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 day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Tenerife to La Gomera Day Trip
One of the best inter-island day trips in the Canary Islands. Catch the morning ferry from Los Cristianos to La Gomera's capital San Sebastián, then travel across the island to the spectacular Valle Gran Rey. Explore the dramatic terraced valley, black sand beaches, and visit a whale watching operation. Return on the late afternoon ferry.
Highlights: San Sebastián historic town and Columbus House (Torre del Conde) · Dramatic trans-island road through Garajonay National Park · Valle Gran Rey black sand beaches · Whale and dolphin watching · Traditional Gomeran food (almogrote, palm honey)
Gran Canaria — Teide National Park Day Trip from Las Palmas
A full-day excursion from Gran Canaria to Tenerife's Teide National Park. Fly from Gran Canaria Airport to Tenerife North, hire a car to Teide, take the cable car to 3,555m, explore the Las Cañadas caldera, and return on the evening flight.
Highlights: Teide cable car to 3,555m · Roques de García rock formations · Extraordinary volcanic landscape · Views of multiple Canary Islands · Parador de Las Cañadas restaurant for lunch
Lanzarote to Fuerteventura Day Trip
The shortest inter-island ferry crossing in the Canary Islands, connecting Lanzarote's southern tip to Fuerteventura's northern town of Corralejo. Perfect for a beach day — Fuerteventura has the finest white sand beaches and largest dunes in the Canary Islands.
Highlights: Corralejo Natural Park sand dunes · Playa del Moro and Playa de Corralejo (pristine white sand) · Corralejo town centre and market · Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Playa de la Flag
Gran Canaria Mountain Villages Loop
A spectacular loop through Gran Canaria's mountainous interior, visiting the charming village of Teror with its famous basilica and Sunday market, the almond groves around Tejeda with views of Roque Nublo, and the short hike to the volcanic monolith itself.
Highlights: Teror village and Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino · Tejeda village and local almond products · Roque Nublo hike (1 hour round trip from car park) · Mountain panoramas · Local mountain restaurant lunch
Tenerife — East Coast and La Laguna Historic City
Escape the southern beach resorts and explore the UNESCO World Heritage historic city of La Laguna, with its 16th-century street plan, colonial architecture, and vibrant student atmosphere. Continue to the spectacular Anaga Rural Park with ancient laurel forests.
Highlights: San Cristóbal de La Laguna UNESCO Historic City · Catedral de La Laguna · Calle Carrera colonial architecture · Anaga Rural Park laurel forest · Playa de las Teresitas golden sand beach · San Andrés fishing village
Tenerife to El Hierro Day Trip
Fly to Spain's least-visited island for a day of total tranquillity. El Hierro is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Starlight Reserve, with crystal-clear dive sites, an extraordinary volcanic landscape, and virtually no tourists. The Mar de las Calmas marine reserve at La Restinga is one of the best snorkelling spots in Spain.
Highlights: Mar de las Calmas marine reserve (world-class snorkelling and diving) · El Golfo volcanic bay and green lagoon · Valverde island capital · El Hierro Vijariego wines · César Manrique's Mirador La Peña restaurant
Lanzarote Cesar Manrique and Volcanic Art Tour
A comprehensive day tour of Lanzarote's greatest highlights — all shaped by or connected to the island's artist-visionary César Manrique. Visit his foundation in Tahíche, Jameos del Agua cave complex, Cueva de los Verdes lava tube, and Timanfaya National Park.
Highlights: César Manrique Foundation (his volcanic lava-bubble home) · Jameos del Agua cave and saltwater lagoon · Cueva de los Verdes lava tube · Timanfaya National Park geothermal demonstrations · El Diablo restaurant (food cooked by volcanic heat)
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Under 30km
Maspalomas Dunes from Playa del Inglés
A short walk or bus ride from Playa del Inglés to the spectacular sand dunes nature reserve. Walk through the dunes to the lighthouse at the island's southern tip.
La Laguna from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The historic university city of La Laguna (UNESCO World Heritage) is 10km from Santa Cruz and reachable by tram every 7 minutes. A beautiful colonial city perfect for a half-day visit.
Jameos del Agua from Arrecife
César Manrique's magical volcanic lava tube attraction on Lanzarote's north coast, a 25-minute drive from Arrecife.
30 To 60km
Teide National Park from Puerto de la Cruz
A 45-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz up the TF-21 into Teide National Park. The lunar landscape and cable car make this Tenerife's essential day trip.
Roque Nublo from Las Palmas
A 55-minute drive into the central mountains to hike to Gran Canaria's iconic volcanic monolith. Combine with lunch in Tejeda village.
Timanfaya from Puerto del Carmen
Lanzarote's volcanic national park is a 30-minute drive from the main resort. Essential visit — include the El Diablo restaurant and Jameos del Agua on the same day.
Inter Island
La Gomera from Tenerife
Tenerife's closest neighbour, reachable in 50 minutes from Los Cristianos. Visit Garajonay National Park, Valle Gran Rey, and the town of San Sebastián.
Fuerteventura from Lanzarote
The shortest inter-island crossing in the Canaries. Explore Corralejo dunes, Cofete beach, and Betancuria village before returning the same evening.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- By Car
- Car rental is the most flexible option for day trips — most attractions are not served by frequent public transport. Roads are generally good; mountain roads require care.
- By Bus
- TITSA (Tenerife) and Global (Gran Canaria) buses reach most major attractions. Teide is served by Bus 348 from Puerto de la Cruz and Bus 342 from Playa de las Américas. Journeys take 1–2 hours each way.
- By Organised Tour
- Organised bus tours from resort hotels cover the most popular day trips (Teide, Maspalomas, Timanfaya) at €35–60/person. Less flexible than self-driving but include entry fees and transport.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.