The Canary Islands are a must-see destination. Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa has gorgeous beaches, volcanic landscapes, fauna and even an ancient misty forest.
The year-round good weather makes them a favorite stop on Western European, Mediterranean and African cruises. Even in the United States, it’s often a convenient option if you're on the East Coast.
Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife are the most popular Canary cruise ports. However, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and La Palma also are ideal stops depending on your schedule and excursions. While there are many worthwhile experiences while cruising the Canary Islands, read on to learn about 12 must-do activities.
GRAN CANARIA
Playa de las Canteras
This lively beach, featuring stores and charming cafes, is a short walk from the port. The natural volcanic reef is great for snorkeling and surfing.
Roque Nublo
The Canary Islands are full of stunning scenery and natural wonders, but not many are more recognizable than Roque Nublo. Volcanic rock rises approximately 6,000 feet above sea level in the heart of Gran Canaria. Despite a drive and walk to get there, it's worth the effort.
Plaza del Teror
Teror, a little mountain town, is ideal for a tranquil escape. In this historic place, brightly colored, wooden homes with balconies overhang the plaza and offer a charming backdrop.
Timanfaya National Park
This park on volcanic sand highlights nature's power. Watch in astonishment as a guide pours water or brush into holes in the ground, causing steam or flames to erupt.
La Geria
Lanzarote has some of Spain's most unusual vineyards. Vines are planted deep in cone-shaped excavations in the volcanic gravel, protected by walls, to protect them in the environment. Any wine enthusiast should come for a visit.
Cueva de Los Verdes
This must-do cave is part of a 3,000-year-old lava tube. Roof collapses have formed various caves. Some were used to hide from pirates and raiders, and others were made into music venues.
TENERIFE
Teide National Park
Mount Teide, Spain's highest point, rises 12,198 feet over the Atlantic and casts the world's greatest shadow on the sea. Explore the park's various paths, take the cable car to the near-summit and appreciate the park's landscape, including craters, petrified lava rivers and other geological marvels.
Loro Parque
Animal lovers visit for an incredibly diverse collections of parrots — 4,000 birds in more than 350 subspecies — and linger for the largest indoor penguin exhibit and longest shark tube in the world.
Casa del Vino del Tenerife
This unique wine museum teaches about the Canary Islands' rich viticultural culture. Spend some time in the tasting area to sample a variety of Tenerife wines.
EL HIERRO
Flowing lava created the stunning Charco Azul (or Blue Pool). The pools provide the benefits of seawater but secure from the crashing waves. You may cliff dive, snorkel, or just chill out in shallow water without having to travel far.
FUERTEVENTURA
The Canary Islands are known for aloe vera. Delve into the millennia-old history and benefits of the plant at Finca Canarias Aloe Vera. Then indulge in the products.
LA GOMERA
The Garajonay National Park is a fun place to go for walk and scenic views of an ancient forest. The woodland is often misty, creating a peaceful but haunting atmosphere.
LA PALMA
La Palma has about 600 km (373 mi) of hiking routes, many of which are in Caldera de Taburiente National Park. The crater is the world's largest erosion crater, eroding from a volcano's center more than 2 million years ago.
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