They may be better known as beach holiday destinations, but there are plenty of excellent opportunities for walking in the Canary Islands. With their beautiful volcanic landscapes, scenic mountains, and diverse natural wildlife, you can experience some truly spectacular routes on your Canary Islands walking holiday.

Each of the individual islands has something different to offer – here’s an overview of what to expect on each of the five islands…

Tenerife

Famed for its black beaches, Tenerife’s volcanic landscape is a walker’s paradise that sees relatively few visitors – ideal for those who like their peace and quiet whilst hiking! The scenery ranges from dramatic ravines to thick forests and rocky coastal paths, with the Adeje and Anaga Mountains providing some of the best walking country on the island. The centrepiece of any walking holiday in Tenerife will likely be Mount Teide – at 3,718m in height, the volcano is the highest mountain in Spain. Whether you manage to get to the top of it or simply walk in its shadow, it is an unforgettable and awe inspiring sight.

La Gomera

If you are interested in a Canary Islands walking holiday, La Gomera is likely to be the first place you will consider visiting – it is famed as having the best walking routes of all the islands. The verdant valleys are the main highlight of La Gomera, and as you are walking, listen and see if you can hear Silbo Gomera – the strange whistling language, unique to the island, which was devised by the natives to communicate in the valleys! ( before mobile phones of course)

Gran Canaria

The appeal of walking in Gran Canaria, known as the miniature continent,

is the sheer diversity of its landscape. The island is home to numerous micro climates, which mean that you can be walking in an alpine meadow in the morning and then a sub tropical valley in the afternoon! The central Cumbre mountain range provides most of the best walking on the island.

Lanzarote

The striking volcanic scenery on Lanzarote can be truly out “of this world”, and Timanfaya National Park is the best place to see the lava fields, salt marshes and volcanic cones that dominate the surreal landscape. The coast of Lanzarote also provides some wonderful walking opportunities, with the northern coastline being more rocky and rugged and the south coast offering sandy beaches and gentle hills. Some of the best walking routes give you the best of both worlds, beginning up in the mountains and ending on the coast for a welcome rest.

La Palma

Famous for its pine forests, charming villages, and dramatic volcanic ranges, this island presents plenty of opportunities for great walking. The must see sight on this island is The Caldera de Taburiente National Park. With the colossal crater-like mountain arch Caldera de Taburiente stretching 10km across, the park is rife with excellent walking routes through stunning scenery.

Whether you want to explore volcanic craters, lush mountain valleys, or striking coastal walks, you are sure to find the experience you are after on a Canary Islands walking holiday!

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. On a Canary Islands walking holiday with Ramblers you can walk the Canary Islands most scenic landscapes at the best value prices.

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