Walk among volcanoes and nature with these routes through the Canary Islands
02 de October 2024

In this season of splendour on our islands, when temperatures are ideal for exploring, we invite you to discover a paradise where volcanic landscapes merge with dreamy beaches. Along trails that cross amazing geological formations, such as the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes and the fascinating lunar landscapes, you will find the opportunity to connect with nature at its best. We will share with you routes adapted to all levels, from relaxed walks to challenging treks, so you can make the most of your adventure. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich natural diversity of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, and find the perfect trail for your next getaway.

 

The island of Teide

 

If you pay attention, you might catch the murmur of this land forged by volcanoes. Although Teide rises majestically, it’s not the only volcano on the island; there are plenty of trails ready to be explored. Here are a few highlights.

Acantilados Los Gigantes en Tenerife

Acantilados de Los Gigantes, with cliffs rising from the sea to a height of 600 metres, offers several routes depending on your ability. One option is the Los Gigantes - Barranco Mancha de los Díaz - Galería de la Junquera - Tamaimo - Guama route, approximately 20 kilometres long, with high sections, galleries and viewpoints. For something easier, try the Barranco Seco Circular or the Los Gigantes to Playa San Juan route.

Another route is the well-known Montaña Roja, this cone-shaped volcano, the result of a coastal eruption, is located in El Médano and is a Special Nature Reserve. From its summit, you can enjoy spectacular sunsets with views of the Atlantic Ocean, La Tejita Beach and Mount Teide. If you want to visit the lunar landscape, your route starts at the Plaza Obispo Pérez Cáceres. You will pass near Casa Galindo and cross the Barranco de Las Mesas ravine, encountering the famous Pino Gordo and the Pino de las Dos Pernas. As you descend, you will reach the Mirador de Los Escurriales, where you can see the lunar landscape.

Parador Cañadas del Teide

To enjoy these adventures, it is essential to rest and eat well. The Parador de las Cañadas del Teide is the best starting point, surrounded by a volcanic landscape that provides access to numerous routes such as these.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE LAS CAÑADAS DEL TEIDE

 

The island of eternal spring

 

Gran Canaria has 46% of its territory designated as a Biosphere Reserve, which highlights its valuable natural heritage and its year-round mild climate. Among its jewels are the Tamadaba Nature Reserve, the Pilancones Nature Reserve, the Inagua Integral Nature Reserve, the Barranco Oscuro Nature Reserve, as well as the dunes of Maspalomas and the Tilos de Moya. The island also offers fascinating routes that lead us to its most outstanding corners, such as the one that goes from Tejeda to the Roque Nublo, an impressive natural monument of almost 90 metres that stands at the highest point of the beautiful island. This route starts at the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, located in the geographical centre of Gran Canaria, in the second smallest village on the island.

Parador Cruz de Tejeda

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE CRUZ DE TEJEDA

 

The beautiful island

 

La Palma is also a Biosphere Reserve and concentrates, in a small area, laurel forests, volcanic landscapes and coastline. Its most distinctive feature is the abundance of water, evidenced by the ferns and mosses that cover a large part of the island in green.

Following the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, new routes to explore La Palma have emerged. A new trail has been officially opened to get to know this volcano. Still, it is essential to do the route accompanied by an expert guide, as it is not allowed to do it independently. The hike lasts approximately two hours and leads to a point near the volcanic cone.

Parador de La Palma

Just 17 kilometres along this route is the Parador de La Palma, a spectacular viewpoint over the island where you can rest, enjoy the local gastronomy and contemplate the new fajãs formed by the volcano on the coast.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE LA PALMA

 

The island of whistles

 

Due to its famous whistled language, the ““silbo gomero””, it is used to communicate in its rugged terrain. La Gomera is a perfect destination for hikers, with more than 600 kilometres of routes that include the laurel forests of the Garajonay National Park, deep ravines and palm groves.

Parque Nacional Garajonay La Gomera

San Sebastián, the capital, is the best base for exploring the island and is close to the park and offers a variety of routes, from short, accessible walks to more challenging options, all well signposted and some with QR codes for more information. Right in the capital is the Parador de La Gomera, an excellent starting point for your adventures.

Parador de La Gomera

Don’t miss the Barranco de Santiago, which shows the beauty of the island with its route through Monteverde, palm groves and a rural hamlet. You will also visit farming areas near the hermitage of San Juan Bautista, an old mill in Pastrana and the Benchijigua dam.

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE LA GOMERA

 

Meridian Island

 

Despite being the smallest of the islands, only 30 kilometres from end to end, El Hierro captivates with its magic. It was the reference point for the zero meridian before it was established at Greenwich. Its El Sabinar forest, with trees twisted by the trade winds, gives it an enchanted air. Declared a World Biosphere Reserve and Geopark, the island stands out for its geological and botanical wealth.

El Sabinar en El Hierro

The El Sabinar route takes you to emblematic places such as the famous Sabina del Hierro and the hermitage of Los Reyes, patron saint of the island. You can also visit the Piedra de los Regidores and the Bascos viewpoint, which offers views of the cliffs of the Gulf. Located between a volcanic mountain and the ocean, the Parador del Hierro, is ideal for hiking and diving, offers views of the Atlantic and almost immediate access to the sea from its swimming pool.

Parador de El Hierro

BOOK AT THE PARADOR DEL HIERRO