Choose from 57 Fun Things to Do in Canary Islands
ShowingFilter 41-57 of 57 listings.
Vilaflor
Perched on a rocky plateau at 1,400m, Vilaflor is Tenerife’s highest village and it’s a scenic spot, encircled by pine-covered mountains, rugged lava plains and fields of wildflowers. Located in the foothills of the Teide National Park, Vilaflor makes a popular starting point for hiking and climbing treks, as well as being famed for its local wineries and vineyards.
Regional highlights include the Paisaje Lunar (lunar landscape), an unearthly lava valley, where unusual rock formations have been sculpted out of striking white tuff. Nearby, the mineral springs of Fuente Altam, the Sanctuary of the Santo Hermano Pedro and El Pino Gordo (the Fat Pine), the largest tree in the Canary Islands, are also worth a visit.
Practical Info
Vilaflor is located in south-central Tenerife, just south of the Teide National Park.
Address: Vilaflor, Spain
From $ 40
Majanicho
When it comes to remoteness and volcanic landscapes, the Canary Islands are good at making you feel like you're a world away. And the barely-a-village, bayside Majanicho only adds to that magic. It will have you feeling like you're on an expedition on the face of the moon "“ albeit one that includes surf-worthy beaches and an ocean.
Located along the northern coast of Fuerteventura, Majanicho is"”at least for now"”less a village than it is a collection of somewhat ramshackle houses cuddled up around the watery finger of a bay. Don't expect to find restaurants or shops here, and rather just a rocky coast, and crystal-blue waters filled with the occasional dinghy used for fishing.
And then, of course, there are the surfers -- from windsurfers to kiteboarders and just regular old surfers "“ who know that these secluded waters offer up some great opportunities to catch either waves or wind. That is, however, as long as one takes great caution: the underwater volcanic rock makes these shores a natural booby trap for those not especially careful.
How long this humble paradise will remain so quiet is yet to be seen: a nearby housing develop is underway, and there's word that this charming little bay may be turned into a harbor. Really, though, all the more reason to see it for yourself before it transforms into a tourist hot spot.
Practical Info
Majanicho is located just north of the town of Lajares, and at the end of a short dirt-track road. Though quite close to the town of Corralejo (and its neighboring dunes), this northern corner of Fuerteventura is virtually inhabited, which means the drive takes a little longer (about 20 minutes).
Address: Majanicho, Spain
From $ 55
Siam Park
With everything from high-speed water slides to hair-raising amusement rides, there’s every opportunity to get your adrenaline pumping at Siam Park, and as long as you’re happy to get wet, Europe’s biggest water park is sure to be a hit. Opening its doors in 2007, the Thai-themed park was designed by Christoph Kiessling and features a Thai floating market and Thai restaurants. Even just strolling through the park is an experience, with exotic architecture, streams filled with tropical fish and a huge white-sand beach, dotted with plenty of family-safe swimming areas and relaxing Jacuzzi baths.
Thrillseekers will likely make a beeline for the legendary Tower of Power – a vertical transparent slide that plummets riders through a pool of sharks and stingrays, or The Dragon, a gravity-defying Proslide Tornado, but less-confident swimmers might prefer to tackle the Jungle Snake slides or take a rafting trip along the Mekong Rapids. Additional highlights include the Wave Palace, where you can learn to surf on waves rising up to 3 meters high, the Lost City children’s play area and the six-lane racing slides.
Thrillseekers will likely make a beeline for the legendary Tower of Power – a vertical transparent slide that plummets riders through a pool of sharks and stingrays, or The Dragon, a gravity-defying Proslide Tornado, but less-confident swimmers might prefer to tackle the Jungle Snake slides or take a rafting trip along the Mekong Rapids. Additional highlights include the Wave Palace, where you can learn to surf on waves rising up to 3 meters high, the Lost City children’s play area and the six-lane racing slides.
Address: Avenida Siam Park, Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38670, Spain
Hours: May-Oct: 10am-6pm; Nov-Apr: 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult: €33; Child: €22
From $ 43
Villa de Teguise
Back in the 1400s, Villa de Teguise sat at the heart of Lanzarote life, serving as the island’s capital until the 19th century. Its location was especially advantageous: Mount Guanapay, upon which the town was built, made for an ideal lookout point, providing views of nearly all sides of the island’s coasts, and therefore protecting it from pirates.
While La Villa (as it is known by locals) is no longer the capital, it remains one of the best-preserved old villages in the Canaries. A wander through its whitewashed building-lined streets provides a glimpse into the past, via sights such as the 15th-century Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church and Santa Barbara Castle. The tower-turned-fortress now houses a Pirate Museum, which offers up history as well as phenomenal views.
These days, however, Villa de Teguise is undoubtedly most famous for its flea market, which is held each Sunday morning. At the weekly event, the stalls completely take over town, selling items ranging from crafts and art to food.
Practical Info
Many buses make the journey to Villa de Teguise just for the Sunday market, which takes place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also get to the town easily by car, as its central island location makes it very accessible. While in the area, pay a visit to the César Manrique Foundation, only a short drive away.
Address: Villa de Teguise, Lanzarote, Spain
Hours: Daily
From $ 17
Teatro Perez Galdos
This 1,000-seat theater in Las Palmas leaves no one indifferent; be it for its prestigious shows or its splendid façade, visitors always enjoy themselves at Teatro Perez Galdos. Built in 1890 and completely renovated in 2007, it is now one of the most modern theaters in all of Spain, and the permanent home of the Opera Festival of Las Palmas. The theater was named after famed Spanish realist novelist and playwright Benito Perez Galdos, which was the leading literary figure in 19th-century Spain and, incidentally, was born in Las Palmas. But the celebrated playwright wasn't all that enthused about the theatre's arrival, which, according to him, was too extravagant. It even inspired Galdos to write satirical poems about the building...only to have it named after him a few years later. Speaking of famous connections, the theatre is also home to the Saint-Saëns room, in honor of the French composer who spent quite a bit of time on Gran Canaria, composing numerous symphonies. The lavishly ornate room is a marvel of architecture and is the crown jewel of the theater; the main concert hall, however, is not to be overlooked, with its splendid ceiling and perfectly symmetrical pavilions.
Practical Info
Teatro Perez Galdos is located on Plaza Stagno in southeastern Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. It can be reached by car Avenida de Canarias or by bus via routes 54, L1, 9, 12 and 25.
Address: Plaza Stagno, 1, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Pricing varies
From $ 23
Teide Cable Car
Don’t just see Spain’s highest volcano from afar: float to the top on its cable car. The journey is an effortless one, transporting visitors from the easily accessible lower station (situated at 2,356 meters), then up and over a diverse volcanic landscape to the 3,718-meter-high upper station — and in just 8 minutes.
From this high-in-the-sky vista you can return to the bottom, or set off on routes to three different destinations. La Fortaleza vantage point offers views of the northeastern part of the island, including the Orotava Valley; the Pico Viejo vantage point looks out over Mt Chahorra’s crater and beyond to La Gomera; and then the mother of them all is the trek to the top and center of El Teide. Though, take note: this last hike requires a special permit, which should be acquired well in advance, and can be obtained for free online.
Practical Info
The lower station includes free parking, and a rest area complete with restrooms and a coffee shop. Note that weather can get especially cold up top, so be sure to bring extra layers. If you plan to go on one of the three routes, bring water and food as well, as there is no coffee shop at the upper station. The cable car can be reached via the TF-21, or by public bus 348 (from Puerto de la Cruz) or bus 342 (from Playa de las Americas).
Address: TF-21, kilometer 43, Tenerife, Las Canarias, Spain
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Non-residents: €27; non-resident minors: €13,50
From $ 24
Timanfaya National Park
Spanning 20 square miles (51 square km) of southern Lanzarote, Timanfaya National Park is a unique and eerie landscape of dormant volcanos and lava fields. Visitors flock to the park from nearby beach towns to explore the otherworldly terrain that looks more like the moon than the Canary Islands.
How to Get to Timanfaya National Park
When to Get There
The Basics
Visitors pay a small fee to enter the park, and it includes a guided coach tour — but lines can get long during busy season. You can avoid the wait and get round-trip transport from elsewhere in Lanzarote by booking a half-day or full-day tour in advance. Many of these tours take you through the park on a coach bus and make stops where you can get out to walk or hike the volcanic landscape, while others also include options to ride a 4x4 or take a camel ride through the lava fields. To see what kinds of flavors the volcanic earth can produce, pick a tour that celebrates the area as a wine region and includes wine tastings too.
- While much of your tour may be by coach, dress comfortably for the outdoors, as the terrain is somewhat rugged.
- The El Diablo Restaurant is located at the top of the Islote de Hilario, the tallest of the Fire Mountains (Montañas de Fuego). It's a great place to grab a bite to eat with a panoramic view of the park.
- Public restrooms are available at Timanfaya.
Timanfaya is accessible by car but visitors can't explore the park independently, so be prepared to join a tour even if you drive there yourself. Otherwise, a variety of guided tours are available with transport from popular resort areas on Lanzarote, such as Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca, or even from the neighboring island of Fuerteventura via ferry from Corralejo.
When to Get There
The park is open all year round, and the weather is almost always pleasant — ranging from 63°F (17°C) to 77°F (25°C). The summer months are the busiest, followed closely by winter when travelers from mainland Europe escape cold temperatures to vacation on the islands. If visiting during these peak seasons, head to the park early or late in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. The view at sunset is particularly special.
Geothermal Experiments You Can See in Action
Although the volcanoes lie dormant, the area remains a strong source of geothermal energy thanks to a boiling chamber of magma 2.5 miles (4 km) below the surface. This means there are certain areas in the park where you can toss a bundle of branches into a pit and see it burst into flames, or pour water on the ground and watch it turn into steam.
Address: Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: Daily from 9am to 6pm (with the last entry at 5pm)
Admission: Admission €8
From $ 23
Sioux City
In the sun scorched surrounds of Gran Canaria island lies a recreation of the American Wild West with cowboys and Indians, gunfights and saloons, and even a petting zoo for the kids.
Originally built as a stage set for 'A Fistful of Dollars' starring Clint Eastwood, Sioux City has since found fame as a popular theme park. Keep your wits about you as you meander along the dusty streets, past the sherrif's office, bank, and general store, for you could get caught in a shoot out. Bank robberies, saloon fights, cattle stampedes, rodeos, and gunfights are all part of everyday life at Sioux City!
If you visit Sioux City on a Friday, stick around for a Wild West BBQ (extra charge), stunts, gunfights, and cancan dancers. It's a wild day out for the whole family!
Practical Info
Sioux City is on Gran Canaria's south coast, about a 40 minute drive from the capital.
From Las Palmas, catch bus 50 to Faro Maspalomas, where you can catch a taxi or bus 29 directly to Sioux City.
If going by car, follow the GC-1 highway south-east from Las Palmas and look for signs to 'Sioux City' when you pass Tarajalillo (49kms/30.5mi, approximately 40mins).
Address: Lugar Cañón del Aguila (near Playa del Aguila), San Bartolome de la Tirajana, Spain
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday
From $ 25
Santiago del Teide
The town of Santiago del Teide sits near the western coast of the island of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.
Santiago del Teide is in the foothills of the Macizo de Teno mountains, not far from the historic mountain town of Masca. On the coast, the imposing Acantilados de Los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants) drop from the mountains directly into the ocean. There are several beach resort towns in the area along the coast.
The town itself is rather small, with only a few restaurants and shops, though there is a museum and a good visitor’s center. Most travelers use Santiago del Teide as a base from which to explore the excellent walking and hiking trails in the area.
Another popular draw for visitors is the village of Masca itself, home to about 90 people who have maintained its historic appearance and agricultural independence. The mountains around Santiago del Teide and Masca have many challenging, though scenic, hiking trails.
Practical Info
There is a hiking trail that descends from the village of Masca all the way down to the beach, but it’s definitely a challenging 2.7-mile trail. Wear good hiking shoes and go with a guide.
Address: Santiago del Teide, Canary Islands, Spain
From $ 29
Vegueta
The entrancing old barrio at the heart of Las Palmas on Gran Canaria, UNESCO World Heritage site Vegueta has its origins back in the 15th century. It is centered around the Plaza Santa Ana, a cobbled piazza surrounded dominated by the twin-spired, heavily ornate Cathedral of Santa Ana; it was the island’s first church, consecrated in the 15th century following the island’s capture by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain in 1478. It is a delightful mixture of Gothic and Renaissance flourishes, surrounded by an array of highly decorative townhouses reflecting architectural styles from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Among the spider’s web of cobbled backstreets and atmospheric squares in Vegueta are several Baroque churches and the Museo Canario (Canary Island Museum), which showcases the world’s foremost collection of tools, jewelry and pottery utilized by the Guanches, the indigenous island population who were displaced with the arrival of their Spanish occupiers. Another architectural highlight of the district is the ocher-colored Casa de Colón (Columbus House), where Christopher Columbus reportedly stayed on his way to discover the New World in 1492. Its ornate façade is covered with elaborately carved wooden balconies and the interior houses relics of the great Spanish explorer.
However, half the charm of a visit to Vegueta is simply wandering the historic streets, relaxing in sidewalks bars, rummaging in the weekend markets or sampling Canarian tapas and honey rum.
Practical Info
Vegueta is the ancient center of Las Palmas on Gran Canaria.
Cathedral of Santa Ana on Plaza Santa Ana opens Mon–Fri 10am–4.30pm, Sat 10am–1.30pm. Admission is adults €2.40, children go free. Museo Canario is at Doctor Verneau, 2, and opens Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat–Sun 10am–2pm. Admission for adults is €4, seniors & students €2.40, children under age 12 free. Casa de Colón is found at Calle de Colón, 1. Admission is free and it is open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–3pm.
Address: Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, Spain
From $ 52
Teguise Market
Squeeze in some sightseeing while you shop by heading inland to the
Teguise Market. It's located in the center of Lanzarote and in a sweet village called La Villa de Teguise. The whitewashed, emblematically Canarian pueblo used to be Lanzarote's capital and the heart of island life, and these days is considered one of the best-preserved towns in the archipelago.
Every Sunday, it's also the center for island market shopping, with loads of stalls cropping up to sell everything from bargain wares to more treasured
goods, including crafts and artisanal food. Apart from shopping, you can get a dose of culture here as well by checking out the market's traditional song and dance. Or, if you're keen to escape the crowds, consider visiting other town sights such as the 15th-century Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church, and Santa Barbara Castle, which now houses a Pirate Museum.
Practical Info
To avoid any parking hassle, you may wish to arrive here by bus: Organized tours are available (which also may visit other stops such as the Cesar Manrique Foundation, which is just 10 minutes away), as well as the intercity bus 11, which, note, has limited hours and only runs on Sundays.
Address: La Villa de Teguise, Lanzarote 35530, Spain
Hours: Sundays 9am-2pm
From $ 9
Pueblo Canario
Pueblo Canario (Canarian Village) is a complex of traditionally built island houses around a large central square set in the green surrounds of Parque Doramas, Las Palmas.
Part of Pueblo Canario is Museo Nestor, dedicated to the life and works of the modernist artist Nestor de la Torre, who, along with his brother, Miguel, designed the Pueblo in the 1930s. Highlights here include Nestor's eight murals illustrating his Poema del Mar (1912-1923).
There is a museum, a restaurant and craft shops within the complex, as well as regular folklore shows, all designed to promote a deeper understanding of Canarian culture and cuisine.
Pueblo Canario is in the heart bustling Las Palmas overlooking Doramas Park. To get there, walk inland from the marina down Muelle Pantalan.
Address: Calle de Francisco González Díaz, Parque Doramas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35005, Spain
Hours: Closed Monday
From $ 23
La Caldera
Pine trees, volcanic geography, and views upon views are what you'll find when exploring Tenerife's La Caldera and the region that surrounds it. A volcanic crater, La Caldera is situated in La Orotava Valley, which spans the northern part of the island's central coast. La Orotava is packed with more than just pretty scenery but also trails, including those around La Caldera and its recreation area.
Easily accessible, the La Caldera crater is where you'll find picnic tables and a playground, along with other facilities, including a restaurant. But it's the woodland wonderland that surrounds all of this that you may be more keen to explore, particularly the loop that circles the crater and ventures off into the mountainous landscape beyond. The roughly 3-hour excursion, which begins from the recreation area, passes through the region's mossy, fern-filled terrain, and offers impressive views of Tenerife, including El Teide.
Practical Info
La Caldera and its recreation park are located just off the TF-21, near the town of Aguamansa, which can be reached from Puerto de la Cruz by taking the 345 bus. If you wish to take the circular hike, note that it is relatively demanding. Be sure to bring water and food, as well as layers given that the weather can be unexpectedly damp and cold.
Address: Carretera TF-21, Aguamansa, Tenerife, Las Canarias 38300, Spain
From $ 72
Teide National Park
The largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands and home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, Teide National Park is one of the top attractions on Tenerife. The rugged landscape of the park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is magnificent—a geological wonder featuring an expanse of rugged lava fields, ancient calderas, and volcanic peaks.
The Basics
Taking the cable car to the top of Mount Teide, the world’s third-highest volcano from its base, is one of the most popular pastimes in Teide National Park, with views spanning the surrounding islands. Visitors can choose among half-day, full-day, or evening tours of the park, which typically cover points of interest such as Pico Viejo volcano, Los Roques de Garcia rock formations, and Llano de Ucanca. Visits to the park can be combined with tours of the Masca Valley or Puerto de la Cruz.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Teide National Park is a must-see for adventure travelers and photographers.
- Summiting Mount Teide requires a permit; apply in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Tickets for the cable car tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to book ahead of time.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection and plenty of water; the climate here is hot and dry throughout the year.
- Dress in layers, as temperatures at the peak are often much cooler than at the base.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Teide National Park is Tenerife Sur, just over an hour’s drive from the bottom cable car station. Once-daily buses run from Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz, but most travelers find it more convenient to drive or join a guided tour.
When to Get There
Most Teide National Park visitors come in the morning hours. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit a couple hours before sunset, when most day-trippers have left. Year-round sunshine means there’s no bad season to visit.
Hiking in Teide National Park
Hikers will find some 30 well-marked trails to choose from within this Canary Islands park. A 2-hour loop takes visitors around the bizarre Los Roques de Garcia rock formations, while shorter hikes lead to the La Fortaleza and Pico Viejo vantage points.
Address: Teide National Park, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
From $ 24
Elder Museum of Science and Technology (Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnologia)
Satisfy your scientific curiosities with a visit to Gran Canaria's Elder Museum of Science and Technology. Located in a 19th-century shipping warehouse in harbor-side Parque Santa Catalina, the museum and its four levels are now packed with modern-day interactive and didactic marvels that bridge the gap between science and people.
The museum features a variety of themed areas ranging from math to
physics, art, biology and engineering. In doing so, it allows visitors multi-
sensory experiences via highlights such as a flight simulator, planetarium, 3D movie theater, and robotic-arm-driven Robocoaster ride, among many other engaging activities. From the replica of a space station to the thermal imaging exhibit, there's discovery to be had around every corner here.
Practical Info
While the museum does not have a cafe or restaurant, you are permitted to enter and exit the premises throughout the day by using your ticket. The
museum is closed on Mondays.
Address: Parque Santa Catalina, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria 35007, Spain
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Mondays
Admission: General: €6; reduced: €3; children under 6: free
From $ 23
Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego)
A vast range of black and red peaks dominating the landscape of the Timanfaya National Park, the evocatively named Fire Mountains (Montañas de Fuego) serve as a lasting reminder of Lanzarote's explosive past. Although the last eruption was recorded in 1824, it was a series of eruptions in the 18th century that was most memorable "“ the blasts covered a large portion of Lanzarote with hot ash and lava and created much of the island's unearthly topography, including natural wonders like the El Golfo crater lake and the Los Hervideros cliffs.
Today, the mountains are classed as dormant, but an anomalous magma chamber still remains under the surface, leaving a geothermic area riddled with steaming vents and fire pits. Due to the intense heat and geothermal activity, hiking around the Fire Mountains is prohibited and the best way to take in the views is on a guided coach tour around the scenic Route of the Volcanoes.
Practical Info
The Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego) are located in the Timanfaya National Park and can only be visited by guided walks or coach tours (leaving from the park entrance). Admission to the Timanfaya National Park is €8, including the coach tour around the park.
Address: Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Hours: The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with the last entry at 5 p.m.)
Admission: Admission to Timanfaya National Park €8
From $ 29
Casa-Museo Perez Galdos
Visiting the house where famed author Benito Perez Galdós was born and lived until 1862 is like taking a journey into his work and times; the Casa-Museo Perez Galdos holds valuable pieces of furniture and various personal belongings"”including a private library and never-published drawing and manuscripts"”that once belonged to the writer, all of which is cleverly set in the context of Galdós' 19th-century Spain. The house showcases a few of Galdós' lesser-known sides, like his political allegiances and artistic affinities for drawing, playing the piano, painting and furniture designing. In addition to being highly significant as far as Galdós' is concerned, the house is also an extremely well preserved example of 18th-century Canary architecture. And although Benito Perez Galdós is not by any means a famous author in the English literary world, he played a major role in Canarian and Spanish cultures and his novels are often described as remarkable and influential.
Practical Info
Casa-Museo Perez Galdos is located on Calle Cano in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. It is easily accessible from the port via route GC-1 and Avenida Rafael Cabrera, or by bus via a dozen different routes. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with guided visits starting at the top of the hour. Entry costs €3 per person.
Address: Calle Cano, 6, Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, with guided visits starting at the top of the hour.
Admission: €3 per person
From $ 35