10 Spectacular Hikes in the Canary Islands You Can’t Miss

Canary Island is a famous Spanish region known as the Sunshine Centre of Europe. Its mild temperatures and range of natural attractions draw tourists from all over the world. It is one of the most visited tropical locations, and in 2023, the Canary Islands witnessed over 14.1 million tourists. The natural beauty, pristine beach, and cultural heritage are what make this so famous among tourists and travelers. However, beyond the beaches, there are several other things to do here. The island boasts various hiking routes, offering a thrilling experience for the mountaineers and hikers who arrive here. In this article, we will look at some of the best hikes in the Canary Islands. 

1. Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria 

Roque Nublo is Gran Canaria's key landmark; its peak can be seen from the center of the island. Roque Nublo is already an excellent and attention-gathering site, but it also has cultural significance. This place was a holy site and a place of worship for the indigenous inhabitants of the island. It also commemorates the final battle against the Spanish invaders. Tejeda, the mountain town, is an ideal starting point for a hike, and this circular hike can take you to the towns of La Caluta, Roque Nublo, and back again. You can get a flyer from the local tourism office and start your hike, which will take around four to six hours. This hike is not just a great experience but also offers a great view, and if you visit the Canary Islands and you are a hiker, this is an ideal hike. 

2. Taganana to Tmadite, Tenerife

Tenerife is often recommended for hiking, and it offers some of the most spectacular hikes. The trail from Taganana to Playa de Tamadite is especially spectacular, as it is one of the wildest coasts of the island. This trail is found in the Anaga Mountains, which offer a green and dramatic landscape that is different from the south, where most of the tourism is concentrated. It is highly recommended to explore the more distant corner of Tenerife, and this place is so different that it feels like you are somewhere else. The hike starts at the remote island of Taganana, then goes along the coastline, and in the end, you will reach the wild rocky beach of Playa de Tamadite.

3. Pico de la Nieve, La Palma

La Palma is one of the best for hiking, and every hike is the top-rated hike according to visitors. Hikers can hike for the whole day and then rest at their stays in La Palma. Visitors can also go to Pico de la Nieve, a mountain peak that shows spectacular scenery. This hike takes only around 90 minutes and takes you through the pine forests, then to the mountaintop viewpoint above the clouds. The view it has to offer above the tree line is simply breathtaking, which enables you to take a view of the entire eastern half of the island. Also, the peaks of Muchachos, from where you will be able to witness the series of giant telescopes studying the universe. 

4. Chinamada, Tenerife

The remote town of Chinmada is renowned for more than 30 cave houses built along the panoramic scenery of the Anaga Mountains. In this town, you can also see the trailheads of several different hikes. Some of the most popular hikes are the one that goes down to Punta del Hidalgo on the coast. This hike takes 2.5 hours to complete, although it can be lengthened by starting at Cruz del Carmen, which is deeper in Anaga Park. Hikers can also catch some early morning light or admire the sunset from the Chinamada, which is a magical eperience. When the sun rises, the surrounding peaks are silhouetted by the rays of the sun, and it is easily the best walking area on the Canaries.

5. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera

 This bite-sized island of La Gomera is situated just opposite southern Tenerife. The entire island is declared a biosphere reserve and thus lacks any form of mass tourism. This makes it an ideal hiking spot and a fantastic island to visit. Just at the heart of La Gomera lies the Garajonay National Park, where several spectacular cloud forests are present. Since the clouds get trapped beside La Gomera's central peak, this is the reason for making this area extra humid, which gives it a fairytale-like vibe. Due to this humidity, forests are covered with moss, ferns, and lianas. The Hamlet of El Cedro offers the best ways to access the number of different hikes that go through the cloud forests. 

6. National Park of the Caldera, La Palma

There is a saying among the locals and hikers that often visit here: "La Palma offers some of the best hiking in Canary Island." There is a volcano just at the center of La Palma, and this crater is called the Caldera de Taburiente. You can go on several ways to walk, which range from the very hardcore to a casual stroll. One of the most popular hikes is the PR LP13 hike, which is ideal for hiking and trekking. This hike goes to the top of the mountains and then down to the crater before circling back. This whole hike will take something around nine hours, and you also have to wait for the right weather because sometimes, after bad weather, the hike gets closed. 

7. Los Tilos, La Palma

This place is much like the Garajonay National Park on La Gomera; the island of La Palma also boasts some lush jungle-like forests, particularly in the northeastern corner around Los Tilos. This forest of Los Tilos is so wonderful that it creates a straight-out fantasy setting. This is the very forest where the shooting of the show Witcher took place. Many scenes and parts were shot in the Canary Islands. Numerous hikers arrive here to get a glimpse of the waterfall of Los Tilos. If you arrive here during the dry season, you do not have to worry because this has different advantages. In general, it is an ideal location to visit, especially for hikers. 

8. The barrancos of La Gomera 

The Island of La Gomera is home to numerous gorges, also known as barrancas, that spread out in the central peak. One of the nicest canyons to hike through in the south is located near the coastal town of Playa Santiago. This canyon path offers an excellent view of the landscape, with a creek and a valley that is dotted with palm trees. Also, just a few hours away is the rusty and abandoned hydroelectric dam. Thus, it is a delightful and amazing hike, and it not only focuses on the most breathtaking mountaintop views but is also one of the best hikes you can find in the Canary Islands. 

9. Teno Park, Tenerife

On Tenerife, the Anaga Mountains are undoubtedly the best hiking area, but they are also far from where most of the tourists stay on the island. If Teno Park is more conveniently reached, then it is good to know that this region has something more to offer for the hikers, which is just as good as Anaga. One of the most excellent hikes, marked TF-57, starts at the town of El Palmar, then you will ascend to the mountain ridge of Teno Alto. From there, the hikers can witness some of the most dramatic and stunning views of the mountains and the island of La Gomera, which shimmers on the horizon. During the hike, you can expect to go through several epic viewpoints, and in the end, you can follow the way back down to the valley. Just about halfway, there are cafes where you can rest and have lunch. 

10. Trekking all across La Palma

Many islands offer hikers the opportunity to hike for a multi-day trek, and here in the Canary Islands, you can go for one. However, most of the trail is higher, where hikers will see the pine trees and amazing stark volcanic landscapes. This creates a strong contrast to more lush and humid jungles that are closer to the coasts of the north of La Palma. The most famous trekking trail is GR-131 and you will be rewarded with the magnificent views of the incredible on the entire way. This trail runs through the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park, then past the island's epic Taburiente crater, and passes by the Roque de los Muchachos. This mountain peak is home to several observatories and telescopes. Canary Island is an excellent place to witness the natural beauty and the pristine beaches, but what makes it different from other islands is the hikes it has to offer for the tourists here