
- Teide cable car is accessible for wheelchair users at the base; summit trail is not. Las Canteras beach has adapted access ramps. Most major parks have accessible paths.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to climb Teide?
To reach the summit crater (above 3260m) a free permit is required, bookable at reservasparquesnacionales.es. The cable car to 3555m does not require a permit. The summit walk takes about 30 minutes from the cable car top station.
Is Loro Parque worth the admission price?
Loro Parque charges €38 for adults, which is high but representative of the world-class quality of the park. The orca, gorilla, and sea lion shows are outstanding. Book online for a small discount. Allow a full day.
Which island has the best natural attractions?
Tenerife for the Teide volcano, Lanzarote for volcanic landscapes and Manrique architecture, Gran Canaria for variety, La Palma for untouched nature and stargazing, La Gomera for ancient forests.
Can I visit Timanfaya National Park independently?
The outer roads of the park are accessible by car but the volcanic interior (Ruta de los Volcanes) requires the official park bus tour (included in the €12 entry fee). Private cars are not allowed in the core zone.
What is the best free attraction in the Canary Islands?
Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria and Garajonay National Park in La Gomera are both free and extraordinary. Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas is one of Europe's best urban beaches and completely free.