Things to see and do in Canary Islands

Attractions in Canary Islands

Enjoy the buzz of Las Palmas

With its magnificent location between two bays, Las Palmas is the impressive capital of Gran Canaria. A pretty, modern town and the island's liveliest, it sees plenty of action, and boasts a plethora of sights including Casa de Colón (Columbus House), the cathedral, market, Pueblo Canario and several museums. There's a fine beach too.

Feel the heat at Timanfaya National Park

Timanfaya National Park is an awe-inspiring moonscape created by an 18th-century volcanic eruption that covered around one-third of Lanzarote in lava. Take the coach tour, or to feel the heat of the volcano, book a walking tour; don't worry, it's dormant.

Go windsurfing in Fuerteventura

Join the pros and go windsurfing or kitesurfing off Fuerteventura's fabulous soft golden beaches. Giant dunes back unspoiled beaches in both the north of the island, at Corralejo, and in the south at Jandía, where world championship events are staged.

Head back to the start at Puerto de la Cruz

Spend a day in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife's north coast, which was the birthplace of tourism in the Canaries back in the 19th century. Splash out in the César Manrique-designed Costa Martiánez lido, explore the colonial-style old town and enjoy Loro Parque, one of the world's finest marine and wildlife parks.

Hike in the volcanic crater of Caldera de Taburiente

Take a hike in the Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma, one of the largest and most fertile volcanic craters on Earth, or just take in the view from the Mirador de La Cumbrecita. This national park is a wondrous green landscape of valleys and mountainous forms wreathed in cloud.

Marvel at the works of Lanzaroteño artist César Manrique

Don't miss the many César Manrique-related attractions. This great Lanzaroteño artist, landscape designer and ecological champion is seen by many as the patron saint of the island's culture, thanks to his fantastic creations. Jameos del Agua – elaborate sculpted caves – and Jardín de Cactus are perhaps the highlights.

Party at the Canaries' massive carnival

The best time to visit the Canary Islands has to be between February and March, when the carnival wave reaches Spain's southernmost frontier. The celebrations on Tenerife, in Santa Cruz and Puerto Cruz, are some of the biggest and most colourful outside Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Soak up Teguise's history in Lazarote

Head to Teguise, the picturesque colonial-style former capital of Lanzarote, for its aristocratic palaces, historic convents, churches and a castle built on a volcanic cone with great views over the town. Visit on a Sunday to enjoy the buzzing, colourful market.

Take a cable car up Mount Teide

On Tenerife take the cable car up Mount Teide, the highest point in all Spanish territory at 3,718m (12,198ft). It climbs to within 300m (1,000ft) of the summit – from where you can walk the rest (free permit required). Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2007.

Visit the lively Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Explore the cosmopolitan city of Santa Cruz, Tenerife's lively capital. Enjoy its rich architecture, churches, museums and bustling market, before relaxing on the golden sands of Playa de Las Teresitas.

Tourist offices

Promotur Turismo Canarias (Canary Islands Tourist Board) in Tenerife

Promotur Turismo Canarias (Canary Islands Tourist Board) in Gran Canaria