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.
Las Palmas’ historic marketplace is an architectural landmark and one of the city’s main food markets. Built in 1891, it’s recognizable for its striking wrought iron arches and is packed with shops and stalls selling fresh produce, deli counters, restaurants, street food, and bakeries.
Built in 1498, the Tenerife Church of the Immaculate Conception is Tenerife’s oldest church and one of Santa Cruz’ most prominent landmarks. Legend dictates that the original church was erected under order of Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, commander of the Spanish conquerors, making it a key site in the founding of the city.
Situated in Agüimes, on the island of Grand Canary (Gran Canaria), Cocodrilo Park is the principal exotic animal rescue center in the Canary Islands. Here, education and fun come together with live crocodile, bird, and monkey feedings, plus zoo exhibits and opportunities to interact with the animals.
One of Portugal's most famous writers and Nobel Prize winner, José Saramago spent the last 18 years of his life in Tias, Lanzarote in Spain's Canary Islands. The Jose Saramago House Museum (A Casa José Saramago) preserves his modernist home, including a study, library, kitchen, sea-view garden, and the bedroom where he died.
On the island of Fuerteventura, this zoological park is home to about 3,000 animals representing 250 species, including large savanna animals such as hippos, elephants, and giraffes. You can watch zookeeper demonstrations, with sea lions, parrots, and birds of prey, and also admire the plant life in the park, including the largest cactus garden in Europe.
Las Águilas Jungle Park on Spain's largest Canary Island, Tenerife, is a treasure trove of exotic birds, big cats, lemurs, primates, penguins, reptiles, and more. Explore the park, marvel over daily flight and feeding exhibitions, get adventurous on toboggan runs, and then refuel at the onsite snack bars.
Explore the world of doll art and teddy bears at Artlandya, an unconventional museum unlike any other in Europe. Wander through a traditional Canary Island house filled with over 600 dolls and teddies made from porcelain, felt, wood, and other materials, then stop by the adjoining workshop for a crash course in porcelain doll-making.
Dedicated to the original peoples of the Canary Islands, the Museo Canario is home to the largest collection of ancient artifacts from the entire Canary archipelago. A must-see for visitors curious about life on the islands before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 15th century, the museum displays a fascinating collection of mummies, skeletons, jewelry, and more.
Admire hundreds of marine species, including clown fish, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and more at Lanzarote Aquarium, the largest in the Canary Islands. With more than 30 fish tanks, several interactive pools, and a dedicated underwater shark viewing tunnel, there’s plenty for animal lovers to enjoy.
Plays, operas, and concerts draw cultured crowds to the mural-adorned Teatro Pérez Galdós in the Triana neighborhood of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Ever since a production of the opera La Traviata marked its 1890 opening—as the Teatro Tirso de Molina—the theater has remained a hub through fire, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.
The epic sweep of golden sand that is Playa de Maspalomas sits at the southernmost point of Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands. Stretching for about 12 miles (7.5 kilometers), the beach is backed by the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve and meets the Atlantic Ocean, attracting a mix of walkers, sunbathers, families, surfers, nudists, and an LGBQT+ scene.
Situated in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Poema del Mar Aquarium is a world leader in aquatic animal conservation and education. Here, adults and children can learn about the underwater ecosystems of five continents and have a rare opportunity to observe endangered species such as tequila fish, axolotes, and Thai sharks.
Just north of Playa de las Américas on Tenerife’s southwest shore, the lively marina of Puerto Colón welcomes private boats and yachts. Boat cruises and scuba diving excursions set out from the port along the Teno-Rasca Marine Strip, where you can spot bottlenose and common dolphins, pilot whales, and loggerhead and green turtles.
Lush, green mountains are the gorgeous backdrop for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife’s only cruise port. The historic city offers excellent access to the entire island, from the south coast’s sandy beaches to towering volcanoes and national parks. Compact Santa Cruz has many attractions, including museums, shopping, and dining.
At Acua Water Park—the only park of its kind in Fuerteventura—you can enjoy more than a dozen family-friendly attractions, including the Lazy River, the Wave Pool, and more. After zipping down slides and playing games in the Activity Pool, refuel with onsite dining options, relax in the Jacuzzi, or lie back on comfortable lounge chairs.
Ferris wheels, bowling alleys, and karaoke lounges are just some of the attractions at Holiday World Maspalomas, a multi-activity leisure center suitable for all the family in Gran Canaria. Eat your way through the food hall, ride the retro 2-story carousel at one of the island’s largest theme parks, or test your mettle in an escape room.
There’s no shortage of beaches along the sun-kissed shores of Tenerife’s southwest coast, but Playa del Duque stands out for its golden sands and gentle waves. Just north of Costa Adeje, the palm-studded beach is framed by a rocky headland and has shallow azure waters ideal for swimming and splashing.
Back in the 1400s, La Villa de Teguise (also known as “Teguise” or “La Villa”) was the buzzing epicenter of Lanzarote life, serving as the island’s capital until the 19th century. Today, Teguise remains one of the best-preserved historic villages in the Canary Islands, affording magnificent views from the top of Mount Guanapay.
Situated near the western coast of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, the town of Santiago del Teide offers a picturesque setting in the foothills of the Macizo de Teno mountains. It is conveniently close to the charming mountain town of Masca and overlooks the awe-inspiring Cliffs of the Giants, which dramatically plunge into the sparkling ocean.
Located in the southern part of the island, Monkey Park Tenerife is a breeding and refuge center for endangered primates. The park is home to free-roaming lemurs, gibbons, and squirrel monkeys—to name a few—and gives you the chance to enjoy close contact with the semi-wild primates.
Located in Santa Cruz, the Mercado Nuestra Señora de África is instantly recognizable by its salmon-colored facade. This vibrant marketplace beckons locals and tourists alike to browse among vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and fish, as well as items such as cheeses, wines, and gourmet specialties. The market also features charming cafés and tasting stalls so you can eat on-site.
The white sandy beaches of Fuerteventura’s southern peninsula seem to go on forever, and alongside that pristine coastline is the traditional fishing town of Morro Jable. While exploring the Old Town, you’ll stumble upon pastel homes, rustic architecture, and a homely, historic atmosphere. The narrow streets bring the historic parts of Lisbon or Malaga to mind.
Barranco de Las Penitas showcases the best of Fuerteventura’s ancient volcanic landscapes. An underground river flows beneath this dramatic ravine and surfaces in a small lake, creating a green oasis amid the barren terracotta desert. You can hike to a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the unique topography.
If white sandy beaches are your thing, then look no further than Playa Blanca—a southern town on the Canary Island of Lanzarote that translates as “White Beach.” This former fishing village offers several small sandy coves and beaches on Punta del Papagayo, as well as harborfront restaurants, shops, a buzzing nightlife scene, and a regular arts and crafts market at Marina Rubicón.
Located on the rugged and less developed west coast of Fuerteventura, Playa de Ajuy (Ajuy Beach) stands out with its obsidian sand and dark blue water. It’s flanked by dramatic volcanic landscapes and backed by the charming fishing village of Ajuy, famous for its seafood and the ancient caves nearby.
Ancient volcanic activity from around 7-9 million years ago formed the Anaga Mountains in northeast Tenerife. Hikers come to enjoy a range of trails that showcase laurel forests, quaint villages, and dramatic coastal scenery. The area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has one of Europe’s largest collections of endemic species.
Serving as Tenerife’s capital up until the 18th century, the lively student town of La Laguna—or San Cristóbal de La Laguna—is the historic heart of the island. Visitors come to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, where the cobbled streets and colonial architecture afford endless photo opportunities.
Located right in the heart of Fuerteventura, Antigua is one of the island’s oldest towns. Established in 1404, today's settlement reflects Fuerteventura's unspoiled, local side. However, its draws include historic windmills and churches, museums, archaeological sites, and the nearby Caleta de Fuste resort area.
With sweeping views over the Atlantic and Los Gigantes cliffs, Oasis Los Gigantes swimming pool complex boasts a shallow children’s pool with slides and a heated saltwater infinity pool for older kids and adults. Beyond taking a dip, you eat at the restaurant, grab a drink from the bar, bowl on the green, and relax on the daybeds.
