At 12,198 feet (3,718 meters) above sea level, Mt. Teide (El Teide) is the highest point in the Canary Islands and all of Spain. The towering peak in Tenerife allows visitors to stand atop a volcano. If the clouds cooperate, they’re treated to stunning views. On clear days it’s possible to see the nearby islands of La Palma and La Gomera. If there’s a sea of clouds, visitors still find exploring the volcanic landscape to be a surreal experience.
Cactuses become art in this César Manrique–designed garden on Lanzarote, whose whimsical landscape is filled with desert plants from around the globe. In addition to thousands of cactus plants, the Jardín de Cactus has a historic windmill, art installations, and a café with an inviting patio.
Vilafor is famous for being one of Tenerife’s highest villages. You'll find cobbled streets and colonial buildings in its Old Town, plus views of wildflower fields and mountains covered in pine trees. It's also an ideal base for exploring the natural landscapes of Teide National Park.
Discover the Canary Islands’ viniculture traditions at Monje Winery (Bodegas Monje) in scenic La Hollera on Tenerife. Sample the reds, whites, and rosés; wander the vines; and learn how traditional methods and modern innovation come together. Then, enjoy some of the best views on the island from the terrace at the on-site restaurant.
The historic heart of Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, Vegueta is the city’s oldest and most atmospheric quarter. Dating back to the 15th century and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the neighborhood is brimming with monumental buildings, architectural gems, and lively bars and cafés.
The main draw for Drago Park (Parque del Drago) in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife, is its towering 800-year-old Dragon Tree, the oldest of its kind in the Canary Islands. It’s a sight best enjoyed from inside the botanical garden, which also features an extensive collection of endemic fauna, birds, caves, and viewing platforms.
César Manrique, an artist and architect, left an indelible mark on Lanzarote through his creations and activism. Art and architecture meet nature at the César Manrique Foundation (Fundación César Manrique inside his former home, offering a visually stunning glimpse into the Lanzarote native’s craft.
The volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands make you feel like you’re worlds away. And the barely-a-village, bayside Majanicho only adds to that magic. It’ll have you feeling like you’re on the face of the moon—albeit a moon with golden-sand beaches and surf-worthy ocean waves.
Ranking among Lanzarote’s most unusual geological attractions, Los Hervidores is an extraordinary collage of rocks, caves, and lava tubes that loom over the island’s west coast. Formed during the 18th-century eruptions of the Timanfaya volcanoes, the dramatic coastline was created when hot lava met with cold water.
With its golden sands, turquoise waters, and looming volcanic cliffs; Famara Beach (Playa de Famara is one of Lanzarote’s most photogenic beaches and popular among both locals and travelers. It’s not only renowned for its good looks—but the beach is also a surfing hotspot, with world-class waves and breaks.
The largest on Lanzarote, the Teguise Market sees a range of artisans, food stalls, performers, and more descend on La Villa de Teguise every Sunday. You’ll find everything from clothing and accessories to artworks and housewares, while live music accompanies the proceedings.
With more than 40 water slides and attractions to choose from, there’s fun for all ages at Aqualand Maspalomas on Gran Canaria. Relax on a lazy river, bob in a wave pool, race friends and family on multi-lane slides, or experience the high speeds and curves of Snake Falls or Anaconda. Kidzworld caters to younger visitors.
Within the desert on the southern end of Spain’s Gran Canaria island lies a surprising replica of an American Wild Western town, complete with cowboys, robberies, and shoot-outs with the sheriff. Built as a film set in the 1970s, Sioux City is now a Wild Western theme park complete with a petting zoo for the kids and a saloon for adults.
With its wave-like silhouette and futuristic architecture looming over the waterfront of Santa Cruz harbor, Tenerife Auditorium is one of the capital’s most recognizable landmarks. The sculptural marvel doubles as a prestigious entertainment venue, where you can enjoy music concerts, operas, and dance performances.
With calm waters ideal for swimming and more than half a mile (almost 1 kilometer) of vast golden sands, it’s easy to see why Las Vistas Beach (Playa de las Vistas) is one of Tenerife’s most beloved beaches. On the south coast, it’s fully accessible, family-friendly, and offers plenty of amenities.
This colonial-style mansion in the heart of Gran Canaria’s Old Town once hosted Christopher Columbus on his way to the Americas. Today, this former governor’s house is a museum dedicated to Columbus’ voyages and the history of the Canary Islands. Kids will enjoy the models of all three of Columbus' ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—and the resident courtyard parrots.
The design of Lanzarote’s Aqualava water park pays tribute to the island’s volcanic landscape with its geothermal-heated pools. The saltwater wave pool (the only on the island) gives the feel of the beach, while the smaller kids' areas are perfectly themed for play. There's a winding lazy river, as well as five waterslides.
Spain’s largest botanical garden at more than 67 acres (27 hectares), the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is one of Gran Canaria’s most popular green spaces and lies just south of Las Palmas. Dating back to 1959 and named after pioneering Spanish scholar José Viera y Clavijo, it’s bursting with endemic plants and exotic flora.
The largest and only inhabited island in the small Chinijo Archipelago, La Graciosa is home to just 600 people, and it has no roads, natural water supply, or hotels—making it the perfect spot to get away from it all. Its dreamlike landscape of golden beaches, sandy dunes, and volcanic hills offers a change of pace from the busy mainland.
LagOmar is a museum, restaurant, bar, and hillside residence designed by local artists and architects César Manrique and Jesus Soto. Formerly owned by actor Omar Sharif—until he lost it in a bet playing a card game—visitors flock to see the building’s distinctive architecture with rock gardens, secret tunnels, and spectacular views.
The Catedral de Santa Ana sits in the heart of Las Palmas de Canarias, where the city becomes La Isleta. This cathedral is special for two reasons: It’s the seat of the Diocese of the Canaries in the Roman Catholic Church, and its architecture marks it out as being one of the most important historical buildings in the Canary Islands.
Ringed by palm trees and terrace cafés with the cylindrical AC Hotel towering overhead, Santa Catalina Park (Parque de Santa Catalina) is one of the central hubs of downtown Las Palmas. A short walk from the cruise port and Las Canteras Beach, the large square is a popular meet-up spot, dotted with grassy banks and flower beds.
Set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop, Betancuria is one of Fuerteventura’s oldest and most quintessentially Canarian towns which offers a laidback escape from bustling Corralejo. Admire Betancuria from above at the Morra Velosa viewpoint, before venturing into town to visit the Santa María Church, known for its elaborate baroque altar
At Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park and Botanical Garden in Tenerife, uncover the history of the six mysterious lava-stone pyramids and explore the Canary Islands’ only poisonous plant exhibit in the Poison Garden. Then, learn about Polynesian culture, visit the Casa Chacona Museum, and wander the themed gardens.
With gravity-defying waterslides, wave pools, and water-play areas for all ages, Siam Park offers every opportunity to get your adrenaline pumping. Ranking among the largest and most popular water parks in Europe, it’s a firm favorite for families visiting Tenerife.
Rocky volcanic peaks and verdant pine-clad hills stretch out on the horizon from La Caldera—”The Cauldron”—at the eastern edge of La Orotava Valley. A natural monument, the scenic spot is Tenerife’s best-preserved volcanic crater and a popular destination for hiking, camping, and picnicking.
Ride the rapids, relax in the Jacuzzi, or race down the soft slides at Aquapark Costa Teguise, the biggest water park in Lanzarote. Situated on Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, the park offers thrilling water slides, the island’s only indoor paintball arena, on-site snack bars, and an immersive 10D cinema.
Do more than just see Spain’s highest volcano from afar—float to the top on the Teide Cable Car (Teleférico del Teide). This smooth-moving ride transports you to the summit of Mount Tiede, a jumping-off point for hikes among the otherworldly landscapes of UNESCO-listed Teide National Park or stargazing from Teide Observatory.
Just south of the Timanfaya National Park, Playa del Janubio is one of Lanzarote’s most unique beaches. Sculpted from volcano rock, the black sand beach stretches across the mouth of the Janubio Lagoon, affording spectacular views across the Janubio Salt Flats and the Atlantic Ocean.
The sweeping coastal winds and long sandy beaches of El Médano provide some of the best conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing on Tenerife. Perched along the southeast coast, the traditional Spanish town offers a laid-back alternative to the island’s busiest beach resorts, making it a popular spot for both families and adrenaline seekers.
