sun casting shadows across the hills of timanfaya national park
The result of a series of volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries, the park has the appearance of a Martian landscape.
Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / sssanchez

8 Things to Do for an Incredible Getaway to the Canary Islands

A Taste of Elegant Spain Combined With a Relaxed Island Vibe

The Canary Islands are a desirable tourist destination for Western Europeans and worldwide travelers. With seven distinct volcanic islands, a subtropical climate, and gorgeous beaches and landscapes, the Canary Islands provide an unparalleled travel experience.

The last thing you want when returning from a vacation is to have travel regrets. Never fear, though; with this list of things to do on your Canary Islands vacation, you’ll be sure to come back feeling like you fully experienced everything the islands had to offer.

Aside from lounging by the pool or on the beach, there are a number of outdoor activities and attractions available year-round due to the favorable weather. Let’s get started!

Timanfaya National Park

On the island of Lanzarote, a unique natural occurrence awaits you in Timanfaya National Park. The result of a series of volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries, the park has the appearance of a Martian landscape.

Park guides will demonstrate the power of the continuous underground volcanic activity with dry brush and water, which catches fire and creates a steaming geyser, respectively. Park admission also includes a bus tour with audio commentary by a priest who witnessed the last volcanic eruptions.

scuba divers in wet suits walk along the beachScuba diving is available off any of the islands, but the widest variety of sites are at the largest island, Tenerife.Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / PeterEtchells

Scuba Diving in Tenerife

As with many island nations, the Canary Islands are popular dive spots for locals and tourists alike. Scuba diving is available off any of the islands, but the widest variety of sites are at the largest island, Tenerife.

Diving is a popular Tenerife attraction for good reason. There are a number of shipwrecks, underwater caverns and volcanic rock formations to be explored. Sea creatures such as stingrays, eels, octopuses and many species of fish are also observed at mid-depth dive sites around 25 meters.

Los Chuchos is probably the most popular site with divers because of its small shipwreck, which is a stingray hot spot.

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sunbathers stretched out across sandy beachA huge stretch of beach of the Gran Canaria Island, Playa de Las Canteras is a popular spot to relax and have fun during a visit to the Canary Islands. Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / nito100

Playa de Las Canteras

A huge stretch of beach on Gran Canaria Island, Playa de Las Canteras is a popular spot to relax and have fun during a visit to the Canary Islands. Due to a naturally occurring rock formation and reef, a large chunk of the beach becomes a sandbar during low tide.

The shallowness of the water here is perfect for water sports, swimming and exploring tide pools, which makes it the perfect beach for a family outing.

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